Definition of a rekey

Rekeying is the procedure of altering a lock's internal pins thereby making the initial key no longer usable, allowing the lock to be used with a new key. Though commonly referred to as 'changing a lock', rekeying in does not actually require the replacement of the lock itself but a resetting of the tumbler combination to fit a new key.

The advantages of doing a rekey occassionally are obvious:

• By rekeying a lock you can consolidate an unlimited number of locks to your home to the same key. This can save you the hassle of carrying a multitude of keys on your key-ring.
• If you've misplaced your key or if you are concerned that the missing key is in the the possession of an untrusted party, instead of replacing your locks altogether and being forced to pay for the hardware you can simply rekey your existing lock making the original key useless.
• Finally, you can make a single key work with a minimal number of locks, a second to work with two additional locks and a third that works with all of the locks for access to limited areas. This is also known as master rekeying.