When you buy a house, you get the keys the seller handed over. You don't get a list of everyone else who had one: past owners, family members, contractors, dog walkers, neighbors, the listing agent's lockbox. Changing the keys on move-in day is one of the simplest things you can do to protect your new home.
What is rekeying?
Rekeying changes the small pins inside your existing lock so it works with a new key. The lock stays on the door, it looks the same, and every old key stops working. It's usually the faster and lower-cost option because you're not buying new hardware.
What is replacing?
Replacing means taking the old lock off and installing a new one. You get new hardware and a new key at the same time.
When rekeying makes sense
The locks work fine and you like how they look
You just want the old keys to stop working
You want one key for every door. We can often key all your locks alike so one key opens the front, back, side and garage entry doors.
When replacing makes sense
A lock is worn, sticks, or is damaged
The door has a cheap or low-security lock and you want something stronger, like a quality deadbolt
You want a different style or finish, or a keypad or smart lock
The lock can't be rekeyed, which is the case for some locks
Don't forget these doors
People remember the front door and forget the rest. Check the back door, side doors, the door from the garage into the house, and any storage or shed locks.
Landlords and property managers
Rekeying between tenants is a good habit for the same reason: you can't be sure every copy of the old key came back.
Get it done on move-in day
Major Keys 216 comes to you and rekeys or replaces locks across Cuyahoga, Lorain, Erie and Lake County. Call or text 216-868-5747 for a quote. See our residential locksmith page for more.
