When you need to change who can get into your home, you have two options: rekey the lock or replace it entirely. The honest answer to which is cheaper is almost always rekeying — but there are real situations where replacing makes more sense. This guide gives you the full picture.
Quick Answer
Rekeying a lock costs $50 to $130 per lock. It changes the internal pins so your old keys no longer work and new keys do. The hardware stays the same.
Replacing a lock costs $100 to $300 per lock, including hardware and installation. You get entirely new hardware with new keys.
For most situations, rekeying saves you real money. But replacement is the right call when your locks are damaged, very old, or you're upgrading security.
What Is Rekeying?
Rekeying changes the key that operates a lock without changing the lock hardware. Inside every pin tumbler lock (the most common type used in US homes) are a series of spring-loaded pins of varying heights. The combination of those pin heights is what makes your specific key work.
When a locksmith rekeys a lock, they:
- Remove the lock cylinder
- Replace the pins with new ones in a different configuration
- Cut a new key that matches the new configuration
The result: your old keys no longer open the lock. New keys cut to the new code do.
The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes per lock for a professional. DIY rekey kits are also available for some lock brands (Kwikset, Schlage) for about $20 to $30 if you want to do it yourself.
What Rekeying Costs
| Scenario | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Single lock rekeyed by a locksmith | $50 – $100 |
| Multiple locks (whole-home package) | $150 – $300 for 3–5 locks |
| DIY rekey kit (Kwikset SmartKey or similar) | $20 – $35 per lock |
| After-hours rekeying | Add $30 – $75 |
What Is Lock Replacement?
Lock replacement means removing the entire lock hardware — cylinder, housing, strike plate, everything — and installing new hardware in its place. You walk away with a new lock and new keys.
This takes 20 to 60 minutes depending on the door preparation and hardware type.
What Replacement Costs
| Lock Type | Hardware Cost | Labor Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Grade 3 deadbolt | $20 – $40 | $60 – $100 | $80 – $140 |
| Grade 2 ANSI deadbolt | $40 – $80 | $60 – $100 | $100 – $180 |
| Grade 1 ANSI deadbolt (high security) | $60 – $150 | $75 – $125 | $135 – $275 |
| Smart/electronic deadbolt | $80 – $300 | $75 – $125 | $155 – $425 |
| High-security lock (Medeco, Abloy) | $150 – $400 | $100 – $150 | $250 – $550 |
Labor is often the same whether you rekey or replace, so the main cost difference is the hardware itself.
When Rekeying Makes More Sense
You Just Moved Into a New Home
This is the most common reason people rekey. When you buy a home, you get a set of keys — but the previous owners may have given keys to house cleaners, contractors, neighbors, real estate agents, or anyone else over the years. You don't know how many copies exist or who has them.
Rekeying all exterior locks when you move in is smart, affordable security. A locksmith can rekey three to five locks in one visit for $150 to $300, and you start fresh with only the keys you control.
A Roommate or Tenant Moved Out
If someone moved out and you're not certain they gave back all their keys, rekeying is the right move. It's cheaper than replacing the hardware and accomplishes the same security goal.
You Lost a Key
A lost key is a potential security issue — you don't know who found it or whether they know your address. Rekeying makes the lost key useless. Cost: $50 to $100, and it takes 20 minutes.
You Just Want New Keys
If your current keys are worn and you want fresh ones, rekeying cuts new keys with new pin combinations. Cheaper than full replacement.
The Lock Hardware Is Still Good
If your locks are in good working condition — smooth action, no wobble, no visible damage — there's no reason to throw them away. Rekeying extends the useful life at a fraction of the replacement cost.
When Replacement Makes More Sense
The Lock Is Damaged
If the lock mechanism is worn out, has visible damage, doesn't operate smoothly, or has been tampered with, rekeying a broken lock doesn't fix the underlying problem. Replace it.
