Published 2026-05-09 · MKE Locksmith
Rekey vs. Replace Locks: Which Is Cheaper After You Move
Quick answer: Rekey almost always wins on cost. Full home rekey (4-6 cylinders): $150-$300. Full lock replacement: $100-$250 per door, times the number of doors, for the same security outcome (old keys stop working). Replace only when the hardware is worn, you're upgrading to ANSI Grade 1, or you're moving to a smart lock.
The decision in one table
| Situation | Recommendation | Cost (Milwaukee) |
|---|---|---|
| Just moved in, locks work fine | Rekey | $150-$300 |
| Lost a key, locks work fine | Rekey | $150-$300 |
| Roommate moved out, locks work fine | Rekey | $150-$300 |
| Post-eviction, hardware intact | Rekey | $150-$300 |
| Cylinder feels sloppy, deadbolt throws short | Replace | $100-$250 per door |
| Builder-grade locks, want ANSI Grade 1 | Replace | $100-$250 per door |
| Mismatched finishes, want consistency | Replace | $100-$250 per door |
| Moving to smart locks | Replace | $150-$400 per door install, hardware extra |
| After a break-in, cylinder undamaged | Rekey + reinforced strike | $150-$300 rekey, plus strike repair quoted separately |
| After a break-in, cylinder pulled or drilled | Replace | $100-$250 per door |
How rekey works
Inside every pin-tumbler cylinder is a stack of 5 or 6 pins, each cut to a specific length. The "key" is just a piece of metal with notches that lift each pin to exactly the right height, only then does the cylinder rotate. Rekey means we open the cylinder, pull out the old pins, and drop in a new set of pins cut to a different combination. The cylinder itself stays. Your old key no longer lifts the pins to the right heights, so it stops turning, and new keys are cut to match.
For a 4-cylinder home (front door deadbolt, front door knob, back door deadbolt, garage entry), each cylinder costs $20-$40 to rekey, plus a service call, total $150-$300 for the home. Ask about keying all the cylinders alike so one key works every door.
How replace works
The whole deadbolt comes off: outer rosette, inner thumb-turn, latch and strike. New deadbolt goes in, anchored to the frame with longer screws if the strike has been undersized. New strike plate seats flush. The new bolt throws its full length. Older Milwaukee-metro doors (1920s-1940s) sometimes don't fit new hardware. The backset, bore or old mortise pocket may need extra prep.
The math: $100-$250 per door installed. A 4-door home costs four times that. Compared to $150-$300 for the same security outcome via rekey, the replacement only makes sense when the existing hardware needs replacing.
What about high-security cylinders?
High-security cylinders (brands such as Medeco, Mul-T-Lock and Abloy) use restricted key blanks, and new keys usually come through an authorized dealer. Rekeying them costs more than a standard lock; ask before you book.
Frequently asked
When should I replace instead of rekey?
Replace when: the cylinder is sloppy or worn out, the deadbolt throws short, the hardware is builder-grade (ANSI Grade 3) and you want to upgrade to ANSI Grade 1, the current finish doesn't match the rest of the house, or you're moving to a smart lock (the existing deadbolt comes off either way).
Does rekey work on all locks?
Yes for most standard pin-tumbler locks from Schlage, Kwikset, Weiser and similar brands. Kwikset SmartKey rekeys with its own tool instead of new pins. High-security cylinders (brands such as Medeco, Mul-T-Lock and Abloy) use restricted key blanks and usually cost more to rekey.
Will rekey work for my older Milwaukee home with mortise locks?
If the mortise lock takes a screw-in cylinder, it can usually be rekeyed. Old skeleton-key mortise locks have no pin cylinder and need different work.
What about smart locks, rekey or replace?
Smart locks usually replace, not rekey. The point of a smart lock is the keypad, app, or proximity sensor. On most models the physical key is a backup, and a few keypad-only models have no key at all. New occupants change the codes in the app at no cost, and can optionally rekey the physical backup cylinder ($20-$40 per cylinder).
Need a rekey or lock change?
Call (262) 236-5232 to get started. Just moved in? Work through the new-home rekey checklist next. Prices for other jobs are on the cost page.
Last updated: 2026-05-09.