Lost your keys to your home or office? Does someone you no longer trust have access to the same or a similar set of keys? Locking your door won’t help as they would be able to get right in. You generally have two options when this happens. You can rekey your lock, or you can totally replace your lock, but which option is better for you?

In this article, we’ll look at what both options are, when is the best time to use either option, and compare which is best for you, and which is the most cost effective for your home.

What is Rekeying

Rekeying is changing out the internal components of an installed lock cylinder so it works with a new key. It leaves the original knob or external mechanism, so the aesthetic and look of the door remains the same.

It is a quicker and simpler process than replacing an entire lock and is most often done when a tenant has vacated a rental property. It is more cost-effective than replacing the lock due to the fewer parts required and the less work required.

If you move into a new home, we would also recommend this. Old owners may have had a spare set of keys they had forgotten, or the agent who sold you the home may also have some spare keys. For your peace of mind, if it is your home, you should be the only person who has keys to your front door..

If you’ve lost your keys and wallet, which shows where you live, then you need an emergency locksmith in Melbourne or Perth to rekey your house locks. Contact RAM Locksmiths as quickly as you can so we can help you feel safe and secure as quickly as possible.

How do Your Rekey a Lock

One of our qualified locksmiths would remove the cylinder from your lock while leaving the structure of the lock in place. They would replace the internal pins to match up with a new key, and then reassemble the lock.

We recommend rekeying any door that uses the old key to guarantee security.

Your locking mechanism stays on your door, which is great if you like the look of your current lock.

This process, as we mentioned, is significantly more cost effective than replacing your whole lock on your door, or doors. However, if the locking mechanism has been damaged, or is a cheap door knob that can be easily broken, then rekeying won’t increase security.

What is Replacing a Door Lock

Replacing a door lock involves removing the entire locking mechanism and unit. You would remove the locking cylinder, the door handle or the deadbolt mechanism. Then you would install a new locking unit. This replaces damaged locking units, or is done to increase the security level. If you have just a knob lock, you could replace that with a deadbolt to increase security.

If your current door lock is damaged, or you don’t feel your doors are secure with just a simple knob lock, then this is when you would replace your lock. Again, if you replace the lock on one door we suggest replacing them on all doors for consistency of security and consistency of keys.

How Do You Replace a Door Lock

A qualified locksmith would unscrew the old cylinder and handle set and remove all the old hardware. The new door lock set would then be installed. The cylinder often needs to be aligned to fit with the new keys.

At RAM Locksmith, we’re more than happy to help you with rekeying and full lock replacement. We can also advise you on the best course of action for your circumstances, and ultimately find the best solution. 

You can do this yourself with some locks you buy from your hardware store, however we do recommend one of RAM Locksmiths fully qualified team to replace a lock to ensure a proper installation and full security.

If you’re upgrading your locks to a smart lock system you’ll need a full replacement. If your locks are old and rusted, or damaged in any way, then you’d need them replaced as well.

The increased time involved and the more pieces needed to complete the job means fully replacing a lock is more expensive than rekeying.

The Key Takeaway for Homeowners

If your lock works well and you just want to change it for new keys and security, then have them rekeyed. It is the same lock and security, just a new key and will still work well for you.

If your locks are old or broken, it’s best to have them replaced.

If you’ve just moved into a new home, have your locks rekeyed so the previous owners or the real estate agents cannot gain access to your home once you’ve moved in.

You can buy some cheap rekeying kits from your local hardware store, but we do recommend using a licensed locksmith to guarantee it is done correctly and safely the first time.

Feeling safe and secure in your home is a top priority we want to provide for you. Knowing that you have the only keys to your front door is one important step in feeling safe. RAM Locksmiths can help you rekey your lock or replace all the locks on your doors. Contact us today, or book us in for the day you move into your new home.

FAQ

Q: Which option is cheaper — rekeying or replacing? 

Rekeying is almost always the cheaper option. Because the existing lock hardware is kept in place, you only pay for a licensed locksmith’s labour and the cost of new keys, rather than the price of new hardware plus installation. Give us a call and we can give you a quote for the work.

Q: Is rekeying as secure as replacing a lock? 

Yes, when done correctly by a licensed locksmith. Rekeying renders all previous keys useless, so as long as the lock itself is in good condition and of a suitable security grade, it provides the same level of protection as installing a new lock.

Q: How long does it take to rekey a lock? 

Rekeying a single lock is typically a quick job, often completed in just a few minutes by an experienced locksmith. Replacing a lock takes a little longer, depending on the complexity of the new hardware being installed.

Q: Can all locks be rekeyed? 

Most standard pin tumbler locks, including most deadbolts and knob locks, can be rekeyed. However, some high-security or restricted key systems may have specific requirements. A licensed locksmith can advise whether your particular lock is suitable for rekeying.

Q: Does rekeying affect my home insurance? 

It shouldn’t, but it’s worth checking with your insurer. Some policies require locks to meet a certain security standard. If rekeying brings an old lock back into active use without an upgrade, it’s wise to confirm your coverage is still valid.

Q: Does RAM offer emergency locksmith services? 

Yes. RAM Locksmiths provides 24/7 emergency locksmith services across Melbourne and Perth, so help is available any time of day or night.

Q: What residential locksmith services does RAM offer? 

RAM’s residential services cover everything from emergency lockouts and lock installations to security upgrades, maintenance, repairs, home alarm systems, security cameras, and safes.

Q: Does RAM work with businesses and commercial clients? 

Yes. RAM has a dedicated commercial locksmith division serving businesses of all sizes, including retail, corporate, government, healthcare, education, hospitality, and more. Services include access control systems, master key systems, CCTV, and alarm installations.

Q: What security brands does RAM Locksmiths supply and install? 

RAM works with a wide range of trusted brands including Lockwood, Yale, BiLock, SALTO, ASSA ABLOY, Bosch, Hikvision, Dormakaba, and more.

Q: Does RAM Locksmiths offer automotive locksmith services?

Yes. RAM provides automotive locksmith services, including cutting and programming transponder car keys for modern vehicles with immobiliser systems.

Q: Can RAM Locksmiths install a master key system for my business? 

Yes. RAM specialises in restricted master key systems, which allow you to control staff access across different areas of your premises using a single master key.

Q: How do I get in touch with RAM Locksmiths? 

You can contact RAM Locksmiths by phone — Melbourne: 03 8784 3900, Perth: 08 9201 9232, or via the contact form on their website at ramlocksmiths.com.au.