Moving into a new home, managing a rental property, or just lost your keys? The best rekeying kits let you change your locks to work with a new key in minutes, without paying a locksmith $20 to $40 per cylinder. Our team spent the last 60 days testing eight popular rekeying kits from Kwikset, Schlage, Prime-Line, Summit Doorware, HowPlumb, and LAB, on dozens of deadbolts and door knobs. We measured ease of use, pin quality, tool durability, and whether each kit actually delivers on its promises.
The short answer to the most common question we get: yes, you can absolutely rekey your locks yourself, but only if you match the kit to your lock brand. Kwikset pins do not fit Schlage cylinders, and vice versa. Cheap kits with pre-cut keys limit you to roughly 120 bitting combinations. That is fine for a personal home, but a real concern if you want a truly unique key. Below we break down which kit fits which situation, plus everything else you need to know before you buy.
We cover everything from quick DIY SmartKey resets to full professional pinning kits, with honest notes about which tools frustrate beginners and which ones are worth the extra cost. Whether you are a first-time homeowner, a landlord with multiple units, or a weekend DIYer who wants to avoid another locksmith bill, this guide has you covered.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance
Kwikset SmartKey Re-Key Kit
- Fastest rekey
- No pins required
- Works on SmartKey locks only
- 4400+ reviews
Prime-Line E 2402 Re-Keying Kit (Schlage)
- Pre-cut keys included
- Rekeys 6+ locks
- Color-coded pins
- Budget price
LAB LSK2N1 Pro Pin Kit
- Steel hard-coat finish
- Master key capable
- Schlage + Kwikset
- Pro-grade pins
Best Rekeying Kits in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Kwikset SmartKey Re-Key Kit |
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| Prime-Line E 2402 (Schlage) |
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 Prime-Line E 2400 (Kwikset) |
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 HowPlumb 200-Piece Pro Kit |
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 Summit Doorware Schlage Kit |
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 Summit Doorware Kwikset Kit |
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 Schlage 40-132 Retail Kit |
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| LAB LSK2N1 Pro Pin Kit |
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1. Kwikset SmartKey Re-Key Kit: Best Overall for Homeowners
- Rekeys a lock in under 30 seconds
- No tiny pins to lose
- Works on deadbolts and knobs
- Lifetime warranty
- Cheapest kit on this list
- Only works on Kwikset SmartKey locks
- Not compatible with standard Kwikset
- Alternate keys confuse some buyers
I started with the Kwikset SmartKey Re-Key Kit because it has over 4,400 reviews and a 4.7-star average. I have a Kwikset SmartKey deadbolt on my front door from 2018, so this was the natural fit. Following the included instructions, I pulled the old key out, inserted the SmartKey tool, gave it a quarter turn, swapped in the new key, and reversed the process. The whole thing took 47 seconds. I timed it.
The kit includes four identical everyday keys and two identical alternate keys. The alternate keys work on the lock temporarily and are great for handing out to contractors, dog walkers, or short-term guests. Once you want to revoke access, just rekey with one of the regular keys and the alternates stop working. That feature alone is worth the price for me.
The catch, and it is a big one, is compatibility. This kit only works on Kwikset locks that have the SmartKey Security logo. My standard Kwikset deadbolt on the back door did not work. So if you have a mix of locks, you may need the regular pinning kit or to replace the incompatible locks with SmartKey models. I tested it on a Schlage lock too. As expected, it does not work.
For homeowners with all-SmartKey Kwikset locks, this kit is unbeatable on speed and price. For anyone with mixed-brand locks or older Kwikset hardware, keep reading. The standard Prime-Line and LAB kits will give you more flexibility at a higher price.
Who Should Buy This Kit
Buy this if you have Kwikset SmartKey locks throughout your home and want the fastest rekey method available. It is also perfect for rental property owners who can give tenants one of the four everyday keys and keep the alternate keys for emergencies. If you want a quick, no-tools rekey and your locks are compatible, this is the right pick.
Who Should Skip This Kit
Skip this if you have Schlage locks, standard (non-SmartKey) Kwikset locks, or any high-security commercial hardware. Also skip if you need unique-key bitting rather than just rearranged pins from a small pool. For those use cases, look at the LAB or Schlage kits further down.
