Rekey or replace your locks? How to decide
Both stop old keys from working, but one keeps your hardware and one replaces it, so here's how to tell which you need
Updated
Rekeying and replacing a lock solve the same problem: someone has a key you don't want them to have
The difference is what happens to the hardware on your door
What rekeying does
Inside a pin-tumbler lock, the kind on most front doors, a row of small pins lines up only when the right key is in
Rekeying swaps those pins for a new set, so the lock stays on the door, a new key works, and every old key stops working
What replacing does
Replacing takes the whole lock off the door and puts a new one on, so you get new hardware and new keys at the same time
Rekey when
- The lock works smoothly and you like how it looks
- You moved in and don't know who has copies
- Keys were lost or stolen
- A roommate, tenant or employee left
Replace when
- The lock is worn, loose, or the key sticks
- It was damaged in a break-in
- You want a sturdier deadbolt or a different style
Not sure which one you need? Call (929) 756-1721 and describe the lock, because if a rekey does the job, there's no reason to replace hardware that works
