The difference in one minute
Rekeying and replacing both solve the same core problem: they make sure that keys which used to work no longer do. The difference is in what happens to the hardware. When a lock is rekeyed, the cylinder is opened, the small internal pins are changed to a new arrangement, and a new key is cut to match. The lock body, the handle, the deadbolt and the finish all stay in place. When a lock is replaced, the old hardware is removed and new hardware goes in, with new keys that come with it.
Both are normal, routine jobs. Neither is the right answer every time. Rekeying keeps the hardware you already have, which is a good thing when that hardware is sound and suits the door. Replacing makes sense when the lock is worn, damaged, outdated, or simply not what you want protecting that door. A good technician will tell you which situation you are in and will not push you toward the bigger job for its own sake.
This guide is designed to help you think through the decision before you call, so that the conversation is shorter and the result fits your situation. It is not a substitute for looking at the actual lock, but it covers the questions that usually settle the matter. For a closer look at the work itself, see our pages on rekeying and lock replacement.
Start with the reason for the change
The reason you are thinking about this often points toward the answer. If the goal is simply to cut off access for people who had keys, such as a previous owner, a former tenant, a contractor or an ex-partner, rekeying is usually sufficient, provided the hardware is in good shape. The old keys stop working, and you hold the only keys that do.
If the goal is to upgrade the level of security, replacement is the path. Rekeying a basic lock leaves you with a basic lock, only with different keys. If you want a stronger bolt, a better cylinder, a restricted keyway, or a smart lock, the hardware has to change. Our guide to choosing a deadbolt explains what better hardware looks like.
If the lock was damaged, for example by a forced entry attempt, a broken key, corrosion or heavy wear, replacement is often the better route, because rekeying a damaged lock only changes the keys and leaves a weak part in the door.
If you are moving into a home and want to know who has keys, rekeying is the typical first step and is a standard part of what we describe in our post move-in rekey service. If you are managing rentals with frequent turnover, rekeying is usually the routine, and replacement is a periodic event. Think about the reason first, and the rest of the decision gets easier.
When rekeying is the sensible choice
Rekeying fits best when the lock itself is in good condition and appropriate for the door. Signs that the hardware is sound include a smooth key action, a bolt that throws fully without sticking, a body that is tight on the door without wobble, and a finish that is intact. If the existing lock is a reputable brand with a solid build, it is often worth keeping.
It is also a good fit when you want several locks to share one key. Rekeying lets a technician set multiple deadbolts and knobs to work with a single key, which is handy for a house with front, back and garage entries. It does not require the locks to come from the same maker in some cases, though compatibility varies.
Another good case is when the hardware matches your home's look and you want to keep it. Decorative handle sets, matched finishes, or older hardware you like can be rekeyed without losing the appearance. Rekeying also produces less waste, because working parts stay in service.
Time is a factor. A rekey is generally a quick job, with each cylinder taking far less time than a replacement install, so a house or an apartment turnover can be done efficiently. For landlords handling many units, that adds up. Prices are discussed by phone, and because rekeying keeps the hardware, it is often the lighter option on cost compared with buying new locks, though that depends on the lock and the quantity.
- The lock is a decent brand and operates smoothly.
- The bolt throws fully and the lock is tight on the door.
- You want old keys to stop working without changing the look.
- You want several doors to use one key.
- You are turning over a rental or moving into a home.
When replacement is the better choice
Replacement makes sense when the lock itself is the weak link. A lock that is stiff, gritty, loose on the door, or that has been repaired repeatedly is telling you it is near the end of its life. Putting a new set of pins into a worn cylinder does not undo the wear, and the lock may start to fail again soon.
Replacement is also right when the lock is low in quality for the position it is in. A lightweight lock on an exposed front door may be less than you want, and moving to a stronger deadbolt makes a real difference. If the door is a main entry on a street, a back door to a yard, or a garage access door, it may deserve stronger hardware.
Corrosion is a major factor in coastal Palm Beach County. Locks near the water or on exposed doors can corrode inside and out. A rekey on a heavily corroded lock can be tricky, because parts may not come apart cleanly, and the result may not last. If the finish is pitted or the action is rough, replacement is the cleaner solution.
