Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks: Which Option Is Right for You?
When it’s time to change your locks—whether you’ve just moved into a new home, lost your keys, or ended a relationship—you face a fundamental choice: should you rekey the existing locks or replace them entirely? At Top Locksmith CA, we perform both services daily and can help you make the right decision based on your specific situation, security needs, and budget.
Understanding the difference between rekeying and replacing can save you hundreds of dollars while ensuring your home or business is properly secured. This guide breaks down both options so you can make an informed choice.
What Is Rekeying?
Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration of your existing lock so that old keys no longer work. A locksmith disassembles the lock cylinder, removes the existing pins, and installs new pins that match a new key. The lock body, exterior hardware, and door remain unchanged—only the internal mechanism is altered.
The process typically takes 10-15 minutes per lock and costs significantly less than full replacement. It’s the most common service we provide to homeowners in Los Angeles’s Silver Lake neighborhood (ZIP 90026) and throughout Southern California who’ve just purchased a home and want to ensure only they have working keys.
Our lock rekey service includes new keys cut on-site, testing of the rekeyed lock, and the option to key all locks alike (one key opens every lock in your home).
What Is Lock Replacement?
Lock replacement removes the entire lock mechanism and hardware and installs a completely new lock. This includes the lock cylinder, the housing, the strike plate, and potentially the door handle or deadbolt thumb turn. Everything is new.
Replacement takes 20-45 minutes per lock and costs more due to the price of new hardware plus additional labor. However, it provides an opportunity to upgrade your security level, change the appearance of your hardware, or switch to a different lock type entirely.
Rekeying: When It’s the Right Choice
Rekeying is the better option in these common scenarios:
Moving Into a New Home: This is the number one reason for rekeying. You have no idea how many copies of the existing keys are floating around—previous owners, real estate agents, contractors, neighbors, and house sitters may all have copies. Rekeying every exterior lock immediately after closing is a smart security practice. Our residential locksmith team handles hundreds of move-in rekeying jobs monthly.
After a Breakup or Roommate Change: When someone who had keys to your home is no longer welcome, rekeying ensures they can’t gain entry. It’s much faster and cheaper than replacing all your locks.
Lost or Stolen Keys: If your keys are lost and you’re concerned someone might find them, rekeying neutralizes the risk. The old keys become useless once the pins are changed.
Wanting One Key for All Locks: If your home has different locks that each require a separate key, rekeying allows a locksmith to set all locks to work with a single key. This “keyed alike” service is incredibly convenient and costs the same as standard rekeying.
Budget Constraints: At $15-$40 per lock versus $75-$300+ for replacement, rekeying saves 50-80% per lock. For a home with 4-6 exterior locks, that’s a savings of $200-$500+. Homeowners in Glendale’s Adams Hill (ZIP 91206) and throughout LA County appreciate the value of rekeying when the existing locks are in good condition. car key replacement services
Lock Replacement: When It’s the Right Choice
Full replacement makes more sense in these situations:
Damaged or Worn Locks: If your locks are difficult to operate, visibly corroded, or have been forced (attempted break-in), the internal mechanism may be compromised. No amount of rekeying fixes mechanical damage. Our lock replacement service ensures you get a fully functional, secure new lock.
Upgrading Security: If your current locks are basic Grade 3 residential locks and you want to upgrade to Grade 2 or Grade 1 high-security locks, replacement is necessary. You can’t upgrade security grade through rekeying—the lock body itself determines the security level.
Switching to Smart Locks: If you want to move from traditional keyed locks to electronic smart locks, replacement is the only option. This is increasingly popular among tech-savvy homeowners who want keyless entry, remote access, and guest code features.
Aesthetic Upgrade: Want to change from brass to satin nickel, or from dated hardware to modern designs? Lock replacement is the way to go. While purely cosmetic, updated hardware can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal.
