Lock Change or Rekey: What Is the Best Choice for Your Home?

US Locksmith is a licensed (Lic #00443LK) locksmith company serving all of South Florida since 2004. If your locks work fine but you need a new key, rekeying saves money. If the hardware is worn, damaged, or outdated, replacement gives you stronger security. Here is how to decide.

Should You Rekey or Replace Your Locks?

Rekeying changes the internal pins so a new key operates the existing lock and old keys stop working. Replacement removes the entire lockset and installs new hardware. Rekeying typically costs $30–$70 per cylinder, while a full lock replacement runs $75–$200 per lock depending on brand and type.

When Is Rekeying the Right Move?

Rekeying makes sense when the lock body and mechanism are in good condition but you want to invalidate existing keys. Common situations include moving into a new home, ending a roommate arrangement, or losing a key set.

• You moved into a new home and previous tenants may still have keys
• A roommate or tenant left and you need to revoke their access
• You lost a key and want peace of mind that it cannot be used
• Your locks work smoothly and the hardware is in good shape
• You want all doors to use the same key (master keying)

When Should You Replace Locks Instead?

Lock replacement is the better option when the hardware itself is the problem. If a deadbolt is stiff, a latch does not catch, or the lock shows visible wear, replacing it eliminates the weak point. Replacement also makes sense when upgrading to Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or a smart lock system.

• The lock is worn out, damaged, or difficult to operate
• You want to upgrade to high-security or smart lock hardware
• The lock was compromised during a break-in attempt
• You are renovating and want hardware that matches a new design
• The lock brand is discontinued and parts are unavailable

How Much Does Each Option Cost in South Florida?

Rekeying is significantly cheaper because it reuses your existing hardware. Here is a side-by-side comparison from US Locksmith’s service area.

Service	Cost Range	Best For
Rekeying (per cylinder)	$30–$70	Good hardware, new key needed
Lock replacement (standard)	$75–$150	Worn or damaged locks
High-security lock install	$150–$300+	Medeco, Mul-T-Lock upgrades
Smart lock installation	$200–$400+	Keyless entry, remote access

Can You Combine Both — Rekey Some and Replace Others?

Yes, and this is often the smartest approach. A professional locksmith can rekey the locks that are in good shape and replace the ones that are worn or outdated, all in a single visit. US Locksmith technicians carry a full inventory so the work can be completed on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rekeying cheaper than replacing a lock?+

Yes. Rekeying costs $30–$70 per cylinder because it reuses existing hardware. Lock replacement starts at $75–$150 because you pay for new hardware plus labor. Choose rekeying when the lock body is in good condition.

How long does rekeying take compared to lock replacement?+

Rekeying takes about 10–15 minutes per lock. Full lock replacement takes 20–40 minutes per lock depending on the door type and hardware. Both services are completed on-site during a single visit.

Can a locksmith rekey all my locks to use the same key?+

Yes. A locksmith can rekey every lock in your home to work with one master key. This is called keying alike and is one of the most requested services, especially after moving into a new property.

Does rekeying make a lock less secure?+

No. Rekeying changes the pin configuration inside the lock but does not weaken the hardware. The lock provides the same level of security after rekeying — just with a different key.

When should I replace a lock instead of rekeying it?+

Replace the lock when it is physically damaged, difficult to operate, or you want to upgrade to a higher-security model. If the existing hardware works smoothly and you just need to change key access, rekeying is the better option.