Lock Rekey vs Lock Replacement: What's Best for You?
Here's a scenario you probably didn't wake up thinking about: Your locks.
Maybe you just bought a house and have no clue who has keys. Maybe your ex-roommate moved out with an attitude and a spare. Or maybe your lock looks like it survived the Nixon administration.
Whatever brought you here, you're facing the lock rekey vs lock replacement question. The good news: You don't need a degree in locksmithing to figure this out.
What Is Lock Rekeying and How Does It Work?
Real talk: Rekeying sounds way more complicated than it is.
When you rekey locks, a locksmith adjusts the internal pins inside your existing lock cylinder. They swap out the old pins for new ones that match a brand-new key. Your old keys? Useless. Your door hardware? Stays exactly where it is.
Think of it like changing your password instead of buying a new phone.
The process takes about 10-15 minutes per lock. A pro removes the cylinder, replaces 5-8 tiny pins, and boom - fresh security with the same hardware.
When to choose rekeying:
- Just moved into a new home
- Tenant or roommate moved out
- Lost keys (that sinking feeling, yeah)
- Your locks work fine but you want new keys
- Consolidating multiple keys into one
Rekeying is the home security locksmith equivalent of hitting "reset." Quick, effective, and way cheaper than starting from scratch.
What Is Lock Replacement?
Sometimes you need more than a reset. Sometimes you need a complete upgrade.
Lock replacement means yanking out the old hardware and installing shiny new locks - strike plates, deadbolts, handles, the works.
When locks need replacing:
- Hardware is damaged, rusted, or falling apart
- You want to upgrade door locks to modern security standards
- After a break-in or attempted entry (don't mess around with this)
- Your door doesn't latch properly anymore
- You're switching to smart locks or keyless entry
Plot twist: Sometimes the lock tells you it's done. Sticky tumblers, keys that jam, locks that require wrestling - these are retirement signs.
Cost Comparison: Lock Rekey vs Lock Replacement
Let's talk money.
Rekeying costs in Honolulu: $20-$50 per lock
Lock replacement costs: $75-$300+ per lock
Why the massive difference? With rekeying, you're mostly paying for labor. The pins cost pennies. With replacement, you're buying entirely new hardware plus installation time.
What affects the cost:
- Number of locks serviced
- Time of day (emergency after-hours = higher rates)
- Lock complexity (high-security locks cost more)
- Quality of replacement hardware
Here's the math: If you need to service 6 locks, rekeying might cost $150-$300 total. Full replacement? You're looking at $450-$1,800 depending on hardware quality.
When replacement is the better investment:
If your locks are damaged, outdated, or incompatible with modern security needs, spending extra on lock change cost now saves you from a potential break-in later. (Which would cost way more than new locks, obviously.)
Security Differences and Long-Term Value
"But will rekeying keep me as safe as new locks?"
Short answer: Usually, yes. Long answer: It depends.
If your existing hardware is solid quality, rekeying gives you the same security as replacement. You're getting new key combinations without compromising strength.
Where replacement wins on security:
Upgrading to high-security locks gets you pick-resistant cylinders, drill-resistant plates, bump-proof technology, and restricted keyways (keys that can't be copied at the hardware store).
Commercial lock rekey projects often involve high-security upgrades because businesses need actual protection, not security theater.
Smart locks and keyless entry:
Modern residential locksmith services now include smart lock installation that eliminates keys entirely. Fingerprint scanners, keypad codes, smartphone access - welcome to 2025. The trade-off? Smart locks require replacement, not rekeying. But the security and convenience? Worth it.
Residential vs Commercial Decisions
Home locks and office locks play by different rules.
For multi-unit properties: Landlords face constant turnover. A move-in lock rekey after every tenant is standard practice - and legally required in many areas. Smart move: Master key systems let you maintain access while giving tenants individual keys.
Office security needs: Commercial spaces need access control systems that track entry, restricted key systems, panic bars for fire code compliance, and different access levels for employees vs management. Commercial locksmith services typically recommend replacement over rekeying because workplace security demands modern solutions.
When You Should Rekey Your Locks
Rekey your locks when:
- Moving into a new home: Who knows how many key copies exist? The previous owners, their kids, the dog walker - yeah, rekey immediately.
- After a roommate/tenant moves out: Trust is great. Unnecessary risk is not.
- Lost keys: That's your brain screaming "REKEY THE LOCKS." Listen to it.
- Want same key for multiple locks: Carrying 6 different keys is peak 1998 energy.
The beauty of rekeying: It's fast, affordable, and solves the exact problem without overcomplicating things.
When You Should Replace Your Locks
Replace locks when:
- After a break-in: Someone forced your lock? Replace it, period. Compromised hardware needs to go.
- Damaged or old locks: If your lock is sticky, jammed, rusted, or older than your driver's license - replace it.
- Wanting smart locks or upgrades: Can't rekey your way to facial recognition technology.
- Doors that don't latch properly: Band-aid solutions won't cut it here.
How to Choose the Right Locksmith Service
Not all locksmiths are created equal.
What to look for:
- Licensing and experience: In Hawaii, legitimate locksmiths are licensed, bonded, and insured
- Residential vs commercial expertise: Specialists exist for a reason
- Transparent pricing: Upfront costs, not vague "We'll see" pricing
- Warranties and guarantees: Quality work should be guaranteed
Red flags to avoid:
- No physical business address
- Prices that seem too good to be true
- Unmarked vehicles with no company branding
- Cash-only operations
Professional locksmiths show up in marked vehicles, provide written estimates, and treat you like a customer, not a crisis.
Final Recommendation: Your Quick Decision Framework
Choose REKEYING if:
- Your locks work perfectly fine
- You need new keys quickly
- You're on a budget
- You just need to restrict access
Choose REPLACEMENT if:
- Locks are damaged or outdated
- You want security upgrades
- You're switching to smart/keyless systems
- After a break-in
Still not sure? A professional assessment takes 5 minutes and costs nothing.
Ready to secure your property the right way?
Whether you need a quick rekey or a full lock upgrade, Honolulu Locksmith has you covered. Licensed techs. Rapid response times. Rock-solid guarantees.
Call (808) 378-7552 now. We'll get you sorted faster than you can say "Wait, where did I put my keys?"
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