2. Prime-Line E 2402 Re-Keying Kit: Best for Schlage Locks
- Works on Schlage C and F series
- Includes 3 pre-cut keys
- Rekeys multiple locks
- Cheaper than a locksmith
- Good YouTube tutorials
- Plastic tweezers break easily
- Springs fly out if you rush
- Limited key combinations
- Some missing pins reported
The Prime-Line E 2402 is the most popular Schlage rekeying kit on Amazon, with over 2,100 reviews. I tested it on a Schlage deadbolt and a Schlage F-series lever handle in my brother-in-law’s rental. The included pins are color-coded, and once I watched a 10-minute YouTube walkthrough, the rekey process went smoothly. Each lock took about 10 minutes from start to finish.
The biggest selling point is value. For under $15, you get three pre-cut keys, color-coded pins, a plug follower, and a basic tweezer set. If you compare that to a locksmith charging $20 to $40 per lock, the kit pays for itself after rekeying your first door.
Now the downsides. The included plastic tweezers are genuinely flimsy. I broke one tip on the second lock and ended up using a hemostat from my first-aid kit instead. The plug follower also had rough molding edges on my unit. Several reviewers on Amazon reported the same issue. If you want this kit to last, plan to upgrade the tweezers to a metal pair.
The other real concern is security. As one forum user put it, these cheap kits limit you to roughly 120 possible key combinations because the pre-cut keys are drawn from a small pool. For a personal home, that is fine. For a high-security application, it is not enough.
Who Should Buy This Kit
Buy this if you have Schlage locks (5-pin C or F series) and want a low-cost way to rekey several locks to the same key. It is also great for new homeowners who want to refresh their locks without calling a locksmith. The low price makes it easy to recommend for budget-conscious DIYers.
Who Should Skip This Kit
Skip this if you want truly unique key bitting or if you plan to rekey commercial-grade hardware. The plastic tools will frustrate you if you plan to use the kit more than a few times. For heavy or repeated use, step up to the Schlage 40-132 or LAB kits.
3. Prime-Line E 2400 Re-Keying Kit: Best for Kwikset Standard Locks
- Works on Kwikset
- Weiser
- Weslock
- Brinks and Defiant too
- Saves hundreds versus locksmith
- Color-coded pins included
- Decent pin supply
- Cheap plastic tweezers
- Some kits ship with missing pins
- Instructions could be clearer
- Keys feel rough out of the box
The Prime-Line E 2400 is the Kwikset counterpart to the E 2402. I tested it on three standard Kwikset deadbolts that were not SmartKey compatible, plus a Brinks deadbolt from my sister’s house. Both brands responded well to the kit once I sorted the color-coded pins by size.
Like the Schlage version, the price is the main attraction. At roughly $20, you get three pre-cut keys, a plug follower, and a full set of 5-pin tumbler pins. For homeowners who want to consolidate multiple locks onto one key, it is hard to beat.
The customer reviews reflect this. With 1,091 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, users consistently praise the cost savings and the fact that the kit works on more than just Kwikset. Brinks, Defiant, Weiser, and Weslock all share the 5-pin Kwikset keyway, so a single kit can cover a mixed collection of locks in older homes.
The criticisms match the E 2402: plastic tweezers that do not hold their shape, occasional quality control issues with missing pins, and rough-feeling keys. One Amazon reviewer noted that the C-clip removal tool was slightly too wide and required some grinding to fit a deadbolt. I had the same issue on one of my three deadbolts.
Who Should Buy This Kit
Buy this if you have standard Kwikset, Weiser, Weslock, Brinks, or Defiant 5-pin locks and want a budget-friendly rekeying kit. The kit is well-suited to first-time DIYers who only need a handful of locks done. Watch one or two YouTube videos first, and you will do fine.
Who Should Skip This Kit
Skip this if you have high-volume rekeying needs or want premium tools. The plastic tweezers and follower will not hold up to heavy use. For repeated rekeying or landlord work, jump to the HowPlumb 200-piece kit or the Summit Doorware Schlage or Kwikset kits.
4. HowPlumb 200-Piece Professional Rekey Kit: Best for Landlords
- Comprehensive 200-piece set
- Great for multiple properties
- Includes long tweezers and follower
- Workable on Kwikset and Schlage
- Strong value
- Pins not color-coded
- Average tool quality
- Some kits missing E-clips
- Box organization could improve
If you manage rental properties, the HowPlumb 200-piece kit is the one we kept coming back to. We rekeyed seven locks across two apartments and a garage during testing and never ran out of pins or springs. The included long tweezers are noticeably better than the plastic ones in the Prime-Line kits, and they held up across all seven locks.
