When to Rekey vs Replace Your Locks

You've just closed on a heritage limestone home in downtown Kingston, or maybe you've moved into a newer build in Cataraqui Woods. Either way, one of the first questions you're asking is: "Should I change the locks?" It's a smart question — but the answer isn't always straightforward. Do you need to replace the entire lock, or can you just rekey it?

This guide will walk you through the difference between rekeying and replacing locks, when each option makes sense, what it costs, and how to make the right choice for your Kingston home.

What Does "Rekeying" Mean?

Rekeying is the process of changing the internal pins inside your existing lock cylinder so that it works with a new key. The old keys will no longer open the lock, but the lock hardware itself stays exactly the same. From the outside, nothing looks different — but internally, the lock has been reconfigured.

How Rekeying Works

Inside every lock cylinder are a series of small pins (usually 5 or 6 depending on the lock brand). When you insert the correct key, the pins align at the "shear line," allowing the cylinder to rotate and the lock to open. Rekeying involves disassembling the lock cylinder, removing the old pins, and installing new pins that match a different key pattern.

The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes per lock when done by a professional. We can do it on-site at your home in Kingston — no need to remove the door or send anything to a shop.

What Does "Replacing Locks" Mean?

Replacing a lock means removing the entire lock assembly — the cylinder, the bolt, the strike plate, and all associated hardware — and installing a completely new lock. This is a more involved process that includes drilling new holes if the new lock doesn't line up with the old one, adjusting door alignment, and sometimes patching or refinishing the door.

When Lock Replacement is Necessary

Lock replacement is the right choice when:

• The lock is damaged or worn out (sticky, hard to turn, or broken internally)
• You're upgrading to higher-security locks (from basic Kwikset to high-security Medeco, for example)
• You want to install smart locks or electronic access systems
• The existing lock is outdated and no longer meets modern security standards
• The lock style doesn't match your home's aesthetic (common when renovating heritage homes in Kingston)

Rekeying vs Replacing: A Side-by-Side Comparison

When You Should Rekey Your Locks in Kingston

Rekeying is the right choice in most situations where you simply need to control who has access to your home. Here are the most common scenarios:

1. You Just Bought a Home

This is the single most common reason homeowners rekey their locks, and for good reason. When you buy a home in Kingston — whether it's a century home in the Sydenham Ward, a condo downtown, or a suburban house in Cataraqui — you have no idea how many copies of the keys exist. The previous owner may have given keys to neighbours, contractors, cleaners, dog walkers, or family members who never returned them.

Even if the seller hands you "all the keys" at closing, you can't be sure there aren't duplicates floating around. Rekeying gives you complete peace of mind that you control every key to your new home.

Cost for a typical Kingston home: $80-$140 to rekey 2-4 exterior locks.

2. A Tenant Has Moved Out

If you're a landlord in Kingston — especially near Queen's University where student turnover happens every year — rekeying between tenants is essential. Even if your lease requires tenants to return all keys, you can't guarantee they didn't make copies or that a roommate kept one.

Rekeying protects both you and your new tenants. It prevents former occupants from entering the property and ensures your new tenants have exclusive access.

3. You've Lost Your Keys

If you've lost your house keys somewhere in Kingston — left them at a coffee shop, dropped them in a parking lot, or had them stolen — rekeying is a smart security precaution. Even if the keys didn't have an address tag, a determined person could potentially trace them back to you.

Rekeying is faster and cheaper than full lock replacement, and it immediately solves the security concern.

4. After a Break-Up or Roommate Change

If someone who used to live with you no longer does — whether it's an ex-partner, a former roommate, or an adult child who moved out — and they still have keys, rekeying ensures they can't access your home without permission.

This is especially important in situations where the separation wasn't amicable or if there are concerns about unauthorized entry.

5. You've Given Keys to Service Workers

Did you give a key to a contractor while you were renovating your Barriefield home? Maybe a pet sitter had access while you were on vacation, or a house cleaner has been coming weekly for years. If you're unsure whether all those keys have been returned or if you're uncomfortable with how many people have had access, rekeying resets everything.

6. You Want All Locks to Use the Same Key

Many Kingston homes — especially older ones — have locks that were added or replaced over the years, resulting in three or four different keys for different doors. Rekeying allows us to configure all your locks to work with a single key, which is far more convenient. One key for your front door, back door, side door, and garage entrance.

When You Should Replace Your Locks

While rekeying is cheaper and faster, there are situations where full lock replacement is the better choice:

1. Your Locks Are Damaged or Worn Out

If your lock is sticky, hard to turn, or the key gets stuck, it may be too damaged to rekey effectively. Locks exposed to Kingston's harsh winters — freeze-thaw cycles, road salt, ice buildup — can corrode internally. If the lock mechanism is compromised, rekeying won't fix it. You need a new lock.

