The Complete Guide on Lock Rekeying at Ace Hardware [2023 Update]

As one of America‘s largest cooperatively-owned hardware and home improvement retailers, Ace Hardware prides itself on providing automotive, tool, and local home services across over 5,000 locations. This includes options for rekeying existing locks right in the store – an affordable and convenient alternative to calling a locksmith or replacing locks completely.

But what exactly does the lock rekeying process look like at Ace Hardware stores? Can they handle all lock types and brands? How much does it cost? This guide will answer common questions around getting your locks rekeyed at Ace Hardware in 2024.

Lock Rekeying Overview: How Does It Work?

Before diving into the specifics around Ace Hardware, let’s briefly overview the lock rekeying process:

• Rekeying changes the internal tumblers of a lock cylinder without replacing the entire lock body. This lets you use new keys to operate the lock. It‘s fast, affordable, and doesn‘t require installing brand new locks.

• A professional at Ace Hardware will rearrange the pins inside your lock cylinder to create a new shear line. This shear line must match your new key in order to unlock the lock.

• You retain your existing lock hardware – only the pin combinations change. It‘s more convenient than replacing everything.

Essentially, rekeying gives you new lock/key combos for improved security, without extensive construction or costs.

Can Ace Hardware Rekey Any Lock?

Ace Hardware has trained professionals on staff that provide lock rekeying services daily across most store locations. But it‘s important to set proper expectations on which locks they can and cannot rekey for you:

Lock Brands Rekeyed by Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware has confirmed they have the equipment, parts, and expertise to rekey the following popular lock brands:

• Schlage
• Kwikset
• Baldwin
• Weiser

They also rekey Ace Hardware‘s own branded locks, which include deadbolts, knobs, and handlesets.

Lock Types Rekeyed by Ace Hardware

In terms of lock types, Ace Hardware can rekey most standard deadbolts and doorknobs for exterior doors and interior passageways. This includes:

• Single cylinder deadbolts
• Double cylinder deadbolts
• Entry door knobs
• Interior passage and closet knobs

They may also support rekeying less common lock types like padlocks, gate locks, and mailbox locks. Call ahead to confirm.

Locks Ace Hardware Cannot Rekey

While Ace Hardware technicians can rekey most popular residential lock types, there ARE limitations:

• Smart locks – Due to digital components, smart locks cannot be rekeyed, only replaced.

• Commercial-grade locks – High-security platforms require special tools/ability.

• Some padlocks – If unfamiliar with model, may be unable to rekey.

Again, check with your local Ace Hardware ahead of visiting for lock rekeying services. Their capabilities can vary from store-to-store.

The Lock Rekey Process at Ace Hardware

Wondering what the in-store locking rekeying process entails at Ace Hardware locations? Here is a full step-by-step overview:

Step 1: Remove Existing Lock

You must remove the full lock hardware, including cylinder and housing, off the door in order to have it rekeyed. The lock needs to be intact for the rekeying technician to disassemble.

Be sure to gather ALL existing keys for that lock as well – even duplicate copies. These will no longer work once rekeyed.

Step 2: Bring Lock and Keys to Ace Hardware

Bring your full lock and ALL keys over to your neighborhood Ace Hardware store. Call ahead to ensure they offer rekeying services.

Let them know you‘ll be visiting for a lock rekeying.

Step 3: Rekeying Procedure

The Ace Hardware technician will now:

1. Verify your identity and ownership of the lock.
2. Disassemble the lock cylinder and extract the internal pin tumblers.
3. Insert new pins at precise heights, creating a new shear line.
4. Reassemble the rekeyed cylinder into your existing lock housing.

The process takes approximately 10-15 minutes from start to finish.

Step 4: Reinstall Lock

You simply reinstall the rekeyed lock onto the original door yourself, using the same screws. No new lock installation or modification to existing door hardware required.

Step 5: Test New Keys

You‘ll receive newly cut keys matched to your reconfigured lock. Make sure to test opening/closing the lock before leaving Ace Hardware.

And that‘s it – your lock now features new operational keys. The existing keys will no longer unlock the door.

Overall it‘s a fast, seamless process to enhance security without the costs and labor of full lock replacement.

Cost to Rekey Locks at Ace Hardware

How Much Does Ace Hardware Charge for Rekeying Locks?

The average cost for rekeying each lock at Ace Hardware locations is typically around $10. Sometimes less if you have multiple locks.

There are no typical minimum fees or additional charges. Simply a flat $10 per lock rate.

To validate, I surveyed pricing across a sample of Ace Hardware stores nationally:

As you can see, fees are always reasonable and fairly consistent nationally.

Comparatively, hiring a professional locksmith to rekey locks can cost between $15-$50 per lock on average:

So at only $10 per lock, Ace Hardware is providing cheaper service than even mobile locksmiths in most areas.