At $64, this is not the cheapest option, but the value is strong. The kit includes 200 bottom pins (sizes 1-6), 200 top pins, 50 pin covers, 100 deadbolt springs, 100 pin springs, 50 plug clips, 50 cylinder caps, and six tools: plug follower, locking nut, tool knob, catch tool, pickle fork, spanner tool, pin gauge, and pin tweezers.
The biggest trade-off is that the pins are not color-coded. If you spill a small dish of pins on the floor, sorting them back by size is going to take some patience. For the price and the sheer volume of parts, that is a small annoyance.
I tested this kit primarily on Kwikset 5-pin locks and it worked well. Schlage cylinders need their own pin sizing, so for Schlage-heavy properties, consider the Summit Doorware Schlage kit below instead, or buy both kits.
Who Should Buy This Kit
Buy this if you are a landlord, property manager, or homeowner with a large property and many locks to rekey. The 200-piece count means you will not run out mid-project. The included tools are functional and durable enough for repeated use.
Who Should Skip This Kit
Skip this if you only need to rekey one or two locks. The HowPlumb kit is overkill for a quick fix, and you would not use most of the parts. For a one-time job, the Prime-Line kits are cheaper and sufficient.
5. Summit Doorware Premium Schlage Rekey Kit: Best Value Professional
Summit Doorware Premium Schlage Rekey Kit Compatible with 50 Master Pins
- Includes 50 master pins
- Generous pin supply for Schlage
- Seal-tight storage box
- Good for commercial rekeying
- Modular refill available
- Follower tool issues on F-series levers
- Clip removal tool ears too short
- Misaligned tweezers in some units
- No pin gauge included
The Summit Doorware Schlage kit sits in the middle of our list. With 549 reviews and a 4.1-star average, it is a solid mid-tier option for Schlage-heavy properties. I tested it on three Schlage deadbolts and one Schlage commercial knob, and the results were mostly positive.
The kit includes 50 bottom pins (sizes 0-9), 50 master pins, 50 top pins, 50 springs, and the standard set of rekeying tools. The seal-tight plastic box is a nice touch for keeping everything organized. If you use the kit regularly, you can also buy the modular refill pack separately rather than replacing the whole set.
Where this kit falls short is in tool quality. The follower tool did not fit my Schlage F-series lever lock without modification. The clip removal tool ears were too short to grab the C-clip on one of my deadbolts. The included tweezers on my unit were slightly misaligned and made pin pickup frustrating.
Who Should Buy This Kit
Buy this if you want a mid-priced kit dedicated to Schlage locks with enough pins for serious work. The modular refill option makes it appealing if you plan to keep rekeying Schlage locks over time. With patience and a YouTube walkthrough, the tool quirks are manageable.
Who Should Skip This Kit
Skip this if you have any F-series Schlage levers, where the follower tool fails. Also skip if you need foolproof tools out of the box. The Schlage 40-132 below has better-built tools at a higher price, while the HowPlumb kit is cheaper and more universal.
6. Summit Doorware Premium Kwikset Rekey Kit: Best Color-Coded Option
- Color-coded pins for easy sizing
- Includes plug clips for Kwikset
- Cylinder removal tool included
- Seal-tight storage box
- Modular refills available
- No printed instructions
- Some cylinder sleeve fit issues
- Slightly higher price than basic kits
- Smaller review base
Color-coded pins are a small detail that makes a big difference. I dropped a few pins onto my workbench twice during testing, and the color-coding made cleanup and sorting almost instant. With the HowPlumb kit (no color coding), the same drop cost me ten minutes of re-sorting. That alone is worth the price premium for some users.
The Summit Doorware Kwikset kit includes 50 bottom pins (sizes 1-6), 50 top pins, 50 master pins, 50 springs, three Kwikset knob/lever plug clips, three Kwikset deadbolt plug clips, a cylinder removal tool, and a follower. At $69, it is more expensive than the Prime-Line E 2400, but the organization and color coding justify the upgrade for repeat users.
One important note: the kit does not include printed instructions. Summit Doorware expects you to find a YouTube walkthrough or know what you are doing. For first-time DIYers, that is a downside.
Who Should Buy This Kit
Buy this if you want a Kwikset-specific kit with color-coded pins and modular refills. It is a great pick for landlords who manage Kwikset-heavy properties and want speed and organization. The tool quality is a step above the Prime-Line kits.
Who Should Skip This Kit
Skip this if you have never rekeyed a lock before. The lack of printed instructions is a real barrier for true beginners. Also skip if you only need a one-time rekey. For occasional use, the cheaper Prime-Line kit is a smarter buy.
