When it comes to improving your property’s security, choosing between rekeying locks vs replacing is an important step that can affect your overall expenses and have an impact on your peace of mind. Changes in the home’s security after moving in or controlling access at your business location, knowing the difference can result in less hassle, saving you money, and time. At Rekey Xpress, clients get help in making informed choices about rekeying vs replacing locks based on their unique needs.
As the fear of property crime is still among the main reasons for the concern of both homeowners and business owners, the choice of locks is crucial. According to the research by safe home, 83% of burglars check for signs of an alarm system and 60% avoid properties when they detect one. This highlights how burglars scrutinize security measures — including locks — before attempting a break-in.
Scroll down and explore the top five reasons why rekeying is the best choice over full lock replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Lock rekeying is significantly more cost effective than changing the entire lock, letting you save your money on both the hardware and labor.
- Besides, it’s a quicker solution, so you can get your secure access back with the least possible inconvenience.
- Old keys become obsolete after rekeying, which improves security, tenant changes, or employee turnover.
- Ideal for customized access control, including master key systems for homes and businesses.
- This is an environmentally friendly option, because it reuses existing lock hardware instead of creating waste.
Reasons You Must Know Why Rekeying is Considered as a Better Choice
1. Rekeying Is More Affordable Than Replacing Locks
One of the main advantages of rekeying is the cost factor. When people look at the pros and cons of rekeying vs replacing locks, price often drives the decision for many property owners. Replacing a lock requires buying a new lock from hardware store and typically involves more labor cost, which drives up the overall price. However, rekeying alters the internal pins of your existing lock so that it responds to a new key. That means:
- No need to purchase new lock form the hardware store
- Less time on installation
- Reduced labor charges
The majority of professional rekeying services help you save a lot of money compared to buying and installing new locks thus rekeying is a perfect option coming from a financial point of view for both homeowners and commercial clients.
2. Rekeying Saves Time When Security Matters Most
Time is often of the essence, especially if you’ve just moved into a new home or experienced a security breach. Unlike replacing locks — which involves removing old hardware and installing new components — rekeying is a quicker process.
In many cases, a skilled locksmith can complete rekeying in under 20 minutes per lock. This rapid turnaround is beneficial in emergencies or situations where access needs to be updated fast. For businesses with ongoing operations, like Office lock repair Montgomery TX or Commercial door lock repair Magnolia, choosing rekeying means less downtime and swift restoration of secure access.
3. Rekeying Enhances Security After Key Loss or Personnel Changes
One of the most common reasons property owners consider a security upgrade is because of lost or stolen keys. Simply replacing a lock doesn’t stop old keys from being used if copies are still in circulation. Rekeying gives you the assurance that any old keys will no longer work — something especially important for homes and offices.
For commercial environments, where employee turnover is frequent, rekeying ensures that former employees no longer have access. This kind of control, through key changes and master key systems, is frequently ignored but it is essential for security management. For example, businesses in areas such as Office rekeying Willis TX use rekeying as a means of securing their premises without the need for frequent lock replacement.
4. Rekeying Customizes Access Without Hardware Changes
Another often overlooked advantage of rekeying is that it allows you to control access in a personalized way without having to install new lock hardware. In case you are handling multiple doors, with rekeying you can carry out systems like:
- Master keying (one key opens selected doors)
- Keyed-alike solutions (one key for all doors)
- Restricted key systems (limited duplication)
Commercial buildings, multi tenant units, and office complexes can gain a lot from custom access options and rekeying makes it possible to do this without investing in fully new locks or expensive electronic access systems.
5. Rekeying Is an Eco-Friendly Choice
In an age where sustainability matters, rekeying is a more environmentally conscious option. Replacing locks often creates waste from discarded hardware, while rekeying reuses existing components, which reduces landfill burden. In short, when you extend the life of your locks, you are not creating any additional waste and your property still retains its security and functionality.
How Rekeying vs Replacing Locks Compare
Below is a quick snapshot of the two options so that you can make better decisions:
| Factor | Rekeying Locks | Replacing Locks |
| Upfront Cost | More affordable since existing hardware is reused | Higher cost due to new lock hardware |
| Installation Time | Quick—often completed within minutes per lock | Takes longer due to removal and installation |
| Security Level | Old keys are permanently disabled | New hardware provides fresh security |
| Best Use Case | Lost keys, employee turnover, moving into a new property | Damaged, outdated, or broken locks |
| Hardware Condition Required | Lock must be in good working condition | Works even if old locks are damaged |
| Customization Options | Supports master key and keyed-alike systems | Supports upgrades to smart or high-security locks |
| Key Control | Prevents access from all previous keys | Full reset with new keys and hardware |
| Aesthetic Upgrade | No visual change to doors or locks | Improves appearance with new designs |
Stop Overpaying for Security When Rekeying Does the Job
In conclusion, when comparing rekeying locks vs replacing them, rekeying emerges as a cost-effective, quick, and highly secure option in most situations — especially for residential and commercial properties alike. Instead of spending extra on unnecessary hardware, you can get reliable access control and peace of mind with professional rekeying.
For dependable and professional locksmith services that meet all your lock needs, trust Rekey Xpress — your partner in practical and secure lock solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques1. What is the fundamental difference between rekeying and replacing locks?
Ans: Rekeying involves altering the internal mechanism of a lock so that the old keys will no longer work, whereas replacing simply means installing new lock hardware altogether.
Ques2. Is rekeying as safe as changing locks?
Ans: Certainly rekeying effectively denies access to old keys if your current locks are physically strong.
Ques3. How much time are you going to be rekeying?
Ans: Rekeying a lock usually doesn’t last more than 20 minutes, so it’s way quicker than changing your entire lock.
Ques4. Is it possible to control access for different doors by rekeying?
Ans: Yes rekeying is the perfect solution for master key systems and alike keyed.
Ques5. How do I know when I should replace instead of rekey?
Ans: If your locks are structurally compromised, faulty, antiquated or you intend to get high security hardware, replacement would be an option.