Oklahoma Locksmith Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Rekeying in locksmithing specifically involves altering the internal configuration of a lock so that it will work with a new key. This process is essential when someone loses their keys or wants to ensure that a previous key will no longer operate the lock, providing a new level of security without the need to replace the entire lock system.

During rekeying, the locksmith typically disassembles the lock and changes the arrangement of the pins or tumblers within it. This change allows the lock to accept a different key while rendering the old key ineffective. This method is often more cost-effective and quicker than replacing an entire lock; it also allows for a custom setup if multiple locks need to be operated by the same new key.

In contrast, making a duplicate key simply involves copying an existing key, while replacing a lock means installing a completely different lock mechanism. Creating a master key refers to generating a key that can open multiple locks, which is unrelated to the changes made during rekeying.