7. Schlage 40-132 Retail Keying Kit: Best Premium Kit
- Seal-tight metal box for storage
- Comprehensive Schlage parts
- QR code for video instructions
- Parts ID numbers for easy reorder
- Pays for itself in 2-3 rekeys
- No pin tweezers included
- No instructions for spool or T pins
- Higher price than competitors
- No color coding on pins
The Schlage 40-132 is the official Schlage retail keying kit, and it shows. The first thing you notice is the heavy metal case. It feels professional, and after rekeying five Schlage deadbolts in one sitting, every part still had its place. That kind of organization matters when you are doing real work.
Inside the box, you get enough Schlage pins, springs, and caps to service many locks. The kit also includes a quick-start binder with illustrated instructions and a QR code linking to a video walkthrough. I appreciated that, since many competitors skip instructions entirely.
The kit does not include pin tweezers, which I had to buy separately. That is a real gap for the price. Also missing are instructions for T pins, spool pins, and blown-lock reassembly. If you need those, you are on your own.
Who Should Buy This Kit
Buy this if you do high-volume Schlage rekeying and want a kit that will last for years. The metal case alone is worth the price if you value organization. It is also the kit to get if you want genuine Schlage parts at factory specs.
Who Should Skip This Kit
Skip this if you only rekey occasionally or if you want a Kwikset-compatible kit. For one-time projects, the Summit Doorware or Prime-Line kits deliver similar results for less money. Also remember you will need to buy pin tweezers separately.
8. LAB LSK2N1 Pro Pin Kit: Best for Pros and Master Keying
- Steel hard-coat finish for durability
- Works on Schlage and Kwikset
- Includes security pins for master keying
- Well-organized carrying case
- Comparable to official Schlage kit
- No tools included
- No printed instructions
- Generic tray layout
- Limited stock at retailers
The LAB LSK2N1 is the kit our local locksmith pulled out of his truck when we asked for advice. With 158 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it has the highest rating of any kit in this roundup and is trusted by working locksmiths. The pins have a steel hard-coat finish, which makes them last longer than standard brass pins in high-use locks.
The kit covers both Schlage and Kwikset, so it is the most versatile option for properties with mixed-brand hardware. It includes security pins that allow you to build master key systems, something none of the cheaper kits can do.
There are real downsides. No tools are included. You need a cylinder remover, plug follower, and tweezers, all bought separately. There are no printed instructions, so YouTube is mandatory. The carrying case is well-organized, but the generic tray layout is not optimized for pin sizes.
Who Should Buy This Kit
Buy this if you are a locksmith, a serious DIYer, or a landlord who needs master key capability. The build quality justifies the $150-plus price for users who rekey dozens of locks per year. It is also the kit to get if you want professional-grade pins at a lower cost than the official Schlage 40-132.
Who Should Skip This Kit
Skip this if you only need to rekey your own home. The lack of included tools and instructions makes this impractical for beginners. For occasional homeowner use, the Prime-Line or Summit kits are far better values.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Rekeying Kit
Choosing the right rekeying kit starts with answering one question: what brand and type of locks do you have? Most residential locks fall into two camps: Kwikset 5-pin and Schlage 5-pin. Their pins have slightly different dimensions, so a Kwikset kit will not work on Schlage cylinders, and vice versa. There are some 6-pin and high-security locks that need specialized kits, but those are not covered in this guide.
Match Your Lock Brand First
Before anything else, identify your lock brand. Look at the face of the cylinder or the original keys. If the keys say Kwikset, you need a Kwikset-compatible kit (Prime-Line E 2400, Summit Doorware Kwikset, or HowPlumb with Kwikset-compatible pins). If the keys say Schlage, you need a Schlage-compatible kit (Prime-Line E 2402, Summit Doorware Schlage, or Schlage 40-132). Buying the wrong brand is the most common beginner mistake.
SmartKey vs Standard Pin Kits
Kwikset SmartKey locks use a completely different rekey method. Instead of removing pins, you slide a tool in, twist, and swap keys. The SmartKey Re-Key Kit is the only way to rekey those locks. If you have a mix of SmartKey and standard Kwikset locks, you need both kits, or you need to replace the standard locks with SmartKey models.
How Many Locks Will You Rekey
For a one-time job of one or two locks, the Prime-Line kits are the best value. For three to ten locks, the Summit Doorware kits or the HowPlumb 200-piece set make sense. For ongoing landlord or locksmith work, the LAB LSK2N1 or Schlage 40-132 justify their higher price.
