The Top 5 Reasons to Rekey Your Locks Instead of Replacing Them

A close-up view of a key and a lock cylinder, removed from a knob to be rekeyed, showcasing their intricate metallic details.

Quick answer: If your locks work mechanically but you’re worried about who has a copy of your key, rekeying is the fastest, most affordable way to reset access without changing the visible hardware.

What does “rekeying” mean?

Rekeying changes the internal pins (or wafer combination) inside your existing lock so it accepts a new key and rejects the old ones. From the outside, the lock looks the same; on the inside, it’s a fresh start.

A hand holds an assortment of lock cylinders and mortise in various sizes, with a background of charts and a lock pinning kit, in a locksmith workshop.

The 5 biggest reasons to rekey (not replace)

1) Save money without sacrificing security

Replacing a lock means buying new hardware for every door. Rekeying reuses your current

lock and only changes its key combination—often costing significantly less than new hardware and installation. You get a brand‑new key set and the same level of security your hardware was designed for.

2) Faster, cleaner, and less disruptive

Rekeying typically takes less time than a full swap. No drilling, no repainting around escutcheons, and no worrying about whether the new hardware matches your door’s footprint. That means same‑day results and minimal disruption to your home or business.

3) Instant peace of mind after a move, contractor visit, or lost key

If you’ve moved, given keys to contractors, roommates, or tenants, or you’ve lost a key, rekeying guarantees that old keys stop working immediately. We can also set all your compatible locks to a single key for convenience.

4) Keep your curb appeal and finishes consistent

Love your current doorknobs or handlesets? Rekeying preserves your existing style and finish—especially useful if you have discontinued or premium hardware that would be expensive or hard to match.

5) Add flexibility now—and room to upgrade later

While rekeying, a pro can:

• Tighten/align the door and strike for smoother operation

• Add longer screws and reinforced strike plates for better kick resistance

• Introduce key control (restricted keyways) for businesses and landlords

• Advise on future upgrades (e.g., keypad deadbolts) without replacing everything today

How rekeying works (in plain English)

1. We remove the lock cylinder.

2. We replace the internal pin stack to a new key code.

3. We test with your new keys and verify old keys no longer turn.

4. We service the lock (lubrication, adjustments) and reinstall.

Cutaway view of a key illustrating how pins align within a lock mechanism.

Result: Your old keys are dead; your door, hardware, and finish stay the same.

When replacement is the better call

• The lock is damaged, corroded, or unsafe.

• You want a different style/finish or function (e.g., a lever instead of a knob).

• You’re upgrading to a smart lock that requires new hardware.

• The door/strike is misaligned beyond simple adjustment and new hardware is part of the fix.

  
  

If you’re unsure, we’ll inspect and tell you honestly whether rekeying or replacement gives you the best long‑term result.

Rochester‑area service: fast, on‑site rekeys

Locksmith Solutions of Greater Rochester is fully mobile and serves Monroe, Wayne, Genesee, Orleans, Livingston and Ontario Counties. Most homes can be rekeyed in a single visit, often with the option to make all compatible locks share one key.

Call/Text: (585) 639‑7001 Web: https://www.locksmithsolutions.net

FAQs about rekeying (Rochester, NY)

Will rekeying make my old keys stop working?

• Yes. Once we change the internal pins, old keys won’t turn the lock.

How long does rekeying take?

• Most standard residential cylinders take minutes per lock; whole‑home rekeys typically finish the same day.

Can you rekey different brands to the same key?

• Often yes, if the cylinders are compatible (e.g., same keyway family). We’ll check and advise.

  
  

Is rekeying as secure as replacing?

• If your hardware is in good condition, rekeying restores access control to the same security level; we can also add upgrades like reinforced strikes or restricted keyways.

  
  

Can you rekey smart locks?

• Many smart deadbolts still contain a standard cylinder we can rekey, brand‑dependent.

Quick checklist: When you should rekey today

• You just moved or changed tenants/roommates

• Keys were lost, stolen, or copied

• You gave keys to contractors or sitters

• You want a one‑key home or business

• You manage multiple units and need master‑key convenience

Mobile service is available in: Brighton, Chili, East Rochester, Gates, Greece, Hamlin, Irondequoit, Perinton, Fairport, Brockport, Webster, Penfield, Riga, Macedon, Canandaigua, Newark, Palmyra, Ontario, Lyons, Williamson, Victor, Farmington, Walworth, Phelps, Bloomfield, Sodus Honeoye Falls, and more.