Rekeying is cheaper - $45-$65 per lock vs $150-$400 for replacement. Rekey when locks work properly but key control is compromised. Replace when locks are damaged, outdated (Grade 3), or you want new features (smart locks, high-security).
A 3-door home rekey saves $300-$500 compared to replacement.
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The Short Answer
Rekeying is almost always cheaper than replacing. A rekey costs $45-$65 per lock (after the first door service call fee). A new lock costs $150-$400 per lock installed.
For a 3-door home, rekeying saves $300-$500 compared to full replacement.
But cheaper isn't always better. Sometimes replacement is the right call. The decision depends on lock condition, security goals, and what you're trying to accomplish.
Cost Comparison: Rekey vs Replace
Rekeying Costs (Per Door)
- First door (includes service call): $105-$155
- Each additional door: $45-$65
- High-security rekey (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock): $65-$125 per cylinder
- Extra keys: $3-$8 each
Replacement Costs (Per Door)
- Standard deadbolt (Kwikset, Schlage B60N): $150-$295 installed
- Grade 1 commercial deadbolt (Schlage B660P): $295-$495 installed
- Smart lock (Schlage Encode, Yale Assure): $295-$495 installed
- High-security (Medeco Maxum): $495-$895 installed
- Standard knob/lever (Schlage, Kwikset): $125-$250 installed
3-Door Home Comparison
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rekey 3 doors (standard) | $195-$295 |
| Replace 3 deadbolts (Schlage B60N) | $450-$885 |
| Replace 3 with smart locks (Encode) | $885-$1,485 |
| Savings from rekeying | $305-$1,240 |
| Service | Flat-Rate Cost | After-Hours Add | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential lockout | $89 - $150 | +$20 - $40 | Most common emergency call; under 30 min response in Port St. Lucie |
| Automotive lockout | $89 - $150 | +$20 - $40 | Tools + common key blanks on-truck |
| Commercial lockout | $125+ | +$30 - $50 | Storefront, panic-bar, mortise hardware |
| Car key replacement | $150+ | +$30 - $50 | Cutting + transponder programming on-site |
| Rekey (per cylinder) | $20 - $40 | n/a | Often added to a lockout call same trip |
| Broken key extraction | $75 - $125 | +$20 - $40 | Frequently paired with a rekey |
All pricing quoted flat-rate before work begins. Florida-licensed, fully insured, written receipt provided.
When Rekeying Is the Right Choice
Locks are mechanically sound. If your locks turn smoothly, latch properly, and show no signs of wear or damage, there's no reason to replace hardware that works. Rekey changes the key access without touching the mechanical operation.
You like your existing hardware. If you chose your locks for their appearance, brand, or features and they still work well, rekeying lets you keep what you have while solving the key control problem.
Budget is a factor. For new home buyers who just spent hundreds of thousands on a house, spending $195-$295 on rekey versus $450-$1,500 on replacement is a significant difference. Rekey provides the security you need at the price you can absorb.
Frequent changes needed. Landlords who rekey between tenants benefit most from rekeying - doing it 1-2 times per year on the same locks. Replacing locks every tenant turnover would be wasteful.
Commercial applications. Commercial locks (Schlage L-series, Corbin Russwin, Sargent) cost $300-$900 each. Rekeying at $45-$65 per lock saves dramatically over replacement for office tenant turnover, employee changes, and periodic security rotation.
When Replacement Is the Right Choice
Locks are damaged or worn. If the key is hard to turn, the latch doesn't engage properly, the deadbolt sticks, or internal mechanisms are grinding, the lock needs replacement. Rekeying worn locks just gives you new keys to a failing lock.
Security upgrade needed. Grade 3 residential locks are the minimum standard - they're what builders install on new homes. If you want to upgrade to Grade 1 commercial or high-security (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock), you must replace. Rekeying doesn't change the lock's security grade.
Feature upgrade desired. Want smart lock functionality? Keypad access? Fingerprint entry?
Remote locking via app? These require new hardware - rekeying your existing deadbolt doesn't add electronic features.
Locks are very old. Locks over 20 years old may have internal corrosion (especially in coastal Florida), worn springs, and unavailable parts. Replacement gives you fresh hardware with full warranty and current security features.
Coastal corrosion. On the Treasure Coast - especially Jensen Beach, Hutchinson Island, Vero Beach beachside, and Fort Pierce North Beach - salt air corrodes lock internals. If the locksmith finds corrosion during rekey, replacement with PVD-coated or marine-grade hardware is the better investment.
Insurance or HOA requirements. Some insurance policies and HOAs require specific lock grades or brands. If your current hardware doesn't meet requirements, replacement is necessary.
The Real-World Decision Framework
Ask these questions in order:
- Do my locks work properly? If yes, rekey is likely sufficient. If no, replace.
- Am I happy with the security level? If yes, rekey. If you want higher security, replace with better hardware.
- Do I want new features? If no, rekey. If yes (smart lock, keypad, high-security), replace.
- Is the hardware in good cosmetic condition? If yes, rekey. If corroded, outdated, or ugly, replace.
- What's my budget? If tight, rekey solves the key control problem at 30-40% of replacement cost.
Most new home buyers answer "yes, yes, no, yes, tight" and rekeying is the clear winner. Most people upgrading from builder-grade to smart locks answer "yes, no, yes" and replacement is the right call.
Can You Mix Rekey and Replace?
Absolutely - and many Treasure Coast homeowners do. Common approach: replace the front door deadbolt with a smart lock (Schlage Encode for keypad convenience) and rekey the back door and garage-to-house door to match the smart lock's backup key. You get the smart features where they matter most (front door) and save money on the secondary doors.
This mixed approach typically costs $395-$545 for a 3-door home (one smart lock + two rekeys) versus $885-$1,485 for three smart locks. Smart where it counts, economical where it doesn't.
Treasure Coast Considerations
Coastal properties: If you're within 3 blocks of the ocean, your locks may have internal salt corrosion even if they look fine outside. Ask the locksmith to evaluate lock condition during rekey. If corrosion is found, replace with PVD-coated or marine-grade hardware rather than rekeying a corroding lock.
Planned communities (Tradition, St. Lucie West, Martin Downs): Builder-grade locks in newer communities are typically Grade 3 Kwikset or Defiant. These work but represent minimum security.
If you're rekeying anyway, consider upgrading at least the front door deadbolt to Grade 1 or smart lock at the same visit.
Historic homes (Downtown Stuart, Fort Pierce Second Street): Some older homes have vintage hardware worth preserving. Rekeying preserves the original hardware while updating security. If vintage locks are worn beyond service, consult about restoration rather than generic replacement.
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