Rekeying and Lock Changes in Milwaukee
Rekeying keeps your locks and makes the old keys useless. Replacing swaps the hardware. For most Milwaukee homes after a move, rekeying is the right first call.
Rekey, replace or upgrade
Rekey
The cylinder is opened, the pins inside are changed to match a new key, and every old key stops working. Your hardware stays. It is the cheapest way to be sure nobody else has a key.
Replace
New locks, for when the old ones are worn, broken, ugly or simply not the function you need. Worth it when hardware is failing; not needed just because you moved.
Upgrade
A deadbolt where there is only a knob lock, a better strike plate with longer screws into the frame, or a higher-security cylinder. On an old Milwaukee door the frame is often the weak point, not the lock.
Why duplexes need more keys sorted
A Milwaukee duplex can have a front door shared by both units, separate unit doors, a side door to the back stair, a basement door and a garage. Over decades of tenants, keys to some of those are in drawers all over the city. When you buy or move into a flat, count the locks before calling, say which ones are shared, and ask whether they can be set to one key for you while the shared door stays on a key both units hold.
Tenants and Wisconsin law
Most Wisconsin leases say tenants may not change or add locks without the landlord's permission, so read yours first. There is an important exception in state law. Under Wis. Stat. 704.16, a tenant who gives the landlord a certified copy of a qualifying injunction or criminal complaint can require the locks to be changed. The landlord has to change them within 48 hours or allow the tenant to, the tenant pays, and a tenant who changes them gives the landlord a key. There are limits when the other person is also on the lease, so check the statute or a legal aid service for your situation.
Landlords turning over a unit often rekey between tenants as routine. If you are a landlord with several Milwaukee units, ask about a master key system so one key opens every unit door you manage without unit keys opening each other.
What it costs
Local companies generally quote a service call of roughly $50 to $100 plus a per-cylinder charge, often $15 to $35 a lock, for rekeying. New residential locks are the hardware price plus labour, and a good deadbolt is a modest cost next to a lockout or a break-in. Several locks done in one visit cost far less each than one lock done on a call-out.
Just moved in, or a key went missing? Count the outside locks and call. You will get a price for rekeying all of them in one visit.
Common questions
Is it cheaper to rekey or replace?
Rekeying, nearly always, when the locks work. Replacement makes sense when the hardware is worn or you want a different kind of lock.
Can every lock in the house use one key?
Usually, if the locks share a keyway, and often even if they are different brands. Ask when you call and say what brands are on the doors.
I rent. Can I rekey my own unit?
Check your lease first. Most require the landlord's permission, and many landlords will agree if they get a copy of the new key. The Wisconsin statute on tenants facing a threat of harm is the main exception.
Should I rekey after a break-in?
Yes if any keys were taken or could have been copied, and check the door frame and strike plate while you are at it. Damage to the frame is more common than damage to the lock.
Other lock and key work in Milwaukee
- Locksmith in Milwaukee, WI
- Car Locksmith in Milwaukee
- Car Key and Fob Replacement in Milwaukee
- Ignition Repair in Milwaukee
- House and Apartment Lockouts in Milwaukee
Also serving
Rekeying & Lock Changes is available beyond Milwaukee, across Wauwatosa , West Allis , Shorewood & Whitefish Bay and Greenfield .
Ask for a price: rekeying & lock changes
Give the year, make and model of the car, or the kind of door, and where you are. One local locksmith company reads it and calls you back with a price. Call any time · overnight cover is set by the locksmith on call Or call (414) 296-3124 — if you are locked out right now, calling is faster than the form.