Signs a lock should be replaced:
- Key turns but doesn't engage the deadbolt fully
- Visible dents, scratches, or evidence of forced entry
- Lock cylinder spins freely (the tailpiece or set screw has failed)
- Lock is more than 15 to 20 years old and showing wear
You're Upgrading Security
If you're moving from a basic builder-grade lock to a Grade 1 deadbolt with a reinforced strike plate, you need new hardware. Rekeying keeps your existing lock, so it's only an option if you're happy with the hardware quality.
Similarly, if you want a smart lock — keypad entry, app control, auto-locking — you need new hardware. You can't add smart functionality to a traditional lock by rekeying.
All Your Locks Use Different Keys and You Want One Key
If you have four exterior doors that all use different keys and you want to simplify to one master key, you might be able to accomplish this through rekeying (matching all locks to one key code) — but this works best when all locks are from the same manufacturer. If you have a mix of brands, replacement with a matched set may be cleaner.
After a Break-In
If someone forced entry and damaged your lock, replacement is almost certainly required. Rekeying a physically damaged lock doesn't restore the structural integrity. After a break-in, also consider upgrading to Grade 1 hardware with a reinforced strike plate and 3-inch screws — this prevents the same forced entry from working again.
Rekeying vs. Replacing: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Rekeying | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $50 – $130 | $100 – $300+ |
| Time to complete | 15 – 30 min | 20 – 60 min |
| Same physical hardware | Yes | No |
| Can upgrade security level | No | Yes |
| Works after break-in | Only if undamaged | Yes |
| Works for smart lock conversion | No | Yes |
| Makes old keys useless | Yes | Yes |
| DIY option | Yes (SmartKey, etc.) | Yes |
DIY Rekeying: Is It Worth It?
Some lock brands — most notably Kwikset SmartKey and some Schlage models — offer homeowner-friendly rekeying tools. The Kwikset SmartKey system lets you change your key code yourself in about 30 seconds with a small tool that comes with the lock.
Standard Kwikset and Schlage locks require a more involved process but can still be done with a $20 to $30 rekey kit purchased from Amazon or a hardware store. You'll need the current working key, the kit, and about 20 to 30 minutes per lock.
DIY rekeying makes the most sense if:
- You have the time and are reasonably handy
- You're doing multiple locks and want to save on labor
- Your locks are a consumer brand with available kits
Call a locksmith if:
- Your lock isn't a standard brand or is high-security
- You don't have a working key (you can't rekey without one)
- You're not comfortable with the process
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to rekey or change a lock? Rekeying is almost always cheaper — roughly $50 to $130 versus $100 to $300 for replacement. Unless the lock is damaged or you're upgrading, rekeying accomplishes the same security goal for less money.
Can any lock be rekeyed? Most standard pin tumbler locks can be rekeyed. This includes most Kwikset, Schlage, Defiant, and similar consumer-grade locks. High-security locks can also be rekeyed but may require brand-specific tools. Smart locks, magnetic locks, and some electronic systems are different — ask your locksmith.
Do I need a locksmith to rekey, or can I do it myself? You can DIY with rekey kits for many consumer locks. Kwikset SmartKey is particularly DIY-friendly. For non-SmartKey Kwikset or Schlage locks, you'll need a rekey kit (about $20) and the existing working key. For complex or high-security locks, use a professional.
How long does rekeying take? A locksmith typically takes 15 to 30 minutes per lock. Doing multiple locks in one visit is more efficient and often comes with a discounted rate.
Does rekeying make old keys completely useless? Yes. Once rekeyed, any keys cut to the old combination will not operate the lock. New keys are cut to match the new pin configuration.
Should I rekey or replace locks when buying a house? Rekey if the hardware is in good condition and you don't want to spend extra. Replace if you want to upgrade from builder-grade locks to something more secure, or if any locks show damage or wear. Most home buyers do a combination: rekey the locks they're keeping, replace any that are worn out or they want to upgrade.