Rekey vs. Replace: Which Is Right for Your Home?

Deciding between rekeying or replacing your locks? Learn the differences, costs, and when each option makes the most sense.

Understanding Rekey vs New Locks

When you want to secure your home, you generally have two choices: rekey or replace locks. Both options will ensure that old keys no longer work, but they involve entirely different processes and costs.

What Does It Mean to Rekey a Lock?

Rekeying means keeping your existing door hardware but changing the internal pins and springs of the lock cylinder so that it works with a brand new key. Any old keys floating around will no longer turn the lock.

When to Rekey Locks

• Moving into a new home: You don't know who the previous owners gave spare keys to (contractors, neighbors, relatives).
• Lost or stolen keys: If you've lost your keys, rekeying is the fastest and most affordable way to secure your home.
• Roommate or tenant moves out: Ensure previous occupants can no longer access the property.
• Convenience: If you have different keys for your front, back, and side doors, a locksmith can rekey them all to work with a single key (as long as they are the same brand/keyway).

When to Replace Locks

Replacing a lock involves removing the entire hardware assembly and installing a brand new one. You should opt for replacement when:

• The lock is broken or worn out: If the lock is difficult to turn, rusty, or physically damaged, rekeying won't fix the mechanical issues.
• You want an aesthetic upgrade: If you're updating your home's hardware from brass to matte black, you'll need new locks.
• You want to upgrade security: Moving from a standard lock to a high-security lock, keypad lock, or smart lock requires full replacement.

Cost Comparison

In almost all cases, rekeying is significantly cheaper than replacing locks because you are only paying for the locksmith's labor and a few tiny pins, rather than buying entirely new hardware.