I'm looking to replace 3 sets of deadbolts and doorknobs with new keyed alike handles and deadbolts (they don't need to be high security or anything, just regular exterior entry). All of the big box home improvement stores I've been to don't have a good way to get keyed alike doorknobs etc. The best I've found is two-packs, but that means I still have to dig through and try to find another set with the same key.
Where would be the best place to get locks that are keyed alike?
Actually, they do.
Every lock package will have a prominent 3-5 digit "Key Number" somewhere on the outside of the package, typically the back. All packages with the same key number use the same key.
So if you have 3 knobs and 2 deadbolts you all want keyed alike, buy 3 knob+deadbolt sets of the same number.
Generally there are 3-8 lock packages in a carton (all with the same style/color/SKU). Every package in the carton will have the same key number. Search the packages with the same SKU until you find your matches. If not enough match, see if they have an unopened carton on the racks, or hit another big-box store. (This is the one time I'll recommend big-box; they buy whole cartons).
This only works within the same SKU (barcode number). Do not turn the store upside down looking for the same key number on a different SKU, you won't find it. So if you need 3 knobs + 2 deadbolts, you must buy 3 knob+deadbolt sets, not 2 and a loose knob.
Speaking of security... Buy your lock-sets far away, at places you don't normally shop. Once we demoted someone in a club and changed the knob/lock to his office. He drilled out ours and fit his own knob-lock. I noted the model, went to the local hardware store and bought one of each key number. Voilà. He could never figure out how I did it!
Certain low-midline brands of lock allow you to "re-key" the lock to any arbitrary key. You unlock it, insert a special tool, and then insert the new desired key. These are compatible with certain keyways. I'm not a fan, honestly; the mechanism seems flimsy given the price point.
They can make anything you want. But the price will be nosebleed compared to the other options. They can cheerfully build any lock-set (even a padlock!) to match your key.
First, there are 3 kinds of locksmiths:
So when calling around, if they pressure you to come to you, hang up the phone: they are either a) an "outbound only, with truck" locksmith who will charge unnecessary on-site fees; or b) a scammer collecting your data to sell as "leads" to other locksmiths, or to criminals to take advantage of you. Going to their well-worn location removes all doubt. You can also find them in 10-year-old phone books.
The key codes are on the packages go through their inventory and pick out 3 with the same key code, this is how I do it without any extra charge.
You say "they don't need to be high security our anything", so perhaps you could consider SmartKey - Re-Key Technology & Key Control - Weiser.
You can rekey them yourself in literally 10 seconds each. The first time you do it, it will take you longer, simply because you've never done it before, but it really is trivially simple to do.
Any time you want, you can rekey them again, with no expense other than the cost of cutting new keys.
It's also handy if you need to temporarily give a key to a handyman. Rekey it for that purpose and then change it back afterwards.
(I know this sounds like an ad, but it isn't. I've personally found this to be a handy and useful system. But it's definitely not as secure or well made as some other products.)
You could hire a locksmith to change them all to have matching cylinders, but I've found that many packages at big retail stores have a code written somewhere on the packaging which identifies the lock pinout.
If you buy multiple packages having the same code the keys will match. This will take some time looking at all the boxes in the store but it works. The bigger the store the better because you're more likely to have access to more retail packages to inspect.
I bought two deadbolts (at the blue big box store if it matters) and had one re-keyed to match the other. I believe this is an option, though it costs a bit to have them re-keyed (~$5 per lock).
Just so you are aware of all your options it seems they (big box stores) as sell re-keying kits, though I have no experience with them. Blue box store link Orange big box store
In case you're unable to find sufficient quantity of locksets you like with matching key codes, and if your DIY drive is moderately strong, consider re-keying the locks yourself. Re-key kits for the common Schlage SC1 and Kwikset keyways with enough parts to do all six locks are available through online marketplaces for around US$25.
I've used kits that consisted of no more than a set of zipper bags filled with pins and a plastic follower tool. For your six locks a kit that includes at least 12 pieces of every numbered pin should suffice.
The hardest part is figuring out how to access the lock cylinder. Second hardest is remembering to hold the follower snug against plug so that the upper pins don't jump out. If you can do that, it's a simple thing to dump out the old pins and install a new set to match the chosen key.
If the new locks use the same keyway as the existing locks you could practice the technique on the old locks before starting on the new.
Buy a two-pack and then one additional set. If the store you bought them at doesn't do rekeying then take them to a locksmith, or have them come out to you, and have them rekey the third set to match the two.
If you're buying new locks, then the other answers will be more efficient. If you already have differently-keyed locks, you could try re-keying them yourself.
I re-keyed my existing locks so doors that were updated at different times all worked with the same key. (They were all the same brand of lock.)
It's not hard to learn how conceptually, but it takes a bit of dexterity and patience. You can buy rekeying kits for any of the major brands. The kits come with the specialty tools and a supply of pins in all the various lengths.
There are many online videos of step-by-step re-keying demonstrations for each of the major brands. The basic process is:
My first attempt took more than an hour. But the second and subsequent locks took me only 15-20 minutes each.
I've recently talked to a high-end, experienced locksmith about this exact topic.
He talked about the various big-box stores that sell locks and the brands they sell, saying most of them are junk, with some exceptions. I don't remember what they were, but you generally get a better brand when you pay more. He also said that they all rotate their key numbers every so often, so if you wait a year, you can get the same numbers for the same brands. This means that you likely have the same keys as several other people in your city. Thieves know this and likely have a key ring to try.
This locksmith said to buy whatever you wanted, then have it rekeyed immediately. A good locksmith can do it quickly, for under $10 a lock, and may come to you. You can also buy the locks directly from the locksmith and they can just come keyed the same to begin with, as long as you remember to specify they should.
If you are buying new locks for a house you just bought, you can just have the locks rekeyed, instead of buying new. This saves you having to research good brands as well as the hassle of running around buying locks and having them match. You also avoid the unnecessary expense of buying the new locks. If you don't like your current locks, then sure, buy new and rekey, but know it's not a requirement, just rekeying the existing ones will work.
Harper's answer was pretty harsh on locksmiths. The guy I talked to had several $10k machines in the back of his truck he worked out of to be able to make keys in nearly any make or model of vehicle, home, and business. He also paid hundreds of dollars a year to get the updates for car brands, when they change lock types to prevent thefts.
It sounds like Harper got burned several times, so take that advice with a grain of salt. There are definitely shady and otherwise unscrupulous people out there, but there's also plenty of legit locksmiths, too. Even if they only work out of a van.
We went to a supplier (sells lots of hardware) and asked for the set of 5 locks with a series of keys - master key to open all and sub keys that would only open combinations. So front entry and room A and front entry and room B.
So it is possible, but you need a good shop, not one of the common DIY cheap & cheerful stores.
Some online lock suppliers will gladly sell a set of locks that are all keyed alike. I have personally ordered a large set of locks (around a dozen) from one such supplier; their web order form let me specify which locks should be keyed alike.
I do not know if supplying a link to the one specific supplier I know of would be appropriate for this site, but the one I used wasn't difficult to find by searching.
