Let’s be real—losing a key sucks. One minute it’s jingling in your pocket, the next it’s vanished into the abyss (probably hiding with all those missing socks). Now you’re stuck wondering: Do I need to replace my entire lock, or is rekeying enough? And more importantly, is rekeying even secure? As the team at All Over Locksmith here in Los Angeles, we’ve seen this panic firsthand. Let’s break it down together, no jargon, just straight talk.
What the Heck Is Rekeying Anyway?
Before we dive into security, let’s get everyone on the same page. Rekeying means changing the internal pins of a lock so your old key no longer works. A locksmith (hi, that’s us!) pops open the lock, swaps out some tiny components, and voilà—your lock gets a fresh “key code.” No new hardware needed.
Why Rekey Instead of Replace?
- Cost-effective: Rekeying costs way less than buying brand-new locks.
- Time-saving: Most jobs take under 30 minutes.
- Keep your existing hardware: Love your vintage brass deadbolt? Keep it!
But here’s the million-dollar question: Does rekeying actually keep your home secure? Short answer: Yes—if done right.
The Security Lowdown: Is Rekeying Trustworthy?
Imagine your lost key is out there, maybe in the hands of someone sketchy. Rekeying ensures that key becomes useless. But let’s get nerdy for a sec.
How Rekeying Works (Without Putting You to Sleep)
- Disassemble the lock: We remove the cylinder and extract the old pins.
- Install new pins: These match a new key’s unique cut pattern.
- Test the new key: Because nobody wants a “oops, it’s stuck” moment.
Pro Tip: Always hire a certified locksmith. DIY kits? IMO, they’re like trying to fix a Tesla with duct tape—possible, but why risk it?
When Rekeying Isn’t Enough
Rekeying is a rockstar for lost keys, but there are times you should replace the lock:
- The lock is damaged or outdated (looking at you, 1990s apartment specials).
- You want to upgrade to smart locks or high-security features.
- You’ve moved into a new home and have zero clue who else has keys.
FYI: At All Over Locksmith, we’ll always tell you straight—no upsells, just honest advice.
Rekeying vs. Replacement: The Ultimate Showdown
Still torn? Let’s compare:
| Factor | Rekeying | Lock Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 50–100 (depending on complexity) | 100–300+ (per lock) |
| Time | 30 minutes | 1–2 hours (including installation) |
| Security | High (if locks are in good shape) | High (especially with upgrades) |
| Convenience | Keep your existing hardware | New hardware required |
The verdict? If your lock is sturdy and modern, rekeying is a slam dunk. But if your lock looks like it survived a zombie apocalypse, replacement’s the way to go.
“But Wait, What If…” – Your Top 3 Questions Answered
1. How long does rekeying take?
Glad you asked! Most homes can be fully rekeyed in under an hour. We’ve even done rush jobs during lunch breaks for forgetful Angelenos.
2. Can all locks be rekeyed?
Almost! Standard Kwikset, Schlage, and Yale locks? Easy peasy. Antique or specialty locks? Sometimes yes, sometimes nah—we’ll check first.
3. Is rekeying DIY-friendly?
Technically, yes. Realistically? Unless you’re a locksmith (hey, we are!), it’s like performing surgery with a butter knife. One wrong move, and you’ll be calling us anyway.
Why Trust a Pro? (Spoiler: We’re Biased… But Right)
Look, we get it—YouTube tutorials make everything seem DIY-able. But here’s the tea: rekeying requires precision. Miss a pin, and your lock becomes a glorified paperweight. Worse, half-hearted rekeying can lower your security.
At All Over Locksmith, we’ve rescued dozens of DIY disasters. Our favorite? A guy who used a screwdriver instead of a plug follower. Let’s just say… it didn’t end well :/.
When to Call All Over Locksmith (Hint: Now)
Lost your keys? Just moved? Suspicious your ex still has a key? Here’s our motto: When in doubt, rekey it out.
We’re LA’s go-to because:
- 24/7 service: Because keys don’t care about business hours.
- Transparent pricing: No hidden fees, ever.
- Local expertise: We know LA’s unique security needs (looking at you, Hollywood Hills mansions).
Wrapping Up: Your Key Takeaway
Rekeying is secure, affordable, and faster than waiting for a new lock to ship. But—and this is a big but—only if done by a pro. Whether you’re in Silver Lake or Santa Monica, All Over Locksmith has your back. Next time you lose a key, skip the stress and give us a ring.
Still debating? Here’s a final thought: Why spend hundreds replacing locks when a quick rekey does the trick? Unless you’re itching for a hardware upgrade—in which case, we’ve got those too ;).
Need a rekey or just wanna chat locks? Contact All Over Locksmith – we’re here to help, no ghosting, no BS.
