Rekeying vs. Changing Locks: Which Do You Need?

Rekeying means changing the internal pin configuration of your existing lock cylinder so that the old key no longer works. A locksmith removes the cylinder from the lock, takes out the current set of driver pins and key pins, and replaces them with a new combination that matches a brand-new key. The hardware on your door — the lock body, the deadbolt, the strike plate — stays exactly where it is. Only the internal tumbler pattern changes.

The whole process usually takes a locksmith just a few minutes per lock. When it's done, every old copy of your key is instantly useless, and you start fresh with one (or more) new keys. If you have multiple locks from the same brand and want them all to open with a single key — a process called 'keying alike' — a locksmith can do that during the same rekeying service, which is a real convenience if you're juggling a front door, back door, and garage entry.

Lock replacement means physically removing the entire existing lock and installing a new one. That includes the cylinder, the lock body, the latch or bolt mechanism, and sometimes the strike plate in the door frame. It's a bigger job than rekeying, requires more hardware, and takes longer — but it's the right call in specific situations where the lock itself is the issue, not just the keys that operate it.

The clearest cases for full replacement: your lock is visibly damaged (a break-in attempt, years of weathering, a frozen mechanism that cracked), the grade of your current lock is too low for your security needs, or the lock is so old that replacement parts aren't available and a locksmith can't properly rekey it. Upgrading from a basic builder-grade knob lock to a Grade 1 deadbolt, for example, requires replacement — there's nothing to rekey up to a higher security standard.

Here's a practical way to think through the decision. Choose rekeying if: you've moved into a new home or apartment and the locks are in good shape; you've lost a key or given one to someone who should no longer have access; you want to consolidate multiple locks onto one key; or you're a landlord turning over a rental unit. The lock itself is fine — you just need to cut off access for old keys. Rekeying handles all of this cleanly and affordably.

Choose lock replacement if: the lock is damaged, loose, or stiff and isn't functioning reliably; you're upgrading security (going from a knob lock to a deadbolt, or adding a high-security pick-resistant cylinder); you want a smart lock or keypad entry that requires completely different hardware; or a locksmith inspects the lock and finds the cylinder is worn beyond reliable rekeying. A good locksmith will tell you honestly which situation you're in — if a rekey will do the job, there's no reason to upsell you on hardware you don't need.

Pricing for both services depends on several real factors, and any locksmith who quotes a flat number without knowing your situation is guessing. For rekeying, the main variables are the brand and type of lock (some high-security cylinders require specialized pinning kits), the number of locks being rekeyed in one visit, and whether you're having them keyed alike or to separate keys. Visiting multiple properties or adding after-hours emergency service also affects the final cost.

For lock replacement, you're paying for both labor and materials, so the grade and brand of the new lock matter significantly. A basic deadbolt costs far less than a Medeco or Mul-T-Lock high-security cylinder. The condition of the door and frame can add time if modifications are needed, and if you're adding a smart lock, there may be additional programming steps. The short version: rekeying is almost always the more economical choice when the hardware itself is sound — but replacement is worth every dollar when you genuinely need it.

If you've recently moved into a home or apartment anywhere in the Five Towns, Far Rockaway, or the communities around JFK — rekey immediately, no exceptions. You have no way of knowing how many copies of the previous key exist. The prior owner may have given keys to contractors, neighbors, housekeepers, or family members. Real estate agents sometimes use key lockboxes for weeks during a sale. Rekeying on move-in day is one of the cheapest, most effective security steps you can take, and it should be standard practice.

The same applies to renters. Even if a landlord hands you a new key, that doesn't mean the lock was rekeyed. In New York, tenants generally have the right to request rekeying when they move in — and many landlords will cover the cost if asked. If they won't, a quick rekey out of pocket gives you real peace of mind that the cost is usually well worth it. For anyone dealing with a car key or ignition situation — lost keys, a key that won't turn, needing a spare — the same logic applies to automotive locks. We handle those too.