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Rekey vs Replace: How to Decide

Just moved into a house in Florissant? Here's when rekeying saves you money and when you should swap the locks entirely.

April 2, 2026Arch City Locksmith Florissant

What rekeying actually means

Rekeying keeps your existing lock hardware on the door but changes the internal pins so a different key is required to open it. Your old keys stop working. It's the most cost-effective way to secure a home when the old key could be anywhere — with a former tenant, a contractor, or a neighbor you've lost touch with.

The hardware itself doesn't get newer, but the security does, because you're the only person who holds the new key.

When rekeying is the right call

Just moved in? Rekey. Lost a key and can't find it? Rekey. Roommate moved out? Rekey. In all these cases the locks work fine — you just need to invalidate old keys. Rekeying costs a fraction of full replacement.

It's also the right choice if your locks are relatively new, match your door hardware, and still feel solid.

When you should replace instead

Replace the locks when the hardware is old, worn, or sticking — a lock that's hard to turn is one that will eventually fail. Replace if you've had a break-in; the lock may be damaged internally even if it still turns.

Also replace if your locks are a low security grade and you want to step up to a Grade 1 deadbolt, or if you want to match a new style across the whole house.

We can do both — same visit

Our techs carry the parts to rekey or replace on-site, so whichever route you choose we handle it in one visit. We'll look at your locks, tell you the grade, and give you an upfront price for each option before we start.

Give us a call and we'll help you decide based on what's actually on your door today.

Need a locksmith today?

We're open every day, 6 AM to 11 PM. Call now for upfront pricing.