What is the difference between rekeying and replacing locks?

Author: Dr. Prince King  |  Last update: Saturday, September 2, 2023

Homeowners most often rekey a door lock when the same lock needs to be used with a new key, or when the original key is lost or stolen. Changing a lock, on the other hand, involves replacing the entire locking mechanism with a new one. A locksmith swaps out the full lock assembly in the door for a new one.

Is it better to rekey or change locks?

It is usually cheaper to rekey the existing door hardware than to completely replace it. A lock rekey is great if you already like your current door knob and want a cost effective safety solution. Rekeying your hardware is a simple way to keep your home and work place safe and secure.

Can you rekey a lock without replacing it?

Yes, the original key is necessary to use a rekey kit when rekeying a lock. If you do not have the original key, you can choose to hire a locksmith to make a new key or you can replace the lock.

What are the benefits of rekeying?

Here's a rundown of six benefits of rekeying your door locks.
  • Fixes a Security Breach Quickly. A security breach is one of the primary reasons you should consider rekeying your door locks. ...
  • Cost-Effective. ...
  • Allows for Master Key Option. ...
  • Ability to Change Locks Frequently. ...
  • Maintains Your Home's Aesthetics. ...
  • Customized Locks.

Can I rekey a lock myself?

You can re-key a lock like a pro at a fraction of the cost. Re-keying kits are available for most lock brands but they're not interchangeable. You must buy a kit for each brand of lock in your home. (If you're lucky, they'll all be the same brand!)

Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks? | Mr. Locksmith™ Video

Can Ace hardware rekey locks?

We rekey Kwikset and Schlage locks at a fraction of the price of having to replace your locksets. We can also create a 'master key' for superintendents or landlords that need access to multiple units without carrying a hundred keys. We also key Masterlock padlocks to an existing Masterlock key.

How long does it take to rekey a door?

Rekeying a lock generally takes about 15 minutes, but this depends on the type of lock as well as the skills of the person working on it. The most time-consuming part of the process is removing the lock from the door – the actual rekeying is much simpler. If it's simple, should you rekey your lock yourself?

Are all locks able to be rekeyed?

To rekey locks to use the same key, all of them must be from the same manufacturer. You can't rekey a Kwikset lock to use a Schlage key because each maker's locks have different size holes that will only accept their own keys.

Should I rekey my new house?

Changing the locks (also referred to as rekeying the locks) on a new home is always a good idea, since you really can't be sure who has access to the property otherwise. The phrase for this is key control, which refers to the ability to be able to account for each of the keys to your home and who has them.

What are the easiest locks to rekey?

Although there are many different types of locks, today we're going to talk about rekeying a pin and tumbler lock. This is the most common and one of the easiest types of locks to rekey aside from old-school locks.

How do you change locks after buying a house?

Changing Locks on a New House in 5 Steps
  1. Take an inventory of all the doors with locks in the house.
  2. Purchase new door knob lock sets at a home center. ...
  3. To change the locks, unscrew the door knob from the inside and pull the knobs apart.
  4. Insert the new knobs into the door opening.
  5. Screw the new knobs into the door.

How often should you change your house locks?

Most locksmiths advise that a door lock should be changed once every seven years.

Should I key all my locks the same?

Keyed alike means one key fits all locks, for example your front and back door locks can both use the same key or every lock in an office can use the same key. Having your locks keyed alike is very beneficial if you want to open & close all your door locks with one key.

How much does it cost to change the lock on a door?

You'll pay from $40 to $300 to buy a new door lock, depending on design, materials, and whether it's a simple key-in-knob lock or a high-end lock-and-handle combo with smart technology features. Professional locksmith installation can add another $80 to $200, depending on the complexity of the lock.

Do most people change the locks when they buy a house?

Whenever safety and security are at risk, we recommend changing the locks or having the locks rekeyed. The most common situations requiring the locks to be changed include: When you have purchased a new house.

How many times can you rekey with SmartKey?

Am I limited to how many times a SmartKey lock can be re-keyed? A: No, you can re-key a SmartKey lock as often as you'd like.

What is the meaning of rekey?

: to provide (something) with a new key. rekeyed the house/room/door. You can take your lock and key to a locksmith and have them rekey it, making it unique.

Can you rekey without a key?

Yes, it is possible for you to rekey a lock without the original key. A locksmith can change your locks even if you have lost or misplaced the original key. In general, it is possible to pick or shim the lock and unlock the door. Then, the locksmith will have a much easier time removing the lock cylinder.

Can two locks have the same key?

Keyed alike is the term used to describe multiple locks having the same cut so that one key can fit all the locks. Having your locks keyed alike is the most convenient way to handle and manage all your keys.

Can a locksmith rekey door lock without original key?

Without the matching key, the only way to rekey the lock will be to pick it open, and although it's usually not a problem for a skilled locksmith, it will often incur additional charges which can make it more expensive than replacing the lock altogether.

How long does it take a locksmith to change a lock?

A lot of locksmith jobs such as fitting and changing locks can be completed within an hour, although repair jobs may take longer to complete. You can find the nearest locksmith in your area here all our locksmiths are fully vetted and inspected.

How long does it take to change locks on a house door?

Generally, it takes a professional locksmith between 10 and 40 minutes to rekey a lock. If you need multiple locks rekeyed, you'll want to plan accordingly as a locksmith is likely to require at least an hour for a job that requires more than one or two locks. The type of lock will impact the job.

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