Ever left your keys on a bus and panicked about who might find them? Or maybe just moved into a new place and you’re not totally sure how many spare keys are floating around out there? You're definitely not alone. Secure locks make your home feel like, well, your home. But then comes the big money question: Is it really cheaper to rekey your locks, or is swapping them out for shiny new ones the smarter move? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you’d think. There are some house-call secrets—and potential traps—most folks don’t know about, but they can make a real difference to your wallet and your peace of mind.
Understanding Rekeying: How It Works and What It Costs
Let’s start with rekeying, because most people have heard the term but can’t really explain it. Rekeying is basically changing the internal workings of your current lock—sort of like giving the same lock a new DNA so it only responds to a brand new key. You keep the lock hardware, but all old keys become useless. Locksmiths do this by rearranging those tiny pins inside, which is a surprisingly delicate job. It might sound time-consuming, but most locksmiths can tackle standard residential locks in less than 20 minutes per door, provided they're not antique or oddly designed. What’s wild is that rekeying technology dates back to the mid-1800s when Linus Yale Jr. introduced the pin tumbler lock with a focus on key changes, not lock swaps.
People usually go for rekeying when they've lost a key, are worried someone untrusted has a spare, or just moved to a new place and want that sweet feeling of exclusivity. Now for the number you’re here for: cost. As of 2025, most locksmiths in the U.S. charge anywhere from $15 to $40 per lock for rekeying, plus a trip fee that ranges from $40 to $100, depending on how far out you live or if you need overnight help. Rekeying all the exterior doors to a two-bedroom house? You’re looking at something like $120 to $250 total if you’ve got four to six locks. Got a crazy-fancy high-security lock or something digital? Expect the costs to tick up higher, with some electronic smart locks running $50 to $100 per cylinder to rekey.
You can sometimes grab a DIY rekey kit for popular brands like Kwikset or Schlage at the hardware store for around $10 to $20, but they only fit certain locks, and doing it yourself can get fiddly fast without a steady hand. If you ever watched a YouTube tutorial and immediately heard an ominous rattling noise in your lock? Yeah, that's the risk. Accidentally jamming a pin might mean you end up replacing it anyway, which cancels out all the savings.
Fun fact most people don’t realize: if every lock in your house is from the same brand, a locksmith can usually make just one key fit all of them when rekeying. That’s not just cool for convenience—it’s often a lot cheaper than replacing and re-matching a bunch of different locks. Remember, labor is almost always the main cost when it comes to rekeying. You’re paying for expertise and tools, not pricey parts.
| Service | Average 2025 Cost Per Lock |
|---|---|
| Rekey by Locksmith | $15 - $40 (plus trip fee) |
| DIY Rekey Kit | $10 - $20 |
| Rekey Smart/Electronic Lock | $50 - $100 |
If your home has mostly standard locks from the big brands (Kwikset, Schlage, Yale, Defiant), rekeying is usually much more cost-effective than replacement. The only times you might spend more? Weird luxury hardware, old locks that barely work, or if the locksmith’s mileage fee is sky-high in rural spots. Still, as fixes go, it packs a lot of bang for your buck.
Lock Replacement: When It Makes Sense and What You Pay
Now and then, just rekeying won’t cut it. Maybe you’ve got a stiff, corroded deadbolt from the ‘90s or a knob that spins forever and never locks. Sometimes it’s just not worth the hassle, and a whole new lock will actually end up saving you money and headaches down the line. Modern locks have really stepped up, too. Multi-point and smart locks are taking over, with a jump in sales by almost 30% from 2022 to 2024 as folks get more security-conscious and tech-friendly.
How much does it actually cost to replace a lock? For a regular old deadbolt, parts typically run from $25 to $60. Add in about $50 to $100 in professional labor for installation, and you’re around $75 to $160 for a solid, reliable lock and a couple of shiny new keys. Want a fancy digital keypad lock? Expect $125 to $250 for hardware, and installation can easily hit $100 to $200, especially if new holes need to be drilled to fit upgraded or “smart” models.
The main advantage with a replacement is you’re getting all-new hardware—meaning the latest safety features, smoother operation, and sometimes better energy savings if you ditch an old drafty lock. If your current locks are acting up, covered in rust, or just plain ugly, a complete replacement suddenly makes a ton of sense. You also get peace of mind knowing someone hasn't tried to pick or tamper with your lock sometime in the past.
Here's a quick look at what you might pay for typical lock replacements in 2025:
| Lock Type | Average Cost (Installed) |
|---|---|
| Standard Single Cylinder Deadbolt | $75 - $160 |
| Smart Lock / Electronic Deadbolt | $225 - $350 |
| High-Security ANSI Grade 1 | $200 - $300 |
Another key reason to go with replacement: if you want to seriously upgrade your security or move all your locks to the same key when the brands don’t match. Rekeying only works when you already have compatible locks. Swapping in a new lock also solves problems rekeying can’t, like doors that don’t properly align or jam easily. For rental properties—especially in college towns where tenants change all the time—some landlords go for replacement every few years to stay ahead of wear and tear (and legal headaches).