Another good reason is when you want features the old lock does not have. Keypads, smart locks, a handle with better ergonomics, a lever for accessibility, or a keyway that is harder to copy all require new hardware. Also, if you are renovating and updating the look of the door, new hardware may be part of the plan. Compare it with the smart lock installation options if that appeals.
Checking the hardware condition yourself
You can learn a lot about a lock in a few minutes without tools. Start with the key. Insert it and turn it slowly. Does it go in smoothly, and does it turn without grinding? A key that needs jiggling or force suggests wear in the cylinder or in the key itself. If you have a spare that works better, the original key may be the worn part, which is a different problem.
Next, throw the bolt with the door open and watch it. It should extend fully, with a clean, solid movement, and retract the same way. Any hesitation, sluggishness or hard spots deserve attention. Then close the door and lock it, and see whether the bolt aligns with the hole in the frame without needing to lift or push the door.
Grab the lock body and the handle and check for wobble. A lock that moves on the door has loosened fittings or worn mounting, and that can affect how well it resists force. Look at the finish for pitting, flaking, discoloration or rust bleed, all of which suggest the metal underneath is being attacked.
Finally, think about age and history. Has the lock been repaired, forced, or partly replaced before? Has a key broken in it? Do you know who has had keys over the years? If the answers are mostly good, rekeying is a strong candidate. If you see several warning signs, replacement deserves a serious look. If you are unsure, describe what you see to the technician. A short phone conversation often settles it, and the on-site check confirms it.
- Turn the key slowly and notice any grinding or roughness.
- Throw the bolt with the door open and watch the full travel.
- Close the door and check that the bolt lines up with the frame.
- Grip the lock and handle to test for looseness.
- Inspect the finish for pitting, rust or flaking.
- Recall any repairs, forced entries or broken keys.
Door types and unusual cases
Different doors bring different considerations. Standard residential deadbolts and knobs are usually simple to rekey, and most have common cylinder designs. Mortise locks, found in older homes and many commercial doors, can be rekeyed too, but the work is more involved and the parts may be harder to source. Our page on mortise lock service covers that.
Sliding glass doors and patio doors often use a lock built into the frame, sometimes with a small keyed cylinder. Rekeying may be possible, but replacement can be the cleaner choice if the lock is worn or the model is discontinued. Impact doors and storm hardware may use specific parts, so it helps to know the brand.
Garage entry doors and gates often use hardware that sees less care, so wear and corrosion are common. Check the lock condition before assuming rekeying will do. Condo and townhome doors may be subject to association rules about hardware and keying, so find out who controls the lock before changing it. Some associations keep master keys or require specific brands, and a change that ignores that can cause problems later.
Electronic locks are a separate case. Many can be reprogrammed to change who has access, which is a bit like rekeying, but physical keys still need attention. If a smart lock has a keyed backup cylinder, that cylinder can be rekeyed like any other. Be sure to tell the technician what kind of lock is on the door.
Quantity, convenience and thinking about the whole property
The decision does not have to be the same for every door. A house may have a strong, well-kept front deadbolt that only needs rekeying, a worn back door lock that should be replaced, and a garage entry lock that sits somewhere in between. Treat each door on its own merits, and then think about how to unify the keys.
A common approach is to rekey or replace everything so the whole property runs on one key, or on a small number of keys, with clear records of who holds each one. That makes life simpler and makes it easy to know what to change if a key is lost. For rental properties and small businesses, a plan that includes key tracking and a defined process for turnover saves time over the long run.
Look at the number of locks involved. If you have one or two doors, either path is simple. If you have many, such as an apartment building, a multi-door office or an HOA clubhouse, the choice can affect schedule and logistics. A technician can often do a full set of rekeys in a single visit, and a mix of rekey and replacement can be arranged to suit.
Consider whether you may want to change again soon. If you plan to renovate in the near future, it may make sense to rekey now and replace hardware as part of the project later. If you are selling, a rekey after closing is a standard handoff step. Our guide on moving day lock checklist shows where it fits.
