Rekeying vs. Changing Locks in Silver Spring MD — Which Saves More Money?

If you've just moved into a home in Silver Spring, Bethesda, or Rockville — or if someone who shouldn't have your keys still does — you have two options: rekey your existing locks or replace them entirely. The right choice depends on three factors: the condition of your current locks, your security goals, and your budget. Eagle Locksmith MD License #176 has guided thousands of Montgomery County homeowners through this exact decision.

The quick answer: rekeying costs $25–$40 per lock and is sufficient in 80% of situations. Replacing locks costs $95–$225 per door and is only necessary when the hardware is damaged, outdated, or you want a significant security upgrade.

What Is Rekeying?

Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration of your existing lock cylinder so that old keys no longer work and new keys do. The lock hardware itself (the deadbolt, the knob, the strike plate) stays in place. Only the internal pins are replaced — a process that takes 5–10 minutes per lock.

When rekeying is the right choice:

• You just moved into a home in Silver Spring and don't know how many copies of the old key exist
• You ended a relationship or removed a roommate who had a key
• You lost your keys and need to invalidate them quickly
• You want to standardize multiple locks to one key (key alike service)
• Your locks are in good condition (less than 10 years old, no damage)

What Is Replacing Locks?

Replacing locks means removing the entire lock mechanism and installing a new one. You get new hardware, new keys, and often upgraded security features. Labor takes 20–45 minutes per door.

When replacing locks is the right choice:

• The existing lock is damaged, worn, or stiff
• Your lock is a Grade 3 or below and you want to upgrade to ANSI Grade 1 security
• You want smart lock functionality (keypad, app control, Alexa integration)
• The lock is more than 15–20 years old
• A break-in attempt damaged the lock or door frame

Cost Comparison: Rekeying vs. Replacing in Montgomery County MD

For the typical new homeowner in Silver Spring, Takoma Park, or Wheaton rekeying all locks costs $95–$180 — a fraction of full replacement. Unless your locks are damaged or outdated, rekeying is almost always the better financial decision.

Is Rekeying as Secure as Replacing?

Yes — in most cases. Rekeying changes the key that operates the lock. As long as the lock brand is quality (Schlage, Kwikset, Baldwin), rekeying achieves the same security as buying a new lock of the same brand.

The security benefit of replacing comes only if you're upgrading to a higher security grade. Example: replacing a Grade 3 Kwikset with an ANSI Grade 1 Schlage B60N. That's a genuine security improvement. Simply replacing one Grade 2 lock with another Grade 2 lock of a different brand provides no additional security over rekeying.

Frequently Asked Questions