Commercial rekeying and lock changes.
Rekeying changes which key operates a lock without replacing the hardware. For a business, it is the fastest way to lock out a former employee, a previous tenant, or a lost key. Lock Raven rekeys commercial cylinders on site across Baltimore City and five surrounding counties, and changes the lock entirely when the hardware is worn or the security level needs to go up.
When should a business rekey?
- Staff turnover. Anyone who held a key and has left, especially on bad terms.
- Tenant turnover. Every unit or suite between occupants.
- A lost or stolen key, including a master key. With a master key system, often only the affected cylinders need work.
- Taking over a space. You cannot know how many copies the previous occupant made.
Rekey or change the lock?
Rekeying is the right call when the hardware works and only key control is the problem. Change the lock when it is damaged, worn, not rated for the door's traffic, or when you want to move to high-security cylinders or interchangeable cores so future changes are faster.
| Rekey | Replace | |
|---|---|---|
| What changes | The pins inside the cylinder | The lockset or cylinder itself |
| Old keys | Stop working | Stop working |
| Best for | Turnover, lost keys, new occupant | Damaged or worn hardware, security upgrades |
| Downtime | Usually minutes per door | Depends on the hardware |
Related services.
- Master key systems A master key system lets each person carry one key that opens exactly the doors they need: a change key for a single office, a sub-master for a department or floor, and a master for building staff. Learn more
- High-security locks High-security locks resist picking, bumping, and drilling, and they add key control: copies can only be made by an authorized locksmith with your permission. Learn more
- Commercial lockouts A locked door can mean a lost business day, so commercial lockouts are handled as a priority. Learn more
Before you call: guides.
- Home and business locks · 5 min read Rekey or replace your locks? How to decide. When rekeying is enough, when a lock should be replaced, and what to ask a Maryland locksmith before any work starts. Read the guide
- Commercial security · 5 min read Master key systems, explained. How master key systems work, the key hierarchy, key control, what to do when a master key is lost, and when to add access control. Read the guide
Rekeying and lock changes across Central Maryland.
Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Harford, Carroll, and Howard counties. All service areas
Rekeying and lock changes: common questions.
Straight answers, without the upsell.
Can you rekey all our doors to one key?
Usually, if the locks share the same keyway, which normally means the same brand. Mixed brands can be brought onto one key by replacing the odd cylinders. We will tell you which doors need what during the walkthrough.
Do you work around business hours?
Where possible, yes. Commercial work is scheduled around your hours so rekeying does not mean closing your doors.
How much will it cost?
It depends on the hardware, the door, and the number of locks, so we price every job before any work starts. Call with the details, or send the quote form, and you will have a price before you commit to anything.
Get a quote.
Tell us about the job and we will reply the same day. For a lockout, call (410) 449-4940.
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