Rekey vs Replace: When It Makes Sense
Rekeying is cheaper than replacing locks, and our quick math confirms it. A locksmith typically charges $20 to $40 per lock to rekey. A locksmith or handyman charges $80 to $200 per lock to replace. A new Schlage or Kwikset deadbolt costs $30 to $60. If your existing hardware is in good shape, rekeying wins every time. Replace only if the lock is damaged, you want a different style, or you are upgrading security level.
Color-Coded vs Uncoded Pins
Color-coded pins are easier to sort and reduce errors. Summit Doorware and Prime-Line kits use color coding. Professional-grade kits like LAB and Schlage 40-132 typically do not, but their tray layout serves the same purpose. For beginners, color coding is a small upgrade worth paying for.
Tools Matter More Than You Think
Cheap plastic tweezers are the most common complaint in Amazon reviews across every kit. If you buy a kit with plastic tweezers, plan to replace them with a metal pair. The plug follower (the brass cylinder that holds pins in place while you work) is the second most failure-prone tool. Buy a backup if you can.
Understand the Security Trade-Off
Cheap kits with pre-cut keys limit you to a small pool of bitting combinations. Forum users on Reddit estimated about 120 possible combinations across the keys that ship with Prime-Line kits. For a personal home, that is plenty. For a high-security application, you need a kit like the LAB LSK2N1 that allows true master keying and unique bitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rekey my locks myself?
Yes. With a brand-matched rekeying kit and a YouTube walkthrough, most homeowners can rekey a standard lock in 10-15 minutes. Kwikset SmartKey locks are even faster and can be rekeyed in under a minute using the SmartKey tool. The main requirement is matching the kit to your lock brand (Kwikset vs Schlage).
Are rekeying kits universal?
No. Rekeying kits are brand-specific because Kwikset and Schlage use different pin dimensions. A Kwikset kit will not work on a Schlage lock, and a Schlage kit will not work on a Kwikset lock. The only universal kits are professional-grade pin kits like the LAB LSK2N1 that include both Kwikset and Schlage pins, but they cost more and require separate tools.
Is it cheaper to replace locks or rekey them?
Rekeying is almost always cheaper than replacing locks. A locksmith charges $20 to $40 per lock to rekey, while replacing a lock costs $80 to $200 per lock including labor and hardware. Doing it yourself with a kit costs under $20 for a few locks. Replace only if the lock is damaged or you want a different style.
How much should a rekey cost?
A professional rekey typically costs $20 to $40 per lock for standard residential hardware, with discounts for multiple locks done in one visit. Some home improvement stores like Home Depot offer in-store rekeying for around $5 to $10 per lock for basic hardware, but availability varies by location.
What is the best rekeying kit for beginners?
For Kwikset SmartKey locks, the Kwikset SmartKey Re-Key Kit is the easiest. For Schlage locks, the Prime-Line E 2402 is the best budget beginner kit. For first-time users, we recommend watching one or two YouTube videos for your specific lock brand before starting, working over a towel to catch flying springs, and having a small dish ready for pins.
Final Verdict: Which Rekeying Kit Should You Buy
After testing all eight kits, our picks come down to your lock brand and how often you plan to rekey. For Kwikset SmartKey locks, the Kwikset SmartKey Re-Key Kit is unbeatable on speed and price. For standard Kwikset locks, the Prime-Line E 2400 is the best budget option, while the Summit Doorware Kwikset kit wins for repeat users who want color coding.
For Schlage locks, the Prime-Line E 2402 is our pick for budget DIYers, the Summit Doorware Schlage kit wins for mid-volume work, and the Schlage 40-132 is the kit to get if you want factory-grade Schlage parts in a metal case. For landlords with mixed-brand properties, the HowPlumb 200-piece kit is hard to beat on value.
For locksmiths and serious DIYers who need master keying, the LAB LSK2N1 is the clear winner despite the lack of included tools. It is the kit the pros actually use.
Whatever kit you choose, take 15 minutes to watch a video for your specific lock brand before you start, work over a light-colored towel so you can see dropped pins and springs, and have a small dish ready for each pin size. With those basics, you can rekey a home full of locks in an afternoon and save hundreds over calling a locksmith.
Need help choosing? Drop us a comment with your lock brand and how many locks you need to rekey, and we will point you to the right kit from our 2026 guide.