Rekey or Replace? The Cheapest Way to Secure Your Home After Moving

You have the keys, the boxes are in, and the to-do list is long. There is one job that should not wait: securing your new place. The simplest way to do that is to make sure only you control who can unlock your doors.

In Perth’s southern suburbs we are asked daily whether it is smarter to rekey or replace locks after a move. The right choice depends on the lock condition, compliance, and your budget. Here is a clear, practical guide that mirrors the advice we give on-site.

Rekeying explained: what it changes and why it is often cheapest

Rekeying keeps your existing lock hardware but changes its internal combination. A locksmith removes the cylinder and replaces the tiny pins inside so the old keys stop working and a new key operates the lock. Think of it as changing the code inside the lock without changing the lock itself.

When it is cheaper and smarter:

Moving into a new home, rental, or after a tenant change
Lost or unreturned keys
After a break-in where the lock is still sound
When you want one key for multiple doors

Rekeying is usually the cheapest way to “change the locks” on a house because you are paying for labour and small parts, not full hardware sets. It also lets you key-alike multiple locks so one key runs the front, back, laundry, and often the screen door, which is a daily convenience win.

Common brands we rekey across Kwinana, Rockingham, Baldivis, and surrounds include Lockwood, Gainsborough, Carbine, Whitco, Brava, and Jason Windows cylinders in sliding and window hardware.

When replacement is the better choice

Replacing the lock makes sense when:

The lock is worn, damaged, or unreliable
The hardware is non-compliant with current fire or egress requirements
You want a different style or finish
The product is a sealed or non-rekeyable unit
You are upgrading to a digital or smart entry

Screen and sliding door locks often wear from sand and salt. Whitco and Jason Windows gear can sometimes be rekeyed, but if the mechanism is loose, cracked, or discontinued, replacement is more sensible. On exit doors, single-action egress and appropriate fire-rated hardware may be required in apartments and certain layouts. We will explain options before work starts.

Which locks can and cannot be rekeyed

Typically rekeyable:

Deadbolts and deadlatches from Lockwood, Gainsborough, Carbine, and Brava
Key-in-knob and lever sets that accept a replaceable cylinder
Many screen door locks that use a standard style rim cylinder
Euro-profile cylinders fitted to some patio and sliding doors

Often not rekeyable or not worth rekeying:

Very cheap one-piece handle-sets with fixed, non-serviceable cores
Severely worn, corroded, or damaged locks
Some older patio and screen mechanisms where the keyway is integral and sealed
Budget mailbox locks, certain window latches, and appliance-style locks

If you are unsure, a quick photo sent by text usually lets us confirm if your lock is rekeyable and what the best value looks like.

How long rekeying takes and bundling to one key

For a standard domestic entrance lock or deadbolt, rekeying usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes per lock on-site. Rekeying several doors in one visit is efficient, and most homes can be keyed-alike so one key runs multiple locks. Where brands and keyways differ, we can often swap compatible cylinders to achieve a one-key outcome.

Clear, local cost guidance you can use

Pricing depends on the number of locks, the cylinder types, travel, and time of day. Daytime is always best value. As a guide:

Rekeying a typical entrance lock is usually more economical than replacing like-for-like hardware
Replacing a full lockset costs more because you pay for new hardware and fitting time
After-hours work costs more than business hours, so if it is safe to wait, you save

We give phone estimates once we know your suburb, number of locks, brands if known, and any issues like sticking latches or broken handles. Photos help us quote accurately and bring the right parts. There are no surprise charges, and we explain options before work begins.

If you are in Kwinana or nearby and want fast, practical advice, you can reach a local specialist by checking our Kwinana service page. For Rockingham, see our mobile support and coverage details. These pages include what to expect, response times, and how quotes work:

Learn more about a local Kwinana locksmith service on our locksmith Kwinana page.
See coverage, response, and residential help from a Rockingham locksmith.

Brands we see every day in Perth’s south

Lockwood, Gainsborough, Carbine, Whitco, Brava, and Jason Windows are common across Baldivis, Rockingham, Kwinana, and Cockburn. Most of these can be rekeyed if the cylinder is serviceable. If you prefer a fresh look or a hardware upgrade, we carry quality replacements and will match finish and function where possible.

Phone quotes: what we ask and why

To quote quickly, please have:

Suburb and property type
Number of locks and where they are
Brands if visible, or clear photos of the face and edge of each lock
Whether you want one key for all doors

With this, we can usually quote over the phone, explain the most economical path, and book you in. If it is urgent, call for the fastest help. If it can wait, business hours will save you money.

Quick FAQ

Does rekey mean replacing the entire lock?

No. Rekeying keeps the lock body and changes the internal pins so a new key works and old keys do not.

Is it cheaper to replace locks or rekey them?

Rekeying is usually cheaper if the hardware is in good condition.

Can you rekey a lock without changing the lock?

Yes. That is exactly what rekeying is.

What locks cannot be rekeyed?

Very cheap, sealed units; badly worn or damaged mechanisms; some older patio and screen locks; and certain mailbox or appliance locks.

How long does it take to rekey a lock?

About 15 to 30 minutes per standard door lock, faster when doing several at once.

What is the cheapest way to change locks on a house?

Rekeying serviceable locks and keying them alike to one key is typically the lowest cost way to restore control.

What does a locksmith charge to replace a lock?

It varies by brand and door type. Replacement costs more than rekeying because you pay for new hardware and fitting. We provide the price up front once we see the lock or photos.

A simple decision guide

Choose rekeying if the locks work well and you need new keys or one-key convenience after moving in, losing keys, or a tenant change.

Choose replacement if the locks are unreliable, non-compliant, or you want a style or security upgrade, including digital entry.

The bottom line and next steps

Securing your new home does not have to be expensive or complicated. If your locks are in good shape, rekeying them and keying alike to one key is usually the cheapest and smartest move. If the hardware is tired or non-compliant, replacing it avoids repeat callouts and improves reliability.

For friendly, straight advice across Perth’s southern suburbs, call Scott at All Star Lock & Key. If you are in Baldivis or Rockingham and want local support that turns up prepared, start with our Baldivis locksmith page or our Rockingham residential locksmith overview to see coverage and options: