Why Rekeying Is Cheaper Than Replacing Locks (And Why You’ll High-Five Us Later)
Let’s cut to the chase: When your keys go rogue—whether they’re lost, stolen, or you’re just tired of that janky 1998 Kwikset lock—you’ve got two choices. You can either rekey the existing lock or replace the whole thing. But here’s the kicker: rekeying is almost always cheaper, faster, and smarter. And no, we’re not just saying that because we’re locksmiths who’ve seen one too many “DIY lock change fails” on YouTube. At ALL OVER Locksmith in Los Angeles, we’ve rekeyed everything from vintage Encino bungalows to high-rise offices in Downtown LA. Trust us, your wallet (and your sanity) will thank you.
Rekeying vs. Replacing: What’s the Actual Difference?
Let’s start with the basics. Rekeying means adjusting the internal pins of a lock so your old key no longer works. It’s like giving your lock a software update without tossing the hardware. Replacing, on the other hand, is exactly what it sounds like: ripping out the old lock and installing a brand-new one. Simple, right? But here’s why rekeying wins 9 times out of 10:
- Cost: Rekeying costs way less. We’re talking $20–$50 per lock versus $80–$300+ for a full replacement.
- Time: A pro can rekey a lock in 10 minutes. Swapping locks? That’s a 30-minute ordeal if you’re lucky.
- Convenience: No need to hunt for matching hardware or worry about door damage.
FYI, if you’re Googling “locksmith near me” after a breakup or a sketchy roommate situation, rekeying is your MVP.
When Rekeying Makes Sense (Spoiler: It’s Almost Always)
Scenario 1: You’ve Lost Your Keys (Or Someone You Used to Trust Has Them)
Maybe your ex “accidentally” kept your keys, or your dog walker’s cousin’s neighbor suddenly knows your entry code. Rekeying lets you keep your existing lock while rendering old keys useless. No need to explain to your landlord why you’re swapping out hardware they installed during the Reagan administration.
Scenario 2: You Want Uniformity (Without the Chaos)
Ever moved into a place where every door has a different key? It’s like carrying a janitor’s keyring. Rekeying lets you sync all locks to a single key. We’ve done this for homes in Calabasas, Thousand Oaks, and Van Nuys—because nobody wants 12 keys for 3 doors.
Scenario 3: Upgrading Security on a Budget
Rekeying pairs perfectly with high-security deadbolts or smart locks. Swap the pins, add a Mul-T-Lock cylinder, and boom—your front door just went from “meh” to Fort Knox.
When You Should Replace a Lock (It’s Rare, But It Happens)
Look, we’re not rekeying zealots. Sometimes replacement is necessary:
- The lock is broken or outdated (looking at you, brass locks from the ’70s).
- You want a modern upgrade (smart locks, electronic keypads, or access control systems).
- You’re switching from residential to commercial locksmith services (think exit devices, panic bars, or heavy-duty deadbolts).
But even then, ask yourself: Can I rekey the new lock later? Because future-you will want that flexibility.
The Price Tag Breakdown: Why Rekeying Wins
Let’s get nerdy with a comparison table.
| Service | Average Cost (L.A.) | Time Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rekeying | $20–$50 per lock | 10–15 minutes | Lost keys, moving homes, minor upgrades |
| Lock Replacement | $80–$300+ per lock | 30–60 minutes | Broken hardware, major security upgrades |
| Emergency Locksmith | $100–$250+ | ASAP | Lockouts, urgent security threats |
Pro Tip: Need a residential lockout service in Chatsworth or a commercial lockout service in Northridge? Rekeying is often part of the fix—no full replacement needed.
But Wait… What About High-Security Locks?
Good question! Brands like Mul-T-Lock or High-Security Deadbolts are designed to be rekeyable. That means you can upgrade your security and keep costs low. At ALL OVER Locksmith, we’ll geek out with you over drill-resistant cylinders or electronic keypads—but we’ll still recommend rekeying first if it makes sense.
“Can’t I Just Rekey Myself?” (Spoiler: Please Don’t)
Sure, you could buy a rekeying kit from the hardware store. But let’s be real: Unless you’re a locksmith or a hobbyist with too much free time, you’ll end up with a pile of springs, pins, and regret. We’ve rescued too many DIY warriors in Encino and Van Nuys who thought YouTube tutorials made them pros.
3 Common Questions (Answered Without the Jargon)
-
“How long does rekeying take?”
Give us 10–15 minutes per lock. We’ll even do it on-site while you binge your favorite show. -
“Can you rekey smart locks or electronic keypads?”
Absolutely! Most smart locks are designed for easy rekeying. Just don’t forget your app password 🙂 -
“What if I need a key replacement later?”
No sweat. We’ll keep your key code on file (with your permission, of course) for future copies.
Why ALL OVER Locksmith? (Hint: We’re Not Robot Locksmiths)
Whether you’re in West Valley cities like Calabasas or Chatsworth or need a garage door locksmith in Thousand Oaks, here’s why we’re your go-to:
- 24/7 emergency locksmith services (because bad timing is a universal truth).
- No upselling. If rekeying works, we’ll say so. If not, we’ll recommend a lock change or upgrades like access control systems.
- We’re local. Supporting Los Angeles businesses > corporate call centers.
Final Thought: Keep Calm and Rekey On
Rekeying is like that underrated life hack nobody talks about—until they try it. It’saves money, time, and hassle, and it’s almost always the right move. So next time you’re tempted to replace a lock, ask yourself: Could this be a 10-minute rekey job instead?
And hey, if you’re in Los Angeles and need a locksmith who won’t ghost you or charge “mystery fees,” give ALL OVER Locksmith a shout. We’ll bring the tools, the expertise, and maybe even a terrible dad joke or two. Your call.
Need a rekeying pro or just want to chat locks? Call ALL OVER Locksmith today—we’re here to keep Los Angeles secure, one pin at a time.
