Commercial Lock Rekeying

When Should a Business Rekey Its Locks?

Every time someone who had a key no longer needs access. Unlike residential rekeying which happens once (when you move in), commercial rekeying is an ongoing security practice. The most common triggers:

• Employee termination or resignation: Any employee who had a key to the building, office, or specific area. Even if they returned the key, copies may exist.
• Tenant turnover: Between every lease. Non-negotiable. The previous tenant, their employees, their contractors, and their cleaning crew all had keys.
• Lost or stolen key: If a master key or building key can't be accounted for, rekey everything that key accessed. Immediately.
• Security breach: Break-in, attempted break-in, or unauthorized after-hours access detected in audit logs.
• Contractor completion: Renovations, build-outs, and maintenance projects. Contractors had temporary key access. Rekey when the job is done.
• Management change: New property manager, new office manager, or ownership transfer.

According to the National Association of Realtors, commercial property tenants turn over every 3-7 years on average. Every transition should include a full rekey. We offer volume pricing for property managers who rekey regularly. Over 30 PM companies in Broward and Palm Beach use us on a recurring basis.

How Is Commercial Rekeying Different from Residential?

Different hardware, higher volume, and more complex key hierarchies. Commercial buildings use mortise cylinders (Schlage L-series, Corbin Russwin ML2000, Sargent 8200), interchangeable cores (Best, Falcon, Arrow), and sometimes restricted keyway cylinders (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock). Each type requires different tools and pin kits.

The three main commercial cylinder types we rekey:

• Standard mortise cylinders: 6 or 7 pin cylinders inside mortise lock bodies. We pull the cylinder from the lock, repin on-site, and reinstall. 10-15 minutes per door. $45-$55 per additional lock.
• Interchangeable cores (IC): The most efficient commercial rekeying method. We swap the entire core in under 60 seconds per door using a control key. The pulled cores get repinned at our shop and returned to your spare inventory. Best for buildings that rekey frequently (hotels, property management, universities). $35-$50 per core swap.
• High-security cylinders (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock): Restricted keyway rekeying requires specialized pin kits specific to each brand. Takes longer per cylinder because the pins are more complex (rotating pins for Medeco, telescoping for Mul-T-Lock). $55-$75 per lock.

How Much Does Commercial Rekeying Cost?

$125 for the service call plus first lock. Additional locks by type:

• Standard pin tumbler (cylindrical or mortise): $45-$55 each
• IC core swap: $35-$50 each
• High-security (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Abloy): $55-$75 each
• 10+ locks (same visit): Volume discount, ask for quote
• Master key system rekey: Add $50-$100 for chart redesign if hierarchy changes

For property managers rekeying 10+ units per month, we offer flat-rate programs. Consistent pricing, priority scheduling, and invoicing. Call (561) 524-8500 to set up an account.

Can You Rekey and Maintain an Existing Master Key System?

Yes. When we rekey within an existing master key system, we pin the new cylinder to fit the existing hierarchy. The master key still works. Only the individual key changes. This is the standard approach for tenant turnovers in multi-tenant buildings.

We keep master key charts on file for every system we install. When you call for a rekey, we pull up your chart, verify the hierarchy, and pin the new cylinder to match. Takes 20 minutes per lock including chart verification.

How Fast Can You Rekey a Commercial Building?

• 5-10 doors: 1.5-2.5 hours
• 10-20 doors: 2.5-4 hours
• 20-50 doors: 4-8 hours (may be split over 2 visits)
• IC core buildings: 50% faster because cores swap in under 60 seconds each

We can schedule after business hours if you don't want disruption. Same price for evening or weekend rekeying. Most property managers prefer we rekey vacant units during the day and occupied buildings after hours.

Do You Work with Property Management Companies?

Yes. Over 30 PM companies across Broward and Palm Beach use us regularly. We offer invoicing (no payment at the door), volume rates, priority dispatch, and a dedicated account manager. If you manage rental units, office buildings, or HOA common areas, call us to set up a commercial account. One phone number for every lock need across your entire portfolio.

Should You Rekey or Replace Commercial Locks?

Rekeying is the right choice 80% of the time. Replacing the entire lock makes sense when the hardware is damaged, outdated, or you want to upgrade to a different security grade. But if the lock body, strike plate, and mechanism are in good condition, rekeying gives you new key control at a fraction of the replacement cost. A commercial-grade Schlage B-series deadbolt costs $150-$300 to replace (parts plus labor). Rekeying the same lock costs $45-$55. For a 20-door building, that difference adds up to $2,000-$5,000 in savings.

Triton Locksmith will inspect each lock during the rekey and flag any hardware that should be replaced instead. We carry common commercial-grade cylinders and locksets on the van, so replacements can happen on the same visit if needed.

Where Does Triton Locksmith Rekey Commercial Locks?

Any commercial property across 48 South Florida cities. Offices, retail, multi-tenant buildings, warehouses, medical facilities. Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach. Same-day service. Call (561) 524-8500.

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