Rekeying vs Replacing Locks: Which Should You Choose?

When it comes to home security, understanding the difference between rekeying vs replacing locks can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you've just moved into a new home in Salt Lake City, lost a key, or experienced a break-in, knowing which option is right for your situation is essential. Both methods improve your security, but they serve different purposes — and choosing the wrong one could leave you either overspending or underprotected.

What Is Rekeying and How Does It Work?

Rekeying a lock involves changing the internal pin configuration inside the lock cylinder. A locksmith removes the cylinder, replaces the small pins inside with differently sized ones, and reassembles the lock. The result? Your old key will no longer operate the lock, and a brand-new key takes its place. The lock hardware itself — the knob, deadbolt, or handle — stays exactly the same.

This process is quick, typically taking just 15–30 minutes per lock, and costs significantly less than full replacement. It's one of the most common services our team at Eagle Locksmith UT performs for homeowners across the Salt Lake Valley.

What Does Replacing a Lock Involve?

Lock replacement means removing the existing lock hardware entirely and installing a brand-new lock set. This includes the cylinder, the bolt mechanism, and the exterior and interior trim. Replacement is a more involved job, but it's the right choice when the lock itself is the problem — not just who has a key to it.

Modern lock replacements also give you the opportunity to upgrade to higher-security options, such as Grade 1 deadbolts, smart locks, or bump-resistant and pick-resistant designs. If your current locks are builder-grade or more than 10 years old, a full replacement could meaningfully improve your home's security posture.

Rekeying vs Replacing Locks: When Should You Rekey?

Rekeying is typically the smarter, more economical choice in these common scenarios:

You Just Moved Into a New Home

This is the number-one reason Salt Lake City homeowners call a locksmith. You have no way of knowing how many copies of the old keys exist or who has them. Rekeying immediately cuts off access to previous owners, contractors, or anyone else who was ever given a copy. According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, a significant percentage of residential burglaries involve no forced entry — meaning someone used a key. Rekeying is your first line of defense.

You Lost a Key or Had One Stolen

If a key goes missing, don't assume the worst won't happen. Rekeying the affected locks is a fast, low-cost way to restore your peace of mind without spending on new hardware.

After a Breakup or Roommate Change

Whenever someone who had access to your home leaves on less-than-ideal terms, rekeying is the responsible next step. It's also a good idea after ending a relationship with a house cleaner, dog walker, or contractor.

Rekeying vs Replacing Locks: When Should You Replace?

Sometimes rekeying simply isn't enough. Here are the situations where full lock replacement makes more sense:

The Lock Is Damaged or Worn

If a lock is stiff, difficult to turn, or was damaged during a break-in attempt, rekeying won't fix the underlying mechanical problem. A damaged lock is a security vulnerability, and replacement is the only real fix.

You Want to Upgrade Your Security

Builder-grade locks installed in many Utah homes offer minimal protection. Upgrading to a Grade 1 ANSI-rated deadbolt or a smart lock with audit trails and remote access provides a dramatically higher level of security. Our residential locksmith services include expert installation of top-rated lock brands suited for Salt Lake City's climate and common entry points.

You're Switching to a Smart Lock System

Smart locks require new hardware by definition. If you're ready to go keyless with a PIN pad, fingerprint reader, or app-controlled lock, you'll need a full replacement — and possibly new key cutting and duplication services for backup physical keys.

Cost Comparison: Rekeying vs Replacing Locks

Cost is often the deciding factor for many homeowners. Here's a general breakdown to help you budget:

• Rekeying: Typically $20–$50 per lock (labor included), making it the budget-friendly choice.
• Lock Replacement: Generally $80–$200+ per lock depending on the hardware brand and grade selected.
• Smart Lock Installation: $150–$400+ depending on the device and complexity of installation.

If your locks are in good shape and your only concern is key control, rekeying gives you equivalent security at a fraction of the price. However, if you're replacing three aging deadbolts with high-security hardware, the investment in replacement pays dividends in long-term protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to rekey a lock?

Rekeying a single lock typically takes a professional locksmith between 15 and 30 minutes. If you have multiple locks to rekey, the total time increases proportionally, but an experienced locksmith can often rekey an entire home in under two hours. It's one of the fastest security improvements you can make.

Can I rekey a lock myself without a locksmith?

Rekeying kits are available at hardware stores, but they require some mechanical aptitude and the correct kit for your specific lock brand. Mistakes can result in a non-functional lock or reduced security. For most homeowners, hiring a licensed locksmith is faster, more reliable, and not significantly more expensive when you factor in the cost of the kit and your time.

Does rekeying a lock make it as secure as a new lock?

Yes — as long as the existing lock hardware is in good condition. Rekeying effectively renders all previous keys useless and restores full key control. The security level of the lock itself doesn't change; you're simply resetting who can use it. If the lock's physical security rating is already adequate, rekeying is a completely valid solution.

How often should I replace the locks on my home?

Most security experts recommend evaluating your locks every 7–10 years or after any security event such as a break-in, a lost key, or a change in household occupants. In Utah's climate, where temperature swings can affect lock mechanisms, annual inspection is a smart habit. A locksmith can quickly assess whether your hardware is still performing at its rated level.

What if I want all my locks to use the same key after rekeying?

This is called keying alike or master keying, and it's a very common request. A locksmith can rekey multiple different locks — even from different brands — so they all operate with a single key. This is especially convenient for homeowners in Salt Lake City who have a front door, back door, garage entry, and storage locks they'd like to simplify into one key solution.