When you need to change who has access to your home or business, you have two options: rekey the existing locks or replace them entirely. Both approaches achieve the goal of making old keys useless, but they differ significantly in cost, time, and when they're appropriate.
What Is Rekeying?
Rekeying is the process of changing the internal pin configuration of a lock cylinder so that a different key operates it. The lock hardware (the knob, handle, deadbolt body, and strike plate) stays exactly the same — only the tiny pins inside the cylinder are changed. A locksmith removes the cylinder, replaces the driver pins and key pins with a new configuration, and cuts new keys to match. The result: your old keys no longer work, and you have a fresh set of keys.
What Is Lock Replacement?
Lock replacement means removing the entire lock assembly — knob, deadbolt, cylinder, and all — and installing a new one. New keys come with the new hardware. This is necessary when the lock hardware itself is damaged, when you want to upgrade to a higher security grade, or when you want to switch to a smart lock or different key type.
When to Choose Rekeying
Rekeying is the right choice in the following situations: you've just moved into a home and want to ensure old keys won't work; you've ended a relationship or lost a key; you want to key all your locks alike (use one key for all doors); your hardware is in good condition and you simply want to change access. Rekeying is significantly cheaper — typically 60–70% less than replacing.
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When to Choose Lock Replacement
Replace your locks when: the hardware is worn, damaged, or has been forced; you're upgrading from a low-security lock (Grade 3) to a high-security one (Grade 1 or Medeco/Mul-T-Lock); the existing lock brand isn't compatible with rekeying kits your locksmith carries; you want a smart lock with keypad, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi; or the cylinder has been drilled or damaged in a break-in attempt.
Cost Comparison in the Toronto Market
In Toronto, rekeying costs $25–$45 per cylinder (about $120–$200 for a whole home). Replacing locks costs $80–$140 for labour plus $30–$400+ for the hardware depending on the brand. For a home with four lock cylinders in good condition, rekeying saves you $200–$400+ compared to full replacement.
Can You Rekey Any Lock Brand?
Most common residential lock brands — Schlage, Kwikset, Weiser, Defiant, and Baldwin — can be rekeyed. Professional locksmiths carry rekeying kits for all major brands. Some older or obscure lock brands may not have readily available rekeying kits, in which case replacement is the practical option. High-security locks like Medeco and Mul-T-Lock can be rekeyed but require brand-specific tools and the process is more involved.
The Bottom Line
If your hardware is in good shape and you simply need to change who has access, rekey. If your hardware is worn, damaged, or you want a security upgrade, replace. When in doubt, have a locksmith assess your hardware in person — at QA Locksmith Toronto, our assessment is free as part of your service call, and we'll give you an honest recommendation rather than pushing you toward the more expensive option.
Need a locksmith in the GTA?
QA Locksmith is a certified mobile locksmith serving Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, and all surrounding communities. We come to you — 24/7.
Call (647) 874-2137