Have you recently moved into a new home or apartment in Los Angeles?
Did a roommate, tenant, contractor, housekeeper, or previous employee once have a key to your property?
Maybe your lock still works, but you are no longer completely comfortable with who may have access.
When homeowners experience these situations, one of the first questions they often have is whether they should rekey their existing locks or replace them completely.
Although the two services are sometimes confused, rekeying a lock and changing a lock are not the same thing.
Both can improve the security of your property, but the right solution depends on the condition of your locks, the reason you need service, your security goals, and your budget.
Understanding the difference can help you make a better decision before calling a locksmith in Los Angeles.
What Does It Mean to Rekey a Lock?
Rekeying allows a locksmith to change the internal configuration of an existing lock so that the old key no longer operates it.
The lock itself generally remains installed on the door.
Instead of removing the entire locking mechanism, the locksmith adjusts or replaces specific internal components so that the lock works with a different key.
Once the lock has been successfully rekeyed, your previous key should no longer open the door.
This can be particularly useful when you are satisfied with the physical condition and appearance of your existing locks but want to control who has access.
A Common Example: Moving Into a New Home
Imagine that you recently purchased a house in Los Angeles.
The previous homeowner gives you two keys at closing.
Everything appears fine.
However, there is no easy way to know whether additional copies were previously made.
A former neighbor may have one.
A contractor may have been given one.
A relative, housekeeper, pet sitter, property manager, or previous tenant may still have another.
Even if the previous homeowner is completely trustworthy, controlling access to your new property is still important.
Rekeying the locks allows you to establish a new set of working keys without necessarily replacing every lock on the property.
What Does It Mean to Change a Lock?
Changing or replacing a lock involves removing the existing lock hardware and installing a different lock.
Unlike rekeying, you are not simply modifying the internal key configuration.
You are installing new hardware.
Lock replacement may be appropriate when:
- The current lock is damaged.
- The lock has become unreliable.
- The hardware is heavily worn.
- The key frequently sticks.
- The lock is difficult to turn.
- You want stronger or upgraded security.
- You want to switch to a different style of lock.
- You want to install a smart lock or electronic locking system.
- The existing lock no longer meets your security needs.
A professional locksmith can examine your existing hardware and help determine whether rekeying is sufficient or whether replacing the lock makes more sense.
When Should You Rekey Your Locks?
There are several situations where rekeying can be an excellent solution.
- You Recently Moved Into a New Home
Moving into a new property is one of the most common reasons to rekey locks.
You may receive keys from the seller or landlord, but you cannot always know how many copies existed before you took possession.
Rekeying allows you to begin with a new key configuration.
For many homeowners, this provides additional control over who can enter the property.
- You Lost a House Key
Losing a key does not automatically mean someone will use it to enter your home.
However, if you cannot locate the key, you may not know where it ended up.
If the existing lock is still in good condition, rekeying may allow you to disable the lost key without purchasing completely new hardware.
- Someone Moved Out
Perhaps a roommate recently moved.
Maybe a relationship ended.
Maybe an adult child moved away, or a previous tenant left a rental property.
Even when a key is returned, you may not know whether copies were made.
Rekeying can give the remaining residents or property owner a new set of working keys.
- Employees or Contractors Previously Had Keys
Residential properties are not the only places where rekeying can be helpful.
Business owners frequently issue keys to:
- Employees
- Managers
- Cleaning companies
- Vendors
- Maintenance workers
- Contractors
When someone who had access is no longer associated with the property, the business may want to update its locks.
Depending on the existing security system, rekeying may be one option.
- You Want Fewer Keys
Some homes have several exterior doors that operate with different keys.
That means one key for the front door, another for the side entrance, and perhaps another for the back door.
Depending on the lock brands and configurations involved, a locksmith may be able to rekey compatible locks so that one key operates multiple doors.
That can make everyday access much more convenient.
When Should You Replace Your Locks?
Rekeying is useful, but it does not solve every lock problem.
Sometimes replacing the hardware is the better long-term option.
- Your Lock Is Damaged
If a lock was damaged during an attempted break-in, forcing the existing hardware to continue operating may not be the best solution.
Damage to the lock body, cylinder, latch, strike plate, door, or surrounding hardware can affect how securely the door closes.
A locksmith should inspect the complete locking area before recommending a repair or replacement.
- Your Lock Is Old or Worn
Locks contain moving components that experience repeated use.
