Moving into a new place, going through a break-up, or losing track of who has a spare key, these are all moments where the question comes up: do you rekey the locks or replace them entirely? The answer comes down to a few practical factors, and getting it right can save money without compromising security.
What Does It Actually Mean to Rekey Locks?
Rekeying involves changing the internal pins inside an existing lock so a new key is needed to open it, while the lock hardware itself, the handle, the deadbolt, the mechanism, stays the same. Any old keys, including copies you don't know exist, stop working once the pins are changed. It's a job a locksmith can usually complete on site without removing anything from your door.
When Should You Rekey Locks Instead of Replacing Them?
Rekeying makes sense when the lock is in good working order but you want to control who has access. Common situations include moving into a property where you don't know how many keys are out there, ending a relationship where a former partner still has a copy, or losing a key and wanting to rule out the risk of it being used. If your locks are functioning well mechanically and just need a fresh set of keys, rekeying achieves that without the cost of new hardware. Replacement is the better call when a lock is physically damaged, outdated, or you're deliberately upgrading to a higher security rating.
Is It Cheaper to Rekey Locks or Replace Them Entirely?
In most cases, yes. Rekeying reuses your existing lock and only requires labour and new pins, whereas replacement means paying for new hardware on top of installation. If you've got multiple doors, rekeying them to all use the same key can also cut down on how many keys you're carrying, though this is a matter of convenience rather than cost alone.
How Long Does It Take to Rekey Locks?
A straightforward rekeying job on a standard residential lock typically takes somewhere between fifteen and thirty minutes per lock once a locksmith is on site. If you rekey locks on several doors at once, a mobile locksmith can usually get through a whole property in a single visit, since there's no need to remove hardware and transport it elsewhere.
Can All Locks Be Rekeyed, or Only Certain Types?
Most pin tumbler locks, which cover the majority of residential and commercial doors, can be rekeyed without issue. Some older or heavily worn locks aren't worth rekeying if the internal components have degraded to the point where replacement makes more practical sense. A locksmith can usually tell within a few minutes of inspection which category your locks fall into, so you're not guessing before committing to either option.
If you're weighing up rekeying against replacement, get in touch with TasMobile Locksmiths for an assessment of your specific locks.
