When it comes to safeguarding your residential or commercial premises, there are two main approaches to choose from: rekeying or changing locks. Each of these offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, so the decision should be based on your specific needs and budget. To help you make an informed decision, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each option.
What Is a Lock Rekey?
A lock rekey involves altering keys without replacing the existing lock system. It is done by removing the existing pins and springs from the cylinder before replacing them with new components that are designed to work seamlessly with both old and new keys. This is a great solution for those who are happy with their locks but wish to change their keys for security reasons such as after experiencing a break-in or when they move into a new home. Additionally, it can be used by individuals who have recently gone through separations or divorces to eliminate access from someone else’s key copy.

The Pros of Rekeying a Lock
Rekeying offers increased security as it renders all old keys ineffective while maintaining the functionality of your original locks, making it particularly beneficial if you do not want to go through the expense of purchasing an entirely new set of locks. Furthermore, compared to changing locks, this process is much faster and easier which helps keep labor costs down.
The Cons of Rekeying a Lock
On the downside, rekeying does not offer many options for upgrades in terms of security solutions since you cannot enhance existing locks beyond what they have been designed for initially. Additionally, depending on whether you have access to the original key or not, additional costs may be incurred if attempting to rekey the lock without it.
What Do You Mean By Changing Locks?
Changing locks involves swapping out entire lock bodies along with their associated keys which provides an effective way of upgrading security systems such as opting for keyless entry systems or card swipe locks in order to provide more secure solutions against potential intruders into your home or business premises.

The Pros of Changing Locks:
Swapping out entire lock bodies gives users plenty of customization options when updating their security measures such as being able to install high-grade deadbolts like Grade 1 instead of Grade 2 ones previously installed as well as longer screws and additional pins within their locking mechanisms for better protection against break-ins or other forms malicious activities.
The Cons of Changing Locks:
Unfortunately, changing out existing locks can get quite expensive due to having to purchase new hardware along with labor fees associated with installing them which may not always be necessary if opting for rekeying services instead.
When Should You Go For Changing Locks?
In certain cases where urgent requirements must be met in order ensure adequate levels of safety and security, then it would be wise opt for changing locks over just rekeying them so as to provide more advanced features such as keyless entry systems and card swipe locks that will help deter any potential intruders into your property even further. This is especially important after break-ins that render existing locks obsolete or damaged beyond repair; following separations/divorces when someone wishes to remove another person’s access; or when older models become too worn down for rekeying purposes due lack access over original keys needed in order carry out successful rekeys without incurring extra costs involved in doing so .
Overall, both rekeying and changing locks offer viable solutions that help secure residential and commercial properties alike; however it is important weigh up your needs carefully alongside budget constraints before making a final decision so that you end up selecting the best option available for particular situation.