Residential 3 min read·
Should I rekey or replace my locks?
Rekey when the locks are good but the keys are out of your control; replace when the hardware is worn, cheap, or you want a security upgrade.
Rekeying swaps the pins inside the cylinder so old keys no longer work — fast, cheap (around $20–$40 per lock), and ideal after moving in, losing a key, or a roommate moving out.
Replacing the lock makes sense when the deadbolt is older than 10–15 years, builder-grade quality, or you want smart-lock features, ANSI Grade 1 strength, or matching finishes.
A good rule of thumb in Mount Pleasant, NC: if every door uses the same brand and the hardware is solid, rekey. If finishes are mismatched or the locks wobble, this is the moment to upgrade.
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