Rekey or Replace Your Locks? How to Decide
Rekeying and replacing locks solve different problems. Here is how to tell which one your situation actually needs — without overpaying.
If you just moved into a home in Vaughan, lost a set of keys, or had a tenant move out, you have probably asked the same question: should you rekey the locks or replace them entirely? Both improve your security, but they cost different amounts and solve different problems. Choosing the wrong one usually means spending more than you needed to.
What rekeying actually does
Rekeying changes the internal pins inside the lock cylinder so the old keys no longer work, while keeping the existing hardware on the door. It is fast, affordable, and ideal when the lock itself is in good condition and the real issue is key control — in other words, you simply do not want old keys to open the door anymore.
- You just bought or moved into a home and do not know who has copies
- Keys were lost or stolen and you want them invalidated
- A tenant, contractor, or employee moved on
- You want several doors to open with one key
When replacing the lock is the better call
Replacement swaps out the hardware itself. It costs more than rekeying because you are paying for new locks, but it is the right move when the existing hardware is failing or you want a meaningful upgrade.
- The lock sticks, grinds, or feels loose and unreliable
- The hardware is old, corroded, or no longer matches your security needs
- You want to upgrade to a higher-security deadbolt or a smart lock
- You are changing the look of the door hardware
Cost and time: the short version
Rekeying is almost always cheaper and faster than replacing every lock, because the locksmith reuses your existing hardware and only changes the pins. Replacement makes financial sense when the hardware would need replacing soon anyway, or when the security upgrade is the whole point. If you are unsure, a quick phone call describing your doors and locks is usually enough to point you to the cheaper correct answer.
The bottom line
If the lock works well and you only need new key control, rekey it. If the hardware is worn or you want an upgrade, replace it. For most new Vaughan homeowners, rekeying every exterior door to a single new key is the most cost-effective first step.
