Most homeowners have never heard of the term rekeying a lock, and at the mention of it, they look confused. It’s not surprising as commonly everybody jumps to the quickest solution without thinking too much and opt for replacing the entire lock. Not that it’s the wrong option, but it may not always be necessary. Rekeying door locks might just be a better choice than changing all locks, and if you’re still torn about what to do, here are some pointers to help you make your decision.

Rekeying the locks

Rekeying the lock essentially means readjusting the internal workings of the lock so that it can function with different keys, without putting your home security at risk. You get to keep your old lock, but the keys you had been using up until then, will not work any longer. For this exact reason, the whole process is very cost-effective since it keeps the existing lock body, with only a few things reworked and upgraded. You end up paying only for the labour cost when you hire a locksmith, who will get the job done quickly, hassle-free and with only a few tools.

In the rekeying process, the locksmith will remove the springs and pins from the lock cylinder and replace them with new ones that will work with a different key. Unless the lock is broken or malfunctioning, most locks can be rekeyed in this manner and still kept in service, often operating even better than before.

As a safety option, rekeying is much preferred by new homeowners as it boost the overall sense of security. It gives them the chance to reset their key control and eliminate the risk all the other keys that were once in function pose. This helps prevent previous homeowners, or anyone with a key copy, from simply walking into a home that no longer belongs to them.

Replacing the locks

The main difference between rekeying and replacing the lock is that you will now have an entirely new and different lock body. It is more expensive since you are getting a whole new lockset and you still have to pay for the labour, but it comes with its own benefits.

Installing completely new locks provides you with the option of customizing your home security. You can choose longer screws in the lock or additional security pins as well. You also have the luxury of upgrading your locks, which also means upgrading your overall home protection. Another choice is even to abandon traditional locks entirely and go for the smart locks. This may not be an easy decision to make, and whether you’re doing it as a part of a renovation project or in a case of an emergency, it’s recommended you get professional advice and help from a reliable 24-hour locksmith, who can assist you in making the best choice possible.

Certain circumstances will require locks to be replaced, as they do wear from use, sometimes beyond the point where rekeying might help. Or, it could be for aesthetic reasons or to accommodate disabilities. For instance, lever handle locks are much easier to use than door knobs and they are much more attractive. On the other hand, electronic smart locks are a new popular trend and can be conveniently operated using an app on your phone.

Essentially, it’s never a bad idea to upgrade your locks. When you consider what you are protecting inside your home, an investment in high quality locking hardware will pay off long term.

Unfortunately, there is no “one-solution-fits-all” in this case. Every home is different and each family has different demands, so in order to make the best decision that will work for you and your home, you need to consider all aspects, re-examine your needs and weigh out the pros and cons. Possibly the best solution is consulting a professional locksmith to help you determine what is your most suitable and affordable choice.