Lock Change and Rekey Service in Midtown Manhattan and All Five Boroughs of NYC

When a tenant moves out, an employee is terminated, or keys go missing, the fastest way to restore security is a lock change or rekey. Imperial Locksmith & Security handles both services for commercial buildings, multi-family properties, and residences across Midtown Manhattan and all five boroughs of New York City. A rekey reconfigures the existing cylinder so old keys no longer work. A lock change replaces the hardware entirely. Knowing which option fits your situation saves time and keeps your property secure without unnecessary work.

When should a property manager choose a rekey over a full lock change?

A rekey makes sense when the existing hardware is in good condition and meets your security requirements. A locksmith removes the cylinder, replaces the internal pins, and cuts new keys. The lock body stays in place. This works well for Schlage B-series deadbolts, Kwikset SmartKey cylinders, and BEST SFIC cores found in many Midtown Manhattan office buildings and apartment complexes.

A full lock change is the right call when:

• The hardware is worn, damaged, or does not meet NYC building code for the door type
• You are upgrading to a higher-security cylinder such as a Medeco M3, Mul-T-Lock MT5+, or ASSA Abloy Protec2
• You are replacing a standard deadbolt with a smart lock or electronic access device
• The existing lock is a restricted keyway and the previous tenant holds keys you cannot account for

Property managers in Chelsea, Murray Hill, and the Financial District frequently combine a lock change with a master key system update. That way every new cylinder is pinned to the building's existing master key from day one.

What brands and hardware does Imperial Locksmith & Security work with on commercial doors?

Commercial doors in New York City face specific requirements. Exit devices, fire-rated frames, and ADA-compliant levers all affect which hardware is appropriate. Imperial Locksmith & Security installs and services hardware from manufacturers that meet those demands.

Common brands and models we work with include:

• Schlage - ND-series levers, L-series mortise locks, and B-series deadbolts with Primus or Everest restricted keyways
• Mul-T-Lock - MT5+ cylinders and Interactive+ deadbolts, widely used in Tribeca lofts and Upper East Side co-ops
• Medeco - M3 deadbolts and cylinders for high-security applications in financial offices and law firms
• ASSA Abloy - Protec2 cylinders and Corbin Russwin mortise hardware for large commercial buildings
• Alarm Lock - Trilogy standalone electronic locks that record access events without network wiring
• Kwikset - SmartKey and Halo smart locks for residential units and smaller commercial suites

For buildings with Von Duprin exit devices or LCN door closers already installed, we replace cylinders and trim without disturbing the existing panic hardware. That keeps the door code-compliant while refreshing key control.

How does Imperial Locksmith & Security handle a rekey or lock change for a whole building?

Multi-unit buildings in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island often need coordinated rekeying across dozens of doors. Imperial Locksmith & Security approaches those projects in a structured way.

1. Site survey: A technician visits the property, documents every cylinder type, and notes any doors that need hardware replacement before rekeying can proceed.
2. Key system design: For buildings with a master key system, we draft a keying chart that defines change key levels, a building master, and a grand master if needed. Schlage Everest and BEST SFIC platforms are well-suited to large hierarchies.
3. Scheduled service: We coordinate with your building staff to minimize disruption to tenants. Most multi-unit rekeys in a Manhattan high-rise or a Brooklyn brownstone are completed in a single day.
4. Key control documentation: You receive a record of which keys belong to which cylinders. Restricted keyways such as Medeco or Mul-T-Lock prevent unauthorized duplication at any hardware store.

Emergency rekeying after a break-in or lockout is available across all five boroughs. Facilities managers at commercial properties in Midtown Manhattan can reach our team quickly because we are based at 165 Madison Ave.

To get a quote or schedule service, contact Imperial Locksmith & Security through the contact section of this website. Our team is ready to assess your property and recommend the right approach.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a rekey take compared to a full lock change?

A rekey on a standard pin-tumbler lock takes 10 to 20 minutes per cylinder once a technician is on site. A full lock change takes longer because the hardware itself is replaced, but most single-door jobs are finished within an hour.

Can Imperial Locksmith rekey locks to a master key system at the same time?

Yes. Rekeying and master keying happen together. A technician pins each cylinder to accept a specific change key while also responding to a master or grand master key, all in one visit.

Do you service buildings outside Midtown Manhattan?

Imperial Locksmith & Security serves all five boroughs, including the Financial District, Upper East Side, Chelsea, Tribeca, Murray Hill, and neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.