Is It Cheaper to Rekey or Replace Locks?
Rekeying is cheaper than replacing locks almost every time. Apex Locksmith Pros rekeys locks for $35+ per cylinder, and the hardware already on your door stays, so there is nothing new to buy. Changing the locks only earns its higher cost when the lock itself is worn, damaged, or getting upgraded, for example to a smart lock, which we install from $169+.
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What rekeying 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. Our Rekeying Locks page has the full per-cylinder pricing.
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 from $169+. 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.
Rather hear it from a locksmith? Call or text and get a flat quote for your job.
What Else Do People Ask About This?
These are the follow-up questions callers in McKinney and nearby cities ask most often on this topic, each answered in a few plain sentences by our locksmith team.
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?
Rekeying is quick work once the tech is at the door, and a whole house is normally handled in a single visit. You can book it the same day during our 8 AM to 8 PM hours.
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
Deciding which fix you need? Read the full guide: Rekey or Replace Your Locks? How to Decide.
Need it handled? Rekeying Locks: service and pricing, or call (469) 712-5422, open daily 8 AM–8 PM.