The Big Question After Moving
You've just moved into a new place, or a roommate left, or you lost a key. You need to change the locks. But should you rekey or replace? Both achieve the same goal — making the old key useless — but they differ in cost, effort, and what else you get.
Here's the comparison to help you decide.
What You Get with Each Option
Rekeying
- ✅ Old keys stop working
- ✅ New keys are issued
- ✅ Cheaper — $40-$100 per lock
- ✅ Faster — 10-15 minutes per lock
- ❌ Same lock hardware (no security upgrade)
- ❌ Doesn't fix worn or damaged locks
- ❌ Can't switch to a different brand or smart lock
Replacing
- ✅ Old keys stop working
- ✅ New keys are issued
- ✅ Brand-new hardware (fresh, reliable)
- ✅ Opportunity to upgrade security (Grade 1, high-security, smart lock)
- ✅ Can switch brands or keyways
- ✅ Fixes worn, damaged, or corroded locks
- ❌ More expensive — $75-$250+ per lock
- ❌ Takes longer — 20-30 minutes per lock
Choose Rekeying If...
- You just moved in and the locks work fine
- A roommate or tenant left and the locks are in good condition
- You lost a key and want to invalidate it
- You want all your locks on the same key
- You're on a budget and the locks are under 5 years old
- Your locks are a good brand (Schlage, Yale) and you're happy with them
Choose Replacing If...
- Your locks are 10+ years old
- The locks are stiff, corroded, or hard to turn
- You want to upgrade from Grade 3 to Grade 1
- You want high-security locks (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock) with restricted keys
- You want smart locks (keypad, fingerprint, smartphone)
- Your locks are different brands and you want matching hardware
- The locks are damaged from a break-in attempt
- You're renovating and want new hardware that matches the new decor
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Just Bought a House
The locks are 8 years old, they work fine, but you don't know who has keys.
Recommendation: Rekey all exterior locks. Cost: ~$200-$300 for 3-4 locks. If you later decide to upgrade security, you can replace specific locks (like the front door) when budget allows.
Scenario 2: New Apartment, Old Locks
The apartment has a deadbolt and a knob lock, both work but look old.
Recommendation: Rekey both. Cost: ~$100-$200. You're renting, so replacing locks may not be allowed without landlord permission. Rekeying changes the keys without changing the hardware.
Scenario 3: Locks Are 15 Years Old and Sticky
The key is hard to turn, the deadbolt doesn't extend fully, there's visible rust.
Recommendation: Replace. The locks are at end of life. Rekeying would just put new pins in a failing lock. Budget $200-$500 for 3-4 new Grade 1 deadbolts installed.
Scenario 4: Roommate Left, Locks Are Fine
Your roommate moved out. The locks are 3 years old, Schlage, in good shape.
Recommendation: Rekey. Cost: ~$100-$150 for 2 exterior locks. Quick, cheap, solves the problem.
Scenario 5: Break-In Attempt
Someone tried to force your door. The lock still works but there are pry marks.
Recommendation: Replace. The internal damage may not be visible. A damaged lock can fail when you need it most. Replace with a Grade 1 deadbolt and reinforce the strike plate.
Cost Comparison Table
| Number of Locks | Rekeying Cost | Replace (Grade 1) | Replace (High-Sec) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 lock | $40 – $100 | $75 – $200 | $150 – $400 |
| 2 locks | $80 – $200 | $150 – $400 | $300 – $800 |
| 3 locks | $120 – $300 | $225 – $600 | $450 – $1,200 |
| 4 locks | $160 – $400 | $300 – $800 | $600 – $1,600 |
Actual pricing set by responding locksmith. Industry averages shown.
The Bottom Line
Default to rekeying. It's cheaper, faster, and solves the most common problems (new keys, old keys invalidated). Only replace when the locks are old, damaged, or you want to upgrade.
If you're unsure, ask a locksmith to inspect your locks. They'll tell you whether rekeying is sufficient or if replacement is the better investment.
FAQ
Is rekeying cheaper than replacing?
Yes. Rekeying costs $40-$100 per lock; replacing costs $75-$250+ per lock. For a typical home with 3 exterior locks, rekeying saves $100-$400 compared to replacement.
Can I rekey instead of replacing if my locks are old?
You can, but it's not recommended. If locks are 10+ years old, stiff, or corroded, rekeying puts new pins in a failing lock. The money is better spent on replacement with new hardware.
Does rekeying make my lock more secure?
No. Rekeying changes the keys, not the lock's security level. If you want better security, you need to replace with a higher-grade lock (Grade 1) or a high-security brand (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock).
Can a locksmith rekey locks from different brands to the same key?
Only if the locks use the same keyway. For example, all Schlage locks can be rekeyed to one Schlage key. But a Schlage and a Kwikset can't be rekeyed to the same key — they use different key blanks. If you have mixed brands, you'd need to replace some to achieve a single-key system.
Need rekeying services service right now? Call (855) 373-1159 and our 24/7 dispatch center will connect you with a licensed professional near you.