Rekeying Vs. Changing Locks

Have you ever had your keys stolen? Or do your keys simply not work in the front door lock? It may be time for a rekey or to change your locks.

Though often used interchangeably, the terms "rekeying" and "changing" your locks are actually two different - though often related - jobs. So what does it mean to change your locks vs. to rekey your locks?

Rekeying Locks

When residential locksmith technicians talk about rekeying your locks, we are referring to a very specific process by which we dissemble your lock and change the pins and tumblers inside of it, making it so that your old key no longer works to turn the lock one way or another (for more on how locks in general work, see our article on the subject here). In this process, we are using your existing lock hardware, so nothing is actually changing except for the key itself.

Rekeying is great when:

• You've lost your keys and are worried that someone may have picked them up and may try to get into your house.

• You're first moving into a new house and are not sure who has the current key.

• You've given a key to a contractor and their job in your house is now done.

• You have an old tenant moving out and a new one coming in.

• You want to keep your current hardware, but want to make sure only you and those you trust have access.

Changing Locks

Changing your locks, on the other hand, is a process in which we change out your current physical door hardware, such as your doorknob, lever, or deadbolt, and put a new one in it's place. As a side note, we often rekey locks when we change them to make sure that you only have one key for your house and not one for your new lock and one for the rest of the house.

Changing your locks is great when:

• Your keys no longer work smoothly/at all in your lock.

• Your current hardware is corroded or rusty.

• You are looking to update your front door's style.

• Your hardware is broken or not operating as it should.

• You want to upgrade to a smart lock.

Not sure which process is right for your situation? Reach out to us here or by phone at 781-312-8539 and our office would be happy to answer your questions and guide you to the right process for you!