Still, replacement isn’t always a DIY project. Most savvy homeowners can swap out a doorknob or basic deadbolt, but anything more advanced—multi-point locks, mortise setups, electronic or Wi-Fi enabled locks—really needs pro tools and know-how. Messing up a lock install can weaken security, damage the door, or even trap you on one side. Not fun. Locksmiths who carry insurance and warranty their work are worth the extra for trickier jobs.
Comparing Rekeying and Replacement: The Security and Savings Angle
Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Rekeying almost always wins if you’re on a budget and your existing locks work just fine. It slams the door on anyone with old keys and can usually be done in a single visit. But, it won’t solve problems with low-quality or broken hardware. Cheap locks can be picked or bumped in seconds—just check out those “lock bumping” videos from popular YouTubers, where $15 locks pop open faster than a can of soda. If bumping-proof or drill-resistant tech matters to you, no amount of rekeying helps. You’d need a whole new lock.
If your locks are fairly new, decently made, and all from the same family, rekeying is kind of a no-brainer. It saves money, keeps things tidy (no extra holes in your door), and you might even get all your locks using the same key. That’s a real upgrade if you’re tired of carrying a ranger-sized key ring. If there’s a risk someone out there has a copy of your old key—say an ex, ex-tenant, or contractor—it’s the fastest, cheapest way to be sure they can’t stroll in.
Replacing a lock offers a different kind of fresh start. If you inherited cheap locks, if they’re old or rusty, or if you want to get the latest anti-burglary features, replacement is where the smart money goes long-term. The up-front cost is higher, especially with digital or smart locks, but you get the kind of reliability and features rekeying can’t provide. In new construction or major renovations, many builders now recommend all-new locks for insurance purposes—and some insurance companies give small discounts if you can document upgraded (ANSI Grade 1 or smart) locks on entry doors. If you’re someone who likes the latest gadget, smart locks even let you change codes from your phone, see who’s coming and going, and skip keys entirely.
That brings up a crucial point: security certifications. Not all locks are created equal. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) gives locks a grade: 1 is the best, 3 is good for basic defense. If your current locks are Grade 3 and don’t feel secure, replacement is the only way up. The difference between them can be years of durability and minutes against a determined break-in—Grade 1 locks often last for 250,000+ open/close cycles and can resist brute-force attacks longer.
There’s also the fun neighborly tip: before you shell out for a pro, ask around. Some neighborhoods have group deals with a friendly local locksmith, or you might find a neighbor who swapped out their locks after a break-in scare and can steer you toward fair pricing. Price shenanigans are common; always get written quotes and double-check reviews, because “cheap” lock work can lead to expensive regrets.
Making the Best Choice: Tips from Locksmith Pros
Navigating home security upgrades doesn’t have to be a wallet-busting puzzle. Want to decide which way to go? Here’s what real locksmiths suggest, based on thousands of house calls in the past year alone:
- Check the condition of your locks: Are they stuck, wobbly, or corroded? Rekeying gives those old locks new teeth, but can’t fix failing parts. Study the actual hardware before you make the call.
- Know the brand and model: Most big-box brands (Schlage, Kwikset, Yale) let you rekey easily. Mix-matched or generic locks? Replacing can get all your doors in sync.
- Security matters: If you want anti-bump, anti-pick, or smart features, rekeying won’t get you there. That’s a job for replacement, and it might even drop your home insurance premium a few bucks.
- Count your keyholders: Unsure who has copies? Rekeying is quick and effective for instant peace of mind.
- DIY confidence: Basic rekey kits can save you cash, but fiddling with pins isn’t for everyone. For anything trickier than a front-door deadbolt, pros are safer.
- Bundle jobs: If you’ve got several locks (and especially if some use different keys), ask your locksmith about deals. Pro tip: Some offer per-visit pricing on rekeying a whole house, making it way more affordable than piecemeal fixes.
- Ask for warranty: Reputable locksmiths give warranties, especially for new installs. Don’t be shy about asking—it’s worth it for peace of mind.
Ever wonder why locksmiths often steer folks toward rekeying? It’s because it solves most everyday problems without hefty material costs. But no matter what you pick, remember: regular lock maintenance pays off. Spritz a bit of graphite (never oil) into keyholes once a year, and your locks can last a decade or more. Don’t wait until a key snaps or a lock jams at midnight to think about upgrades.
So, next time you’re weighing the “cheaper” option, just ask yourself: how’s my hardware, who’s got the keys, and what level of security do I really want? Whether you reach for the rekey toolkit or call in a pro to fit a new lock, knowing the facts means you’re choosing safety—and maybe saving some cash, too.