When to rekey your locks — and when to replace them.

Rekeying and replacing locks both solve the same basic problem — making sure old keys no longer work. But they're different jobs with different costs and outcomes. Here's how to decide which one you need.

What is rekeying?

Rekeying means changing the internal pins of the lock cylinder so it responds to a new key. The lock hardware stays exactly the same — only the key pattern changes. Rekeying is faster, less expensive, and leaves the door hardware intact.

When rekeying is the right choice

Rekey when: you've moved into a new home or condo and want to invalidate the previous owner's keys; a tenant or employee with a key has left; keys were lost or stolen; you want to put multiple locks on the same key (rekeying to a common key).

When to replace the lock

Replace when: the lock is worn, sticky, or no longer engages cleanly; it was damaged in a break-in attempt; you want to upgrade the security grade (e.g., from Grade 3 builder hardware to a Grade 1 deadbolt); the hardware is showing corrosion (common near Florida coastlines).

A practical rule

If the hardware is in good shape and you just need to control who has a key, rekey. If the hardware itself is the problem, replace it. When in doubt, call us — we'll look at the lock and give you a straightforward answer on the phone.

Loyal Car Key serves all of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, 24/7. Call (954) 842-6920 for a free estimate.