LocksJun 8, 20265 min read
Rekey vs. Change Locks: Which One Do You Actually Need?
Rekey or full lock change? A simple decision guide for Montreal homeowners and tenants — with timing and practical differences.
Most people use "change my locks" and "rekey my locks" interchangeably — they're not the same thing, and the wrong choice can waste money.
Rekeying — the cheap, fast option Rekeying means we open the existing lock cylinder and swap the internal pins. Your old keys stop working. New keys are cut on the spot. The lock itself stays — same hardware, same finish, same door prep. Typically 15–25 minutes per lock and a fraction of the cost of a new lock.
When rekeying is the right call - You just moved in and don't know who else has a key. - A roommate or contractor moved out. - You lost a key and want the old one disabled. - You want every lock in the house keyed alike (one key, all doors).
When you actually need new locks - The lock is old, worn, or sticks when you turn the key. - You want to upgrade to a higher-security cylinder (Mul-T-Lock, Medeco, ASSA). - The lock was forced or tampered with. - You're moving from a single-cylinder to a smart lock.
A common Montreal case Plateau and Mile End buildings often have 30-year-old door knobs paired with newer deadbolts. We usually rekey the deadbolt and recommend replacing the knob — same cost as rekeying both, much better security.
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