New Brunswick Locksmiths Service Team
Local locksmith team
May 11, 2026 3 min read
You just moved into a row house off Albany Street, handed over keys to a contractor who finished the job last month, or ended a relationship with someone who still has a copy of your house key. Now you're staring at your front door wondering: do I need brand-new locks, or is there a smarter, faster fix? For most New Brunswick homeowners, the answer comes down to understanding one key distinction — rekeying versus replacing — and knowing which scenario actually calls for which solution.
This guide walks you through both options honestly: what each involves, when one beats the other on security and value, and the specific factors that shape your final cost. Whether your home has a classic mortise lock, a standard door knob lock, or a newer smart lock, the right choice protects your family without spending more than necessary.
Frequently asked questions
How do you rekey a door lock, and can I do it myself?+
Rekeying a door lock involves removing the cylinder plug, swapping out the driver and key pins to match a new key's bitting pattern, and reassembling the cylinder. It requires a plug follower tool, the correct pinning kit for your lock brand, and knowledge of the pin stack depths — getting it wrong means a key that binds or a lock that no longer operates smoothly. Rekeying kits are sold for some common brands, but mistakes are common without professional experience, and a misrekeyed lock can give false confidence. We recommend calling a trained locksmith, especially when security is the reason you're rekeying in the first place.
Can you rekey a smart lock, and what if you don't have the original key?+
Many smart locks include a physical key cylinder as a backup access method, and that cylinder can often be rekeyed just like a traditional lock cylinder. Whether you can rekey a smart lock without the original key depends on the specific model — some cylinders can be removed and serviced without the original key using professional techniques, while others may require a different approach. A Yale smart lock with a physical cylinder, for example, is typically serviceable by a qualified locksmith. We assess the hardware on-site before confirming the method, so call us at (000) 000-0000 and we'll walk you through it.
What's the difference between a mortise lock and a standard deadbolt, and which is more secure?+
A standard deadbolt is surface-mounted inside the door with a bolt that extends into the door frame — solid for most residential applications but limited by how the unit interacts with the door edge. A mortise lock is set into a pocket (the mortise) cut into the door itself, integrating a latchbolt and a deadbolt in one robust case that distributes force across a larger area of the door. Mortise locks are harder to kick in and more resistant to manipulation, which is why they're the standard on quality commercial doors and are increasingly popular in residential upgrades. If your current hardware is a simple knob lock with no separate deadbolt, a mortise lock installation is a meaningful security step up.
When should I call an emergency locksmith versus waiting until morning?+
If you're locked out of your home at night, especially in weather or in an area where waiting outside feels unsafe, that's exactly what 24/7 emergency locksmith service exists for — don't wait until morning. Similarly, if your door lock has been damaged in a break-in attempt, leaving it unsecured overnight is a genuine risk, and an emergency locksmith can assess, repair, or replace the hardware on the spot. For non-urgent situations — like planning a rekey after a recent move — scheduling a daytime appointment works fine. Either way, New Brunswick Locksmiths answers at (000) 000-0000 around the clock, and we confirm an up-front price before starting any work.
