Rekeying vs. Replacing Your Locks: Pros & Cons

Below is a detailed comparison to help you decide what’s right for your home.

Pros of Rekeying Your Locks

1. It’s More Affordable Than New Locks

Rekeying is one of the most cost-effective residential locksmith services. Because you keep your existing hardware, the cost typically includes:

• Service call

• Labor

• New pins

• New keys

This makes rekeying ideal when you need to secure your home quickly without a large expense.

2. Works Like a “Reset Button” for Your Home’s Security

If you don’t know who might have a copy of your key, rekeying eliminates that worry instantly.
This is especially important when:

• Previous homeowners or tenants may still have keys

• A key went missing

• You handed out spare keys to contractors or neighbors

3. Lets You Key-All Doors Alike

Many Utah homeowners love the convenience of one key for the whole house.
Rekeying makes this possible (as long as the locks are compatible brands/models).

4. Fast and Efficient

A trained residential locksmith can usually rekey an entire home in under an hour, depending on the number of doors.

Cons of Rekeying Your Locks

1. Doesn’t Improve the Physical Security of the Lock

If your lock is weak, outdated, or builder-grade, rekeying keeps the same level of security.
Anyone trying to force or pick it will face the same lack of resistance as before.

2. Doesn’t Fix Damaged or Worn Hardware

If your lock sticks, grinds, or has mechanical issues, rekeying won’t solve the problem. In these cases, replacing the lock is the safer and more reliable option.

3. Limited Compatibility

If you want all your locks to work on one key but they’re different brands or models, rekeying may not be possible without replacing some hardware.

Pros of Replacing Your Locks

1. Improved Security

New locks—especially high-security deadbolts—offer better protection against:

• Bump keys

• Lock picking

• Drilling

• Forced entry (Increase holding capacity from 200 lbs to 800 lbs without replacing the door. This reduces the ability for someone to kick in your door.)
  
  

Brands like Medeco, ASSA ABLOY, Schlage Primus, and Mul-T-Lock offer patented key control, making unauthorized duplication extremely difficult. Older locks don’t usually provide the same security advancements of newer locks. Similar to comparing your current phone to a ten-year-old phone.

2. Upgrade to Smart Locks or Keypads

Replacing your locks lets you add modern features such as:

• Keyless entry

• Temporary or remote codes

• Auto-locking

• Smartphone control

• Audit trail (know when the door was unlocked)

• Lock position indicator (tells  cellphone if door is locked or unlocked)
  
  

This is a major upgrade for Airbnb owners, homeowners with teenagers, and anyone who wants more convenience.

3. Fixes Mechanical Problems

If your lock is worn, damaged, or sticking, replacing it solves the issue completely.

4. Aesthetic Upgrade

Modern hardware comes in updated finishes such as:

• Matte black

• Satin nickel

• Oil-rubbed bronze

• Brass

• Venetian bronze
  
  

A small hardware upgrade can make doors look newer and improve curb appeal.

5. Customize Your Security Level

You can choose:

• Standard deadbolts

• High-security locks

• Keypad locks

• Smart home integrations

• Double-sided deadbolts
  
  

Rekeying cannot provide this level of customization.

Cons of Replacing Your Locks

1. Higher Cost

Replacing locks is more expensive than rekeying because it includes:

• New hardware

• Installation time

• Optional smart lock or high-security upgrades
  
  

However, for many homeowners, the long-term security benefit is worth the cost.

2. Takes Slightly Longer Than Rekeying

Replacing multiple locks requires additional labor, especially if the door or frame needs adjustment.

3. More Decisions to Make

When replacing locks, you’ll need to choose:

• Style

• Finish

• Security level

• Keyway type

• Compatibility with existing doors
  
  

Your locksmith can guide you through the choices, but there’s more involved than simply rekeying.

Which Option Is Better for Utah Homeowners?

The right choice depends on your goals. Below are the most common scenarios we see across Utah County.

✔️ Choose Rekeying If…

• Your locks are in good condition

• You only want to update who has access

• You recently moved into a new home

• You’ve lost a key

• You want all locks to use the same key

• You want the most affordable option

• You feel your current security level is sufficient
  
  

Rekeying is the best value for basic security.

