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Can You Get Your Deadbolts and Locking Door Knobs Keyed Alike?

by saul k 30 Jun 2026
Can You Get Your Deadbolts and Locking Door Knobs Keyed Alike?
Can You Get Your Deadbolts and Locking Door Knobs Keyed Alike? Yes — Here’s Exactly How (and Why It’s One of the Smartest Home Upgrades)Tired of carrying a bulky keyring with a different key for every door? You’re not alone. One of the most frequent questions homeowners ask is:
“Can I get my deadbolts and door knobs keyed alike so one single key opens everything?”
The short answer: Yes.
It’s completely possible, very common, and highly recommended for convenience and peace of mind.
At Park Avenue Locks, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners and property managers achieve exactly this — and we’re sharing everything you need to know in this complete, no-fluff guide.What “Keyed Alike” Really Means“Keyed alike” means all your locks (deadbolts + locking entry knobs or levers) are set to operate with the same key. You go from 4–6 keys down to just 1 (or a small set of identical keys). It’s the opposite of “keyed different,” where every lock has its own unique key.Why Homeowners Love Keyed-Alike Setups
  • One key for the front door knob + deadbolt, back door, side door, garage entry, etc.
  • Much easier for families, seniors, or anyone who hates fumbling with keys.
  • Perfect when moving into a new home (no need to wonder who still has old keys).
  • Great for rental properties — change access instantly when tenants move out.
  • Saves money compared to replacing every single lock.
Can Deadbolts and Door Knobs Actually Be Keyed Alike?Yes — in the vast majority of cases.Both deadbolts and locking door knobs have a cylinder that contains pins. A locksmith (or you, in some cases) simply changes those pins so the locks accept the same key.Key requirements for success:
  • Locks should be the same brand (or at least the same keyway).
  • Most popular residential brands work great: Schlage, Kwikset, Baldwin, Yale, etc.
  • Schlage and Kwikset are especially easy and common.
You usually cannot key a Schlage lock to work with a Kwikset key (different key shapes). Stick with matching brands for the cleanest results.How the Rekeying Process WorksRekeying doesn’t replace your locks — it reprograms the existing cylinders.A professional:
  1. Removes the cylinder from each lock.
  2. Changes the internal pins to match your chosen key.
  3. Reassembles and tests everything.
The locks stay exactly where they are. Only the “combination” changes.DIY Rekeying vs. Hiring a Professional
Method
Typical Cost
Skill Level
Best For
Our Recommendation
DIY Rekey Kit
$10–$25 (kit for 6 locks)
Medium
1–2 locks, same brand
Only if you're handy
Professional Rekey
$15–$50 per cylinder
Easy for you
3+ locks or whole house
Best choice for most people
Full House Rekey
$150–$250 (typical 3–6 doors)
Easiest
New home or complete refresh
Excellent value
Pro Tip: Kwikset SmartKey locks can often be rekeyed in under 30 seconds with a simple tool — no pins required. Schlage usually needs a traditional rekey kit or pro.Many hardware stores will rekey new locks for free or a small fee when you buy them. For locks already installed on your doors, a mobile locksmith is usually the fastest and cleanest option.Should You Rekey or Replace Your Locks?Rekey when:
  • Locks are in good condition
  • You just want matching keys
  • You want to keep your current hardware style
Replace when:
  • Locks are old, damaged, or low-quality
  • You want upgraded security (Grade 1 deadbolts, smart locks, etc.)
  • You’re changing the look of your doors
Most of the time, rekeying is the smarter first step.Common Questions AnsweredDoes keying everything alike reduce security?
Not significantly. The only real downside is that losing your one key affects more doors. You can always rekey again quickly if needed. For most homes, the convenience far outweighs this.
Can I mix old and new locks?
Yes. A locksmith can rekey your existing locks to match a brand-new deadbolt (or the other way around).
What about high-security or restricted-key locks?
These may require special authorization. We can advise you on the best options.
How long does a full rekey take?
Usually 30–90 minutes for a typical house.
Can smart locks be keyed alike?
Many can — especially Schlage and Kwikset smart models. Some also give you app control as an extra layer.
Ready to Make It Happen?Getting your deadbolts and door knobs keyed alike is one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost improvements you can make to your home.Here’s what to do next:
  1. Decide if you want to keep your current locks or upgrade.
  2. Choose matching-brand hardware (we highly recommend Schlage or Kwikset for easy rekeying).
  3. Contact a professional for existing locks or ask us for guidance.
At Park Avenue Locks, we specialize in premium door hardware from top brands. Whether you need new deadbolts, entry knobs, levers, or expert advice on rekeying, our team has the knowledge and inventory to help.Shop our full selection of residential and commercial deadbolts & door hardware at parkavenuelocks.comOr call us directly at 332-255-3200 — we’ve been trusted experts in door security and hardware since 1985.One key.
Simpler life.
Better security.
That’s what keyed-alike done right looks like.Questions about your specific locks or setup?
Reply in the comments or reach out to us — we’re happy to give personalized recommendations.
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