Rekeying vs. Changing Locks – What Should You Do?

Do you know the differences between rekeying and changing the locks? They offer different security levels for your home, but both are not interchangeable.

How often do you think about your locks? Do they need to be changed? How easy is that process? Do you know what the benefits of each are? It would be best to consider several factors when choosing between rekeying or replacing locks.

If you’re looking for other details about how to make an informed decision, read on. We’ll discuss everyday questions about both lock changes to help you determine which will work best for your situation.

WHAT DOES REKEYING A LOCK MEANS ?

In simple terms, rekeying is when you keep the same door lock but cannot use the old keys to operate it. The rekeying process includes disassembling and changing the key pins inside the lock.

Furthermore, key pins consist of various series, and each pin series in a lock matches a unique key. So, in rekeying, you have to change these lock pins with other pins. Single key is considered best for security purposes. You can not get it lost easily. Hence, you will have a new door lock and have to use it with new keys. Although the process looks confusing, it is simple and usually takes a few minutes to use the appropriate tools.

CHEAPEST WAYS TO CHANGE THE LOCK ON YOUR HOUSE

The cheapest way to change a lock is to do it by yourself. Rekeying is a bit expensive. Changing the lock is an extremely cost effective option. So, it is recommended to change the lock rather than rekeying it. Apart from traditional locks, electronic locks offer high security.

Purchasing The Lock

The first and foremost task is to purchase a new lock from the store. There are different locks available with different sizes and features. You can choose the desired one that fits your budget.

Replacement Of Lock

After purchasing a new lock, your duty is to replace the lock. Two visible deadbolts are present in the assembly plate. To remove the assembly plate, remove the bolts. 

After doing this, remove the deadbolt assembly. Now, you would be able to see a hole in the door.

Removal Of The Old Deadbolt

Place two screws on the deadbolt plate. After this, remove these screws and pull the deadbolt out of the door.

Installation Of The Lock

We have discussed removing old parts up to this point; moving forward, you will install new features by going backward. However, be cautious about the orientation of the various elements.

Keep the side of the deadbolt that says “up” facing up for proper orientation. Place the deadbolt facing up into the door and secure it with short wood screws.

Bar Protruding

Protrude the bar with the help of the channel of the deadbolt. Make sure that the keyhole is aligned vertically. 

Now, place the bar on the channel in the back of the turn assembly plate. Place the assembly plate on the top, and expose the bolt holes.

Final Check

Firm the new lock in place. Check it by opening the door. If it is opening and closing easily, then it’s done. Now, appreciate yourself for successfully doing this.

HOW TO REKEY A LOCK WITHOUT THE ORIGINAL KIT?

Breaking or losing the lock is not a big problem for those who know the solutions. Either you have to change the lock or rekey the lock. Rekeying a lock without the original key is an exciting option for you. Below are the steps to rekey the lock; 

1. Firstly, you have to remove the exterior door knob. Apply pressure on the hole, and pull off the knob quickly. 
2. Now, try your best to remove the lock cylinder and take off the cylinder ring. You should consider the locking mechanism here. 
3. After removing the cylinder ring, remove the cylinder plug from the cylinder by using a plug follower tool. 
4. Now, remove the old pins by removing them from the plug. 
5. Put the new pins on the lock, and reverse all these steps to insert the key in the lock.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Rekeying

Re-keying a lock has its pros and cons. Let’s discuss this to give you a better understanding.

Advantages of Rekeying

• It is More Affordable Than Changing a Lock

Replacing or changing all of your door locks due to any reason can be a time-consuming process, and it is too expensive. However, re-keying a lock is a much more affordable option than changing the lock, especially if you have to change or rekey many locks.

• Enhances Security

Keys give you access to privacy and security. So, rekeying means that only those who currently live in an apartment can get inside – especially if it’s rented or commercial space. This way, unauthorised persons cannot access the lock, and rekeying ultimately increases security.

• Maintains Your House’s Appeals

Quite often, door locks are used to fit a specific door design. Changing them can affect the looks and aesthetics of your space. Similarly, the new hardware or lock may not match the home’s interior design. But rekeying maintains the overall look of your place as you won’t be changing the entire lock.

• Makes You Feel Safe and Secure

Rekeying your home’s locks offers reliability and peace of mind. After the rekeying, no need to worry about the security of your home; neither strangers can unlock your place using the old keys.

• Offer You a Master Key Setup

You can have your locks rekeyed while you get one master key. You don’t need to have the locks with the master key set up. Your locksmith can provide you with a key that allows access to all the doors in your home. Professional locksmith services are offered at different shops. This is helpful because they simplify life and keep things organised, allowing an easier time managing different keys/locks.

Disadvantages of rekeying locks:

Some cons associated with the rekeying of a lock include:

• It’s not recommended to rekeying a cheap lock.
• If you are rekeying an old or worn lock, you might have to change it entirely even after rekeying it.
• Rekeying the lock will not make it safe if it is picked.

Process of Changing Lock

This one is obvious; changing a lock involves removing the existing lock and installing the new one. This means removing and replacing in place of an old lock that’s been broken or for any other reason.

This is also the best way to enhance the home’s security or replace the lock’s style with a lever or knob handle.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Changing Lock

The process of changing a lock is much more secure and best for the long term. But like any other thing, it has its pros and cons that we will discuss below:

Advantages of changing locks

• Customizable options

The new lock allows you to customize the security as per your preferences. Moreover, you can change the feel and look of the lock and add or remove other features like screws and additional safety pins. By changing the lock, you can get new security for your home.

• Scalability

Upgrading or changing the locks enhances the overall security of your home and family. If you have an old or worn-out lock, you can choose a more rugged lock to improve the security score. Changing locks offers you more safety and security.

Disadvantages Of Changing Locks

• High labor cost

Replacing a lock can be expensive, and overall the process is more complicated than rekeying, especially if you are doing it yourself. If you opt for a professional service, you will have to pay high labour costs with the lock’s price.

When should you rekey or change the lock?

So, how to identify which is the right option for you? This mainly depends on your particular but generally, rekeying is ideal.

• You have lost your home keys and need to find out who has access now.
• You have moved into a new home and want to ensure your home’s safety.
• Recently got divorced.
• You gave the spare key to any other person earlier, and they have not returned the keys.

A simple rekey can be an appropriate and cost-effective option to keep your home safe and sound.

When to change a lock?

In these situations, replacing a lock can be a suitable option than rekeying:

• After a disaster or break-in, when the entire lock is damaged.
• If you have an old, rusted, or broken lock.
• You have various types or brands of locks, and you want uniformity.
• You want to upgrade to any other lock style, such as a smart lock or keyless entry.

Rekeying vs Changing Locks FAQS