This is probably our most-asked question. Someone moves into a new house, goes through a breakup, fires a contractor, or loses a key, and the first thing they think is: “I need to change my locks.” And sometimes that’s exactly right. But more often than not, rekeying is the better option — and most people don’t know rekeying exists.
Here’s the breakdown.
The Actual Difference, Explained Simply
Rekeying means a locksmith takes apart the lock cylinder, removes the existing pins, and replaces them with new pins that match a different key. When it’s done, the old key no longer works. The lock hardware itself — the deadbolt, the knob, the handle, the strike plate — stays exactly where it is. You get new keys; everything else looks and functions the same.
Changing locks means physically removing the entire lock from the door and installing a brand new one. New hardware, new cylinder, new keys. The old lock is gone entirely.
The distinction matters because the two options solve different problems. Rekeying solves access control: who can get in with a key. Changing locks solves hardware problems: the lock is old, damaged, wrong grade, or you want different features.
Rekeying is like changing the password on your email account. The email account itself doesn’t change — just who can log into it. Changing the lock is like getting an entirely new email account with a new provider.
When Rekeying Makes Sense
Rekeying is the right call in the majority of situations we encounter. Here are the most common scenarios:
- You just moved into a new home. This is the single most common reason people call us for rekeying. You have no idea how many copies of the keys exist — the previous owners, their family members, their real estate agent, their dog walker, their cleaning service, their contractor. Rekeying every exterior lock immediately after closing is one of the smartest security steps you can take as a new homeowner.
- You lost your keys. If your house keys are lost and could potentially be connected to your address (on a keychain with ID, reward tag, or car registration), rekeying eliminates the risk of someone using those keys.
- A relationship ended. Whether it’s a breakup, a roommate moving out, or a family situation, rekeying ensures that only the people you choose have access. It’s faster, less disruptive, and less expensive than replacing all your hardware.
- You want all your locks on one key. Most homes accumulate different locks over the years — the front door has one key, the garage entry has another, the back door has a third. Rekeying lets us set all of them to the same key so you only carry one.
- Your locks are in good condition. If your deadbolts and knobs are solid, functional, and the right grade for your needs, there’s no reason to replace them. Rekeying gives you new key access without wasting perfectly good hardware.
When You Should Change the Locks
Lock replacement makes sense when the hardware itself is the problem:
- Your locks are worn out or damaged. If the deadbolt is stiff, the knob is loose, the cylinder is corroded, or the lock doesn’t operate smoothly, rekeying won’t fix that. You need new hardware.
- Your locks are low-grade. Many homes, especially newer construction, come with builder-grade locks that meet minimum standards but aren’t particularly secure. If your deadbolt feels flimsy, has a short throw, or doesn’t have an ANSI Grade 2 or Grade 1 rating, upgrading the hardware is worthwhile.
- You want smart lock features. If you want keyless entry, a keypad, or smart home integration, that requires new hardware. No amount of rekeying will add a keypad to a traditional deadbolt.
- The lock has been compromised. If someone attempted to break in by picking, bumping, or forcing the lock, the internal mechanism may be damaged even if it still seems to work. Replacing it ensures you have a fully functional, undamaged lock.
- Mismatched hardware bothers you. Some homeowners want a uniform look — matching deadbolts and knobs in the same finish across all exterior doors. If your current hardware is a mix of brass, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze from different eras, replacement is the way to get that cohesive appearance.
What the Process Looks Like
Rekeying
A locksmith removes the lock cylinder from the door (or disassembles it in place), dumps the existing pin stack, and installs new pins that match a new key cut. The process takes about 10–15 minutes per lock. Your existing hardware goes right back in. You walk away with new keys and the peace of mind that old keys are now useless.
One thing to know: all the locks being rekeyed need to be the same brand, or at least the same keyway (the shape of the key slot). If your front door has a Schlage and your back door has a Kwikset, we can rekey each one, but they’ll still require different keys unless we switch one to match the other’s keyway.
Changing Locks
Lock replacement involves removing the old hardware, checking that the door prep and strike plate are compatible with the new lock, installing the new lock, testing the bolt extension and alignment, and ensuring the door closes and locks smoothly. It takes about 20–30 minutes per lock, depending on whether any adjustments to the door or frame are needed.
When we replace locks, we always install the new strike plate with 3-inch screws that anchor into the structural framing behind the door jamb. This is one of the single most important security upgrades for any door, and it’s included with every lock we install.
Not sure which one you need? Call us and describe your situation. We’ll tell you honestly which option makes sense. If rekeying solves your problem, we’ll never push you toward a full lock replacement. Call (913) 530-9874 or book online.
Bonus: Keying All Your Locks Alike
One of the most popular services we provide during a rekey is keying all exterior locks alike. This means every lock on your home — front door, back door, garage entry, side gate — opens with the same key. No more fumbling through a keyring trying three different keys.
To do this, all locks need to be the same brand and keyway. If they’re not, we can either rekey the mismatched ones to a compatible keyway or replace the odd ones with matching hardware. Most homeowners in the Johnson County area end up with Schlage or Kwikset since those are the two dominant residential brands, and both offer a wide range of styles and finishes.
If you’re moving into a new home, this is the ideal time to do it. We can rekey every lock to a single key in one visit, usually in under an hour for a typical 3–4 lock home. You start fresh with one key for everything, and you know exactly who has a copy.