Secure your entryways by deciding how to rekey or change locks after moving based on hardware condition. Rekeying alters internal tumbler pins so old keys no longer work, keeping existing hardware. Replacing locks swaps the complete deadbolt assembly, which is ideal when upgrading hardware age, style, or security ratings.
While rekeying keeps matching finishes across exterior doors, it will not fix loose mechanisms or structural wear. Swapping out the lockset requires more physical labor but gives you the chance to modernize your security or resolve persistent latch binding issues.
Should you rekey or change locks when moving into a house?
Deciding between these two paths comes down to the condition and brand uniformity of your current deadbolts. Previous owners, contractors, and tenants may still hold keys, making immediate action essential for peace of mind.
| Factor | Rekeying Existing Locks | Changing Full Lockset | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware Retained | Keeps exterior handles and deadbolts | Replaces all physical components | ||
| Security Impact | Nullifies old physical keys | Upgrades lock grade or style | ||
| Skill Needed | Requires pinning kit or locksmith | Simple screwdriver installation |
If the existing hardware functions smoothly and features high build quality, rekeying preserves your investment. If the locks stick, show heavy tarnishing, or come from mixed manufacturers, buying fresh deadbolts is the cleaner route.
How do you rekey a front door deadbolt yourself?
Rekeying requires you to disassemble the lock cylinder rather than detaching the entire assembly from the door frame. Cylinder: The central brass plug housing spring-loaded pins that rotate only when the matching key notches align with the shear line.
- Remove the decorative escutcheon and interior mounting screws to pull the cylinder housing free from the door.
- Insert the existing operational key to turn the plug and slide off the brass retaining clip on the rear.
- Push the plug follower through the housing to keep the upper driver pins and springs seated securely in place.
- Discard the old bottom pins and insert the new color-coded tumbler pins that correspond to your new master key.
- Slide the cylinder plug back into the outer housing, snap the retaining clip tight, and reinstall the lock.
Pinning kits are brand specific, meaning a kit built for one manufacturer will not seat correctly in another. If you do not have the original working key, picking open the cylinder is necessary before you can slide out the plug.
How do you replace an exterior door lock completely?
Full replacement replaces every component, including the latch bolt, strike plate, cylinder, and interior thumbturn. Before purchasing new deadbolts, verify your door thickness and learn how to measure door backset and bore so the new hardware fits the existing factory cutouts.
Heads Up: Never install exterior locksets with short three-quarter-inch screws. Always drive three-inch hardened screws through the strike plate into the wall stud to prevent kick-ins.
Once the old unit is detached, insert the new deadbolt latch into the edge hole and check that it sits flush against the wood. Fasten the exterior cylinder and interior thumbturn through the cross bore, then verify smooth travel into the door jamb to prevent the issues described in why a deadbolt sticks from door misalignment.
When is changing the entire lock necessary?
Rekeying works only when the underlying mechanism remains structurally sound and matches your long-term security goals. Certain door conditions make full hardware replacement the only sensible solution.
- Mismatched keyway brands: Locks from different manufacturers like Schlage and Kwikset cannot share a single physical key.
- Excessive mechanical wear: Loose cylinders and worn internal tailpieces fail to turn smoothly regardless of fresh pins.
- Inferior safety ratings: Older locks often lack certification, making an upgrade to higher ANSI BHMA deadbolt grades essential for kick resistance.
- Outdated entry hardware: Modernizing to digital access, keypad deadbolts, or integrated handlesets requires replacing the entire interior and exterior mechanism.
How long does it take to secure new locks?
Rekeying a standard pin-tumbler cylinder takes an experienced technician about ten minutes per door.
Homeowners replacing locks with basic hand tools typically spend twenty to thirty minutes per entryway. The process moves quickly unless you encounter warped door frames, misaligned strike plates, or mismatched backset dimensions that demand chisel adjustments.
Common questions about securing locks after moving
These practical details address common situations homeowners face when assessing entryway hardware on moving day.
Can you rekey locks without the original key?
Yes, but a locksmith must pick the cylinder open or decode the internal pins before disassembling the plug. If you lack any operational keys from the prior resident, buying and installing replacement deadbolts is usually faster and less frustrating.
Do all exterior doors need to use the exact same key?
No, but keying them alike offers immense daily convenience for busy households. To use one key across all entryways, every lock must share the same brand keyway profile, such as Schlage C or Kwikset KW1.
Can renters rekey locks after moving into an apartment?
Most rental agreements strictly forbid altering locks without landlord permission, because property managers require emergency master access. If you are renting, request that management rekey the cylinder or supply a freshly pinned lock before moving your belongings in.
Is it cheaper to rekey or replace deadbolts?
Rekeying is generally more affordable because you only pay for small brass pins or minor service labor rather than new locksets. However, if your existing hardware is tarnished, mechanically loose, or of low quality, full replacement delivers much stronger security value.