Security is something everyone cares about, whether you own a home or run a business. Keeping your locks up to date helps protect you, your family, or your workplace from unwanted visitors. That said, many people often wonder if it’s best to rekey their locks or change them completely. At locksmith Cardiff, we help people decide on the safest and most convenient option for their homes or businesses throughout Cardiff and South Wales.
What’s the Difference Between Rekeying and Replacing Locks?
If you ask, “What exactly is rekeying?”—it means keeping your existing lock but changing the inside parts so only a new key will work. The lock stays on your door, but any old keys will no longer open it. On the other hand, replacing a lock means removing the current lock entirely and fitting a brand-new one in its place. This option changes your actual hardware and can also refresh your door’s look or functionality.
When Is Rekeying the Right Choice?
Rekeying your locks is often the fastest and cheapest way to keep things secure, especially if your locks are in good shape. Here are some common situations when rekeying makes sense:
- You’ve Moved Into a New Property: Whether it’s a house, flat, or business site, you never know who still has a key from previous owners, tenants, or contractors. Rekeying solves this issue simply.
- Keys Go Missing: Misplacing your keys or fearing they were taken? Rekeying makes sure no one else can use your lost keys to get inside.
- Changing Who Has Access: If a roommate, employee, cleaner, or vendor stops working with you, it’s smart to rekey any locks they once had keys to.
- Keys Are Damaged: Is your key hard to turn, bent, or broken? If the lock itself is fine, rekeying helps you avoid the cost of a complete replacement.
- Reducing Key Clutter: If you want all your locks to work with one key, a locksmith can often rekey compatible locks from the same brand so they match one key.
- Regular Maintenance: Security experts suggest rekeying every few years even if you haven’t had any issues—just to be proactive about safety.
Advantages of Rekeying
- Less expensive than getting new locks.
- Usually done quickly with little mess.
- Preserves your door’s original look.
- Makes it easy to match several locks to a single key.
What Rekeying Can’t Do
- It doesn’t make the lock itself stronger—your security level stays the same.
- If you don’t have the original key, the locksmith may need extra time or tools to open and rekey it.
When Should You Replace Your Locks Instead?
Sometimes, rekeying isn’t enough to solve the problem. Replacing the locks might be a smarter decision in these situations:
- The Lock is Broken or Worn Out: If a lock doesn’t turn well anymore, is rusty, or has obvious damage, it’s safer to replace it altogether.
- Wanting Stronger Security: If you want additional safety features—like anti-snap, anti-pick, anti-bump locks, or even smart digital locks—a new installation is necessary.
- New Style or Color Needed: If you’re updating the look of your home or office, changing locks gives you plenty of aesthetic options.
- After a Security Breach: If your property was recently broken into or someone tried and failed, the old lock might be damaged even if it looks fine outside.
- Old or Outdated Locks: If your locks are over a decade old, they might not stand up to new burglary methods. Replacing upgrades your defenses.
- Different Brands on Different Doors: If you’re trying to use one key for all locks but they aren’t compatible, you may need to replace some and then rekey the rest.
- Obvious Wear and Damage: If a lock shows signs of rust, physical damage, or general aging, that’s a sign it’s time to swap it out.
Advantages of Replacing Your Locks
- Opportunity to upgrade to the latest security solutions.
- Lets you choose different designs or better features.
- Isn’t limited by the current lock’s faults or weaknesses.
Limitations of Lock Replacement
- Tends to cost more than rekeying.
- Takes longer and sometimes involves drilling or altering the door.
Scenarios at a Glance: Should I Rekey or Replace?
To help you weigh your choices, here’s a quick summary:
- Moved to a new house: Rekey for peace of mind and lower costs.
- Lost keys: Rekey to prevent unwanted access.
- Lock is broken/unsafe: Replace to fix both function and security.
- Want higher security: Replace to enjoy advanced features.
- Want all locks on one key (same type): Rekey makes keys simpler.
- Want one key for mixed-brand locks: Replace incompatible, then rekey.
- Very old or damaged locks: Replace to prevent failures.
- After a break-in: Replace to eliminate any risk.
Locksmith Services in Cardiff
Locksmith Cardiff is experienced with all things related to locks and keys, serving both emergency and non-emergency needs across Cardiff and South Wales. Services include:
- Emergency lock opening around the clock.
- Rekeying and installing locks for all kinds of doors and even vehicles.
- Upgrading to smart or more secure locks.
- Security checks and help after break-ins.
- Making new keys and vehicle key programming.
The team operates mobile vans equipped for rapid response wherever you are, well known for being professional and dependable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what’s best?
If your locks are working and you like the style, rekeying is enough after moving or losing keys. If locks are damaged, weak, or need modernizing, consider replacing them.
Does rekeying make things safer?
It keeps your current safety level, but doesn’t make locks any tougher against intruders. Replacing with better locks increases your protection.
Can I rekey on my own?
While there are kits for DIY rekeying, professionals are safer—especially if your locks are advanced or if you want every lock to work perfectly.
How much does it all cost?
Generally, rekeying is the budget option, and prices often depend on the type and number of locks, and whether you still have all current keys.
Final Thoughts
Knowing whether it’s time to rekey or to fully change your locks is key to keeping everything you care about safe. Rekeying is perfect for most needs if your locks are well-maintained and undamaged. Go for replacement if you want sturdier hardware, need to fix broken locks, or want to move up to modern security standards.
If you’re in Cardiff or South Wales, Locksmith Cardiff is ready any time—day or night—to help assess your needs and keep your home or business safe with expert lock solutions.