Rekey vs Replace Locks: Which Should You Do?
When you need new keys for your locks, you have two real options: rekey the existing locks (change the pins so old keys don't work), or replace the whole lock with a new one. Most homeowners default to "replace" — and most of them shouldn't.
The short answer
| Situation | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Just moved into a house | Rekey all exterior locks |
| Lost a key, locks otherwise fine | Rekey |
| Locks are 15+ years old, sticky, or worn | Replace |
| Want a smart lock or higher-security model | Replace |
| After a break-in (lock was forced) | Replace the damaged ones, rekey the rest |
| You have several mismatched keys you want unified | Rekey (all to one key) |
What "rekey" actually means
Inside every standard pin-and-tumbler lock there's a set of small spring-loaded pins. Each is cut to a specific height that matches your key's grooves. When the key turns, the pins line up and the lock opens.
To rekey, a locksmith opens the lock cylinder, swaps in a new set of pins cut to a new key's pattern, and reassembles it. The lock is exactly the same physical lock — but the old key no longer works, and a new key does.
It takes about 5–10 minutes per lock for a skilled locksmith. Our rate is $25 per cylinder in the Charlotte / Lake Norman area.
What's actually different
| Factor | Rekey | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (per door) | ~$25 | ~$85–$150+ |
| Time (per door) | 10 min | 30–45 min |
| New keys come with it? | Yes (2 cut keys included) | Yes |
| Security level changes? | No | Yes (better lock available) |
| Cosmetic change? | No | Yes (new hardware finish) |
| Works for smart lock upgrade? | No | Yes |
The "just moved" scenario
This is the single most common rekey call we get. You just bought a house. Previous owner, their contractor, their realtor, the neighbor who watched the dogs that one time — they all might still have a key.
Almost nobody changes locks just because of resale. Rekeying all exterior locks is the single highest-ROI home security move new homeowners can make.
For a typical Charlotte home with 4 exterior doors:
- 4 cylinders rekeyed × $25 = $100 total
- Same locks, brand-new keys, zero risk of an unaccounted-for copy
A typical full lock replacement on the same 4 doors would run $400–$600.
When replacement makes sense
Don't rekey if:
- Locks are old. If they're sticky, hard to turn, or visibly worn, the internals are also worn — rekeying won't fix that. Time for new.
- You want a smart lock. Schlage Encode, Yale Assure, August, Google Nest — these are full replacements.
- You want higher security. A standard Kwikset is a Grade 3 lock. Upgrading to a Schlage B60 (Grade 2) or Medeco (Grade 1) requires replacement.
- You had a break-in. If the lock was forced, the internals are likely damaged.
Combining the two (most common pro recommendation)
For a typical Charlotte home, here's the move that gets the best result for the money:
- Replace the front door lock with a higher-security or smart lock (~$95–$200 for hardware + install)
- Rekey all other exterior doors to match the new front door (so one key works everything — ~$75 for 3 cylinders)
Total: roughly $170–$275. One key, upgraded front entry, no chance of a leftover copy floating around.
Want a quote?
Call (336) 790-2233 — we'll walk through your locks on the phone and give you a flat quote. Service in Charlotte, Cornelius, Huntersville, Davidson, Mooresville, Concord, and the rest of the Lake Norman area.
See our full residential locksmith services for everything we cover at the house.