Security Tips
Explore a collection of informative articles to learn more about locksmith services and the benefits they provide.
- Rekeying Rental Properties Between Tenants
- Master Key Systems For Small Businesses
- Why Rekey? Rekeying VS Replacing
- What to Do If You’re Locked Out of Your Home
- You Closed On Your New Home & Got Your Keys, But Who Else Has One?
- Lost Your Car Keys?
- Top 5 Reasons to Rekey Your Locks Today
- Smart Locks vs. Traditional Locks: Which Is Right for Your Home?
- How Fire Door Inspections Can Save Lives and Property
- The Key to Office Security: Master Key Systems Explained
- What to Do If You’re Locked Out of Your Car
- Lost Your Transponder Key? Here's How I Can Help
- 24/7 Locksmith Services: When to Call for Emergency Help
- Why Every Business Needs a Certified Fire Door Inspector
- The Art and Science of Key Duplication
Why Rekey? Rekeying VS Replacing
When it comes to securing your home, you might wonder: should you rekey your locks or replace them entirely? Both options have their place, but rekeying is often the smarter, more cost-effective choice for most homeowners. Here’s what you need to know to make the right call for your situation.
Rekeying: The Affordable Security Upgrade
Rekeying means changing the pins inside your existing locks so old keys no longer work, and you get a new set of keys. If your locks are in good shape, rekeying is almost always less expensive than replacing them. Quality locks can cost over $100 per door to replace—sometimes much more. For the price of a single door, you could often pay a locksmith’s trip charge and have every lock in your home rekeyed (usually $40–$60 per door, sometimes less if a door only has one lock). You don’t have to lift a finger, and your locksmith will make sure everything works smoothly, fixing any fit or finish issues on the spot.
When Replacement Makes Sense
There are times when replacing a lock is the best option. If a lock is broken, worn out, or just doesn’t match your style, replacement is the way to go. Also, some homes have mixed keyways—meaning not all locks use the same type of key. If you want all your locks to work with one key, you may need to replace the locks that are in the poorest condition or that use a different (minority) keyway. Your locksmith can help you identify which locks need to be replaced to get everything working together.
How Rekeying Saves You Money
Most locksmiths charge about $20 on average to rekey a lock cylinder. If you try to replace locks yourself, you might run into trouble with installation, door alignment, or hardware compatibility—and end up calling a locksmith anyway. Rekeying is usually faster, less expensive, and avoids the hassle of DIY mistakes. Plus, you keep your existing hardware, which is often higher quality than what you’ll find in a big box store replacement.
When to Rekey, When to Replace
- Rekey: Your locks are in good condition, you want new keys, or you want all locks to match (and they’re compatible).
- Replace: The lock is broken, unattractive, or a different keyway than the rest and you want everything on one key.
Replacement should really only be your first choice if the lock isn’t functional, doesn’t look good, or is a minority keyway when you want all locks keyed alike. Otherwise, rekeying is the practical, affordable way to secure your home.
Let a Locksmith Help
Not sure what you need? A professional locksmith can assess your locks, recommend the best solution, and handle the work quickly and efficiently. Whether you rekey, replace, or do a mix of both, you’ll get peace of mind knowing your home is secure and your locks are working their best.