Rekeying your locks is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your home or business. But how do you know when it's time? Here are the 5 most important signs — and why you shouldn't wait.
1. You Just Moved Into a New Home
This is the most overlooked security step new homeowners take. When you move in, you have no idea how many copies of the old keys exist — previous owners, real estate agents, contractors, neighbors, or housekeepers may all have copies. Rekeying immediately gives you complete control over who has access to your home.
Pro Tip: Rekey all exterior locks on the same day you move in — before you unpack.
2. You've Lost a Key (or Had One Stolen)
A lost key is a security risk, plain and simple. Even if you think it just fell out of your pocket, you can't be sure it wasn't picked up by someone with bad intentions. If a key was stolen — from your car, your bag, or your home — rekeying is not optional, it's urgent.
3. You Recently Had a Break-In or Attempted Break-In
After a break-in, your locks may be damaged or compromised. Even if the intruder didn't take your keys, the locks themselves may have been tampered with. A professional locksmith can assess the damage, rekey or replace the locks, and recommend additional security upgrades.
4. A Roommate, Employee, or Contractor No Longer Has Access
When a roommate moves out, an employee is terminated, or a contractor finishes a job, you should rekey your locks — even if they return their key. Keys can be duplicated in minutes at any hardware store. Rekeying ensures that any copies they may have made are instantly rendered useless.
Pro Tip: For businesses, consider a master key system so you can rekey individual locks without disrupting the whole building.
5. Your Locks Are Old or Worn
Locks wear out over time. If your keys are sticking, the lock is hard to turn, or you notice visible wear on the hardware, it may be time to rekey or replace entirely. Worn locks are easier to pick and more likely to fail when you need them most.
Rekeying vs. Replacing: What's the Difference?
Rekeying changes the internal pins of your existing lock so that old keys no longer work — it's faster and more affordable than full replacement. Lock replacement makes sense when the hardware itself is damaged, outdated, or you want to upgrade to a higher-security lock.
In most cases, rekeying is the smarter choice. It costs significantly less and provides the same level of security as a brand new lock.