Quick Answer
Okay, so here's the quick version. You lost your keys. Don't panic. First, figure out if they were just misplaced or definitely stolen. If they were stolen along with your ID, or if you suspect foul play, that's an emergency – call a locksmith immediately to rekey your locks. For most other situations, rekeying your existing locks is the best move. It's significantly cheaper than replacing all your locks. Basically, a locksmith changes the pins inside your current locks so the old key won't work anymore. You're looking at maybe $20-$40 per lock cylinder, plus the locksmith's service call fee (which typically starts at $60-$100 and can be higher for emergency/after-hours service). It's the fastest, most effective way to secure your home again.
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
Determine the risk. Honestly assess if the keys were likely misplaced or if they were stolen, especially with any form of identification.
Step 2
Take inventory of all affected doors. Count every exterior door lock that the lost key operated to understand the full scope of the security breach.
Step 3
Locate any spare keys. Fnd out if a spare is accessible through a trusted person and if that spare is also compromised.
Step 4
Inspect the locks and door frames for any new scratches, pry marks, or damage that might indicate a tampering attempt.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Replacing a Basic Lockset (knob or deadbolt) | $30 - $100 | $150-$300 | 30 minutes |
Rekeying a Single Lock Cylinder | $15 - $30 (kit) | $90 - $160 | 1 hour+ |
Emergency Lockout Service | N/A | $120 - $400 | 30-60 minutes |
Installing a New High-Security Lock | $150 - $300 (lock only) | $350 - $700+ | 1-2 hours |
When to Call a Professional Locksmith
- Immediately, if your keys were stolen along with your wallet or ID.
- When you have multiple locks that need to be rekeyed to match a single new key.
- If you have high-security locks like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock that require special tools.
- When you are physically locked out of your house and have no other way to get in.
- If you are not comfortable with DIY repairs or don't own the necessary tools for the job.
- If you find any signs of tampering or damage on your locks or door.
Prevention Tips
- Never attach any tag or label with your address or personal information to your keys.
- Give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or nearby family member, not hidden in a fake rock or under the mat.
- Consider upgrading your main entrance to a high-quality electronic or smart lock to eliminate the need for a physical key.
- If you move into a new home or apartment, your first priority should be to have all exterior locks rekeyed.
- Periodically review who has a copy of your key and retrieve keys from anyone who no longer needs access, such as former contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
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