It’s almost always more affordable to rekey your lock than to replace it. The reason is that the key pins inside the locks are cheaper, while when you replace a lock, you have to buy all brand-new parts.

The average homeowner might not be aware they can rekey their locks. Rekeying your locks substantially lowers your costs, especially when you rekey several locks at once. It’s also a great way to learn more about how locks work if you like to take on new challenges

With the right tools, a lock can be re-keyed without the original key. If you have lost or misplaced your original key, a locksmith can still change your locks. A lock can generally be picked or shimmed to open a door. Afterward, removing the lock cylinder will be much easier for the locksmith.

Locksmiths can rekey your locks even if the original keys are lost or misplaced. The door can be unlocked using either a shim or a picklock. Rekeying a lock cylinder will be easier if the locksmith moves the lock to its “unlock” position before removing the lock cylinder.

Most vehicles in the United States from 1990 and up have key codes that are saved on file with the manufacturers. The Vehicle Identification Number aka VIN number can be used to make a car key as long as you can prove ownership of your vehicle. Using the VIN number as a key code, a car key can be made.

Even if you do not have the original, a locksmith will be able to make you a replacement key. Usually, you will need to contact a locksmith with some information about your key, and then they can likely help you replace it.