Rekeying vs. Changing Locks in Sharon MA: Which One Saves You More Money?

What's the Difference Between Rekeying and Changing Locks?

Before we talk dollars and cents, let's make sure we're on the same page about what these terms actually mean.

Rekeying: The Internal Makeover

When we rekey a lock, we're basically giving it new internal programming while keeping the same hardware on your door. Here's what happens: our technician removes the lock cylinder, takes out the old pins inside, and replaces them with new ones that match a different key. Your old keys become useless, and you get brand new keys that work perfectly.

Think of it like changing the password on your email account. Same account, same login page, just a completely different password. The lock itself—the exterior hardware, the finish, the mechanism—stays exactly where it is.

Changing Locks: The Complete Replacement

Changing locks means exactly what it sounds like: we remove your existing locks entirely and install brand new ones. New hardware, new keys, new everything. It's like getting a whole new email account instead of just changing the password.

This involves uninstalling the old lock, potentially drilling new holes if the new lock doesn't match the existing footprint, and installing completely fresh hardware on your door.

Understanding the Cost Difference for Sharon Homeowners

Let's talk about what impacts the cost of each option. While we provide free quotes tailored to your specific situation, it's helpful to understand the factors that make rekeying typically more affordable than replacement.

Rekeying in Sharon, MA

Rekeying is typically the more affordable option when your existing hardware is in good condition. The process is relatively quick and straightforward, usually taking about 15-20 minutes per lock. Because we're working with your existing hardware, you're not paying for new locks—just the service to reconfigure them.

Average time: 15-20 minutes per lock

Lock Replacement in Sharon, MA

Lock replacement involves more time and materials since you're installing completely new hardware. The cost will depend on the quality and type of locks you choose—from basic deadbolts to high-security systems or smart locks. The installation process typically takes longer than rekeying since we're removing old hardware and installing new.

Average time: 30-60 minutes per lock

Let's say you're dealing with a typical Sharon single-family home with three exterior doors. Rekeying all three locks is significantly more affordable than replacing them with new hardware. The difference can be substantial—money that could go toward other home improvements or security upgrades you've been considering.

When Rekeying Makes Perfect Sense

Rekeying isn't always the answer, but when it is, it's usually the smartest financial move. Here are the situations where we recommend it to Sharon homeowners and business owners:

You Just Bought a House in Sharon

Whether you're moving into that colonial near Lake Massapoag or a newer construction off Ames Street, you have no idea who has keys to your new place. The previous owners, their kids, their contractors, their real estate agent—the list goes on. Rekeying gives you peace of mind without the expense of all-new hardware.

The locks themselves are probably fine. They're just keyed for someone else's life, not yours. A quick rekey, and boom—you're the only one with access.

After a Tenant Moves Out

If you're a landlord in Sharon dealing with tenant turnover, rekeying is your best friend. Every time someone moves out, you need to reset the locks. But unless the hardware is damaged or outdated, there's no reason to replace perfectly good locks. Rekey them between tenants, and you're protecting your property without breaking the bank.

You've Lost Track of Who Has Keys

Been in your house for 10 years? Given keys to contractors, dog walkers, house sitters, and that neighbor who waters your plants when you're away? Even if you trust all these people, there's something uncomfortable about not knowing exactly how many copies of your house key are floating around out there.

Rekeying resets everything. All old keys stop working immediately, and you can start fresh with controlled key distribution.

Your Locks Work Fine

This is the big one. If your locks turn smoothly, latch properly, and aren't showing visible wear, there's zero reason to replace them. Rekeying solves your security concern while keeping hardware that's doing its job just fine.

You Want All Your Locks on One Key

This is something a lot of Sharon homeowners don't realize is possible. If you've got three different keys for three different doors, we can rekey them all to work with a single key. It's called "keying alike," and it makes your life so much easier. One key for your front door, side door, and back door? Yes, please.

Pro Tip: When we rekey multiple locks to work with one key, you can still have the locks keyed differently from each other if you want. For instance, your exterior doors on one key and your garage entry on a different key. We call this a master key system, and it's perfect for larger homes or small business owners who need different access levels.

When You Actually Need to Replace Your Locks

Now let's flip the script. Sometimes rekeying just isn't going to cut it, and you need to invest in new hardware. Here's when:

Your Locks Are Old or Damaged

Walk up to your front door and really look at your locks. Are they loose? Sticking when you turn the key? Does the deadbolt not fully extend anymore? If your locks are struggling mechanically, rekeying won't fix that. You need new hardware.

Same goes for visible damage. If there are signs of attempted break-ins, rust from Massachusetts weather, or general wear and tear that's compromising function, it's time for new locks.

You Want to Upgrade Your Security

Maybe your current locks are builder-grade basic models from when your house was constructed in the 90s. They work fine, but they're not exactly Fort Knox. If you want to upgrade to high-security locks with better pick resistance, reinforced strike plates, or bump-proof features, you can't just rekey what you have—you need new hardware.

This is especially relevant for commercial properties in Sharon or homes in neighborhoods that have seen security concerns.

You're Installing Smart Locks

Thinking about jumping on the smart lock bandwagon? You can't rekey your way into that upgrade. Smart locks are completely different hardware that replaces your traditional deadbolts. But the good news? You're not just getting new locks—you're getting keypad entry, smartphone control, and the ability to give temporary access codes to service people without handing out physical keys.

We install a lot of smart locks for Sharon families, and while the upfront cost is higher, the convenience factor is hard to beat. Check out our detailed guide on smart locks vs. traditional locks before-making-the-switch] if you're considering this route.

You Want to Change Your Entire Door Hardware Style

Let's be real—sometimes it's just about aesthetics. If you're renovating and want to update from brass to brushed nickel, or you hate the style of your current handles and deadbolts, rekeying won't help you there. You need new hardware that matches your vision for your home.

