Is It Cheaper to Rekey or Replace Locks?
Rekeying is cheaper almost every time. Apex Locksmith rekeys locks for $25 per cylinder, and because the hardware you already own stays on the door, there is nothing else to buy. Replacement makes sense when the lock itself is worn, damaged, or due for an upgrade; new hardware plus installation always costs more than new pins in a lock that still works fine.
What rekeying actually changes
A tech pulls the cylinder, swaps the pin stack inside to match a fresh key, and puts it back. Old keys stop working instantly, new keys operate the lock, and the door hardware never changes. That covers the reason most people think they need new locks: moving into a home, a lost key ring, an ex-roommate or contractor who still has a copy. Security-wise the effect matches replacement, because the key is what changed hands, not the lock.
When replacement is worth paying for
Replace when the hardware itself is the problem: a latch that sticks, a cylinder that needs wiggling, visible rust, or a builder-grade lock you want upgraded to something stouter. Replacement is also the only route to features rekeying cannot add, like a keypad or a smart lock; we install smart locks for $149. One honest middle path: rekey the good locks and replace only the failing one, since nothing forces you to treat every door the same way.
Related Questions
Can you rekey all my locks to one key?
Usually yes, as long as the locks share a keyway, and most big-box brands do. One key for the front, back, and garage door is the most common rekey request we get.
Do I need the original key to rekey a lock?
No. A locksmith can pick the lock open and rekey it anyway. It adds a little work, not a roadblock.
How long does rekeying take?
A few minutes per cylinder once the tech is at the door. A whole house is typically under an hour.
Does rekeying make the lock less secure?
No. The lock keeps the same mechanism it came with, just matched to a new key. Rekey pins are factory-spec parts, not shims.
More Quick Answers
Need it handled? Rekeying Locks: service and pricing, or call (469) 712-5422, open daily 8 AM–8 PM.