Rekey or Replace Locks? How to Decide

When you move house, lose your keys or have a tenant leave, the first instinct is often to change the locks. Sometimes that is the right call. Often it is not, and rekeying would do exactly the same job for a lot less money. This guide walks through how to decide, with the questions a locksmith asks on site.

What each option does

Rekeying keeps the existing lock on the door and changes its internal pins, so a new key works and every old key stops working. The lock looks and operates exactly as before.

Replacing removes the lock entirely and fits a new one. You get new hardware, possibly a different style or security level, and new keys.

Both stop old keys working. The difference is what happens to the hardware.

The five questions that decide it

1. Is the lock in good working order?

If the lock turns smoothly, the latch catches and the deadbolt throws without forcing, it is a good candidate for rekeying. If it sticks, has been forced or is worn out, replace it, or at least have it repaired.

2. Is it secure enough?

Some older locks offer very little resistance to forced entry. If a lock is a basic type you would not choose today, rekeying it gives you new keys but the same weak lock. That is the moment to replace or upgrade. A security locksmith can tell you which locks are worth keeping.

3. Do you want a different style or function?

You might want a deadlatch that opens from inside without a key, a keypad lock, or a handle that is easier for an older family member to use. Those are replacement jobs.

4. Can the locks be keyed alike?

If you want one key for every door and your locks are compatible brands, rekeying achieves that cheaply. If one lock is an odd brand, replacing only that cylinder may be enough.

5. What is your budget?

Rekeying is nearly always cheaper. Replacement makes sense when one of the questions above points to it.

When rekeying is the right choice

• You have just bought a house and the locks are in good condition.
• Keys were lost or stolen, and the locks themselves are fine.
• A tenant, partner or staff member has left without returning keys.
• You want one key for all your doors and the locks are compatible.
• You want to save money without lowering security.

Lock rekeying usually takes 15 to 30 minutes per lock, and a typical house is done in one visit.

When replacement is the right choice

• The lock was damaged in a break-in.
• The lock is worn and no longer works smoothly.
• Parts for repair are no longer available.
• You want a higher security level or a different type of lock.
• The current lock is a fire safety risk, such as a key-only deadlock on a main exit with no key kept nearby.

See lock replacement for how we choose new locks that fit your existing door.

A common middle ground

Many homes end up with a mix. The front door deadlatch is in good condition, so it is rekeyed. The back door has an old, worn deadlock, so it is replaced with a new one keyed to match. The garage access door has never had a deadbolt, so one is added. Everything ends up on one key.

That approach puts money where it matters and avoids replacing good hardware.

Moving house: a practical plan

1. Walk around and list every external door, including garage, side gate and screen doors.
2. Try every key you were given in every lock.
3. Note any lock that sticks, feels loose or needs force.
4. Book a single visit to rekey the good locks and replace or repair the poor ones.
5. Have everything keyed alike, and cut enough keys for the household.

Lost keys: how urgent is it?

If keys were lost with anything showing your address, such as a licence, mail or a car with a registration that can be traced, treat it as urgent. Rekey promptly, and consider an emergency locksmith call if you feel unsafe overnight.

If the keys were lost somewhere with nothing linking them to your home, the risk is lower. Many people still rekey for peace of mind, but it can usually wait for an office-hours booking.

Rentals

Rental providers often rekey between renters rather than replacing locks, as long as the locks meet minimum standards. Renters who want locks rekeyed should check the rules in our landlord and tenant guide and get consent where needed.

Businesses

For businesses, staff turnover is the usual trigger. Rekeying the affected locks is often enough. If it happens often, a master key system or restricted keys can make future changes cheaper and keys harder to copy. Our commercial locksmith service covers this.

Common myths

"New locks are always more secure." Not if the new lock is a cheap one. A good old lock rekeyed can be more secure than a budget replacement.

"Rekeying is a temporary fix." No. A rekeyed lock is as permanent as a new one. The old keys will never work again.

"You need the original key to rekey." Not always. A locksmith can usually rekey a lock even if you have no working key, although it may take a little longer.

"Rekeying weakens the lock." It does not. New pins are fitted to the manufacturer's specifications.

What a good locksmith will do

A good locksmith will look at each lock, tell you which ones are worth rekeying and which need replacing, explain why, and give you the price before starting. They will not push you into new hardware you do not need. That is the approach we take on every job.

Ask us

Not sure which way to go? Send a photo of your locks or call 03 4422 2837. We are based at 50 Middleborough Rd, Burwood East, and cover Burwood, Forest Hill, Vermont South, Blackburn South and Glen Waverley. You can also request a quote online.