🔐 What Is a Rekey — And Why You Might Want One

If you’ve ever moved into a new home, lost a key, or wondered who else might have access to your front door, you’ve probably asked yourself: Should I change the locks?

The answer might not be replacing the locks altogether — it could be as simple (and more affordable) as a rekey. At Tru-Max Security Inc., we perform rekeys for homeowners, landlords, and business owners across Ottawa every day. It’s one of the easiest ways to protect your property without replacing your entire lock system.

So, what exactly is a rekey? Let’s break it down.

So, What Is a Rekey?

Rekeying is the process of changing the internal pins of your lock so that a new key will work — and your old one won’t.

We don’t replace the whole lock; instead, we carefully take the lock apart, remove the old pins, and insert new ones that match a new key cut. Once we reassemble the lock, the new key becomes the only one that works.

It’s fast, cost-effective, and extremely secure — especially when you don’t know how many copies of the old key are floating around out there.

When Should You Get a Rekey?

Honestly? More often than most people think.

Here are just a few situations where rekeying is the smart move:

• You’ve moved into a new home or commercial space

• You’ve lost a key (or loaned one out and never got it back)

• A roommate, tenant, or employee has moved out

• You want multiple locks to open with the same key

• You’ve had a break-in, or something just doesn’t feel right

One of our customers recently moved into a beautiful house in Nepean. The previous owner said they’d handed over all the keys — but our client still felt unsure. We rekeyed the front and back doors to new keys, and that simple change gave them complete peace of mind. No more wondering who might still have access.

How Do You Know It’s Done Right?

When we rekey a lock at Tru-Max, we make sure it’s done properly — and you’ll be able to feel the difference. The new key should slide in smoothly, the lock should turn cleanly, and there should be no sticking or forcing. Most importantly, the old keys should no longer work at all.

If anything feels off — if your key is hard to turn or the lock jams — that’s not a good rekey. And we don’t let that happen.

Why Choose Tru-Max Security Inc.?

Because we don’t just “do rekeys” — we do them right.

We take the time to check every lock, make sure the door is aligned properly, and confirm that everything’s working smoothly before we leave. Our technicians are trained, experienced, and equipped to handle everything from basic residential rekeys to complex commercial systems.

We can also offer Abloy high-security key systems if you’re ready to upgrade. Abloy locks are nearly impossible to pick or drill, and they offer a level of protection that standard locks simply can’t match. They’re perfect for businesses, rentals, or anyone who takes security seriously.

Prefer to keep your existing locks? No problem — we’ll rekey what you have and give you fresh keys with confidence.

Ready to Rekey?

Whether you’ve just moved in, are looking to tighten up your security, or just want fewer keys in your life, a rekey is a smart step. It’s fast, affordable, and one of the easiest ways to regain control over who has access to your property.

If you’re in Ottawa or the surrounding area, give us a call. We’ll walk you through the process, answer any questions, and schedule a time that works for you.