Lock Rekey vs. Lock Replacement: Which Is Right for Your DFW Home?
You have just moved into a new home in Arlington. Or maybe you ended a relationship and your ex still has a key. Perhaps a house key was lost at the State Fair of Texas. Whatever the reason, you need to secure your home—and you are facing a choice: should you rekey your existing locks or replace them entirely?
This is one of the most common questions Dallas-Fort Worth homeowners ask their locksmith, and the answer depends on your specific situation, budget, and security goals. This guide breaks down both options in detail so you can make an informed decision.
What Is Lock Rekeying?
Rekeying is the process of changing the internal pins (called pin tumblers) inside your existing lock cylinder so that the old key no longer works. A locksmith removes the lock cylinder, replaces the pins with a different configuration, and cuts new keys that match the new pin arrangement.
What stays the same: The lock body, exterior hardware, deadbolt mechanism, and door preparation What changes: The internal pins and the key that operates them
How Rekeying Works
- The locksmith removes the lock cylinder from the door
- The existing pin tumblers are removed from the cylinder
- New pin tumblers of different sizes are installed
- The cylinder is reassembled and reinstalled in the lock
- New keys are cut to match the new pin configuration
- The old keys no longer operate the lock
Time per lock: 5 to 15 minutes Cost per lock in DFW: $15 to $35 (service call fee may apply)
When Rekeying Makes Sense
You just moved into a new home. Previous owners, their family members, real estate agents, contractors, and cleaning services may all have copies of the old keys. Rekeying every exterior lock is the first security step every new homeowner should take.
You lost a key. If a key is lost and you are concerned someone could find it and access your home, rekeying eliminates that risk.
After a breakup or roommate change. When someone who had a key to your home no longer should, rekeying is faster and cheaper than replacing all your locks.
Tenant turnover (landlords). DFW landlords should rekey between every tenant for liability and security reasons.
You want all locks on one key. If your front door, back door, garage entry, and side gate all use different keys, a locksmith can rekey them all to work with a single key. This is called keying alike and is one of the most popular rekeying services.
Your locks are in good physical condition. If the locks work smoothly, are not loose or damaged, and you are happy with their appearance, rekeying is the cost-effective choice.
What Is Lock Replacement?
Lock replacement means removing the entire lock mechanism—cylinder, housing, latch or bolt, strike plate, and exterior trim—and installing a completely new lock assembly.
What changes: Everything—the entire lock unit is new What stays the same: The door itself (assuming standard preparation)
When Replacement Makes Sense
Your locks are physically damaged. If a lock is loose, the bolt does not extend fully, the keyhole is damaged, or the lock was compromised during a break-in, replacement is necessary.
Your locks are outdated. If you have builder-grade locks from the 1990s or early 2000s, they may not meet current security standards. Modern locks offer significantly better resistance to picking, bumping, drilling, and forced entry.
You want to upgrade security. Moving from a basic lock to a high-security lock (like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock) or a smart lock requires full replacement.
You want to change the look. Locks come in various finishes and styles. If you are renovating or want your hardware to match new fixtures, replacement lets you choose the perfect aesthetic.
The lock brand is not rekeyable. Some very cheap or unusual lock brands cannot be rekeyed because replacement pin kits are not available.
After a break-in. If someone forced entry through a lock, even if the lock still seems to work, internal damage may compromise its security. Replace it.
