Non-destructive entry first, always - and we re-key Schlage, Kwikset, and Baldwin locks on the spot while you watch
You get a price before we start. It does not change when we arrive. No surprises.
How Much Does Lock Installation & Rekey Cost in New York?
Lock installation and rekeying services in New York typically range from $95 to $450, depending on the type of hardware and the labor required to secure your specific door. A standard rekeying job usually costs between $95 and $150 per cylinder, while a full lock installation varies from $150 to $450 or more for high-security systems. Novak Lock & Security provides firm, written pricing for every job before we begin, and we are contractually prohibited from changing that price once we reach your door.
If you are looking for Lock Installation & Rekey in New York, you likely have questions about what you are actually paying for. We believe that pricing should be transparent, documented, and fixed. Whether you are moving into a new apartment in Manhattan, securing a brownstone in Brooklyn, or upgrading the security on a commercial storefront, our process remains the same. You call us, we provide a price, and we arrive to perform the work to The Haven Standard. If you are ready for a quote, call (551) 214-0800 to speak with a live person.
Lock Installation & Rekey Cost Breakdown (2026)
The following table outlines the typical cost ranges for our services in the New York market. These prices reflect the labor and materials required to perform the job according to our documented procedures. We do not use hidden fees or “trip charges” that appear after the work is done.
| Service Type | Estimated Cost Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rekey (Per Cylinder) | $95 – $150 | Changing the pins inside an existing lock so old keys no longer work. Includes new keys. |
| Standard Lock Installation | $150 – $250 | Removing an existing lock and installing a new standard-grade deadbolt or handle set. |
| High-Security Lock Installation | $300 – $500+ | Installing premium cylinders like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or Abloy that resist picking and drilling. |
| Mortise Lock Service/Repair | $200 – $400 | Servicing the heavy-duty internal mechanisms common in pre-war New York buildings. |
| Emergency Lockout/Service | $120 – $250 | 24/7 response to gain entry or secure a door after a failure. |
These figures are estimates based on standard residential and light commercial configurations found throughout New York. The final price depends on the specific hardware brand, the number of cylinders, and the complexity of the door structure. When you call (551) 214-0800, we will ask a few questions about your door to provide a firm, written quote.
What Affects Lock Installation & Rekey Pricing in New York
Pricing for locksmith services is rarely arbitrary. At Novak Lock & Security, we base our estimates on the technical requirements of the job. Understanding these factors helps you identify what you are paying for when you hire a professional.
- Hardware Type and Grade: A standard entry-grade lock from a hardware store has different mechanical requirements than a high-security cylinder from brands like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or Abloy. High-security locks require specialized tools and more time to install or rekey properly.
- Door Construction: New York is home to a vast array of door types, from modern steel doors to century-old wooden doors in pre-war brownstones. A door that has sagged over time or has a misaligned frame requires additional labor to ensure the new lock functions smoothly and securely.
- Mortise vs. Rim Cylinders: Many New York buildings utilize mortise locks, which are internal locking mechanisms built into the door edge. These are significantly more complex to service than standard rim cylinders found on residential deadbolts, requiring a higher level of skill and more time to disassemble and reassemble correctly.
- Number of Cylinders: A rekeying job is priced per cylinder. If you have a front door, a back door, and a side gate that all need to work with the same key, the price will reflect the time required to disassemble and pin each individual lock.
- Emergency vs. Scheduled Service: While our pricing remains consistent, emergency calls outside of standard business hours require a technician to be dispatched immediately. We answer our phones 24/7, so you are never left waiting for a callback.
Every job we perform, whether it is a simple rekey or a complex security system installation, is backed by our 365-Day Done Right Promise. If the work is not done right, we make it right. This is a commitment we have upheld since we were founded in 2002.
The Mechanics of a Professional Rekey
Many customers ask what actually happens during a rekey. It is not just about cutting a new key. A rekey involves a precise mechanical process performed by a trained technician.
When we rekey a lock, we remove the cylinder from the housing. We take the cylinder apart and remove the old pins and springs. We then install a new set of pins that corresponds to a new cut on a new key. If the springs are worn or damaged, we replace those as well. This ensures that the lock functions as if it were brand new. Finally, we reassemble the lock, test it for smooth operation, and ensure the deadbolt throws fully into the strike plate.
This process is far more reliable than simply swapping out a lock with a cheap replacement. It maintains the integrity of your existing hardware while providing you with the security of knowing that old keys are rendered useless. We complete this work while you wait, and we provide a documented photo record of the finished work so you can see exactly what was done inside the cylinder.
Why New York Hardware Requires Expert Attention
New York is a unique market for locksmiths. We encounter a wide range of building ages and security needs. A technician working in a modern high-rise in Manhattan faces different challenges than one working on a historic townhouse in Brooklyn.
Many older buildings in New York use mortise locks. These locks are robust, but they are also sensitive. If a mortise lock is installed incorrectly, the door may not latch properly, or the locking mechanism may bind. This is why we insist on using background-checked, uniformed technicians who are trained to The Haven Standard. We do not send general handymen. We send locksmiths who understand the specific mechanical tolerances of the hardware installed in your building.
