Rekey or replace your locks? How to tell

People often ask for "new locks" when what they really need is a rekey — and occasionally the other way around. The two fix different problems, and knowing which is which can save you real money.

What rekeying does

Rekeying keeps your existing lock on the door and changes which key opens it. A locksmith swaps the small pins inside the cylinder so your old keys stop working and a new key takes over. The lock looks and feels exactly the same; only the key changes.

Rekey when:

• You just moved in and don't know who has a copy.
• A key was lost or stolen.
• A tenant, roommate, or contractor moved on.
• Your doors take different keys and you want one key for all of them.

It's usually the cheaper choice, because you keep the hardware. See how rekeying works.

What replacing does

Replacing swaps the whole lock for new hardware. You do this when the lock itself is the problem, not just the key.

Replace when:

• The lock is worn, corroded, or sticks and binds.
• You want a higher security grade than the builder-grade lock on the door.
• The hardware is simply old and no longer trustworthy.
• You're upgrading to a deadbolt or a smart lock.

The quick test

Ask one question: is the hardware fine, and only the key situation has changed? If yes, rekey. If the lock itself is worn, damaged, or you want better hardware, replace.

One more thing worth knowing: a lock that won't latch is often a door or strike problem, not a lock problem. A new lock on a misaligned door will fail the same way, so a good locksmith checks alignment either way.

Not sure?

That's fine — it's what we're for. We'll look at your doors, tell you honestly which option is the better value, and quote both before any work starts. Call us or read more on our lock change and repair page.