Whether you’ve just purchased a new home in Grove City, lost a key downtown, or simply want to upgrade your home’s security in Dublin, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is: “Do I need completely new locks, or can I just get them rekeyed?”
At Ohio Mobile Locksmith, we field this question from Columbus-area homeowners every single week. Both options accomplish the goal of keeping old keys from working, but they are very different services.
Here is everything you need to know to make the right choice for your home and budget.
What is Lock Rekeying?
Rekeying is a cost-effective way to secure your home without replacing the physical lock hardware on your door.
During a rekey, a professional locksmith disassembles the lock cylinder and replaces the small internal pins. Once these pins are swapped, the old key will no longer turn the lock, and a brand-new key is cut to match the new pin configuration.
You should rekey your locks if:
- You just moved in. You never know how many copies of the old key are floating around with neighbors, contractors, or previous owners.
- You lost your keys. If your keys were lost or stolen, rekeying immediately neutralizes the threat of someone using them to enter your home.
- You want single-key convenience. If your front door, back door, and garage all use different keys, a locksmith can rekey them all to match a single master key (provided the locks are the same brand).
- Your current locks are in great shape. If you love the style of your heavy-duty deadbolts and they function perfectly, there is no need to spend money replacing the entire unit.
What is Lock Replacement?
Replacing a lock means entirely removing the old hardware (the knob, lever, and deadbolt) and installing a brand-new system. This is more expensive than rekeying because you are paying for both new hardware and the labor to install it.
You should replace your locks if:
- Your locks are old, rusty, or damaged. A rekey only changes the internal pins. If the lock mechanism is physically grinding, sticking, or severely weathered, it’s time for an upgrade.
- You are upgrading to a Smart Lock. If you want the convenience of keypads, biometric entry, or smartphone control, you will need to replace your traditional deadbolt completely.
- You want to boost your security. Upgrading from standard builder-grade locks to high-security, bump-proof, and drill-resistant deadbolts is one of the best investments you can make in your home’s safety.
- You are updating your home’s aesthetics. Sometimes, you just want your door hardware to match your newly renovated modern entryway.
The Bottom Line
If your current locks are high-quality, functioning well, and you simply need to revoke access from old keys, rekeying is your best and most affordable option.
If your locks are failing, you want to upgrade to modern smart lock technology, or you are looking to install high-security deadbolts, replacement is the way to go.
Let Ohio Mobile Locksmith Secure Your Home
You don’t have to make the decision alone. At Ohio Mobile Locksmith, our mobile technicians can assess your current hardware and give you an honest recommendation.
We are proud to be a premier residential, commercial, and automotive mobile locksmith serving Columbus, Grove City, Hilliard, Reynoldsburg, Dublin, Upper Arlington, Westerville, and Gahanna. Whether you want to rekey your new house, upgrade to a smart lock system, or you’re locked out in the middle of the night, we are here for you.
Need a locksmith today?
We offer 24/7 emergency service. Call us directly at 614-665-6257 or reach out to us at admin@ohiomobilelocksmith.com to schedule your service.