Short answer: When you move into a new place, lose a key, or part ways with someone who had one, your instinct might be to buy all new locks. Often you do not need to. Rekeying can give you the same fresh-start security for a fraction of the cost, and knowing which path fits your situation is the difference between spending sensibly and spending twice.
When you move into a new place, lose a key, or part ways with someone who had one, your instinct might be to buy all new locks. Often you do not need to. Rekeying can give you the same fresh-start security for a fraction of the cost, and knowing which path fits your situation is the difference between spending sensibly and spending twice.
Rekeying keeps your existing lock hardware but changes the internal pins so your old keys stop working and a brand-new key takes over. Because the locksmith reuses the lock body you already own and only swaps a small set of inexpensive pins, the parts cost is minimal and the labor is quick once they are on site. In practice a rekey often runs in the range of roughly $15 to $50 per cylinder plus the service call, which is why homeowners with several matching doors frequently choose it. A big bonus is that a locksmith can rekey multiple locks to a single new key, so one key opens the front, back, and side doors instead of the jangling handful the previous owner left you.
Rekeying only makes sense if the lock itself is sound. If a deadbolt is worn, sticky, corroded from years of coastal air, or wobbling in the door, you are better off replacing it because no amount of pinning fixes tired hardware. Replacement is also the right call when you want to upgrade security level, for example moving from a flimsy builder-grade lock to a bump-resistant or high-security cylinder, or when you are switching to a keypad or smart lock for keyless entry. And if a lock has no removable cylinder or spare parts are discontinued, replacement is simply the only option. In these cases the higher price buys you genuinely better hardware, not just a new key.
Run through three questions. Is the hardware in good working order? If yes, rekeying is usually the economical choice. Do you actually want new features or a stronger security grade? If yes, replacement earns its cost. How many doors are involved? The more matching locks you have, the more rekeying's low per-cylinder price works in your favor, whereas replacing five locks with quality hardware adds up fast. As a rough rule, expect a new mid-grade deadbolt plus installation to land in the range of about $100 to $250 per door, meaningfully more than a rekey. When you are unsure, describe your locks over the phone; an honest locksmith will often steer you toward the cheaper rekey when that is genuinely all you need.
Rekeying keeps your existing lock hardware but changes the internal pins so your old keys stop working and a brand-new key takes over. Because the locksmith reuses the lock body you already own and only swaps a small set of inexpensive pins, the parts cost is minimal and the labor is quick once they are on site. In practice a rekey often runs in the range of roughly $15 to $50 per cylinder plus the service call, which is why homeowners with several matching doors frequently choose it. A big bonus is that a locksmith can rekey multiple locks to a single new key, so one key opens the front, back, and side doors instead of the jangling handful the previous owner left you.
Rekeying only makes sense if the lock itself is sound. If a deadbolt is worn, sticky, corroded from years of coastal air, or wobbling in the door, you are better off replacing it because no amount of pinning fixes tired hardware. Replacement is also the right call when you want to upgrade security level, for example moving from a flimsy builder-grade lock to a bump-resistant or high-security cylinder, or when you are switching to a keypad or smart lock for keyless entry. And if a lock has no removable cylinder or spare parts are discontinued, replacement is simply the only option. In these cases the higher price buys you genuinely better hardware, not just a new key.
Run through three questions. Is the hardware in good working order? If yes, rekeying is usually the economical choice. Do you actually want new features or a stronger security grade? If yes, replacement earns its cost. How many doors are involved? The more matching locks you have, the more rekeying's low per-cylinder price works in your favor, whereas replacing five locks with quality hardware adds up fast. As a rough rule, expect a new mid-grade deadbolt plus installation to land in the range of about $100 to $250 per door, meaningfully more than a rekey. When you are unsure, describe your locks over the phone; an honest locksmith will often steer you toward the cheaper rekey when that is genuinely all you need.
Call (650) 227-4966 and describe the situation, your exact location, and what you need. Timing is confirmed on that call rather than promised in advance.
Call for help: (650) 227-4966 — a straight answer and an honest estimate before any work begins.