Rekey vs. Replacing Locks: Which One Do You Actually Need?

“Rekey” and “replace” get used interchangeably, but they are different jobs with different prices. Here is the short version.

Quick answer: Rekey keeps your locks and changes their insides so old keys stop working — right after moving in, losing a key, or a roommate/tenant change. Replace installs new hardware — when locks are worn, damaged, low-quality, or you want an upgrade like a smart lock. Rekeying is dramatically cheaper ($20–$50 per lock vs. $30–$100 labor plus $20–$300+ hardware per lock), so the question is really “are your current locks worth keeping?”

What rekeying actually does

A lock opens because the pins inside match the bumps on your key. Rekeying swaps those pins to match a new key. The lock stays on the door; every old key becomes a piece of decorative metal.

• You keep: the existing hardware, look, and finish.
• You get: new keys, old keys dead, same visit.
• Cost in Orlando: typically $20–$50 per cylinder plus a trip charge — see current ranges.

What replacing gives you

A lock change installs a new unit: new cylinder, bolt, and trim.

• You get: fresh hardware, the option of a higher security grade or smart lock, and a fix for anything mechanically wrong.
• Cost in Orlando: typically $30–$100 labor per lock plus hardware — basic deadbolts start around $20–$40, smart locks run $80–$300+.

The decision guide

Choose rekey when:

• You just moved in (the #1 reason — you don’t know who has copies)
• A key was lost or stolen
• A roommate, tenant, contractor, or employee left
• Your locks work fine and are a brand you’re happy with
• You want several doors keyed to one key

Choose replacement when:

• Locks stick, jam, or feel loose — worn locks fail and eat keys
• After a break-in or attempted break-in
• Your locks are cheap builder-grade cylinders and you want better security
• You want a smart lock or keypad
• The lock brand is discontinued and pins are no longer available

The practical middle path most people miss: rekey the doors whose locks are healthy, replace only the one or two that aren’t. A locksmith rekeying your home will tell you which cylinders are worth keeping — ask for that honestly, not for the upsell.

Special cases in Central Florida homes

• Older homes (Winter Park, Sanford historic districts) often carry original or long-installed hardware. Much of it rekeys beautifully — but some antique cylinders can’t take new pins, so have the technician look before committing.
• New construction (Ocoee, Winter Garden, Clermont) usually comes with builder-grade locks. They rekey fine for key control; replacing them with higher-grade deadbolts is about physical security, not key control.
• Vacation rentals (Kissimmee area) churn through management companies and cleaning crews — rekey between management changes, and consider keypad locks so keys stop circulating entirely.

One rule that saves the most money

Do it once, all exterior doors, same visit. Rekeying door-by-door across three separate service calls triples your trip charges. One visit, every exterior cylinder, one set of new keys — done.

Not sure which side of the line your locks fall on? Call and describe them — you will get an honest read and a price range for either path.