Whether you just closed on a house, lost a key, or had a roommate move out, the question is the same: do you need new locks, or can the ones you have be rekeyed? For most people, rekeying is the faster and less expensive answer. Here’s how to tell.
What rekeying actually does
Inside a typical pin-tumbler lock is a row of small spring-loaded pins cut to different lengths. Your key lifts those pins to exactly the right height so the cylinder can turn. When a locksmith rekeys a lock, they take the cylinder apart and replace those pins with a new set that matches a different key.
The result: the lock looks and works exactly the same, but every old key stops working. You keep your existing deadbolts, handles and finish, and you get new keys.
What replacing involves
Replacing means removing the lock hardware and installing a new lockset or deadbolt. You get new keys too, but you’re also paying for new hardware and usually a bit more labor.
When rekeying makes sense
- You moved into a new home. Previous owners, contractors, cleaners, neighbors and real estate agents may all have copies of the old keys.
- A key was lost or stolen. Especially if it was on a ring with anything that identifies your address.
- Someone moved out. A former roommate, tenant or employee still has a key you’ll never get back.
- You want one key for every door. Rekeying can set your front door, back door and garage entry to the same key, as long as the locks share a compatible keyway (usually meaning the same brand and style).
- Your locks work fine. If the hardware is in good shape, there’s no reason to throw it away.
When replacing is the better choice
- The lock is damaged or worn. Sticking, grinding, a loose cylinder or a key that only works at a certain angle are signs the hardware is failing.
- There was a break-in. Forced entry often bends the bolt, strike or cylinder.
- You want better security. A heavier-duty deadbolt, a reinforced strike plate or a high-security cylinder can make a real difference on an exterior door.
- You want keyless entry. A keypad or smart lock lets you give out codes instead of keys, which is especially useful for families and vacation rentals.
- Your locks don’t match. If you want one key for everything but your locks use different keyways, replacing a cylinder or lockset may be the only way to get there.
A tip for Florida homeowners
Humidity and salt air are hard on locks. If a lock is getting stiff, use a lubricant made for lock cylinders, such as a dry graphite or PTFE spray, rather than household oil, which attracts dust and can gum up the pins.
What it costs
Because you’re keeping your hardware, rekeying almost always costs less than replacing the same number of locks. Call or text us for a quote, and we’ll confirm the total before starting, based on how many locks you have.
The bottom line
If your locks are in good condition and you just need to control who has a key, rekey. If the hardware is damaged, you want better security, or you want to go keyless, replace. Not sure? Call us at (239) 412-2998 and we’ll help you decide. We can do either in one visit.