Choosing between lock rekeying and lock replacement can be confusing for homeowners and business owners. Both services improve security and both result in old keys no longer providing access in certain situations. Because of these similarities, many people assume the services are interchangeable when they actually solve different problems.
Understanding the difference helps you make a more informed decision and ensure your property receives the level of security it needs. In many cases, rekeying is the right solution, and in others, replacing the lock is the better long-term investment. The key is understanding what each service accomplishes and when to use it.
What Does Lock Rekeying Mean?
Lock rekeying is the process of changing the internal pin configuration of an existing lock cylinder so that the old key no longer works. The lock hardware, the deadbolt, the strike plate, all of it remains exactly where it is. What changes is the arrangement of the small metal pins inside the cylinder that determines which key shape opens the lock.
A standard pin tumbler lock, which is the type found in the vast majority of residential and commercial doors, contains a series of spring-loaded pin stacks inside the cylinder. Rekeying replaces the driver pins in those stacks with pins of different lengths so that only the new key cut can achieve that alignment. The old key lifts the pins to the wrong heights, and the cylinder does not turn.
What Does Lock Replacement Mean?
Lock replacement means removing the existing lock hardware entirely and installing a new unit in its place. That includes the cylinder, the lock body, the trim, and in some cases, the strike plate and door prep hardware. The new lock comes with its own keys, its own internal pin configuration, and often a different level of security than whatever was installed before.
Replacement makes the most sense when the lock itself is the problem rather than just the key control situation. Unlike rekeying, replacement allows you to change more than just key access. It provides an opportunity to upgrade security levels, switch lock styles, improve durability, or add features such as keypad entry, smart lock functionality, or high-security cylinders.
The Core Difference Between Rekeying And Replacement
Lock rekeying changes who can use the lock, and lock replacement changes the lock itself.
If your lock is in good working condition and someone has a copy of your key, and you want to make sure that key no longer works, rekeying is the appropriate solution. The security level of your lock does not change, but the key that was out in the world no longer opens it.
If your lock is damaged, worn, outdated, and does not meet the security standard your property requires, rekeying cannot fix any of those problems. You can rekey a lock all day long, and it will still have the same vulnerabilities it had before. A lock with weak housing, or no anti-pick or anti-drill protection, does not become more secure because you changed the pins inside it.
Also Read: What is a Master Key System and How Does It Work?
When Lock Rekeying Is the Right Call?
There are specific situations where lock rekeying handles the problem completely, and replacement would be unnecessary spending:
- After moving into a new home, rekeying every keyed entry point makes practical sense because you have no way of knowing how many copies of the existing keys were made.
- After a tenant moves out of a rental property, rekeying the unit brings key control back to the landlord without the cost of installing new hardware on every door.
- After losing a key, rekeying is faster and less expensive than replacing every lock while achieving the same result in terms of access control.
- When you want all your locks to use the same key, a locksmith can rekey multiple locks to match a single key, so you are not carrying a separate key for every door on the property.
When Lock Replacement is the Right Call?
- When the lock is worn out or damaged, replacing it restores reliability because rekeying only changes the key operation and does not address mechanical wear inside the lock.
- When you are upgrading from an older lock to higher-security hardware, it requires lock replacement because the existing lock may not offer the level of protection your property needs.
- After a break-in attempt, replacing the lock is often recommended because internal components may have been damaged even if the lock appears functional from the outside.
- When upgrading to a smart lock or keyless entry system, the existing hardware must be removed and replaced with equipment designed to support electronic access features.
How Much Does Lock Rekeying and Lock Replacement Cost?
Rekeying typically runs $15 to $40 per lock for the labor plus a small charge for new keys. If a locksmith is coming to your property, there is usually a service call fee on top of that, which ranges from $30 to $75, depending on location and the company.
Lock replacement costs depend entirely on the hardware you choose. A basic Grade 2 deadbolt runs $30 to $80 for the hardware alone. A high-security lock from Medeco or Mul-T-Lock can run $150 to $400 per lock before labor. Add $25 to $50 per lock for professional installation, and the numbers climb quickly when you are replacing multiple locks across a property.
Lock Rekeying vs. Lock Replacement: Pros and Cons
Lock Rekeying
Pros
- Typically costs less than replacing the entire lock.
- Existing hardware remains in place.
- Old keys no longer work after the service is completed.
- Multiple locks can often be rekeyed to operate with a single key.
Cons
- Does not improve the physical condition of a worn lock.
- Does not upgrade the security level of the hardware.
- Does not provide new features such as smart lock functionality or keyless entry.
Lock Replacement
Pros
- Provides entirely new hardware and keys and allows upgrades to higher-security locks.
- Makes it possible to add smart lock or electronic access features.
- Can improve reliability when existing locks are worn or damaged.
- Offers an opportunity to update the appearance and finish of the hardware.
Cons
- Usually, it costs more than rekeying a lock.
- Requires replacing the existing lock hardware.
- May take longer when multiple locks need to be changed.
- Existing keys will no longer work, and new keys must be distributed to authorized users.
What Do Our Licensed Locksmiths at Affordable Lock and Key Recommend?
At Affordable Lock and Key, we assess your existing hardware before recommending any lock service. If your locks are in good shape and key control is the only concern, we rekey them and save you the cost of replacement. If the hardware has a problem that rekeying cannot address, we tell you that clearly and give you options at different price points.
We handle both lock rekeying and lock replacement for residential and commercial properties throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding area. Call us or book online and we will walk you through what your specific situation calls for.
