When Should You Rekey a Lock Instead of Replacing It?
When you want to change who has access to your home or business, replacing the entire lock is not always necessary. In many situations, rekeying the existing lock achieves the same security result for significantly less cost and time. Understanding when each makes sense saves money and gets the right result for your situation.
Fort McMurray Locksmith is a proud member of the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce, serving Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo for over two generations.
What Rekeying Actually Does
Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration of a compatible lock so the existing key no longer operates it. The locksmith adjusts the pins inside the cylinder — a new key is cut to the new pin configuration, old keys stop working. The lock body, the hardware, the installation — all stays exactly as it is. Only which key operates the lock changes.
This makes rekeying particularly useful when your concern is who has a key, not the condition of the hardware itself. See our rekey locks page for more detail.
Rekey — When It Makes Sense
- Moving into a new home — previous keys stop working immediately, same day service, no need to replace functional hardware
- Lost or stolen keys — if the existing lock is in good condition, rekeying makes old keys non-functional without replacing the hardware
- Tenant change in a rental property — rekey between tenants so previous tenant keys no longer work
- Staff change at a business — rekey the affected locks when employees leave rather than replacing hardware
- Wanting one key for all doors — rekey all exterior locks to the same new key configuration (keyed alike)
- After giving keys to contractors or service workers — rekey when the access is no longer needed
Replace — When It Makes Sense
- Hardware is worn, damaged, or unreliable — a rekeyed worn lock is still a worn lock. If the hardware is the problem, only replacement fixes it
- After a break-in or forced entry — hardware that has been forced may be structurally compromised. Always replace after forced entry
- Wanting to upgrade to higher security hardware — rekeying keeps the existing hardware. If you want Grade 1 deadbolts with anti-pick protection, you need new hardware
- Hardware is builder-grade and past its useful life — cheaper locks wear out faster and become unreliable before they look worn. If the lock has been problematic, replacement is more economical than repeated service calls
- Incompatible lock brands across multiple doors — replacing everything with one brand allows proper keyed-alike rekeying in the future
The Cost Difference
Rekeying costs less because no new hardware is involved — it is a labour service on existing hardware. Lock replacement costs more because it includes the new hardware plus labour. For a home with 3-4 exterior locks in good condition, rekeying is typically the more economical choice. For a home where the hardware needs upgrading, the additional cost of replacement delivers better long-term value than rekeying hardware that will continue to cause problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a rekeyed lock as secure as a new lock?
Yes — if the existing hardware is in good condition. Rekeying changes which key operates the lock just as effectively as installing new hardware. The security of the lock itself depends on the hardware quality, not which key is currently cut for it.
Can any lock be rekeyed?
Most standard pin tumbler locks can be rekeyed. Some older, worn, or damaged cylinders may not rekey reliably and replacement is recommended instead. A locksmith can assess whether your existing locks are suitable candidates for rekeying.
How fast is rekeying?
Most residential rekeying takes 15-20 minutes per lock. A full home rekey of 3-4 exterior doors is typically completed in under an hour on a single visit.
Can you rekey all my locks to use one key?
Yes — this is one of the most common requests we handle. All compatible exterior locks are rekeyed to the same new configuration so one key operates all of them.
Fort McMurray Locksmith — rekeying and lock replacement for homes and businesses across Fort McMurray, same-day service available.
Call 780-588-5383 or Book a Locksmith in Fort McMurray.