After a Break-In: If your home was broken into, we strongly recommend full replacement of all compromised locks. Even if the lock appears functional, a forced entry attempt may have weakened internal components. Insurance may cover replacement costs as part of your claim. Residents near Burbank’s Magnolia Park (ZIP 91505) should always replace after break-in attempts. safe opening services
Cost Comparison: Rekeying vs. Replacing
Here’s a detailed cost breakdown for a typical home with 4 exterior locks:
Rekeying 4 Locks: Service call: $0-$50. Rekeying labor: $15-$40 per lock × 4 = $60-$160. New keys: included. Total: $60-$210.
Replacing 4 Locks (Standard Grade 2): Service call: $0-$50. Lock hardware: $50-$150 per lock × 4 = $200-$600. Installation labor: $30-$75 per lock × 4 = $120-$300. Total: $320-$950.
Replacing 4 Locks (High-Security): Service call: $0-$50. Lock hardware: $150-$400 per lock × 4 = $600-$1,600. Installation labor: $50-$100 per lock × 4 = $200-$400. Total: $800-$2,050.
Our commercial locksmith team also offers volume pricing for businesses needing multiple locks rekeyed or replaced.
Can You Rekey a Lock to Match an Existing Key?
Yes! A skilled locksmith can rekey a lock to match a key you already have. This is commonly requested when adding a new lock to a door and wanting it to work with your existing house key, or when replacing a single lock in a keyed-alike system and needing the new lock to match the existing key.
This service typically costs the same as standard rekeying. Just provide the key you want the lock to match, and our technician handles the rest.
How Long Does Each Service Take?
Rekeying: 10-15 minutes per lock. A full home (4-6 locks) takes 45-90 minutes. Lock Replacement: 20-45 minutes per lock. A full home takes 1.5-3 hours depending on the locks chosen and any door modifications needed. Both services are completed in a single visit with no follow-up required. Our mobile locksmith team arrives fully equipped to handle either service on the spot.
The Best of Both Worlds
Many homeowners benefit from a combined approach: replace the locks that need upgrading (front door, garage entry) and rekey the rest to match the new keys. This provides security improvements where they matter most while keeping costs down on secondary locks. We recommend checking out Air Duct Cleaning in Los Angeles for additional air duct cleaning needs.
Our technicians assess every lock during service and provide honest recommendations about which locks can be safely rekeyed and which should be replaced. We’ll never recommend replacement for a lock that’s in perfectly good condition. Many of our readers also trust visit their website for their home service needs.
Get Expert Advice: Call Top Locksmith CA
Not sure whether to rekey or replace? Call (818) 987-2214 for a free consultation. Our licensed technicians serve Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and throughout Southern California and Nevada. We’ll assess your locks, discuss your needs, and provide upfront pricing for both options so you can decide. Contact our residential or commercial team today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rekeying and Lock Replacement
Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks?
Rekeying is significantly cheaper—typically $15-$40 per lock versus $75-$300+ for replacement. For a home with 4-6 exterior locks, rekeying saves $200-$500+ compared to full replacement. Choose rekeying when your existing locks are in good condition and you don’t need a security upgrade.
How long does it take to rekey a lock?
A single lock can be rekeyed in 10-15 minutes by a professional locksmith. A typical home with 4-6 exterior locks takes 45-90 minutes total. The locksmith disassembles the cylinder, changes the pins, reassembles, and cuts new keys on-site.
Should I rekey or replace locks when buying a house?
Rekeying is sufficient for most new home purchases, as it ensures old keys no longer work at a fraction of the replacement cost. However, if the existing locks are old, worn, or low-quality, this is an excellent opportunity to upgrade to higher-security hardware through replacement.
Can all locks be rekeyed?
Most standard pin tumbler locks (the vast majority of residential locks) can be rekeyed. Some budget padlocks, certain electronic locks, and locks with proprietary keyways may not be rekeyable. A locksmith can quickly determine whether your locks can be rekeyed during an on-site assessment.
Does rekeying make a lock less secure?
No. Rekeying does not affect the security level of a lock in any way. The lock body, security features, and pick resistance remain identical—only the key that operates it changes. A rekeyed lock is exactly as secure as it was before rekeying.