Quick answer: Rekeying is almost always cheaper than replacing locks in Indianapolis. Most homeowners pay $20 to $30 per lock to rekey, versus $80 to $200 or more per lock to replace. If your hardware is in good shape, rekeying is the smart, budget-friendly choice.
Indianapolis homeowners who want better security without a big bill should know that rekeying a lock is almost always the cheaper option compared to replacing it entirely. Whether you just moved in, lost a key, or want to cut off access for an ex-roommate, understanding this choice can save you real money.
This post breaks down the difference between rekeying and changing locks, what each costs in the Indianapolis area, and when one option makes more sense than the other. We will also share when calling Chief of Locks at (317) 671-7873 is your fastest path to a secure home.
What Is the Difference Between Rekeying and Replacing a Lock?
Rekeying means a locksmith changes the internal pins inside your existing lock cylinder. After the job, your old key no longer works. A brand-new key opens the lock instead. The lock itself stays exactly where it is. Only the tiny metal pins inside get swapped out.
Replacing a lock means the whole hardware unit comes off the door. The old deadbolt or knob goes in the trash and a completely new one goes in its place. This takes more time and costs more in both labor and parts.
Think of rekeying like changing a password on an account. Replacing a lock is like buying a brand-new device. Same idea, very different price tags.
- Rekeying: same lock body, new key, lower cost
- Replacing: new lock hardware, new key, higher cost
- Both options leave you with a lock that works only with fresh keys
- Rekeying takes 10 to 20 minutes per lock in most cases
- Replacing can take 30 to 60 minutes per lock depending on the door and hardware
Which Option Is Cheaper in Indianapolis?
Rekeying wins on price almost every time. In Indianapolis, lock rekeying typically runs $20 to $30 per lock for the rekeying work itself. Add a standard service call fee and you are still well under what most lock replacements cost.
Replacing a lock in Indianapolis can run $80 to $200 or more per lock once you factor in the hardware and labor. Premium deadbolts or smart locks can push that number even higher. If you have three or four locks to secure, the difference between rekeying and replacing can easily be $300 to $500.
There is no hidden trick here. The labor for rekeying is simpler and faster, and you are not buying new hardware. Those two factors drive the cost down significantly. Call (317) 671-7873 for an exact quote based on your specific locks and situation.
- Rekeying cost: roughly $20 to $30 per lock plus a service call
- Lock replacement cost: roughly $80 to $200 or more per lock
- Rekeying a three-lock home often costs under $150 total
- Replacing three locks can easily top $400 to $600
- Price varies by lock brand, type, and condition
When Rekeying Makes the Most Sense
Rekeying is the right call when your locks are in solid working condition. If the hardware turns smoothly, latches properly, and has no visible damage, there is no good reason to pay for a full replacement. You simply need to make old keys useless and create a new working key.
Common reasons Indianapolis residents choose lock rekeying include moving into a new home, losing a key, ending a roommate situation, or after a breakup. In all of these cases, your concern is who might have a copy of your old key, not whether the lock hardware itself is worn out.
Our lock rekeying service at Chief of Locks is built for exactly these situations. We carry the pin kits needed for most major lock brands right on the truck, so we can handle the job in one visit.
- Just moved into a new home or apartment
- Lost a house key and are not sure who found it
- Want to remove access for a former tenant, roommate, or partner
- Keys were stolen along with your wallet or bag
- Want all your door locks to work on one key (called master keying)
When Replacing Locks Is Worth the Extra Cost
Sometimes paying more for a full lock replacement is the right move. If your lock is old, worn, or was damaged during a break-in attempt, rekeying a compromised cylinder is not a wise investment. A fresh, high-quality deadbolt gives you a stronger foundation.
You may also want to replace locks if you are upgrading to a smart lock or keypad entry system. These require new hardware by nature, so rekeying does not apply. Similarly, if your door frame or strike plate took damage, a full replacement paired with frame repair gives you much better protection.
If your locks are more than 10 to 15 years old and starting to stick or feel loose, replacement can also be the smarter long-term choice. A locksmith can inspect the hardware and give you an honest recommendation.
- Lock was damaged in a break-in or attempted break-in
- Hardware is old, corroded, or malfunctioning
- Upgrading to a smart lock or keypad entry
- Lock brand is low quality and you want to improve security
- Door frame or strike plate also needs repair or reinforcement
Should You Rekey When Moving Into a New Home in Indianapolis?
Yes, and this is one of the most important things any new homeowner or renter in Indianapolis can do on move-in day. You have no way to know how many copies of the existing keys are floating around. The previous owners, contractors, real estate agents, pet sitters, and housecleaners may all have copies.
Rekeying every exterior lock on a new home is a fast, affordable way to start fresh. Most Indianapolis homes have two to four exterior locks. Our mobile locksmith can rekey all of them in a single visit. You get peace of mind knowing only you hold working keys.
Many homeowners budget for this as part of moving costs. It is a small expense compared to what a home security breach could cost you. If you are moving soon, save (317) 671-7873 in your phone before moving day.
How the Rekeying Process Works With Chief of Locks
Chief of Locks is a licensed and bonded mobile locksmith serving Indianapolis and the surrounding Central Indiana area. We reach most of the metro in 20 to 30 minutes and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not have to wait for business hours to get your home secured.
When you call, we ask a few quick questions about your locks and your address. Our locksmith arrives with the tools and pin kits needed for most common lock brands. For rekeying, we remove the cylinder, swap the pins to match a new key, reassemble the lock, and test it before we leave. The whole process per lock usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.
We keep pricing straightforward. The service call fee is low, and the per-lock rekeying cost is honest and explained upfront. We do not believe in surprise charges. Call (317) 671-7873 for a quote before we even roll out.
- Licensed and bonded locksmith service
- Mobile and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- 20 to 30 minute response time across most of the Indianapolis metro
- Upfront pricing with no hidden fees
- Can rekey most major lock brands in a single visit
Quick Cost Comparison: Rekey vs. Replace in Indianapolis
To make the decision simple, here is a realistic side-by-side look at what you might pay in the Indianapolis area. These are honest ranges based on typical jobs. Your exact cost depends on the number of locks, lock brand, and any additional work needed. Always call for a firm quote.
Rekeying a single lock runs about $20 to $30 for the rekeying work plus the service call. Rekeying three locks on a home commonly falls in the $100 to $150 range total. Replacing a single basic deadbolt can run $80 to $150 for labor and hardware. Replacing three deadbolts with mid-grade hardware often runs $250 to $500 or more.
For most Indianapolis homeowners whose locks are in good condition, rekeying delivers the same end result, which is a fresh key and no access for old keyholders, at a fraction of the replacement price. Lock rekeying is simply the smarter financial choice in most common situations. Schlage makes a wide range of residential deadbolts and smart locks for home security.
- Rekey per lock: $20 to $30 (plus service call)
- Replace per lock: $80 to $200 or more (labor plus hardware)
- Smart lock installation: $150 to $400 or more depending on brand
- Service call fee: low and disclosed upfront
- Multi-lock discounts may apply on larger jobs