Home Security · 2026-10-19

Rekey or Replace Your Locks? A Temple City Homeowner's Comparison

If you have lost a key, moved into a new place, or noticed a lock that feels worn out, you have probably asked the same question: should I rekey or replace? The honest answer is that it depends on what problem you are solving. Here is a plain comparison for Temple City homes and businesses, from older houses in Mission View Acres to shops along Downtown Las Tunas Drive.

The quick version

Rekey when your locks work well but you want old keys to stop working.
Replace when the hardware is damaged, outdated, or not secure enough.
Either way, the goal is the same: you decide who has access.

Option 1: Rekeying your locks

Rekeying means a technician changes the internal pins of your existing lock so it works with a new key. The lock itself stays on the door. Anyone holding an old key is locked out.

Pros

Keeps your current hardware, so your door looks the same.
Usually the more economical choice, since you are not buying new locks.
Can often key several locks to one key, so you carry fewer keys.
Great after a move, a breakup, a roommate change, or a lost key.
Less waste, because good hardware stays in use.

Cons

It does not fix worn, loose, or damaged hardware.
It will not upgrade a basic lock to a stronger one.
Not every lock can be rekeyed, especially some very old or poor-quality ones.
Mixed brands around the house may take extra effort to match.

Learn more on our lock rekeying page, or see the Temple City rekeying service.

Option 2: Replacing your locks

Replacement means removing the old lock and installing a new one. That can mean a new deadbolt, a new handle set, or a smart lock, depending on your needs.

Pros

Fixes locks that stick, spin, wobble, or have been forced.
Lets you upgrade to a stronger deadbolt or a more secure grade of hardware.
A chance to refresh the look of your entry door, which is nice around the Camellia area, where many homeowners take pride in curb appeal.
Opens the door to keypad or smart lock features if you want them.
New hardware often means years of reliable use.

Cons

Typically costs more than rekeying.
New hardware may not match your other doors, so you may want to replace several at once.
Some installs need small adjustments to the door or strike plate.
Smart locks add things to maintain, like batteries and app settings.

See our general lock replacement information, or the local Temple City lock replacement page.

How to decide: a simple checklist

Choose rekeying if:

The locks turn smoothly and look to be in good shape.
You just moved in and do not know who has keys.
A key was lost or not returned by a tenant, contractor, or former employee.
You want one key for the front, back, and side doors.

Choose replacement if:

The lock is loose, rusty, cracked, or hard to turn.
There was a break-in or attempted forced entry.
Your door has only a basic knob lock and no deadbolt.
You want a keypad, smart lock, or a different style.

Consider doing both

Many people replace the front door deadbolt with a sturdier one and rekey the rest of the locks to match. That balances security and budget.

Special situations in Temple City

Older homes: Some long-standing houses have original hardware. If it is still solid, rekeying keeps the character. If it is badly worn, replacing is the safer path.
Rentals: Rekeying between tenants is a quick, practical way to reset access without changing hardware.
Storefronts and offices: Businesses near Las Tunas Drive often rekey when staff changes and replace when doors see heavy daily use.

A note on honesty

A good locksmith should look at your locks first and tell you what is actually needed. If rekeying will do the job, you should not be sold new hardware. If a lock is failing, you should hear that plainly too. Since 1987, Crenshaw Lock Company has served Greater Los Angeles and Ventura County with a fully mobile service, so we come to you and inspect the lock where it sits.

Ready to decide?

Still unsure which fits your door? Call us at (323) 997-8867 any time, day or night, and describe what is going on. We will help you sort out the best next step. You can also contact us online or read more on our Temple City page.