If you have moved into a new apartment in NoMad or Flatiron, ended a tenancy, lost a key, or changed staff at your office, you need the locks rekeyed or replaced before the day is over. NoMad Locksmith & Security handles both services for residential and commercial properties across NoMad, Flatiron, Chelsea, Murray Hill, and Midtown South.
What is the difference between a lock change and a rekey, and which one do you need?
A rekey resets the internal pin stack of an existing cylinder so that old keys no longer work and a new key is cut to match. The hardware on your door stays in place. This is the right call when your lock is in good condition but key control has been lost. Common scenarios include a new tenant moving into a pre-war building on West 26th Street, an office manager in a Flatiron co-working building after a staff departure, or a Murray Hill condo owner after a breakup or roommate change.
A lock change means removing the entire lock and installing new hardware. You need a full change when the existing lock is worn, damaged, or simply not strong enough for your security level. Buildings on Park Avenue South and the side streets of NoMad still have legacy hardware that provides very little resistance to forced entry. A lock change is also the right move when you want to upgrade to a higher-security grade or add a smart lock to an existing door prep.
Both services reset key control immediately. The choice depends on the condition of your existing hardware and your target security level.
Which lock brands and models does NoMad Locksmith & Security install and rekey?
We stock and work with the brands and models that perform in Manhattan's real conditions: heavy commercial doors, worn-down wooden door frames in pre-war buildings, and high-traffic retail entries.
- Medeco Maxum and Medeco Biaxial deadbolts - high-security cylinders with patented key control, resistant to picking and bumping. A standard upgrade for apartment doors in NoMad and Chelsea.
- Schlage B60N and B62N deadbolts - ANSI Grade 1 hardware, a reliable workhorse for residential and light commercial doors throughout Midtown South.
- Mul-T-Lock MT5+ cylinders - a top choice for commercial properties, retail storefronts, and office suites in Flatiron where key duplication control matters.
- Yale Assure Lock 2 and Schlage Encode Plus - smart deadbolts with app control, auto-lock, and keypad entry. Common requests from tech offices and short-term rental units near the Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park.
- Abloy Protec2 - disc detainer cylinders with extremely high pick resistance. Specified by corporate clients and high-value retail in the NoMad hotel corridor.
We also service and rekey Kwikset SmartKey cylinders, Arrow, Corbin Russwin, and Best Access hardware found in older commercial buildings across the neighborhood.
How does the lock change and rekey process work in NoMad, Flatiron, and surrounding Manhattan?
The process is straightforward and built around your schedule.
- Call or text us. Describe the door, the existing hardware if you know it, and what triggered the need for a change or rekey. This lets us arrive with the right tools and replacement cylinders for your specific door prep.
- On-site assessment. We inspect the door, frame, existing lock grade, and any master key requirements before we touch anything. For building managers in NoMad managing multiple units, we document each cylinder and cut sequence.
- Rekey or replacement. For a rekey, we disassemble the cylinder, repin it to a new key cut, and test it on the door before leaving. For a lock change, we remove the old hardware, prep the door if needed, install the new lock, and confirm smooth operation.
- Key delivery. We cut the number of keys you need on the spot. For smart locks, we walk you through app pairing and code setup before we leave.
Turnaround is fast. Most single-door jobs in NoMad and Flatiron finish in under an hour. Multi-unit residential buildings and commercial suites take longer and are scheduled in blocks to minimize disruption to tenants or staff.
Security needs in this part of Manhattan are not generic. A pre-war walkup on East 28th Street, a ground-floor retail space on Fifth Avenue, and a full-floor tech office on Broadway each have different door conditions, threat profiles, and compliance needs. We assess all of it before we recommend a product.
To schedule a lock change or rekey, or to get a same-day appointment in NoMad, Flatiron, Chelsea, or Murray Hill, call NoMad Locksmith & Security at (917) 337-9703.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a lock change or rekey take?
Most single-door rekeying jobs take under 30 minutes. A full lock replacement runs 30 to 60 minutes depending on the hardware. Multi-unit buildings or complex commercial doors take longer, and we give you a time estimate before we start.
Can I rekey my apartment lock without telling my landlord?
In New York City, tenants have the right to add or change a lock on their apartment door under certain conditions, but the landlord is entitled to a copy of the new key. We recommend reviewing NYC Housing Code Section 27-2043 and notifying your landlord in writing before the work begins.
What if my building has a master key system?
We work with master key systems regularly in NoMad and Flatiron residential and commercial buildings. We can rekey your unit cylinder to accept a new tenant key while preserving master key function, or we can design a new pinning scheme for the whole system if you manage the building.
Need a locksmith in Manhattan? We come to you - 24/7.
(917) 337-9703 - Call Now