✔️ Choose Replacing If…

• Your locks are old, worn, sticky, or low-quality

• You want stronger home security

• You’re upgrading to smart locks

• You want a new look or finish

• You want patented keys that cannot be duplicated

• Your locks can’t be keyed alike due to mismatched brands
  
  

Replacing is best when you want a security upgrade + convenience improvements.

Cost Comparison: Rekey vs. Replace in Utah County

While pricing varies depending on hardware and travel distance, here’s a general idea:

Rekeying Typically Costs Less

Rekeying each lock is usually far cheaper than buying a new deadbolt or handle set. You pay for labor, new pins, and new keys—making it the budget-friendly option. Payson Lock & Key typically rekeys most homes for under $150. Call for a free quote.

Replacing Locks Includes Hardware

New hardware increases the cost, especially for:

• Smart locks

• High-security locks

• Decorative handle sets

You’re investing in higher security and long-term peace of mind, not just a new key.

If you want exact pricing, we offer free phone estimates for homes anywhere in Payson, Spanish Fork, Salem, Santaquin, and throughout Utah.

Common Myths About Rekeying and Replacing Locks

❌ Myth 1: Rekeying makes your lock stronger.

Rekeying only changes who has a working key, not the strength of the lock.

❌ Myth 2: You must replace your locks when moving into a new home.

Rekeying is usually enough unless the hardware is worn or builder-grade.

❌ Myth 3: Smart locks are less secure.

Quality smart locks combined with strong deadbolts are very secure, and extremely convenient.

❌ Myth 4: All locks can be keyed alike.

Only compatible lock brands and keyways can be matched.

How Payson Lock & Key Helps You Decide

As a full-service residential locksmith in Utah County, we offer:

• Professional lock rekeying

• New deadbolt installation

• High-security lock upgrades

• Smart locks and keyless systems

• Door hardware replacement

• Security assessments

• Master key systems for rental properties
  
  

Our technicians evaluate your home’s doors, hardware condition, brand compatibility, and security needs to recommend the best option.

We work with all major brands, including:

• Schlage

• Kwikset

• Baldwin

• Yale

• Medeco

• ASSA ABLOY

• Emtek
  
  

Whether you choose rekeying or full replacement, we make the process simple, affordable, and secure.

Final Recommendation: Rekey for Convenience, Replace for Security & Upgrades

If you’re primarily concerned about who has keys, choose rekeying.

If you want better protection, convenience, or hardware quality, choose replacement.

Most Utah County homeowners end up doing a combination of both, rekeying locks that are still in good shape and replacing the ones that are outdated or unreliable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rekeying vs Replacing Locks

• Is it cheaper to rekey or replace my locks?

  Rekeying is almost always cheaper because you keep your existing hardware. Replacing locks adds the cost of new hardware but increases long-term security.

• How long does it take to rekey a home?

  Most Utah homes can be fully rekeyed within an hour, depending on how many doors and deadbolts you have.

• Should I rekey my locks after buying a new house?

  Yes, it's one of the most important first steps for home security. Rekeying ensures old keys no longer work.

• Can all my locks be keyed alike?

  Yes, as long as the locks are compatible (same brand/keyway). If not, some locks may need to be replaced first.

• When should I replace instead of rekey?

  Replace your locks when the hardware is worn, low-quality, sticking, or when upgrading to smart locks or high-security hardware.

• Are smart locks secure?

  Quality smart locks (Schlage, Yale, Kwikset Halo, Level, etc.) offer excellent security when properly installed, especially paired with a good deadbolt.

Need Help Securing Your Home? Call Payson Lock & Key

We provide fast, friendly, and professional mobile locksmith service across:

Payson • Spanish Fork • Salem • Santaquin • Mapleton • Elk Ridge • Nephi • Fillmore and surrounding Utah communities

📞 Call: 801-465-9621
🔐 Your local Utah residential locksmith since 1995

Whether you're thinking about rekeying your house or upgrading to new locks, we’ll help you choose the safest and most cost-effective option.