Over time, you might notice:
- Difficulty inserting the key
- Difficulty removing the key
- A key that sticks while turning
- A loose lock cylinder
- A loose handle
- A deadbolt that does not extend smoothly
- A lock that requires excessive force
These symptoms should not always be ignored.
A lock that becomes increasingly difficult to operate may eventually stop working.
- You Want to Upgrade Your Home Security
Your existing lock may technically work while still not providing the type of security you want.
For example, a homeowner may choose to install a new deadbolt, upgrade door hardware, or explore another locking system.
Replacing the lock gives you the opportunity to select hardware that better fits your current security needs.
- You Want a Smart Lock
Many homeowners want easier ways to manage access to their homes.
Depending on the system, smart or electronic locks may offer features such as:
- Keypad entry
- Temporary access codes
- Remote access management
- Mobile app integration
- Entry notifications
- Multiple user codes
Switching from a traditional mechanical lock to an electronic system will usually involve installing new hardware rather than simply rekeying the existing lock.
- The Existing Hardware Does Not Match Your Needs
Security needs change.
A lock installed many years ago may no longer fit the way you use your property today.
You may have renovated your home, added a rental unit, started operating a home business, or simply decided that your doors need stronger hardware.
A professional residential locksmith can evaluate the existing installation and recommend appropriate options.
Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks: Which Is Less Expensive?
In many situations, rekeying an existing lock can cost less than purchasing and installing completely new hardware.
That is because much of the existing lock remains in place.
However, price should not be the only factor you consider.
If the lock is damaged, unreliable, outdated, or inappropriate for the door, spending money to preserve the existing hardware may not make sense.
The better question is:
Which option gives you the appropriate combination of security, reliability, and value?
A locksmith can inspect the lock before recommending the most appropriate solution.
Should You Rekey Every Lock After Moving?
When moving into a home, consider every exterior entrance.
This may include:
- Front doors
- Back doors
- Side entrances
- Garage entry doors
- Guest-house entrances
- Rental-unit entrances
- Gates with keyed locks
- Storage rooms
You may discover that some locks are suitable for rekeying while others should be repaired or replaced.
You should also examine sliding doors, windows, gates, and other accessible entry points as part of your overall home-security review.
What About Rental Properties?
Landlords and property managers frequently deal with changing occupants.
Rekeying can be an important part of turnover between tenants, depending on the property and applicable requirements.
A property may also benefit from a more organized key-management strategy if multiple units, employees, vendors, and maintenance workers require access.
For larger properties, a locksmith can discuss options that extend beyond a simple residential rekey.
Can You Rekey a Lock Yourself?
Some lock products are designed with consumer rekeying features, but many traditional locks require disassembly and knowledge of the internal components.
Incorrect reassembly can result in:
- A malfunctioning lock
- A key that becomes stuck
- A lock that does not secure correctly
- Damage to internal components
If security is important, having the lock inspected and serviced professionally can help ensure that it operates correctly after the work is completed.
How to Know Which Option Is Right for Your Los Angeles Property
Ask yourself these questions:
Does the lock currently operate correctly?
If the answer is yes, rekeying may be worth considering.
Do I only want to prevent old keys from working?
Rekeying may address the problem.
Is the lock damaged or unreliable?
Replacement may be the more appropriate option.
Do I want different or upgraded hardware?
You will likely need a lock replacement.
Am I unsure about the condition of my locks?
Have a locksmith inspect them before making the decision.
Don’t Wait Until a Lock Stops Working Completely
Lock problems often develop gradually.
The key may become slightly harder to turn.
The deadbolt may begin catching.
The lock may feel loose.
At first, these problems can seem minor.
However, waiting until a lock completely fails can turn a routine service call into a lockout situation.
If you notice that a lock is becoming difficult to operate, having it inspected sooner can help you understand your options.
Rekeying and Lock Change Services in Los Angeles
Whether you have recently moved, lost a key, changed tenants, experienced a security concern, or simply want to upgrade your locks, the right solution depends on your property and existing hardware.
You do not necessarily need to replace every lock simply because you need new keys.
At the same time, a damaged or outdated lock should not be preserved just to avoid replacing it.
101 Locksmith provides locksmith services throughout the Los Angeles area and can help evaluate your current locks and determine whether rekeying, repair, or replacement is appropriate.
Contact 101 Locksmith Today
Need help rekeying or changing locks in Los Angeles?
Call 101 Locksmith at (800) 480-3674 to discuss your locksmith needs.
Whether you need assistance with a house lock, business lock, lost key, or security upgrade, getting professional help can make it easier to restore control over access to your property.