Lock Rekeying: When You Don't Need a New Lock

Many people assume that when they want to change who has access to their home, they need entirely new locks. But in many cases, rekeying — changing the internal mechanism so old keys no longer work — is a faster and more affordable option.

Rekeying involves a locksmith adjusting the pins or levers inside your existing lock so that it operates with a new key. The lock body itself stays in place — only the internal components that match the key pattern are changed. This means your old keys will no longer work, but new keys will.

Rekeying is ideal when you've lost your keys, ended a relationship, had a lodger move out, or any situation where someone who shouldn't have access might still have a key. It's also useful when you want all the locks in your home to work with a single key (known as 'keyed alike').

Not all locks can be rekeyed. The lock needs to be in good condition and of a type that supports rekeying. Mortice deadlocks and some euro cylinders can be rekeyed, but it's often more cost-effective to simply replace euro cylinders with new anti-snap versions.

Your locksmith can advise whether rekeying or replacement is the better option for your specific locks. At Oldham Locksmiths, we offer both services across the Oldham area. Call 07949 139 475 for advice.