If you’ve just moved into a new home, gone through a lock issue, or simply want better peace of mind, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: should you rekey your existing locks, or replace them altogether? It’s one of the most common questions we hear at Curleys Key Shop, and the honest answer is — it depends on your situation. Here’s how to think it through.
What Does Rekeying Actually Do?
Rekeying doesn’t touch your hardware. Instead, a locksmith changes the internal pin configuration inside the lock cylinder so that your old keys no longer work, and a new key is cut to match. The lockset itself — the deadbolt, the knob, the finish on your door — stays exactly the same.
Rekeying makes sense when:
- Your current locks are in good working condition
- You like the look and function of your existing hardware
- You want a fast, budget-friendly way to invalidate old keys
- You’re moving into a previously owned home and don’t know who has copies
When Does It Make More Sense to Replace?
Sometimes rekeying isn’t the right fit, and a full lock replacement is the better call. This is usually true when:
- The lock is old, worn, or mechanically unreliable
- You want to upgrade to a higher security grade or pick-resistant lock
- The hardware is outdated and doesn’t match your home’s style anymore
- You’re dealing with damage from a break-in or forced entry attempt
- You want to standardize mismatched locks across multiple doors
Replacement is a bigger investment than rekeying, but it’s often worth it when security or reliability is a real concern — not just a formality.
Which Option Costs Less?
In almost every case, rekeying is the more affordable route. You’re paying for labor and a small number of parts rather than entirely new hardware. If your locks are functioning well and simply need a fresh set of working keys, rekeying gets you there without the added expense of replacement.
Can You Do Both at the Same Time?
Yes — and it’s actually a common approach. Many homeowners choose to replace one or two high-priority locks, like the front door deadbolt, while rekeying the rest of the doors to match. This lets you upgrade where it matters most without paying to replace every lock in the house.
How Do You Know Which Option Is Right for You?
A few questions can help point you in the right direction:
- Are your current locks reliable, or do they stick, jam, or feel loose?
- Do you know exactly how many keys exist for your home?
- Are you happy with your current lock’s security level?
- Is your budget better suited to a smaller job now, or a bigger upgrade?
If you’re still not sure, that’s exactly what we’re here for.
Let Curleys Key Shop Help You Decide
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here — it really does come down to the condition of your current locks, your budget, and your long-term security goals. At Curleys Key Shop, we’ll take a look at your situation and give you an honest recommendation, not an upsell. We’ve been helping Pomona Valley homeowners make this exact decision since 1951.
Give us a call at (909) 622-6716 or stop by, and we’ll help you figure out the smartest move for your home.