Just Moved to Fairfield? Rekey vs. Replace Your Locks

Rekeying is a precision process where a trained locksmith disassembles your existing lock cylinder and replaces the internal pins with a new set. The result: every old key stops working, and a fresh key cut to the new pin configuration is the only one that fits. The lock hardware itself — the body, the bolt, the strike plate — stays exactly where it is. This is a fast, effective solution when your existing hardware is in solid condition, less than about seven to ten years old, and was originally installed properly.

The ideal rekeying scenario for a Fairfield homeowner looks like this: you've bought a well-maintained Colonial in the Dogwood Hill area, the deadbolts are sturdy name-brand units like Schlage or Kwikset, and your only concern is that the previous family had four kids plus a dog walker with a spare key. Rekeying solves that problem completely and quickly. A skilled locksmith can typically rekey every exterior lock on a standard home in a single visit. One new key, one coordinated set across all your doors — simple.

There are situations where rekeying is the wrong tool for the job. If the existing lock hardware is worn, wobbles in the door, has visible damage to the faceplate or bolt mechanism, or was a bargain-bin builder-grade unit installed fifteen years ago, rekeying just puts fresh pins in a tired lock. You'd be trusting your family's security to hardware that was already failing. In those cases, a full replacement is the professional recommendation — and it's also the right moment to consider stepping up to a mortise lock.

A mortise lock is a heavier-duty system that fits into a recessed pocket carved into the door's edge rather than simply surface-mounted. The mechanism integrates the latch, deadbolt, and often a lever handle into one robust unit, making it significantly harder to kick in or manipulate than a standard cylindrical lock. Mortise locks are especially well-suited to older Fairfield homes with solid wood doors, as well as to front entry doors that get heavy daily use. If your new home has a front door that already has a mortise lock installed and it's in good shape, rekeying it is straightforward. If it has an aging door knob lock paired with a flimsy deadbolt, replacing the whole assembly with a modern mortise lock is an upgrade that pays for itself in durability and deterrence. Our team carries quality hardware to every job and confirms an exact up-front price — factored by lock type, door prep required, and any parts needed — before we touch a thing.

Not every lock on your new home needs the same treatment. Walk through the exterior with fresh eyes and ask a few practical questions about each entry point. Front door: What type of lock is installed? Is the strike plate secured with long screws that reach the door frame stud, or short screws that only grip the trim? Is there a door knob lock, a deadbolt, or a full mortise lock system? Side and back doors: Are they solid core, or hollow? Do they have functioning deadbolts, or just a door knob lock with a push-button privacy function? Garage entry door: This is one of the most frequently overlooked entry points in Fairfield homes — it connects directly to your living space and deserves a proper deadbolt at minimum.

For each door that has functional, quality hardware in good condition, rekeying is smart and efficient. For any door where the hardware feels loose, looks corroded, or simply doesn't inspire confidence, replacement is the right answer. If you're unsure, call us before you decide — a quick professional assessment during a single visit can tell you exactly where you stand. You can reach us any time at (973) 828-8143, and we'll give you a straight answer without any pressure to upgrade what doesn't need upgrading.

One of the most common questions new Fairfield residents ask is: how much does a locksmith cost in NJ? The honest answer is that the final number depends on several clear factors, and any reputable locksmith will walk you through them before work begins. The type of lock matters most — rekeying a standard Kwikset deadbolt is a different scope of work from installing a new Schlage mortise lock on a thick solid-wood door that needs additional door prep. The number of entry points on your home factors in, as does the time of day: a scheduled daytime appointment and a middle-of-the-night emergency locksmith call each involve different resource demands. Travel distance within the Fairfield area is also part of the equation.

At Greg Locksmith, we confirm an exact up-front price before any work starts — no ambiguity, no surprise charges on the invoice. We also want to address a question we hear occasionally: do I need a license to be a locksmith in NJ? New Jersey does not currently require a state-issued locksmith license, but that makes your choice of provider more important, not less. Look for a team that is insured, has a verifiable local presence, and is transparent about pricing. Our team is insured, has served the Fairfield area for years, and stands behind every job we complete.

Moving chaos is real. Keys get packed in boxes, garage codes get forgotten, and sometimes a door just locks behind you at the worst possible moment. If you're dealing with a lockout at your new Fairfield address, here's what to do first: check every other exterior door and accessible window to see if another entry point is unlocked. Look for a neighbor or family member who may already have a spare key. Check whether a previous occupant left a hide-a-key in an obvious spot. If none of that resolves the situation, stop there — attempting to force entry can damage your door and frame, creating a much more expensive repair problem on top of everything else.

Greg Locksmith operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week across the Fairfield area and surrounding communities. We handle emergency locksmith calls with the same professionalism as scheduled appointments — we verify ownership before beginning any work, we arrive with the tools and hardware to handle the situation on the spot, and we leave you with a working, secure entry point. How much should an emergency locksmith cost? The same factors apply as any service call — lock type, time of day, travel — and we quote you the exact amount before we begin. Call (973) 828-8143 any time, day or night.

Greg Locksmith is a fully mobile, 24/7 service covering Fairfield, NJ and the surrounding region. Here is a specific breakdown of what we handle: mortise lock installation and repair, residential deadbolt installation, door knob lock replacement, lock rekeying for homes and apartments, master key system setup, high-security lock upgrades, smart lock and keypad lock installation, sliding door lock repair, garage door lock service, mailbox lock replacement, lock-out service for homes, emergency locksmith response, lock repair after attempted break-in, window lock installation, strike plate reinforcement and upgrade, safe opening and combination changes, car lockout service, automotive key duplication, transponder key programming, car key replacement, ignition lock cylinder repair, commercial locksmith service for offices and retail spaces, commercial door hardware installation, push bar and panic device installation, access control system setup, tenant change-over rekeying for landlords, and eviction lock change service for property managers.

Whether you need a single door knob lock swapped out or a full commercial locksmith consultation for a small business along Route 46, we bring the parts and the expertise to handle it in one visit. Is there a 24-hour locksmith available for Fairfield and nearby areas? Yes — that's exactly what we are, every day of the year.