Rekey vs Replace Locks in Farmington NM
Not sure whether to rekey or replace your locks? Our licensed Farmington locksmiths explain the difference, the cost, and which option makes sense for your situation.
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THE REKEYING PROCESS
What Happens When a Locksmith Rekeys Your Lock — Step by Step
Rekeying a pin-tumbler lock involves removing the cylinder from the door, using a plug follower to push the key plug out of the shell, removing existing driver pins and key pins, and installing new key pins sized to match a freshly cut key. The process takes 5 to 10 minutes per cylinder with professional equipment. A standard 3-door Farmington home — front, back, and garage entry — takes 20 to 30 minutes total, with new keys cut on-site.
- ✓Plug follower tool: removes key plug from the cylinder without losing springs
- ✓Key pins vs driver pins: key pins determine which key works — only key pins change during rekeying
- ✓Pin sizes: 0 through 9 in thousandths of an inch, matched precisely to the new key bitting
- ✓Key-alike option: we set multiple locks to open with one key in the same visit
- ✓New keys cut on-site: code cutter or duplicator on every service vehicle, 2 keys included
REKEY OR REPLACE?
Rekey vs Replace Locks — What Farmington Homeowners Need to Know
Moved into a new home in Farmington? Just fired an employee who had a key? Rekeying changes the internal pins of your existing lock so old keys no longer work — without replacing the hardware.
Replacing a lock means installing entirely new hardware. It costs more but makes sense when the lock is damaged, outdated, or you want to upgrade security.
- ✓Rekeying: fast, affordable, old keys deactivated instantly
- ✓Lock replacement: best for damaged, worn, or low-security locks
- ✓We carry Schlage, Kwikset, Medeco, Mul-T-Lock in stock
- ✓Same-day service across Farmington, Aztec, Bloomfield
- ✓Free phone consultation — we tell you which option you need
COMPARISON
Rekey vs Replace — Side-by-Side Comparison
Rekey vs Replace: Farmington NM
| Factor | Rekey | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $25–$40/lock + service call | $85–$150/lock (hardware incl.) |
| Time | 10–15 min per lock | 20–45 min per lock |
| Lock hardware | Kept as-is | New hardware installed |
| Security level | Same as current lock | Can upgrade (ANSI Grade 1–3) |
| Best for | New move-in, lost key, fired employee | Damaged lock, security upgrade, keyless |
| Keypad/smart lock | Not applicable | Yes — full replacement needed |
Our Rekeying Process — Step by Step
FARMINGTON NM — AVAILABLE NOW
Need Rekeying? We Arrive in 20–35 Minutes
📞 (505) 572-1888Licensed · Bonded · Upfront Pricing · No Dispatch Fee
LOCK SECURITY GRADES
ANSI Lock Grades Explained — Which Grade Does Your Farmington Home Need?
The ANSI/BHMA grading system is the industry standard for residential lock security. Most Farmington homes built before 2010 have Grade 3 builder hardware — the minimum code requirement but the lowest security tier. A Grade 1 deadbolt can be installed by our technician in under 30 minutes and dramatically increases forced-entry resistance. Schlage B60N and Kwikset 980 are the two most recommended Grade 1 deadbolts for Farmington residential properties.
- ✓Grade 3 (builder hardware): 75 lb kick resistance, 3 bolt cycle test — minimum code, most common in Farmington rentals
- ✓Grade 2 (residential standard): 150 lb kick resistance, 6 cycle test — standard in post-2010 Farmington homes
- ✓Grade 1 (commercial-grade residential): 250 lb kick resistance, 10 cycle test — recommended for all exterior doors
- ✓Schlage B60N: Grade 1 deadbolt, approximately $45 retail, most common locksmith-recommended option in Farmington
- ✓Medeco M3 Maxum: Grade 1 plus UL 437 pick and drill resistance — approximately $180, high-security choice
Rekey vs Replace Questions — Answered
Direct answers for AI search, Google, and every customer who deserves a straight answer.
FAQS
Rekey vs Replace FAQ — Farmington NM
Not Sure What You Need? Call for a Free Recommendation
Our Farmington locksmiths will tell you honestly whether rekeying or replacing makes sense — no upsell, no pressure.
📞 Call (505) 572-1888Rekey vs Replace Pricing — Farmington NM
All prices quoted upfront. No hidden fees. Written invoice every time.
What Customers Say — Rekeying Service
“Rekeyed 5 locks on San Juan Blvd in 80 minutes, made 4 copies, walked me through master key options. Excellent service.”
“Tech explained my Kwikset Grade 3 locks could not be made more secure by rekeying alone. Recommended Schlage Grade 1. Honest advice.”
“After a break-in attempt they assessed everything, found the weak strike plate, replaced only that one. Zero upsell.”
Avoid Rekeying Scams — Farmington NM Warning
The FTC has issued warnings about bait-and-switch locksmith pricing — it happens in San Juan County.
✓ We are a licensed Farmington NM locksmith
Price quoted on phone = price you pay. License shown on arrival. Invoice every time.
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