Rekeying vs. Changing Locks: What's the Difference?

Rekeying vs. Changing Locks: What's the Difference?

Rekeying and changing locks can be confusing for someone who’s not very conversant with the two processes. In this article, we will explain the differences between rekeying and changing locks to help you decide which is the best option for you.

What Is Rekeying A Lock?

Rekeying a lock means changing or rearranging the key pins inside a lock so that the old key will no longer operate it. A qualified locksmith takes apart the lock and either replaces the key pins or rearranges them to ensure the old key will not be able to work on the lock. In other words, rekeying a lock involves changing the working key of a lock to a new key, without changing the lock itself. The rekeying process is relatively simple and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes because all a locksmith will do is replace or rearrange the key pins. Rekeying is much cheaper than changing locks because key pins are inexpensive and you aren’t paying for a complete replacement of the lock.

What Is Changing A Lock?

As the name implies, changing a lock involves replacing the entire lock with a new one. When a locksmith changes your lock, they install an entirely new lock with a new key. Changing a lock is more expensive than rekeying because you’re paying for both the labor and the new locking hardware. Although changing locks costs more than rekeying, installing new locks gives you the chance to customize your locks according to your needs. Besides, it’s an effective way to upgrade the security of your property.

When Should You Rekey Your Locks?

Rekeying your locks makes sense when you want to change the working keys of your locks to new keys, without changing the entire locking hardware. You can also have your locks rekeyed if you have different keys for different locks and want all the locks to be operated with a single key. The following are a few situations where you should rekey your locks:

• Your residential or office keys have been stolen
• You’ve moved into a new home or new business premises
• You’ve had a messy divorce
• A roommate has moved out
• There’s been a staffing change in your business or workplace
• When you want a more cost-effective way of improving your security

When Should You Change Your Locks?

Changing your locks makes sense when you want to upgrade to more modern and secure locks or switch to a keyless lock system. If your locks are old and worn down, obsolete, or not working correctly, replacing them entirely is a better option than rekeying them.

Need Lock Replacement Or Rekeying Services? Call QuickPro Locksmith Today

QuickPro Locksmith is a full-service locksmith company that provides fast, reliable, and budget-friendly lock replacement and rekeying services for both residential and commercial customers. If you need help in deciding whether to rekey or replace your locks, our experienced locksmiths are ready to provide you with detailed advice that will help you make an informed decision.