Rekey vs Replace Locks: What’s the Difference?
May 12, 2026
If you’ve recently moved or lost your keys, you may be wondering whether you should rekey your locks or replace them entirely. Both options improve security—but they serve different purposes.
What Is Rekeying?
Rekeying changes the internal pins of your lock so old keys no longer work. You’ll receive a new key without replacing the entire lock.
When Rekeying Makes Sense
- You’ve moved into a new home
- You lost a key
- You want a cost-effective security upgrade
When to Replace Locks
- Your locks are damaged or outdated
- You want upgraded security features
- You’re switching to smart locks
Which Option Is Right for You?
Rekeying is typically faster and more affordable, while replacing locks provides a full hardware upgrade.





