San Antonio Locksmith Solutions Service Team
Local locksmith team
Apr 23, 2026 3 min read
You just got the keys to your new place in San Antonio — maybe a craftsman bungalow off Alamo Heights, a rental near the Pearl District, or a newer build out in Stone Oak. The excitement is real, but so is this question: who else has a copy of those keys? Former tenants, previous owners, contractors, real estate agents — the list adds up fast. Before you unpack the first box, it is worth taking ten minutes to think through whether you need to rekey locks, replace them entirely, or both.
This guide breaks down the honest answer for San Antonio homeowners and renters: when rekeying is the smarter, faster move, when brand-new locks make more sense, and what factors actually drive the cost of either service. Whether you are dealing with a standard door knob lock, a heavy-duty mortise lock on an older home, or a mix of hardware across multiple entry points, the goal is simple — you should be the only person who can walk through your door.
Frequently asked questions
Should I rekey or replace locks when I move into a new home in San Antonio?+
For most new homeowners, rekeying is the right first step — it is faster, involves no hardware changes, and immediately eliminates access for anyone who had a key before you. Replacement makes more sense when the locks are physically damaged, mechanically worn, a low security grade, or when you want to upgrade the hardware style entirely. A quick on-site evaluation by an experienced locksmith will give you a clear answer for your specific doors and lock types, including any mortise lock hardware on older homes.
Can I rekey my locks myself, or do I need a professional locksmith?+
DIY rekey kits exist for common cylindrical lock brands, but they require you to already have a working key, the correct kit for your exact lock model, and comfort disassembling a lock cylinder without damaging it. Errors can leave you with a lock that does not function correctly. For mortise locks, high-security cylinders, or situations where you want all exterior locks keyed alike in a single visit, a trained locksmith is significantly more reliable and often faster than a DIY attempt. Most people find the professional route well worth it for peace of mind.
Is there a 24-hour locksmith in San Antonio who can handle both rekeying and emergency lockouts?+
Yes — San Antonio Locksmith Solutions operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week across the San Antonio area. Whether you need to rekey locks near me after a move-in, respond to an emergency lockout at an inconvenient hour, or replace a damaged mortise lock, our mobile technicians come to your location with the tools and hardware to handle the job on the spot. Call (210) 401-4694 any time and a real person will answer.
Can you replace a mortise lock with a cylindrical lock on an older San Antonio home?+
Yes, it is technically possible, but it is not a simple swap. The mortise pocket cut into the door edge must be properly filled and reinforced, the door must be bored to the correct diameter for the new cylindrical lock, and the face plate and strike plate geometry will need to be reworked. Whether it is practical depends on your door's material, thickness, and overall condition. In many cases, restoring or rekeying the existing mortise lock is actually the more cost-effective and aesthetically appropriate choice for historic San Antonio homes. A skilled locksmith can assess your door on-site and give you an honest recommendation before any work begins.