Rekey your locks when they work well and you only need old keys to stop working. Replace them when the hardware is worn, damaged or too basic for your needs. Rekeying changes the pins inside the existing cylinder, so it usually costs less than replacement while giving the same control over who holds a working key.
Most Austin homeowners face this choice after a move, a breakup, a lost key set or a tenant leaving. This guide explains how each option works, what each costs according to our pricing page, and which one fits common situations. It also covers rekey to match, smart locks and when a DIY kit is a bad idea.
What is lock rekeying?
Rekeying means changing the pins and springs inside a lock cylinder so a different key operates it. The lock stays on the door and looks the same, but every old key stops working. You receive new keys cut to match the new pin pattern, which gives you control over who can open the door.
The basic process looks like this:
- The cylinder is removed from the lock body.
- The old pins are taken out.
- New pins are installed in a different pattern.
- New keys are cut to match.
- The cylinder goes back in and is tested with the new key.
Because the hardware stays in place, rekeying avoids the cost of buying new locks. It only helps when the locks themselves are in good working condition. Our rekeying service page covers the options, including move-in rekeying and house rekeying.
What is lock replacement?
Lock replacement means removing the existing lock hardware and installing a new lock in its place. That can include the deadbolt, the knob or lever, and sometimes the strike plate. You get new hardware and new keys, so it is the right answer when the old lock has a problem that rekeying cannot fix.
Replacement makes sense when:
- The key is hard to turn or the handle feels loose.
- The lock is damaged, worn out or visibly outdated.
- You want to move up to a stronger deadbolt rating.
- You are adding a smart lock or keypad.
- The locks on your doors are mismatched and you want one style.
Our lock replacement service page explains what is involved. If you are weighing stronger hardware, read our guide to high-security locks for Austin homes first.
How do rekeying and replacement costs compare?
Rekeying is priced per lock and replacement is priced per lock plus hardware, so rekeying usually costs less when your locks still work. Our pricing page lists rekeying at $30-60 per lock and lock replacement at $90-200 per lock plus hardware. These are estimates, and the final price is confirmed on site before work starts.
Cost depends on the lock type, the brand, the number of doors and the hardware you choose. Smart locks and high-security deadbolts sit above the replacement range. See our pricing page for the current ranges and how we quote.
When should you rekey your locks?
Rekey when the locks work smoothly and your concern is key control. The most common reasons are a new home, a lost key, a former tenant, an ex-partner or a contractor who had a copy. In each case, the hardware is fine and the only problem is who can still open the door.
Typical rekey situations:
- You just bought a house. Previous owners, agents and workers may still hold keys.
- A tenant moved out. Rekeying between tenants keeps access under your control.
- You lost a set of keys. Rekeying makes the lost keys useless.
- Someone you no longer trust had access. A contractor, roommate or ex-partner is a common example.
- You want fewer keys. Rekey to match sets several doors to one key.
For many households, rekeying also saves money for other home projects, because the locks stay in place.
When should you replace your locks?
Replace your locks when the hardware itself is the problem, not just the keys. A lock that sticks, a loose deadbolt or a worn cylinder will not be fixed by new pins. The same goes for locks that no longer meet your security needs or that you simply want to upgrade.
Common reasons to replace:
- Damage or wear. The lock is stiff, loose or failing.
- A security upgrade. You want a stronger deadbolt on the front door or garage entry.
- A smart lock. You want keyless entry, codes or app control.
- Mismatched hardware. Different brands and finishes across the house.
- A broken or tampered lock. After a break-in attempt, replace the damaged lock.
What is the best option for common situations?
The best choice depends on who you are and why you are changing locks. New homeowners and landlords usually rekey, people upgrading security usually replace, and anyone with a broken lock replaces that lock. Here is how those situations usually break down for Austin households.
New homeowner: rekey all exterior locks. The locks are probably fine, and previous owners no longer need access.
Rental property owner: rekey between tenants, and ask about matching locks across units so one key set serves your properties.
Security upgrade: replace the front door and garage entry deadbolts with higher-grade hardware.
Broken or damaged lock: replace that lock, and consider whether nearby locks should match.
For a wider look at when your overall security needs attention, see our post on the signs it is time to upgrade your Austin home security.
Can you rekey locks yourself?
Yes, rekey kits exist and some people use them, but a careful professional job is often the better choice. DIY rekeying requires a kit that matches your lock brand, a clean workspace, and steady hands, and a mistake can leave a cylinder that sticks or fails. Matching several locks to one key adds more steps.
A professional rekey gives you tested locks and keys that work smoothly. If you decide to try it yourself, rekey one lock first and test it before touching the rest.
What is rekey to match?
Rekey to match means setting several locks to work with the same key, so your front, back and garage entry doors all open with one key. It cuts the number of keys on your ring and makes spare keys simpler. It works when the cylinders are compatible with each other.
It suits:
- Homes with front, back and garage-entry doors
- Families who want fewer keys to carry or lose
- Landlords who want one key per unit
If your locks are different brands or types, we can tell you which ones can be matched and which would need replacing.
Are smart locks a third option?
Yes. A smart lock replaces the physical key with a code, a fingerprint or an app, so it sits on the replacement side of the choice. It suits households that want temporary codes for guests, keyless entry for kids, or remote access for short-term rentals. Keep a mechanical backup so a dead battery never locks you out.
Brands we work with include August, Schlage, Kwikset and Yale. Our smart lock installation page covers what we install, and prices vary by model. Final price is confirmed on site before work starts.
How can Austin homeowners keep costs down?
A hybrid approach usually keeps costs lowest: rekey the locks that work, replace only the ones that are damaged or outdated, and put your best hardware on the doors that matter most. That way you spend on the entry points that need it and avoid replacing locks that are fine.
A simple plan:
- Rekey the working locks on the front, back and garage entry.
- Replace damaged or outdated locks only.
- Rekey to match where the cylinders allow it.
- Spend on better hardware at the front door and garage-entry door.
If you are budgeting a whole-house job, see how to count your locks for a whole-house rekey estimate.
We serve South Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Leander and Buda. Our team is Texas DPS licensed, licence B30821501.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between rekeying and replacing a lock?
Rekeying changes the pins inside the existing lock cylinder so old keys stop working, and you get new keys that fit. Replacing swaps out the whole lock hardware. Rekeying fixes key control. Replacing fixes worn, damaged or outdated hardware.
Do I need to rekey after buying a house?
It is a sensible first step. Previous owners, agents, contractors and past tenants may all hold copies of the old keys. Rekeying the exterior locks means only the keys you hold will work, without replacing locks that function well.
Can I rekey my own locks?
Technically yes, with a rekey kit and some patience. A mistake can leave a lock sticking or unusable, and matching several locks to one key adds steps. Many homeowners choose a professional so each lock works smoothly when the job is done.
What does rekeying cost in Austin?
Our pricing page lists rekeying at $30-60 per lock and lock replacement at $90-200 per lock plus hardware. These are estimates, and the final price is confirmed on site before work starts. Smart locks and high-security hardware cost more.
What does rekey to match mean?
Rekey to match means we set several locks, such as the front, back and garage entry doors, to work with one key. It reduces the keys you carry and makes spares simpler. It only works when the locks use compatible cylinders.
Next step
Not sure which option fits your doors? Call Austin Locksmiths at (737) 222-7022, tell us how many locks you have and what you want to fix, and we will point you to rekeying or replacement. Final price is confirmed on site before work starts.
Prices shown are estimates
They give you a general idea of what the service costs, and are not a final quote. Your actual price depends on the lock, the vehicle or door, job complexity, and time of day. Your technician confirms the exact final price with you on site, before any work begins.
