Locksmiths Campbelltown – Mobile Macarthur Locksmiths & Affter Hours
Should I Rekey or Replace My Locks?
Local Locksmiths For Broken, Worn & Unsafe Locks
Stuck with a lock issue for your home or business? If you’re trying to decide whether to rekey your locks or replace them completely, the right answer usually comes down to one thing:
Is the existing lock still in good condition and suitable for the door?
If the lock works properly and you just want the old keys to stop working, rekeying may be enough.
If the lock is damaged, worn, unreliable or no longer suitable for the level of security you want, replacement may be the better option.
At All Solutions Locksmiths, we can inspect the lock and explain which option makes sense before any work goes ahead. We are only a phone call away, and you always talk to the locksmith at hand.
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What Is the Difference Between Rekeying and Replacing a Lock?
Can customers get stuck and not know which step to take? You bet. Rekeying and replacing a lock solve different problems.
Rekeying changes the internal key configuration of an existing lock so the old key no longer works.
The lock itself stays in place.
Replacing a lock means removing the existing lock and fitting another one.
That may be necessary if the existing lock is damaged, worn out, unreliable or you want to upgrade the security of the door.
So the choice is not simply about which option costs less.
It depends on the condition of the lock and what you are trying to achieve.
When Is Rekeying a Good Option?
One of the biggest mistakes property owners make is putting off lock replacement because the lock “still works sometimes.”
What starts as a stiff lock can quickly become:
- A complete home lockout
- An after-hours emergency locksmith callout
- Damage to your door or frame
- A failed commercial lock preventing staff access
- A broken key trapped inside the barrel
- A security risk after lost or stolen keys
- Insurance complications after theft
- Expensive break-in repairs
In many cases, replacing a worn lock early is far cheaper than dealing with emergency locksmith callouts, burglary repairs, stolen property, damaged doors, or lost business access.
For commercial premises, faulty locks can also create liability and safety risks for staff, customers, equipment, stock, and restricted areas.
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When Should I Replace the Lock Instead?
Replacing the lock may be the better choice when the existing hardware is no longer worth keeping.
That can include:
- the lock is damaged
- the lock frequently jams
- the key no longer turns properly
- the mechanism feels loose or unreliable
- the lock has been forced
- the door can no longer be secured properly
- the lock is badly worn
- you want to upgrade to a different type of lock
A lock that is already failing should not be kept simply because rekeying appears cheaper.
The condition of the hardware matters.
If your lock is already showing these problems, find out more about lock replacement in Campbelltown.
Should I Rekey or Replace My Locks After Moving House?
If you have recently moved into a home, rekeying the existing locks may be worth considering.
You may have been given all the keys at settlement, but that does not necessarily tell you how many copies were made previously.
Copies may have been held by:
- previous owners
- relatives
- tenants
- cleaners
- contractors
- neighbours
- property managers
If the locks are still in good condition, rekeying your house locks may allow you to keep them while ensuring the previous keys no longer work.
If some locks are old, damaged or unsuitable, those particular locks may be better replaced.
You do not necessarily have to choose one option for the entire house.
Some locks may be rekeyed while others are replaced.
Is Rekeying Cheaper Than Replacing Locks?
Rekeying can sometimes cost less because the existing lock hardware remains in place.
But that does not automatically make it the best option.
The cost can depend on:
- how many locks are involved
- the type of lock
- whether the lock can be rekeyed
- the condition of the existing hardware
- whether replacement parts are required
- whether new locks need to be supplied
- the amount of work involved
The better question is:
Which option gives you a properly working lock without paying for work you do not need?
If the current lock is still good, rekeying may be sufficient.
If it is worn or damaged, replacing it may save you from dealing with another problem later.
If price is part of your decision, our guide explains how much a locksmith costs in Campbelltown and what can affect the final price.
Can Every Lock Be Rekeyed?
No.
Whether a lock can be rekeyed depends on the type of lock and its condition.
Some locks are designed so the internal keying can be changed.
Others may not be suitable, or the lock may already be too damaged or worn to justify doing it.
That is why it is worth having the actual lock assessed rather than assuming every lock can be treated the same way.
What If I Have Lost My Keys?
Losing your keys does not always mean the whole lock has to be replaced.
If the lock is suitable and still in good condition, rekeying may be an option.
That prevents the missing key from operating the lock.
However, if the lock is damaged, unreliable or already due for replacement, it may make more sense to replace it at the same time.
If you have lost keys outside normal business hours and cannot secure or access your property, our after-hours locksmith in Campbelltown can also assist.
If you have lost keys and are unsure what to do, All Solutions Locksmiths can inspect the lock and discuss the available options.
What If the Lock Has Been Damaged?
If the lock has been damaged, rekeying may not solve the real problem.
Damage can affect:
- the cylinder
- the locking mechanism
- the latch
- the strike
- the door alignment
- the way the lock engages
In those cases, the lock needs to be assessed first. Sometimes the damage may be repairable. In other cases, replacing a damaged lock is the more sensible option.
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Can I Rekey Several Locks to Work With the Same Key?
In some situations, suitable locks may be able to be keyed alike so one key operates multiple locks.
This can be useful if you are tired of carrying different keys for different doors.
Whether this is possible depends on the locks already fitted. Kind of a master key setup.
If you are considering rekeying multiple locks around your home, mention it when you contact us so we can assess the locks properly.
Should I Upgrade the Lock While I Am Replacing It?
If the lock needs to be replaced anyway, it can be a good time to consider whether the same type of lock still suits your needs.
For example, you may want to consider:
- a different style of lock
- improved security
- a more suitable lock for the door
- replacing an ageing mechanism
- changing how the property is keyed
- moving to a different locking system
There is no point automatically installing the same thing again if the existing setup was part of the problem.
If replacement is necessary, All Solutions Locksmiths can help with new lock fitting and replacement based on the door and the security you need.
How Do I Know Which Option I Need?
ou usually do not need to work that out yourself. Tell the locksmith what has happened.
For example:
“I’ve just bought the house and I don’t know who has keys.”
“The lock still works, but I’ve lost one of the keys.”
“The key is getting difficult to turn.”
“Someone tried to force the lock.”
“I want all the external doors changed to new keys.”
Those details help determine whether rekeying, repair or replacement is the most suitable option. A simple call and a chat with our locksmith will answer any concerning questions you may have.
Rekeying or Lock Replacement in Campbelltown
If you are unsure whether your locks should be rekeyed, repaired or replaced, All Solutions Locksmiths can assess the existing locks and explain the available options.
You do not need to replace a working lock unnecessarily, and you should not keep a damaged or unreliable lock just to avoid replacing it.
The aim is to leave you with locks that work properly and give you control over who has access to the property.
For residential lock changes and rekeying, you can also see our residential locksmith services in Campbelltown.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the condition of the existing lock. If the lock works properly and you simply need old keys to stop working, rekeying may be suitable. If the lock is damaged, worn or unreliable, replacement may be the better option.
It may be worth considering because you cannot always know how many copies of the previous keys exist. If the locks are still in good condition, rekeying may allow you to keep the existing hardware while changing which keys operate it.
Rekeying can sometimes cost less because the existing lock remains in place. The actual cost depends on the type and number of locks and whether the existing hardware is suitable for rekeying. You can also read more about locksmith costs in Campbelltown.
Not always. If the lock or internal mechanism is damaged, repair or lock replacement may be required before security can be restored.
Some compatible locks can be keyed alike, allowing one key to operate multiple doors. A locksmith needs to check whether the existing locks are suitable.
Not necessarily. If the lock is still in good condition and is suitable for rekeying, it may be possible to change the keying so the lost key no longer works.