Non-destructive entry first, always - and we re-key Schlage, Kwikset, and Baldwin locks on the spot while you watch
You get a price before we start. It does not change when we arrive. No surprises.
How Much Does Lock Installation & Rekey Cost in San Jose?
Lock installation and rekeying services in San Jose typically range from $85 to $210 per cylinder for standard residential rekeying, while new lock installations-including hardware-generally cost between $160 and $450 per door. These prices are quoted in writing before any work begins, and because we operate under The Haven Standard, the price you are quoted on the phone is the price you will see on your final invoice.
Lock Installation & Rekey Cost Breakdown (2026)
Pricing for lock services in the Santa Clara Valley varies based on the hardware grade and the complexity of the installation. We break down our pricing into clear, predictable tiers so you know exactly what to expect before our technician arrives at your property.
| Service Type | Typical Cost Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rekey (Per Cylinder) | $85 - $140 | Includes re-pinning existing hardware to new keys. |
| High-Security Rekey (Per Cylinder) | $140 - $210 | Includes Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or Abloy proprietary systems. |
| Standard Deadbolt Installation | $160 - $280 | Labor plus mid-range hardware (Schlage or Baldwin). |
| High-Security Lock Installation | $320 - $450+ | Labor plus restricted keyway, bump-proof hardware. |
| Emergency Call-Out Fee | $95 - $150 | Applied to after-hours or urgent lockout service. |
The cost is primarily driven by the type of hardware required. A standard residential deadbolt replacement is straightforward, but if you are looking to upgrade to high-security cylinders-locks that cannot be picked or bumped by standard tools-the material costs are higher because the keyways are restricted and manufactured to stricter tolerances. Every service we perform includes a documented photo record of the work, which we provide to you at the end of the visit to ensure transparency.
What Affects Lock Installation & Rekey Pricing in San Jose
Several factors influence the final cost of securing your home. Understanding these variables helps you make an informed decision about your security needs.
- Hardware Grade: Entry-grade hardware is less expensive to install but offers lower resistance to force. High-security brands like Medeco or Abloy cost more upfront but provide a higher level of protection against unauthorized duplication and physical attack.
- Door Condition: If the existing door frame in your Willow Glen or Almaden Valley home is misaligned, the technician may need to perform additional work to ensure the strike plate aligns properly with the deadbolt. This prevents binding and ensures the lock functions smoothly.
- Key Complexity: Rekeying a standard pin-tumbler lock is faster than rekeying high-security cylinders. High-security systems require specialized tools and, often, a specific card or authorization to generate new keys.
- Labor vs. Parts: Our billing separates labor and hardware. If you already purchased the locks, we charge only for the professional installation and testing. If we supply the hardware, you pay for the product plus the installation fee.
- Urgency of Service: While standard appointments are priced at our baseline, emergency after-hours calls require a dispatch fee to cover the logistics of sending a technician to your location at odd hours.
How to Save on Lock Installation & Rekey
You can manage costs by consolidating your service needs. If you have multiple doors that need rekeying, it is more efficient to have a technician perform all of them in a single visit rather than scheduling separate appointments. We also recommend assessing all your home entry points at once-back doors, garage side doors, and gates-so we can provide a single, comprehensive written quote.
If you have a written estimate from another licensed locksmith in San Jose, we offer a free second opinion. We will review the quote to ensure you are not paying for unnecessary hardware or inflated labor costs. Our goal is to provide honest, transparent service. Call (669) 201-7095 to discuss your specific situation, and remember that we provide firm, written quotes before any work begins.
How to Choose the Right Lock for Your Home
Choosing the right hardware depends on your specific security goals. Most homeowners in the San Jose area face a choice between standard grade hardware and high-security systems.
Standard Residential Locks
For most interior doors or low-risk entry points, standard hardware from reputable brands like Schlage or Baldwin is sufficient. These locks are reliable, easy to maintain, and cost-effective. They provide a solid level of security for daily use.
High-Security Locks
If you have a high-value asset, a home office with sensitive equipment, or if you are located in an area where you prefer an extra layer of protection, high-security hardware is the better choice. Brands like Mul-T-Lock or Medeco feature drill-resistant steel and patented key control, meaning keys cannot be copied at a hardware store without your authorization card.
FAQs - Lock Installation & Rekey Cost
How much does it cost to rekey all locks in a house?
Rekeying a full house typically costs $85 to $140 per cylinder, depending on the number of locks and the complexity of the pinning system. If you have five doors, you can expect to pay for five cylinders plus a service call fee, with a firm price provided in writing before we start. Call (669) 201-7095 for an exact quote based on your home’s layout.
Is it cheaper to replace the lock or rekey it?
It is almost always cheaper to rekey a lock than to replace it, provided the existing hardware is in good working order. Rekeying involves changing the internal pins to match a new key, whereas replacing a lock requires buying new hardware and performing a full installation. If your current locks are worn or damaged, however, replacement is necessary for proper security.
Can you fix a lock that is stuck or jammed?
Yes, we can diagnose and repair jammed locks, with repair costs typically starting around $95 depending on the cause of the failure. Often, a jam is caused by a misaligned strike plate or worn internal springs; our technicians will document the issue and provide a written estimate for the fix before proceeding. Call (669) 201-7095 to have a technician take a look.
Do you provide same-day service in San Jose?
We offer prompt service for lock installations and rekeys across the San Jose area, and we strive to accommodate same-day requests whenever our schedule permits. Because we prioritize quality and documentation under The Haven Standard, we do not overbook our technicians; call (669) 201-7095 to check our current availability.
How do I know if my locks are high-security?
High-security locks usually have a unique key shape-often with side cuts or dimples-and are branded with names like Medeco, Abloy, or Mul-T-Lock. If your key has “Do Not Duplicate” stamped on it, or if it requires a physical key card to get duplicates made, it is a restricted, high-security system.
The Novak Lock & Security Promise
Every job we perform is governed by The Haven Standard. This means you get a background-checked, uniformed technician at your door, a written price before any work starts, and a documented photo record of the service upon completion. We do not believe in surprises, hidden fees, or bait-and-switch tactics. Since 2002, we have completed over 60,000 jobs, each one backed by our 365-Day Done Right Promise. If we install or rekey a lock and it does not function correctly, we make it right.
We serve the entire San Jose area, from the foothills to downtown. Whether you are upgrading your home security or need a professional to rekey your locks after a move, we provide the same level of precision and documentation on every call.
Pricing reflects the San Jose market as of 2026. Novak Lock & Security San Jose offers our Lock Installation & Rekey services with free estimates - call (669) 201-7095.
Written by Daniel Novak, Owner at Novak Lock & Security, serving San Jose since 2002.
What Our Customers Say
"Locked out at eleven at night. A person answered, gave me a time and a name, and both were right."
- Franklin D."Came out to a jammed safe, opened it without damage, and the invoice matched the quote exactly."
- Beatriz N."Rekeyed the whole house after we bought it. He showed me the old pins and explained how many keys had likely been cut over the years."
- Omar J.