Rekey or replace? How to tell which your locks need.

It’s one of the most common questions we get on a service call: “Do I need all new locks, or can you just rekey these?” The good news is that for most Sioux Falls homes, the cheaper option is also the right one. Here’s how we tell the difference.

What’s the actual difference?

Rekeying keeps your existing lock hardware but changes the little pins inside so your old keys stop working and a new key takes over. The lock on your door stays put; only the key that opens it changes.

Replacing swaps out the whole lock: new hardware, new finish, new key. It costs more, but it’s the move when the lock itself is the problem.

If the locks work fine and you just don’t trust who has a key, rekeying is almost always the smarter spend.

When rekeying is the right call

Nine times out of ten, this is the answer. Reach for a rekey when:

• You just moved into a home and don’t know who still has a key.
• You lost a key, or one walked off with an ex-tenant or former employee.
• You want every door in the house to open with one key.
• The locks are good quality and turn smoothly.

When it’s time to replace

Sometimes new hardware is genuinely the better value. We’ll usually recommend replacing when:

• The lock is worn, sticky, or rusted.
• You’re upgrading security or adding a smart lock.
• The finish is dated or mismatched and you want the entry to look fresh.
• The lock has been forced, drilled, or damaged in a break-in attempt.

The bottom line

If your locks are in good shape and this is really about who holds a key, rekey. If the hardware is failing or you want an upgrade, replace. Still not sure? Tell us what’s going on and we’ll point you to the cheaper fix if there is one.

Filed under Residential · Written by Fred