When it comes to protecting your home or business, locks are your first line of defense. But what happens if you move into a new place, lose a key, or have concerns about who might have access? That’s when you face an important choice: should you rekey the lock or replace it entirely?
Both options improve security, but they work in different ways and come with different benefits. Understanding the difference helps you make the right choice—and in some cases, upgrading to high security door locks may be the best investment.
What Does Rekeying a Lock Mean?
Rekeying doesn’t change the lock itself. Instead, a locksmith adjusts the lock’s internal pins so that it works with a new key and no longer accepts the old one.
This process is useful when:
- You’ve moved into a new home or office.
- You’ve lost a key and want to make sure no one can use it.
- You want all your locks to work with a single key.
Rekeying is usually faster and more affordable than a full replacement, making it a popular choice when the lock is still in good condition.
When to Choose Rekeying
Rekeying is ideal if your main concern is who has access rather than how secure the lock is. For example, if your locks are fairly new and strong, there’s no need to replace them just because someone might have a copy of your key.
It’s also a good solution for landlords or business owners who want to quickly change access between tenants or employees without the cost of brand-new hardware.
What Does Replacing a Lock Mean?
Replacing a lock involves removing the old hardware and installing a brand-new lock. This could be a standard lock, or it could be an upgraded option like high security door locks.
This process is useful when:
- Your locks are worn out or damaged.
- You want to upgrade to a stronger, more advanced lock.
- You’re renovating and want new hardware that matches the style of your property.
Replacing a lock not only gives you a new key but also adds an extra layer of safety if your current locks are outdated or easy to pick.
When to Choose Replacing
Replacement is the better choice if your locks are old, unreliable, or not providing the security you need. For businesses or homeowners in high-risk areas, this is often the smarter option.
Upgrading to high security door locks gives you advanced features like pick resistance, drill resistance, and stronger materials that provide long-lasting protection.
Rekeying vs. Replacing: Key Differences
To put it simply:
- Rekeying: Same lock, new key. Cost-effective, fast, and great if the lock is still in good condition.
- Replacing: New lock, new key. More expensive, but often necessary if your lock is old, damaged, or doesn’t meet your security needs.
The decision often comes down to your situation. If you’re just worried about who might have a key, rekeying makes sense. If you want to strengthen security or update old hardware, replacing is the way to go.
Cost Considerations
Rekeying is generally less expensive since you’re only paying for labor and new keys. Replacing costs more because it includes the price of new hardware. However, it’s important to think about long-term value. If your locks are outdated, investing in a stronger replacement—especially with high security door locks—can save you money and stress in the long run by preventing break-ins or failures.
Which Option Is Right for You?
If your locks are in good shape and you just need new keys, rekeying is quick and effective. If your locks are old or you want modern features like bump-proof or pick-resistant designs, replacing is the better investment.
The good news? A professional locksmith can assess your locks and help you decide the most cost-effective and secure solution for your property.
Both rekeying and replacing serve the same purpose: protecting your home or business. The difference comes down to condition, cost, and security needs. Rekeying is fast and affordable, while replacing offers an opportunity to upgrade and strengthen your defenses.If you’re unsure which option is right for you, Affordable Lock can help. From simple rekeying services to advanced high security door locks, our team makes sure your property is protected with the right solution for your situation.