Lock Replacement Costs in DFW
| Lock Type | Lock Cost | Installation | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard deadbolt (Kwikset, Defiant) | $25–$60 | $50–$100 | $75–$160 |
| Mid-range deadbolt (Schlage B60N) | $50–$100 | $50–$100 | $100–$200 |
| High-security deadbolt (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock) | $150–$350 | $75–$125 | $225–$475 |
| Smart lock (Schlage Encode, Yale) | $150–$300 | $75–$150 | $225–$450 |
| Knob lock (entry) | $20–$80 | $40–$80 | $60–$160 |
| Handle set (front entry) | $80–$250 | $75–$150 | $155–$400 |
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Rekeying | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per lock | $15–$35 | $75–$475 |
| Time per lock | 5–15 minutes | 15–45 minutes |
| Security improvement | Same as before | Can upgrade significantly |
| Aesthetic change | None | Choose new style and finish |
| Good for new homeowners | Excellent | If locks are low quality |
| Good after break-in | Usually not sufficient | Recommended |
| Can upgrade to smart lock | No | Yes |
| Can key alike (one key) | Yes | Yes |
The Best Approach for Common DFW Scenarios
Scenario: Just Bought a Home in North Arlington
Recommendation: Rekey all exterior locks immediately. Cost: approximately $100 to $150 for 3 to 4 locks. If the locks are old or builder-grade, replace the front door deadbolt with a higher-quality Schlage or smart lock and rekey the rest.
Scenario: Rental Property Tenant Turnover in Fort Worth
Recommendation: Rekey all locks between tenants. Consider installing a smart lock on the front door to manage access codes remotely—no more key handoffs or rekeying between tenants.
Scenario: Break-In at Your Dallas Home
Recommendation: Replace the compromised lock entirely. Have a locksmith assess all other locks for vulnerability. Consider upgrading to high-security deadbolts and adding a smart lock for monitoring.
Scenario: Lost House Key in Denton
Recommendation: Rekey the locks that the lost key opens. Cost: $15 to $35 per lock. Get at least two new keys made.
Scenario: Renovating Your Plano Home
Recommendation: Replace all exterior locks with matching hardware in your chosen finish. Popular finishes in DFW new construction: matte black, satin nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze.
Lock Security Ratings Explained
When shopping for replacement locks, look for ANSI/BHMA grades:
Grade 1 (Best): Withstands 800,000 cycles, 10 strikes of 75-pound force. Brands: Schlage B60N, Medeco Maxum, Mul-T-Lock Hercular.
Grade 2 (Good): Withstands 400,000 cycles, 5 strikes of 75-pound force. Brands: Kwikset 980, Schlage B60N, most mid-range locks.
Grade 3 (Basic): Withstands 200,000 cycles, 2 strikes of 75-pound force. Brands: Most builder-grade and budget locks.
For exterior doors, Grade 2 is the minimum recommendation. For front doors, Grade 1 is ideal.
Master Key Systems for DFW Landlords and Property Managers
If you manage multiple rental properties in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, a master key system can dramatically simplify key management while maintaining security:
How master key systems work: A master key system allows one "master" key to open all locks in a property or group of properties, while individual "change" keys only open their assigned lock. For example, a tenant's key opens only their apartment, but your master key opens every unit in the building.
Benefits for DFW property managers:
- Single key for emergency access to all units
- Individual tenant keys that do not work on other units
- Easy tenant turnover—rekey individual units without affecting the master
- Reduced key inventory and management overhead
- Professional appearance and organization
Cost for master key systems: Installation varies based on the number of locks, but typically runs $30 to $60 per lock for the master key setup, plus rekeying costs. For a 10-unit apartment building, expect $400 to $800 for a complete master key system.
Restricted key systems: For maximum security, consider a restricted keyway system (like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock) where keys can only be duplicated by authorized locksmiths with your permission. This prevents tenants from making unauthorized key copies—a common security concern for DFW property managers.
A professional locksmith can design a master key system tailored to your specific property layout and security requirements, whether you manage a single duplex or a 200-unit apartment complex.
Professional Rekeying and Lock Services in DFW
At Not Your Basic Locksmith, we provide both rekeying and lock replacement services throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area:
- Lock rekeying starting at $20 per lock
- Key alike service to put all locks on one key
- Lock installation for deadbolts, knob locks, and smart locks
- High-security lock upgrades including Medeco and Mul-T-Lock
- Smart lock installation with full setup
- Security assessments to evaluate your home's vulnerabilities
- 24/7 emergency service for lockouts and break-in repairs
We serve homeowners, landlords, and property managers across 89+ DFW cities.
Call (682) 344-1957 for rekeying, lock replacement, or a free security assessment at your DFW home.