Security results: what each choice does and does not do
Both options do the main thing you want in most cases: they invalidate old keys. After a proper rekey, the old keys will not turn the lock. After a replacement, the same is true. From the point of view of who can walk in with a key, the two are equal.
Where they differ is in everything the key does not control. A rekeyed lock is exactly as strong as it was before, no more and no less. If the bolt is short, the cylinder is basic, or the strike plate is weak, those facts do not change. A replacement can improve all of those at once, and can add a stronger strike plate and longer screws as part of the same visit.
Neither option protects against other weaknesses in the door. A hollow or damaged door, a thin frame, glass near the lock, or a gap at the edge can all limit security no matter which lock you use. A thoughtful technician will look at the whole door, and may suggest improvements to the frame or strike. That is the idea behind our security assessment work.
It is worth saying plainly that no lock stops every attack. The goal is to make unauthorized entry harder, slower and noisier, and to be sure the people who should have access do and the people who should not do not. Rekeying and replacement are both good tools for that, when matched to the condition of the hardware.
How the quote works and how to prepare for the call
Quotes are given by phone. When you call, we will ask about the doors involved, the type and condition of the locks, the brand if known, and what you are trying to achieve. That conversation lets us explain which option makes sense and what each costs. Complicated jobs, such as unusual hardware, damaged doors or large sets of locks, may need an on-site visit before a firm quote. There is a service call charge, and it is explained on the phone before anyone is dispatched.
To make the call efficient, walk around and list each door and lock. Note whether each one is a knob, lever, deadbolt, handle set, mortise, patio lock or electronic lock. Note any brand names you can read. Note any known problems, such as stiff action or a lost key. Decide whether you want all keys the same or different by door.
Be ready to confirm that you are the owner or authorized occupant. A reputable locksmith will ask, and the question protects you. If you are a tenant, the landlord's permission may be needed, depending on your lease. If you are managing a property, have authorization from the owner.
Whatever you choose, keep a record of who holds keys afterward. A short list taped inside a closet door is better than nothing. When you are ready, call and we will talk through your doors and help you choose between rekeying and replacement, and give you a clear quote by phone.
Questions people ask
Does rekeying make my lock more secure?
It makes the lock respond to new keys only, which cuts off anyone who had old keys. It does not make the lock itself stronger. If the bolt is short, the cylinder is basic or the strike plate is weak, those weaknesses remain. If you want a higher level of security, replacement with better hardware is the way to go.
Can any lock be rekeyed?
Most common residential locks can be rekeyed, including many deadbolts and knobs. Some older, damaged or unusual locks cannot be rekeyed practically, and some are simply quicker to replace. A technician can tell you after checking the brand and condition. Tell us the brand and type when you call and we will give an honest answer.
Is it better to rekey after buying a home?
It is a widely recommended step, because you cannot know who still holds keys from previous owners, agents, contractors or tenants. Rekeying lets you keep the existing hardware, if it is sound, while making sure only your keys work. If the locks are old or worn, replacement may be a better investment at the same time.
How long does rekeying take compared with replacement?
Rekeying a standard lock is usually a quick job, and replacing a lock takes somewhat longer because the old hardware has to be removed and the new one fitted and checked. Exact timing depends on the number of doors and the condition of the hardware. We do not promise arrival or completion windows, but we can describe what to expect when you call.
What if the lock is corroded from salt air?
Heavy corrosion can make rekeying difficult, because parts may not move or come apart cleanly, and the lock may keep deteriorating. In that case replacement is often the cleaner solution, preferably with a finish suited to coastal conditions. A technician can inspect and tell you whether the existing lock is still worth keeping.
How do I get a quote for rekeying or replacing locks?
Call and describe the doors, the types of locks and your goals. Quotes are given by phone. For simple jobs that is often all that is needed. For complicated jobs, an on-site visit may be required before a firm quote. A service call charge applies and is explained on the phone before dispatch, so there are no surprises.
Describe the situation by phone and we will tell you what the job involves. Quotes are given by phone. Jobs that cannot be quoted without seeing them need a technician on site, and the service call charge is explained on the phone before anyone is dispatched.
(954) 906-9567