High-security locks are also common in the city. These locks (brands like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and Abloy) are designed to resist picking, drilling, and bumping. They use complex internal pins that require specialized, factory-authorized tools to service. Attempting to rekey these locks without the proper equipment can destroy the cylinder. At Novak Lock & Security, we are factory-authorized to work on these systems, ensuring your security is maintained, not compromised.
The Haven Standard and Our Commitment to You
Novak Lock & Security operates under The Haven Standard, a framework of quality, documentation, and integrity that governs every job we perform. This is not a marketing slogan; it is a set of operational rules that we follow on every visit.
Clause 1: The price on the phone is the price on the invoice. This is the foundation of our business. When you call us, we ask the right questions to understand your situation. We give you a firm price. When our technician arrives, that is the price you pay. There are no “doorstep surprises” or inflated charges for “unexpected issues.” If the situation is different than what was described, we explain it, but we do not change the price without your agreement.
Documented Records: Every visit concludes with a documented photo record. We take photos of the lock, the strike plate, and the finished installation. We provide this to you as a record of the work performed. This is helpful for insurance purposes, property management compliance, or simply for your own peace of mind.
Background-Checked Technicians: We know that inviting a stranger into your home or business requires trust. All our technicians are background-checked and uniformed. You will know exactly who is working on your door.
Live Answers: We do not use call centers or voicemail queues. When you call (551) 214-0800, you speak to a live person, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you are locked out at 3:00 AM or planning a security upgrade for next week, you will reach someone who can help.
We invite you to learn more about our home services and our history in the locksmith trade since 2002. We are independently owned and operated, and we take pride in being the locksmith that New York residents trust for honest, reliable work.
Safety and Security Caveats
Locksmithing involves the physical security of your home or business. While we encourage homeowners to be informed, we must emphasize that certain tasks should only be performed by trained professionals. High-security locks, mortise lock installations, and any work involving fire-rated doors (common in NYC apartment buildings) require precise mechanical adjustments.
If a lock is installed incorrectly, it can fail to latch, which creates a security risk. More importantly, in the event of a fire, a door that does not open properly can become a life-safety hazard. Our technicians are trained to ensure every lock we install meets the necessary safety and fire code requirements for your specific building type. If your lock is stiff, sticking, or difficult to turn, do not force it. Forcing a key or a knob can snap a key inside the cylinder or damage the internal mechanism, leading to a more expensive repair or a lockout situation. If you are experiencing these issues, call (551) 214-0800 and let a professional assess the hardware.
FAQs - Lock Installation & Rekey Cost
How much does it cost to rekey a lock in New York?
Rekeying a lock typically costs between $95 and $150 per cylinder. This includes the labor to disassemble the lock, replace the pins, and provide you with a new set of keys. Call (551) 214-0800 for an exact quote for your specific locks.
Is it cheaper to rekey a lock or replace the entire lock?
Rekeying is almost always more cost-effective than replacing the entire lock, provided your existing hardware is in good working condition. If your current lock is damaged, outdated, or lacks the security features you need, then replacement is the better option. We can help you determine which path is best during your free estimate.
Can you match a new lock to my existing key?
Yes, we can often “key alike” new locks to match your existing key, provided the new lock uses the same keyway (the internal profile) as your current one. If you have different brands of locks, this may not be possible without replacing the cylinders. Tell us what brands you currently have when you call (551) 214-0800 so we can advise you on the best solution.
How long does a lock installation take?
A standard lock installation typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. More complex jobs, such as installing high-security mortise locks or retrofitting a door for a new type of deadbolt, may take longer. We always provide a time estimate along with our written price quote.
Do you offer free estimates for lock installation?
Yes, we provide free estimates for all our services. Because we operate under The Haven Standard, we do not believe in hidden costs. Call (551) 214-0800, and we will give you a firm, written price for the work you need before we send a technician to your location.
Contact Novak Lock & Security
If you need our Lock Installation & Rekey services in New York, we are ready to help. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your call, provide a firm price, and schedule a visit that works for your schedule. We do not use high-pressure sales tactics or hidden fees. We simply provide honest, expert locksmith service backed by our 365-Day Done Right Promise.
Call (551) 214-0800 today for a free estimate or to schedule service. We look forward to securing your home or business with the same level of care and precision that Daniel Novak has insisted upon since 2002.
Pricing reflects the New York market as of 2026. Novak Lock & Security New York offers free estimates - call (551) 214-0800.
Written by Daniel Novak, Owner at Novak Lock & Security, serving New York since 2002.
What Our Customers Say
"Rekeyed the whole house after we bought it. He showed me the old pins and explained how many keys had likely been cut over the years."
- Omar J."Came out to a jammed safe, opened it without damage, and the invoice matched the quote exactly."
- Beatriz N."Locked out at eleven at night. A person answered, gave me a time and a name, and both were right."
- Franklin D.