The Lock Brand or Type Can't Be Rekeyed

This is rare, but it happens. Some ultra-cheap or very old locks can't be rekeyed because replacement parts aren't available or the lock design doesn't allow for it. In these cases, replacement is your only option.

The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About

Here's something most locksmiths won't spell out for you: sometimes the "cheaper" option ends up costing you more in the long run.

Rekeying Old Locks That Should Be Replaced

We've seen it dozens of times. Someone wants to save money, so they rekey locks that are barely hanging on. Six months later, the lock fails mechanically, and now they're paying for both the original rekey AND a lock replacement. If we're honest with you upfront that your locks are on their last legs, it's worth listening.

Replacing Locks When You Don't Need To

On the flip side, some companies will push you toward replacement because it's more profitable for them. If your locks are in good shape and you just need new keys, rekeying is perfectly adequate. Don't let anyone pressure you into spending more than necessary.

DIY Disasters

YouTube makes rekeying look easy, and for someone with locksmith experience, it kind of is. But for a homeowner with zero experience? We've fixed a lot of DIY rekey attempts that went sideways. By the time you buy the rekey kit, spend two hours figuring it out, and potentially mess up the lock cylinder, you've spent more time and money than just calling a professional in the first place.

What About Combination Options?

Here's where it gets interesting. You don't have to choose one approach for your entire house.

Let's say you're moving into a house in Sharon where most of the locks are in great shape, but the back door lock is old and sticky. Perfect—we'll rekey the front door, side door, and garage entry (saving you money), and replace just the back door lock with fresh hardware. You get the security reset you need on all doors without overspending on locks that don't need replacing.

Or maybe you want to upgrade your front door to a smart lock for the convenience factor, but the other doors can stay traditional. We'll install the new smart lock up front and rekey your side and back doors to match a backup key. Best of both worlds.

How Long Do Rekeyed Locks Last?

This is a question we get all the time, and the answer might surprise you: rekeyed locks last just as long as they did before rekeying. Rekeying doesn't wear out the lock or shorten its lifespan. The only thing that's different is which key operates it.

The longevity of your locks depends on the quality of the original hardware and how much use they get. A good residential lock should last 7-10 years with normal use, whether it's been rekeyed once, three times, or never.

The Sharon Advantage: Local Service, Fast Response

Here's something else to consider when you're making this decision: working with a local Sharon locksmith versus calling a national chain. We can typically get to your house or business in Sharon, Norwood, or Canton within 30-45 minutes. No waiting around all afternoon, no vague "we'll be there between 8 AM and 5 PM" windows.

Plus, because we work in Sharon every single day, we know the common lock brands in local homes, the quirks of older properties near the town center, and exactly which hardware holds up best in Massachusetts weather. That local knowledge translates to faster, more reliable service.

Still Not Sure What You Need?

Look, we get it—every situation is different, and sometimes you need an expert opinion based on your actual locks, not just general advice from a blog post (even a really good one like this).

Give us a call at (617) 359-5625 and describe what's going on. We'll give you honest advice about whether rekeying or replacement makes more sense for your situation, and we'll provide a clear quote upfront. No surprises, no pressure—just straight answers from locksmiths who've been doing this in Sharon for years.

Quick Decision Guide: Rekey or Replace?

If you've made it this far and still aren't sure which option is right for you, here's a simple decision tree:

Choose REKEYING if:

• Your locks work smoothly and aren't damaged
• You just moved into a new home or office
• You're a landlord with tenant turnover
• You've lost track of who has keys
• You want all your doors on one key
• You're on a budget and security is your main concern

Choose REPLACEMENT if:

• Your locks are old, damaged, or sticking
• You want to upgrade security significantly
• You're installing smart locks or keyless entry
• You're doing a home renovation and want updated hardware
• Your current locks can't be rekeyed (rare but possible)
• There are signs of attempted break-ins on your doors

Consider a COMBINATION if:

• Some doors have good locks and others don't
• You want smart locks on main entry but traditional on others
• You're balancing budget concerns with security upgrades

The Bottom Line on Cost Savings

So which one actually saves you more money? For most Sharon homeowners and business owners, rekeying is the clear winner when your existing hardware is in good condition. The cost difference between rekeying and replacing locks can be significant—enough to make it worth seriously considering rekeying first if your locks are mechanically sound.

But—and this is important—"saving money" doesn't mean much if you're compromising security or if your locks fail shortly after rekeying them. The real savings come from making the right choice for your specific situation, not just automatically choosing the cheaper option.

That's where honest, experienced advice makes all the difference. At Astro Locks, we're not trying to sell you the most expensive option or the quickest job. We're trying to give you the solution that actually makes sense for your property, your budget, and your security needs.

Whether that's a simple rekey that takes 30 minutes and saves you hundreds, or a full lock upgrade that gives you peace of mind for the next decade, we'll walk you through exactly what we recommend and why.

Ready to Make Your Decision?

You've got all the information now. You know what rekeying involves, what replacement costs, and when each option makes sense. The next step is getting a professional assessment of your actual locks.

We offer free quotes for both rekeying and replacement services throughout Sharon and surrounding towns. Call us at (617) 359-5625, describe your situation, and we'll give you a clear answer about what makes the most sense for you—and what it'll cost.

No pressure, no runaround, just honest locksmith advice from people who've been keeping Sharon properties secure for years. Because at the end of the day, whether you rekey or replace, what matters most is that you feel safe and secure in your home or business.

About Astro Locks Sharon: We're your local locksmith serving Sharon, MA and surrounding communities including Norwood, Canton, Westwood, and Walpole. From emergency lockouts to security upgrades, we provide fast, professional service with upfront pricing and expert advice.