Rekey or replaceyour locks?
Most people who ask for new locks only need the old keys to stop working. Answer two or three questions and see whether your locks need a rekey, a replacement or a repair.
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How this works
The quiz runs in your browser and nothing you pick is sent anywhere. It weighs two things: whether the problem is who has a key, or the lock itself.
- Rekey when the locks work but the wrong people may have keys. It changes which key works without replacing the hardware.
- Replace when the hardware is damaged, low-grade, or can't do what you want, such as a smart lock.
- Repair when the lock is stiff or catches. That is often wear, dirt or a door that has moved, not a security problem.
Wanting one key for every door depends on the keyway, the shape of the key slot. Locks that share one can be rekeyed to match. The locksmith confirms what your locks need on site and gives you the price before any work starts.
Questions people ask
- What does rekeying a lock actually do?
- It changes the small pins inside the cylinder so the lock works with a new key. Every old key stops working, and the lock itself stays on the door.
- Is rekeying cheaper than replacing the locks?
- Usually, because no new hardware has to be bought for a lock that already works. What any job costs depends on the locks and the doors, which is why the locksmith gives you the price after seeing them and before starting.
- Can every lock be rekeyed?
- Most standard pin-tumbler locks can. A lock that is broken or badly worn should be replaced instead, and some high-security locks use restricted keys that only certain locksmiths can supply. The locksmith tells you which you have.
- Can all my doors use the same key?
- Often, if the locks take the same keyway, which is the shape of the key slot. Locks from the same brand usually do. With a mix of brands, some cylinders may need replacing so they match, and the rest can be rekeyed.
- Should I rekey or replace after a break-in?
- Report it to the police and photograph the damage first. A lock or frame that was forced should be repaired or replaced. If keys were taken, every lock they open should be rekeyed or replaced, not just the door that was broken.
- Do smart locks need rekeying?
- Clear the old codes, users and paired phones first, since those are the smart lock's keys. Many smart locks also have a key cylinder as a backup way in, and that needs rekeying like any other lock.