Rekeying vs. Replacing
Rekeying means changing the internal pin configuration of an existing lock so old keys no longer work, while a new key is cut to match the new configuration. The lock's exterior hardware, finish, and mechanism all stay the same — only the pins inside the cylinder change. Replacing means installing entirely new hardware, which is only necessary if the lock itself is damaged, outdated, or you want a different style or smart-lock function.
For most situations where the concern is simply who holds a working key, rekeying is faster and less expensive than replacement, and it can typically be done on multiple doors using a single new key.
Common Reasons to Rekey
Moving into a home is the most common trigger — you have no real way of knowing how many keys the previous owner, contractors, or a former tenant may still hold. Losing a key, going through a roommate or relationship change, or ending a lease where keys were handed out to friends or a house-sitter are all good reasons as well.
- Buying or moving into a previously owned home
- A key is lost or a former key holder shouldn't have access anymore
- Ending a seasonal rental after guests or cleaners had keys
- A key gets stuck, sticky, or hard to turn (may need repair, not rekey)
Shore Rental and Seasonal-Home Considerations
Homes that get rented out seasonally along the shore go through a lot of key hand-offs — renters, cleaning crews, property managers, contractors doing off-season repairs. Rekeying between seasons is a reasonable, low-cost habit for owners who rent, and it's worth pairing with a walkthrough of all exterior doors, since sliders and shed doors get overlooked when people think only about the front door lock.
When Replacement Makes More Sense
If a lock is worn out, the cylinder is damaged, or salt-air corrosion has pitted the mechanism to the point it's sticking or hard to turn, rekeying won't fix that — the hardware itself needs to come out. It's also the better time to consider upgrading to a higher security-grade deadbolt or a smart lock if keyless entry or remote access is something you want going forward.