The one exception is Kwikset‘s SmartKey locks – these specific locks have technology enabling easy self-rekeying. Ace Hardware rekeys SmartKey locks 100% free of charge. More details next.

Rekeying Kwikset SmartKey Locks at Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware has a special partnership with lock leader Kwikset to provide convenient, DIY rekeying services for all Kwikset SmartKey Security enabled locks.

Rather than needing to be disassembled and re-pinned by a professional, SmartKey locks allow users to self-rekey a lock‘s keyway in seconds.

It works thanks to an internal Smart Key tool that sets new pin positions. Reconfiguring this tool creates distinct shear line patterns, ensuring your new keys are the only keys that work.

Follow the steps below to self-rekey supported Kwikset SmartKey locks at any Ace Hardware store:

Step 1: Gather Materials

• SmartKey enabled lock from Kwikset
• SmartKey tool (usually included with new locks)
• Existing keys – these will be retired
• Blank key to make your new key copies

Step 2: Insert SmartKey Tool

Insert SmartKey tool into the lock keyway and turn to desired slot number. This sets new pin positions.

Step 3: Make New Keys

Take included blank key to Ace Hardware counter to cut new keys matching your newly configured slot.

Step 4: Confirm Functionality

Test lock operation with ONLY newly made keys, keeping old ones securely stored away from the lock.

Through this method, you can effortlessly rekey Kwikset SmartKey locks yourself anytime, without disassembly or hiring a pro. Ace Hardware cuts your new SmartKey keys free of charge.

Rekeying Kits Available from Ace Hardware

For added convenience, many Ace Hardware locations sell professional grade lock rekeying kits you can use to rekey simple locks yourself in the comfort of your home.

Popular options Ace sells include:

• Kwikset Re-Keying Kit – For Kwikset locks without SmartKey tech. Includes rekey tool, pins, keys, etc.

• Schlage Re-Keying Kit – Everything required to DIY rekey Schlage locks.

• Universal Re-Keying Kit – Rekeys most lock brands and saves master pins/springs

Be sure to carefully follow all enclosed instructions when rekeying locks on your own. If needed, ask an Ace Hardware associate for pointers.

For tricky lock installations or advanced smart locks, professional rekeying is still likely the smartest route. But DIY kits work fine for simple deadbolts.

Ace Hardware Lock Selection and Pricing

Alongside rekeying existing locks, all Ace Hardware locations stock a variety of new locksets available for purchase if you ultimately need replacements.

Top selling lockset lines Ace offers include:

Prices range from budget Defiant locks ($) to premium Schlage and Kwikset options ($$$). You‘ll also find unique smart lock capabilities – like touchscreens and keypads – exceeding traditional keyed options.

Ace Hardware lock experts can recommend perfect replacements matching your home‘s aesthetic and security needs, should rekeying existing hardware not be preferable.

Why Rekey Instead of Fully Replacing Locks?

When homeowners discover their locks are compromised or keys lost, they often jump first to a full lock replacement. However, rekeying existing locks actually provides comparable security in many cases, for less money and effort.

Consider rekeying vs. replacing based on these factors:

• Operating condition – If a lock itself functions fine, rekey instead of replacing. However faulty locks should be swapped out.

• Effort required – Rekeying never requires new lock installation. Fully swapping locks means drilling doors.

• Security level – Rekeying provides the same essential security as new locks since old keys are obsolete. The exception is upgrading standard locks to smart locks – where you DO want brand new hardware for optimal safety.

• Existing hardware – If you want to maintain aesthetic continuity by keeping existing handles and plates, opt for rekeying over replacement.

• Budget – As outlined above, rekeying each lock costs just $10 at Ace Hardware on average – far less than even budget new locksets pricing between $20 and $50+. Significant savings by rekeying!

For a majority of general home security needs, rekeying checks all boxes compared to replacing. Evaluate your specific situation to decide which works best. Ace Hardware experts can also provide rekey vs replace guidance.

Conclusion

I hope this comprehensive overview clarifies exactly how Ace Hardware handles professional lock rekeying services compared to alternatives.

To recap key takeaways:

• Ace Hardware staff can efficiently rekey most residential grade deadbolt and doorknob locks for $10 per lock. Far cheaper than hiring a locksmith.

• Kwikset‘s SmartKey locks enable convenient self-rekeying with free new key copies at Ace Hardware locations.

• Consider DIY‘ing easier rekey jobs at home with pro-level kits sold by Ace Hardware.

• If existing hardware is too dated or damaged to salvage via rekeying, Ace sells a range of new smart locks with enhanced capabilities.

So next time your home security is compromised or you misplace one too many keys, consider cost-effective rekeying from your local Ace Hardware store before immediately replacing locks. An encrypted set of keys without unauthorized copies circulating provides ample protection for most homeowners without major construction.