When to Rekey and When to Replace Your Locks

There are two types of people in this world: those who panic and change every lock the moment something weird happens, and those who just wiggle the old key and hope for the best. Both approaches have their moments, but if you're wondering whether to rekey or replace your locks, you're not alone—and you're not doomed to fumble through it in a bathrobe at midnight.

What Actually Is Rekeying?

Rekeying is a bit like giving your lock a new personality without changing its face. The lock stays in place, but a locksmith rearranges the internal pins so your old keys no longer work. This process is generally quick, relatively inexpensive, and ideal for those times you want to make past keys obsolete—say, after a breakup, a roommate exodus, or a landlord with questionable ethics.

It's important to note: rekeying doesn't fix a worn-out lock. If the thing jams on Tuesdays and only opens when you sweet-talk it, it might be time to escalate to full-on replacement. But for many scenarios, rekeying does the trick.

When Full Lock Replacement Makes Sense

Replacing a lock involves removing the entire hardware and installing a brand-new unit. This is often the better choice in situations like:

• Your current locks are old or unreliable.
• You want to upgrade to a different lock type (e.g., going digital).
• Someone forced entry or attempted to.
• Your lock brand is so obscure that even the locksmith looks confused.

Replacing is the clear winner when you're concerned about structural integrity or when the lock just looks like it was installed in the Carter administration.

Cost Considerations (or Why Your Wallet Is Sweating)

Let's talk numbers. Rekeying typically costs between $15–$30 per lock (plus a service fee), whereas replacing a lock can range from $40 to $200 per unit, depending on how fancy you get. Want a biometric scanner that judges you silently while it opens? That'll cost you.

The trade-off is simple: rekeying gets the job done on a budget, but it's limited to your existing hardware. Replacing gives you a shiny new piece of security—but at a higher upfront cost.

Moving In: What Should You Do?

If you've just moved into a new place and the previous owner hands you a key with a smile that says, "Totally the only copy," it's rekey time. You don't know who else had access—exes, contractors, that one neighbor who "watched the place."

Rekeying offers peace of mind without needing to rip out every lock. However, if the locks look like they've seen better decades—or you want them all to match—this might be your moment to invest in replacements. New home, new locks, new era.

After a Break-In: Keep Calm and Assess

When someone breaks into your home, your first instinct might be to replace everything short of the doormat. But take a breath—this is where you need to inspect rather than react. If the locks were damaged during the break-in or someone used brute force, replacement is your best option.

However, if the intruder gained access using a stolen or copied key, rekeying is the smarter play. You can render any old copies useless without tearing your doors apart. Bonus: you get to feel like a spy wiping clean the past.

Security Upgrades That Matter

Sometimes the decision isn't about cost or trauma—it's about stepping into the 21st century. If you're using decades-old hardware with keys that jiggle in their slots like loose teeth, you're probably not getting peak protection. Modern locks offer:

• Drill-resistant cylinders
• Smart locks with remote access
• High-security key systems that can't be copied at your local hardware store
• Deadbolts with actual deadbolt strength (imagine that)

Rekeying can't give you those features. If security is your goal—and not just keeping your little brother from raiding your pantry—replacement might be the right direction.

Convenience and Key Control

Ever fumble through a fistful of keys like you're trying to defuse a bomb? If your home has a different key for every door, rekeying all of them to use a single key can be a game-changer. It's less about security and more about daily sanity.

Lock replacement can also consolidate keys, assuming you buy matching hardware. But rekeying is often the simpler and cheaper way to accomplish the same thing—unless, of course, you're dying to upgrade to keypad locks and stop carrying keys altogether.

Key Takeaways (Literally)

So, should you rekey or replace? Here's the TL;DR—but with slightly more effort than that:

• Rekey if your locks are in good shape and you just need to change who has access.
• Replace if the locks are old, damaged, or if you're aiming for a security or style upgrade.
• Either if your main goal is peace of mind—but weigh the costs and benefits first.

Locked and (Re)loaded

Security isn't just about steel and screws—it's about control. Whether you rekey to boot out old keys or replace your locks to embrace something more reliable or futuristic, the decision should fit your actual situation—not just your anxiety levels.

Evaluate your hardware. Consider your budget. And whatever you do, don't wait until your front door sticks at midnight in the rain. Locks are one of the few things in life where being proactive feels oddly like a power move.

Article kindly provided by astrolocks.com