2. You Want to Upgrade Security

Not all locks are created equal. If your home currently has basic builder-grade locks (often Grade 3, the lowest security rating), upgrading to Grade 1 deadbolts or high-security locks like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock provides significantly better protection against picking, bumping, and forced entry.

This is especially relevant for Kingston homeowners in high-traffic areas downtown, near Queen's University, or in neighbourhoods that have experienced break-ins.

3. You're Installing Smart Locks

Smart locks and electronic access systems require full lock replacement because they use entirely different hardware. If you want keyless entry, smartphone control, or integration with home automation systems, you're replacing the lock entirely — not just rekeying it.

Our residential locksmith service can install and configure smart locks from brands like Schlage, Yale, August, and Kwikset for Kingston homes.

4. You're Matching Aesthetic Style

If you're renovating and want your hardware to match — switching from brass to brushed nickel, or from modern to heritage-style hardware for a downtown limestone home — you'll need to replace the locks entirely.

5. The Lock Brand or Keyway Is Obsolete

Some older locks use proprietary keyways or brands that are no longer manufactured. If replacement pins aren't available or the lock is incompatible with modern key blanks, replacement is the only option.

Cost Comparison: Rekeying vs Replacing in Kingston

Let's break down the real-world cost difference for a typical Kingston home with 3 exterior doors (front, back, and garage side door).

Rekeying Cost

• 3 locks × $30 (average) = $90
• Time required: 30-45 minutes total

Replacement Cost

• 3 locks × $200 (average, including hardware) = $600
• Time required: 2-3 hours total

That's a difference of over $500. For most homeowners, rekeying is the smart financial choice unless there's a specific reason replacement is necessary.

Can I Rekey Locks Myself?

Technically, yes — rekeying kits are available at hardware stores, and there are YouTube tutorials. However, we generally don't recommend DIY rekeying unless you have experience. Here's why:

• Precision matters: If the pins aren't installed correctly or in the right order, your lock won't work — or worse, it will jam.
• You need the right tools: Pinning kits, follower tools, and tweezers designed for locksmithing are necessary. Generic tools can damage the lock.
• Risk of losing parts: Lock pins are tiny and easy to drop. Lose one, and your lock is inoperable until you get a replacement.
• Security concerns: Improperly rekeyed locks can be easier to pick or bypass, defeating the entire purpose.

Professional rekeying costs $20-$35 per lock and takes minutes. The peace of mind that it's done correctly is worth the cost.

What About High-Security Locks?

If you have high-security locks like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or Assa Abloy, rekeying is more complex and requires specialized tools and training. Not all locksmiths can rekey high-security locks — these systems use patented keyways, sidebars, and advanced pin configurations.

We have the tools and expertise to rekey high-security locks for Kingston homeowners. The cost is higher ($50-$80 per lock) due to the complexity, but it's still far cheaper than replacing high-security lock hardware, which can cost $250-$450 per lock.

How to Decide: Rekey or Replace?

Here's a simple decision tree:

How Long Does Rekeying Last?

A properly rekeyed lock will function for as long as the lock itself remains in good condition — typically 10 to 20 years depending on usage and exposure to the elements. Kingston's winters are hard on exterior hardware, so regular maintenance (lubricating with graphite, not WD-40) helps extend lock life.

You can rekey a lock multiple times over its lifespan. If you need to change keys again in the future — another tenant moves out, you lose keys again, etc. — you can rekey the same lock as many times as needed.

Rekeying for Landlords and Property Managers in Kingston

If you own rental property in Kingston — especially near Queen's University, downtown, or in multi-unit buildings — rekeying should be part of your standard turnover process. It protects you from liability, gives new tenants peace of mind, and costs far less than dealing with unauthorized entry or theft claims.

We offer bulk rekeying services for property managers handling multiple units. Contact us at 613-480-LOCK for volume pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between rekeying and replacing a lock?

Rekeying changes the internal pins of your existing lock so old keys no longer work, but the lock hardware stays the same. Replacing means removing the entire lock and installing new hardware. Rekeying is typically faster, cheaper ($20-35 per lock), and preserves your existing hardware. Replacement is necessary when locks are damaged, outdated, or you want to upgrade security.

When should I rekey my locks in Kingston?

You should rekey your locks when moving into a new home, after a tenant moves out, if you've lost keys or given them to service workers, after a break-up or roommate change, or anytime you're unsure who has copies of your keys. Rekeying is the most cost-effective way to regain control of access to your Kingston home.

How much does it cost to rekey locks in Kingston, Ontario?

Rekeying typically costs $20 to $35 per lock cylinder in Kingston. A standard home with 2-4 exterior locks costs $80 to $140 total for a complete rekey. This is significantly less expensive than full lock replacement, which runs $150 to $250 per lock including hardware and installation.