When you move into a new home, lose a set of keys or become concerned about who may have access to your property, you don’t necessarily need to replace every lock.

Depending on the existing locks and the reason for changing access, a locksmith may be able to rekey your existing locks so the old keys no longer work. In other situations, replacing the lock may be the more appropriate option.

Evolution Lock Service provides professional lock changes and rekeying throughout Perth’s northern suburbs, helping homeowners improve control over who can access their property. Based in Quinns Rocks, we provide mobile residential locksmith services across areas including Joondalup, Clarkson, Mindarie, Butler, Alkimos, Yanchep, Wanneroo and surrounding northern suburbs.

What Is the Difference Between Changing and Rekeying a Lock?

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, changing a lock and rekeying a lock are different services.

Rekeying a Lock

Rekeying involves altering the internal components of a compatible lock so that it operates with a new key.

The existing lock hardware can remain installed, but the previous key will no longer operate the lock once it has been rekeyed.

This can be particularly useful when the existing locks are in good condition and the main objective is to prevent old or unaccounted-for keys from being used.

Changing a Lock

Changing a lock involves removing the existing locking hardware and installing a replacement.

Lock replacement may be appropriate when a lock is damaged, worn, unreliable, unsuitable for the door or when the homeowner wants to upgrade the security or functionality of the property.

A qualified residential locksmith can inspect the existing hardware and advise whether rekeying or replacing the lock is the more suitable option.

When Should You Rekey Your House Locks?

There are several situations where homeowners may want to consider having their locks rekeyed.

Moving Into a New Home

One of the most common reasons is moving into a new house.

Even if you have been handed all the keys at settlement, it can be difficult to know how many copies were previously made. Former owners, tenants, family members, cleaners, tradespeople or property managers may have been given keys at some stage.

Rekeying compatible locks provides a new key configuration so that previous keys no longer provide access.

Lost or Missing House Keys

If a house key has been lost and you cannot be certain where it is, rekeying the relevant locks can prevent that key from continuing to work.

This can be especially important when the lost keys could potentially be connected with your address or property.

Rather than automatically replacing otherwise serviceable locks, a locksmith can determine whether they can simply be rekeyed.

After Tenants or Occupants Move Out

Landlords and property owners may also choose to rekey locks following a change of occupants.

This allows access to be reset for the next occupants without necessarily replacing all of the existing lock hardware.

The suitability of rekeying will depend on the type and condition of the locks installed.

When You Don’t Know Who Has Spare Keys

Over the years, spare keys can accumulate.

Keys may have been given to relatives, neighbours, cleaners, contractors, house sitters or other people who previously required access.

If you no longer know exactly how many keys are in circulation, rekeying can provide a straightforward way of restoring control over access to the home.

When Is It Better to Change the Lock?

Rekeying isn’t the right solution for every lock.

A lock change or replacement may be more appropriate when:

• the existing lock is damaged or unreliable
• the lock has become difficult to operate
• components are excessively worn
• the existing hardware is unsuitable for the door
• you want to upgrade the type of lock installed
• the lock cannot be appropriately rekeyed
• you’re upgrading the overall security of the property

Evolution Lock Service can inspect the existing lock and recommend an appropriate solution rather than replacing hardware unnecessarily.

Can Multiple House Locks Be Rekeyed to the Same Key?

In many situations, compatible locks can be configured so that one key operates multiple locks around the property.

This is commonly known as having locks keyed alike.

For example, depending on the hardware installed, it may be possible to reduce the number of different keys required for compatible external doors.

A locksmith will need to check the locks to determine which can be keyed alike.

Should You Change the Locks After Buying a House?

Changing or rekeying the locks is worth considering when taking possession of a property because the new owner generally cannot know with certainty how many copies of the previous keys exist.

However, this doesn’t mean every lock necessarily needs to be physically replaced.

If the locks are suitable and in good working condition, rekeying may allow the existing hardware to be retained while preventing the previous keys from operating it.

If locks are old, damaged or unsuitable, replacement may make more sense.

Can a Locksmith Rekey Locks Without Replacing Them?

Many common residential locks can be rekeyed, but it depends on the lock type, cylinder and condition.

A locksmith can identify the hardware installed and determine whether rekeying is possible.

Where it is suitable, rekeying can retain the existing lock while providing a new set of working keys.

Lock Changes & Rekeying Across Perth’s Northern Suburbs

Evolution Lock Service provides mobile lock changes and rekeying across Perth’s northern suburbs, including:

Quinns Rocks, Jindalee, Merriwa, Ridgewood, Mindarie, Burns Beach, Clarkson, Currambine, Butler, Alkimos, Shorehaven, Carabooda, Eglinton, Yanchep, Two Rocks, Woodridge, Lancelin, Neerabup, Carramar, Banksia Grove, Tapping, Ashby, Joondalup, Sinagra, Wanneroo and Hocking.

As a local residential locksmith based in Quinns Rocks, Evolution Lock Service can assess your existing locks and advise whether rekeying, repairing or replacing them is appropriate for your property.

Residential Locksmith Services

Lock changes and rekeying form part of Evolution Lock Service’s broader residential locksmith services across Perth’s northern suburbs.

Depending on your requirements, assistance can also include residential lockouts and gain entry, lock repairs, replacement locks and other residential security improvements.

If you have moved house, lost your keys or are unsure who still has access to your property, contact Evolution Lock Service to arrange an assessment of your locks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to rekey or change my locks?

It depends on the condition and type of lock and why you need to change access. If a compatible lock is in good condition, rekeying may allow it to remain in place while making the previous keys unusable. Damaged, worn or unsuitable locks may be better replaced.

Should I rekey my locks when I move into a new house?

It is worth considering because you may not know how many copies of the previous keys exist. A locksmith can determine whether the existing locks can be rekeyed or should be replaced.

Will my old keys work after a lock is rekeyed?

No. The purpose of rekeying is to change the lock so that it operates with a different key configuration and the previous key no longer works.

Can all my house locks use the same key?

Some compatible residential locks can be keyed alike so one key operates multiple locks. Whether this is possible depends on the lock types installed at the property.

Can you rekey a lock after I’ve lost my keys?

Depending on the type and condition of the lock, a locksmith may be able to rekey it so the missing key no longer provides access.

Do I need to replace every lock if my keys are stolen?

Not necessarily. Some locks may be suitable for rekeying rather than complete replacement. A locksmith can inspect the locks and determine the appropriate approach.