The short answer
What the question actually means
Rekeying means changing the internal pins of your existing lock so the old key stops working and a new one takes over. You keep the hardware on the door. Replacing means ripping the whole lock out and installing a brand new one. Usually, people ask this because they lost a key or just moved into a house in Northwest Florida and don't know who has copies. If the lock works fine, rekey it. If the lock is jammed, rusted, or physically broken, you need a replacement. It is the difference between changing a password and buying a new computer.
The brands that matter
I work with the stuff that actually lasts in the Florida humidity. Schlage and Kwikset are the standards for most homes here because parts are easy to find. If you want something heavier for a business or a high-security entry, we look at Medeco or Mul-T-Lock. Avoid the cheap generic sets from big box stores if you can. They look fine on the shelf, but the internals wear out fast, and they are a pain to rekey properly.
Pricing — what to expect
How to choose
Common follow-up questions
Rekeying is almost always cheaper because I am not charging you for new brass and steel. When choosing, ask yourself if the lock feels loose or gritty. If it does, a rekey won't fix the mechanical wear, so go with a replacement. A common question is whether you can do this yourself with a kit. You can, but if you mess up the pin tumble, you are locked out. I handle the precision work so you just have to turn the key and walk inside.
How locksmiths actually work the job
For a rekey, I pull the cylinder out and rearrange the pins using a specialized tool or a new pin kit. I match those pins to a new key blank. It takes a few minutes per lock. For a replacement, I unscrew the old deadbolt or knob, clear the hole, and fit the new hardware. I make sure the strike plate is aligned perfectly with the door frame. If it is not flush, the lock will bind, and you will be fighting the door every day.
When to call vs when to wait
Call me immediately if you lost your keys or had a break-in. That is a security emergency. If you just moved in and want to be safe, that is a priority, but not a midnight call. If your lock is sticking occasionally, you can wait a few days, but do not wait until it snaps. Once the bolt is stuck in the door, a simple rekey becomes a forced entry job, which is a lot more expensive and messy for everyone.
Bottom line
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