Bluefin Locksmith & Garage Door Team
Cape Cod's trusted local locksmith experts since 2008 · Licensed & Insured
One of the most common questions we get at Bluefin Locksmith & Garage Door is: "I just bought a new house / lost my keys / had a tenant move out — do I need to rekey or replace my locks?"
The answer depends on a few key factors. The good news: in most situations, rekeying is significantly cheaper and just as secure as full replacement. But there are times when replacement is the smarter choice — and we'll walk you through exactly when that is.
What Is Rekeying?
Rekeying changes the internal configuration of a lock so that the old keys no longer work. A locksmith removes the lock cylinder and replaces the tiny brass pins inside with new ones set to a different pattern — matched to a new key. The lock hardware itself stays in place.
Think of it like changing your password: the "lock" (the mechanism) is the same, but the "key" (the combination that opens it) is completely different.
Cost on Cape Cod: $20–$50 per lock, plus a service call fee (typically $50–$75 for us to come to you anywhere on Cape Cod).
What Is Lock Replacement?
Full lock replacement means removing the entire lock assembly — cylinder, handle, deadbolt — and installing a brand new lock. You get new hardware, new keys, and potentially an upgraded security grade.
Cost on Cape Cod: $80–$400+ per lock depending on the brand, grade, and installation complexity.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Rekeying | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $20–$50/lock | $80–$400+/lock |
| Time | 5–15 min/lock | 20–45 min/lock |
| Security Level | Same as existing lock | Upgraded if higher-grade lock chosen |
| Hardware | Existing lock stays | Entirely new lock installed |
| Best for | Key control, moved home, lost keys | Worn lock, upgrade, style change |
| Can match to one key? | ✅ Yes, all locks rekeyed to one key | ✅ Yes, if same brand used |
When Should You Rekey?
Choose Rekeying When...
- ✅ You just moved into a new home — You don't know how many copies of the old keys exist. This is the #1 reason Cape Cod residents call us after closing.
- ✅ You lost your keys — If there's any chance someone could find them and know your address (e.g., keys with a fob that has your address).
- ✅ A tenant, roommate, or house cleaner moved out — Rekeying gives you complete key control without the cost of new hardware.
- ✅ You want all your locks on one key — We can rekey multiple locks to a single key during one visit, a huge convenience upgrade.
- ✅ Your lock is in good physical condition — If the hardware is solid, rekeying is all you need.
- ✅ You're a seasonal Cape Cod homeowner — Rekey every time you rent your property through Airbnb or VRBO between guest stays.
When Should You Replace?
Choose Replacement When...
- 🔄 Your lock is damaged or worn — Sticky locks, rattling deadbolts, keys that take multiple tries — these signal mechanical failure that rekeying won't fix.
- 🔄 You want to upgrade security — Moving from a Grade 3 to a Grade 1 deadbolt (like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock) requires full replacement.
- 🔄 After a break-in attempt — Even if entry wasn't gained, the lock may be structurally compromised.
- 🔄 You want a style or finish change — New hardware matches your aesthetic update (e.g., new door, new handles).
- 🔄 Your lock brand can't be rekeyed to match others — Mixing brands makes one-key convenience impossible without replacement.
- 🔄 You want a smart lock — Smart locks require full replacement of the existing deadbolt.
Cape Cod Tip: New Home Buyers
We recommend all new Cape Cod homeowners rekey all exterior locks within the first week of moving in — including any garage door keypads. Previous owners, contractors, real estate agents, and inspection teams may all have copies of your keys. It's a $150–$250 investment that provides enormous peace of mind.
Can You Rekey Any Lock?
Most standard pin tumbler locks — which covers the vast majority of Kwikset, Schlage, Weiser, and Baldwin locks commonly installed on Cape Cod homes — can be rekeyed. High-security locks like Medeco or Abloy have proprietary pinning systems that require a specialist.
If you have a mix of brands, it may make more sense to replace to a single brand so all locks can share one key.
The Process: What to Expect
- Our locksmith arrives at your Cape Cod home with a full rekeying kit.
- We remove the lock cylinder from each deadbolt using your existing key.
- We replace the internal pins to match a new key pattern.
- We test the new keys — typically 2 copies per lock — and confirm old keys no longer work.
- Optional: We can set up multiple locks to work on one key ("master keying") during the same visit.
For a typical Cape Cod home with 3 exterior entry points, the whole process takes about 45–60 minutes.
FAQs
Is rekeying as secure as replacing locks?
Yes — if the lock itself is in good condition. Rekeying changes the key combination but not the lock grade. If you need better security, replace with a higher-grade lock.
How much does rekeying cost on Cape Cod?
Rekeying typically costs $20–$50 per lock plus a $50–$75 service call. Replacing costs $80–$400+ per lock. Rekeying is dramatically cheaper when the hardware is sound.
Can I rekey my locks myself?
DIY rekeying kits exist for some Kwikset locks, but they're fiddly and can damage the lock if done wrong. A professional guarantees the job and won't void your lock warranty.
How long does rekeying take?
About 5–15 minutes per lock for a professional. A whole home takes under an hour.
Whether you need rekeying or full replacement, our residential locksmith team can handle it quickly anywhere on Cape Cod. We serve Falmouth, Yarmouth, Hyannis, Sandwich, Chatham, Brewster, Dennis, Harwich, Barnstable, and all surrounding towns. Find your service area here.
