Just Moved? Why Rekeying Locks is Cheaper Than Replacing

Whether you have just purchased a new home in Ottawa, parted ways with a roommate, or simply lost a set of house keys, securing your property is always the top priority. However, ensuring that old keys no longer work does not automatically mean you need to buy entirely new lock hardware. In many cases, a simple lock rekey is all it takes.

Before you head to the hardware store or book a locksmith, it pays to understand the fundamental differences between rekeying and replacing your locks. Choosing the right service keeps your home secure while potentially saving you hundreds of dollars. Here is how our professional residential locksmith experts in Ottawa break down the decision.

Understanding Lock Rekeying: The Cost-Effective Fix

Rekeying is a locksmithing process that focuses exclusively on the internal mechanisms of your lock. Instead of removing the entire deadbolt or doorknob from your door, the locksmith extracts the inner cylinder and replaces the tiny pins and springs inside. These new pins are configured to match a brand-new key.

Once the rekeying is complete, any old keys that used to open the door will no longer turn the cylinder. Your hardware looks exactly the same from the outside, but its security has been completely reset. Because this process only requires a few small replacement parts and a fraction of the labour time, it is highly cost-effective.

Top Reasons to Rekey Your Existing Locks

If your current locks are operating smoothly and you are generally happy with their style and security level, rekeying is the smartest choice. Consider a rekey if you are facing any of the following scenarios:

• Moving Into a New Property: You never know who the previous owners gave spare keys to, including contractors, dog walkers, or neighbours. Rekeying gives you a clean slate.
• Lost or Stolen Keys: If a key goes missing, rekeying ensures that whoever finds it cannot access your home.
• Changing Roommates or Tenants: Property managers and homeowners should always rekey locks when a tenant or former partner moves out to guarantee restricted access.
• Consolidating Your Keys: If your front door, back door, and garage all require different keys, a locksmith can often rekey them to match, giving you the convenience of a single master house key.

When Lock Replacement Is the Better Investment

While rekeying is brilliant for access control, it cannot fix broken mechanics or upgrade a low-grade lock. Lock replacement involves removing the entire lock body, the exterior housing, the latch, the strike plate, and the cylinder to install a completely new unit.

Replacing locks naturally costs more because you are paying for both the new hardware and the extended installation time. However, when your physical security or daily functionality is compromised, it is an investment you cannot afford to skip.

Signs You Need Brand New Hardware

There are specific scenarios where relying on a rekey simply is not enough. You should opt for a full lock replacement if:

• The Lock Is Damaged or Worn Out: Over time, locks rust, warp, and wear down. If you have to jiggle your key aggressively or throw your shoulder into the door to get the deadbolt to slide, the lock has reached the end of its lifespan.
• You Want a Security Upgrade: Many older homes still feature easily picked, builder-grade locks. Upgrading to high-security deadbolts, bump-proof locks, or heavy-duty commercial hardware vastly improves your physical security.
• You Are Upgrading to Smart Technology: Transitioning to electronic keypads, biometric scanners, or Wi-Fi-enabled smart locks requires entirely new hardware.
• Aesthetic Updates: If your tarnished brass locks clash with your newly renovated modern entryway, replacing them is the only way to update the look.

Rekeying vs. Replacing: A Quick Comparison

Still on the fence? This simple breakdown highlights the main differences between the two services to help you make the best choice for your property.

Frequently Asked Questions