Fast San Rafael Locksmiths Service Team
Local locksmith team
Jul 7, 2026 3 min read
Picking up the keys to a new place on Fourth Street, settling into a Canal neighborhood apartment, or closing on a craftsman bungalow near Dominican University — moving to San Rafael is exciting. But here is the thing most new homeowners overlook in the chaos of unpacking: you have no idea how many copies of your keys are floating around out there. Previous owners, contractors, dog walkers, old tenants — any of them could have a copy. A professional lock rekey is the single fastest way to take ownership of your home's security without replacing every piece of hardware on your doors.
This checklist walks you through every step of securing a new home the right way, from auditing the hardware already on your doors to understanding when a full lock replacement beats a simple rekey. We have organized it like a real action plan — work through it room by room, starting at your front door and finishing at every secondary entry point — so nothing gets missed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an emergency locksmith cost near me in San Rafael?+
The final price for an emergency locksmith visit depends on several factors: the type of lock involved (a standard pin-tumbler deadbolt versus a mortise lock versus a high-security cylinder), the time of day, the travel distance to your location, and whether any parts need to be replaced during the service. We always confirm an exact up-front price before any work begins, so you know the full amount before you agree. Call (415) 237-9558 and we will walk you through what to expect for your specific situation.
What is a locksmith call-out fee, and does Fast San Rafael Locksmiths charge one?+
A call-out fee — sometimes called a service or dispatch fee — is a charge some locksmiths apply just for arriving at your location, separate from the cost of the actual work. How fees are structured varies by company. At Fast San Rafael Locksmiths, we are transparent about all charges before any work begins. When you call (415) 237-9558, we will explain exactly what is included in your quote so there are no hidden add-ons when the job is done.
Is rekeying a lock as secure as replacing it entirely?+
In most cases, yes — a proper lock rekey gives you the same security as a brand-new lock because it changes the exact combination of pins that the key must lift to operate the cylinder. The only time a full replacement makes more sense is when the lock hardware itself is worn, damaged, or a lower-security grade that you want to upgrade. For older San Rafael homes with antique mortise lock hardware, rekeying is often the preferred approach because it preserves the original mechanism and aesthetic while completely invalidating any previously cut keys.
How long does a home lock rekey appointment take for a typical San Rafael house?+
For a standard single-family home with three to five exterior locks, a professional lock rekey service typically takes between 45 minutes and 90 minutes on-site. Homes with mortise lock hardware, multiple buildings on the property, or locks that need repair rather than just rekeying may take longer. Our mobile technicians arrive with a full range of pinning kits, cylinder tools, and replacement hardware so we can handle most jobs in a single visit without return trips for parts.
