When it comes to improving your property’s security, you might wonder whether to rekey your locks or replace them entirely. Both options serve different purposes, and choosing the right one depends on your situation, budget, and security needs.
What Does Rekeying Mean?
Rekeying involves changing the internal mechanism of your existing lock so that old keys no longer work. You’ll receive a new set of keys without replacing the entire lock hardware.
Best for:
- Moving into a new home
- Lost or unreturned keys
- Wanting a quick, cost-effective security update
What Does Lock Replacement Mean?
Replacing a lock means removing the old lock and installing a completely new one. This is ideal when your current locks are outdated, damaged, or you want to upgrade to a more secure system.
Best for:
- Broken or worn-out locks
- Upgrading to high-security or smart locks
- Improving overall property value and safety
Key Differences to Consider:
- Cost: Rekeying is usually more affordable than full replacement
- Security Level: Replacement offers an opportunity to upgrade security features
- Time: Rekeying is faster, while replacement may take a bit longer
- Condition of Lock: If your lock is in good shape, rekeying is often enough
Which One Should You Choose?
If your locks are still in good condition and you just need to change access, rekeying is a smart and budget-friendly choice. However, if your locks are damaged, outdated, or you want enhanced security, replacing them is the better long-term solution.