Is It Cheaper to Rekey or Replace Your Locks?

Rekey or Replace? How to Decide What Your Locks Need

You have moved into a new home, lost your keys, or split up with someone who has a copy. You want to make sure old keys no longer work. The question is: should you rekey the existing locks or replace them entirely?

I am Albert, a local locksmith based in Coventry. Whether rekeying or replacement is practical depends on the exact lock, available parts, certification, condition and key-control objective. This guide explains the assessment rather than assuming one route is always cheaper.

What Is Rekeying?

Rekeying means changing the internal pins or wafers inside a lock cylinder so that the old keys no longer work and a new set of keys is cut to match the new pin configuration. The lock body itself stays in place — only the internal components change.

Think of it this way: the lock is a puzzle, and the key is the solution. Rekeying changes the puzzle without replacing the whole lock. Your old keys become useless, and you get new ones that work with the reconfigured lock.

How Rekeying Works (Step by Step)

The lock housing, the mounting, and the external appearance all stay the same. From the outside, you would never know the lock had been rekeyed.

What Is Lock Replacement?

Lock replacement means removing the entire lock — housing, cylinder, everything — and fitting a brand new one. You get a completely new lock with new keys, and the old lock is disposed of.

Cost Comparison: Rekey vs Replace

There is no published flat rekeying price on this site because the exact cylinder or lock and available parts must be identified first. Compare a job-specific rekey quote with the published replacement starting price.

Euro Cylinder (uPVC and Composite Doors)

Yale Nightlatch (Wooden Front Doors)

5-Lever Mortice Deadlock (Wooden Front Doors)

When Rekeying Makes Sense

There are specific situations where rekeying is genuinely the better option:

1. High-Quality Locks That Are in Good Condition

If a serviceable lock supports an authorised rekeying process and the required parts are available, rekeying may preserve suitable hardware while establishing a new key set. Check manufacturer key-control rules first.

2. Decorative or Custom Hardware

Some locks are part of decorative door hardware that would be difficult or expensive to replace. Antique locks on period properties, custom-finished handles with integrated locks, or commercial-grade hardware where the lock body is built into a bespoke system — in these cases, rekeying preserves the hardware while changing the keys.

3. Commercial Properties With Master Key Systems

In offices and commercial buildings, locks are often part of a master key system where different keys open different doors but a master key opens all of them. Rekeying lets you change individual locks within the system without disrupting the entire hierarchy. This is not common in residential properties, but it is worth mentioning.

4. Multiple Locks Keyed Alike

If you want all your locks to work with the same key (keyed alike), rekeying existing locks to match one key can sometimes be more cost-effective than replacing all of them — especially if the locks are good quality and varied in type.

When Replacement Is Better

Replacement and rekeying each need an address-specific comparison. Consider the following checks:

1. The Anti-Snap Upgrade Opportunity

If your uPVC or composite door has an uncertified euro cylinder, replacement may provide an opportunity to select a product with independently tested attack resistance. Police.uk recommends a 3-star TS007 cylinder when a euro cylinder is changed, while DHF also recognises a 1-star cylinder combined with 2-star security furniture. Read the lock-snapping guide and use the lock upgrade service for a security-standard assessment.

Compare the actual rekeying quote with replacement, which starts from £59 for an anti-snap cylinder. The existing cylinder's condition, certification, compatibility, and key-control options determine which route is more practical.

2. Worn or Aging Locks

Locks and doors can wear or move out of alignment. Rekeying changes key operation but does not repair unrelated wear, damage or alignment. If operation has become stiff, stop forcing the key and have the complete lock and door assessed before choosing either route.

3. Cheap or Low-Security Locks

Some doors have cylinders whose certification, condition, or key control cannot be confirmed. Inspect the actual product rather than inferring its security from the age, appearance, or manufacturer of the door.

If certification, key control or condition cannot be confirmed, compare the rekey quote and outcome with a compatible, currently certified replacement. Price alone does not establish quality.

4. Peace of Mind

There is something psychologically reassuring about a completely new lock. When you move into a new home and want to know that nobody else has a working key, a new lock provides that certainty. Yes, a rekeyed lock achieves the same practical result — old keys will not work. But a new lock removes any doubt.

My Honest Recommendation

For many standard residential locks, replacement may be more practical than rekeying, but the decision depends on the existing product, condition, certification, key-control needs, and available parts. Here is how I assess it:

A serviceable product with an authorised rekey route may justify keeping the hardware. A worn, damaged, incompatible or unsuitable lock may make replacement more practical.

Common Scenarios and My Recommendation

Moving House

Recommendation: assess key control and the fitted locks. If old copies cannot be accounted for, an authorised replacement or viable rekeying route can establish a new key set. Inspect condition, markings, compatibility and every external entrance rather than infer a universal answer from the move itself.

Anti-snap cylinder fitting starts from £59 per door under the published scope. Multiple doors are itemised separately because sizes, products and fitting can differ; check the current prices or request a combined quote.

Lost Keys

Recommendation: assess the access risk and available key-control route. If identifiable keys could be used at the property, replacement or an authorised rekey may remove access through those old copies. Product condition, certification, parts and urgency determine the suitable scope. Read the guide on what to do if you have lost your keys.

Relationship Breakdown

Recommendation: confirm authority and key control. Where a person is lawfully entitled to change access and an old key should no longer work, compare compatible replacement or rekeying options. Occupancy, tenancy, court orders and ownership can affect authority, so the locksmith should not decide those rights.

Landlord — Between Tenants

Recommendation: Assess key control and the existing locks. If previous keys cannot be accounted for, replacement or rekeying can establish a new key set. Tenancy rights and authority still matter; see the guide on locks between tenancies.

After a Break-In

Recommendation: Replace damaged or compromised components and assess the full doorset. A certified lock upgrade may be appropriate, but the cylinder, door, frame, furniture, and insurer instructions should be reviewed together. The guide on what to do after a burglary covers the wider process.

Getting the Right Advice

If you are not sure whether to rekey or replace, call me on 024 7522 4730. I will ask about your locks, your situation, and what you are trying to achieve — and give you an honest recommendation. No pressure, no upselling.

I cover the locations listed on the areas page; call with the full postcode to confirm the address and current ETA. The published starting-price policy applies 24/7. Check the lock change service page or the full price list for the available scopes.