Should You Rekey or Replace the Locks When You Move In?

When a locksmith rekeys a door lock, they disassemble the lock cylinder and rearrange the internal pins — the small spring-loaded components that align when the correct key is inserted. A new key cut to match the new pin configuration is made on the spot. From the outside, your lock looks identical, but every old key is now useless. This is exactly how you rekey a lock, and it's a smart, efficient solution when the hardware itself is in good condition. Can you rekey any lock? In most cases, yes — provided the lock is from a recognized manufacturer like Schlage or Kwikset and the cylinder isn't damaged or worn beyond its useful life.

Replacing a lock means removing the entire lockset — cylinder, housing, trim, and all — and installing brand-new hardware. This is the right call when the existing locks are old, low-quality, or simply not up to the security standard you want. For example, if you're moving into an older property near the Esplanade and find builder-grade door knob locks that predate modern security standards, a full replacement with a higher-grade deadbolt or a mortise lock may be the smarter long-term investment. A mortise lock, in particular, is a heavier-duty option that fits into a recessed pocket in the door itself, offering superior resistance to forced entry compared to a standard cylindrical lock.

Rekeying is the most direct answer to the unknown-key problem. A trained locksmith arrives with a rekey kit matched to your lock brand, removes the cylinder, swaps the driver and key pins to a new sequence, and hands you fresh keys — typically in under 30 minutes per lock. No new hardware is needed, so the process is straightforward and doesn't require drilling or patching. If your existing locks are relatively new, undamaged, and already a decent security grade, rekeying is an intelligent first step for a new Redondo Beach homeowner.

One important nuance: can you rekey a smart lock? Many modern electronic and smart locks — the kind with keypads or app connectivity — can indeed be rekeyed or have their codes reset, though the process varies by model and manufacturer. Some require a locksmith with the right programming tools; others can be reset by the homeowner following the manufacturer's steps. If you're unsure about a smart lock you've inherited with the property, our team can assess it and tell you exactly what's involved before any work begins. Call us at (631) 380-4138 and we'll walk you through your options.

There are scenarios where rekeying isn't enough. If the locks on your new home are visibly worn, use an obsolete keyway, or are the thin, easy-to-bypass door knob locks often found on interior-facing side entries, replacement is the responsible choice. This is also the moment to upgrade — and a mortise lock is one of the best upgrades available for an exterior door. Unlike a cylindrical lock that fits through a bored hole, a mortise lock is set into a deep pocket in the door edge, giving it more surface contact, a heavier bolt, and significantly greater resistance to kick-ins and pry attacks. For homeowners moving into Redondo Beach properties with solid wood or steel exterior doors, a mortise lock installation is a meaningful security upgrade that pays for itself in peace of mind.

Full replacement also makes sense if you want to key all your exterior doors to a single key — something called a master key or keyed-alike system. During replacement, a locksmith can match the cylinders across multiple new locks so one key operates every exterior door. This is especially convenient for Redondo Beach homes with attached garages, back gates, or separate guesthouse entries. Whatever direction you choose, our team confirms an exact up-front price before beginning any work — the final quote depends on factors like the lock type and grade, the number of doors, any specialty hardware required, and travel to your location.

Moving day chaos is real, and it's surprisingly common to get locked out during the process — a door swings shut behind you, keys get packed into a box now somewhere in a moving truck, or a new lock malfunctions before you've had a chance to test it. If you find yourself asking what to do when you're locked out of your house, start with the basics: check all other entry points (back door, garage entry, ground-floor windows you may have left unlatched during the move), and call anyone who may have a spare key — your real estate agent, the title company, or a family member. If none of those options pan out, the safe and correct next step is to call a qualified emergency locksmith.

An emergency locksmith can reach you quickly, verify your ownership or occupancy of the property (always expect this — it's a sign of a professional, responsible service), and get you back inside without damaging your door or frame. How long does it usually take for a locksmith to come? That depends on your location, current traffic, and technician availability, but A1 Redondo Beach Locksmith operates 24/7 with mobile units ready to roll across the Redondo Beach area — from South Bay Galleria to the pier district to the residential streets of Hollywood Riviera. We're available around the clock precisely because lockouts don't follow business hours. If you're ever in that situation, call (631) 380-4138 and we'll tell you an honest arrival estimate on the spot.

Here's a straightforward way to decide: if your locks are in good physical condition, less than seven to ten years old, and from a reputable manufacturer, rekeying is likely all you need. If the locks are worn, low-grade, mismatched across doors, or you want to take the opportunity to upgrade to a mortise lock or a smart lock system, full replacement is worth the investment. And if you're unsure — that's exactly what our team is here for. We'll inspect your existing hardware, explain what we find in plain terms, and recommend only what your specific doors and security situation actually require.

Beyond locks, new homeowners in Redondo Beach should also think about the bigger security picture. Alarm systems and CCTV cameras are natural complements to strong door hardware — a well-lit entry with a visible camera is a meaningful deterrent even before anyone tests your deadbolt. We can discuss those options as part of the same visit. Whatever services you need, our experienced, insured team handles residential rekeying, full lock replacement, mortise lock installation, smart lock programming, emergency lockouts, and more — all with a confirmed up-front price and no surprises on the invoice. Reach us any time at (631) 380-4138.

We cover a wide range of locksmith needs across the Redondo Beach area and surrounding South Bay communities. Our services include: residential rekeying, mortise lock installation and repair, deadbolt installation, door knob lock replacement, master key system setup, smart lock installation and programming, smart lock rekeying and code reset, emergency home lockout response, emergency commercial lockout response, car lockout assistance, automotive key cutting and programming, transponder key replacement, broken key extraction from locks and ignitions, lock repair for damaged or malfunctioning hardware, high-security lock upgrades, sliding door lock installation, gate lock installation, garage door lock service, commercial lock installation for offices and retail spaces, commercial master key systems, access control system consultation, mailbox lock replacement, padlock keying and replacement, CCTV system consultation and installation support, alarm system consultation and setup support, and post-break-in lock assessment and re-securing. Whether you need a single deadbolt rekeyed or a full commercial locksmith service for a multi-door office, our mobile team comes to you.