🏠 Rekeying vs. Replacing: What’s the Real Difference?
- Rekeying: We remove the lock cylinder, dump out the existing bottom and top brass pins, and insert new precision pins that match a completely new key cut. By rekeying, we change the shear line logic so the old key will no longer turn the plug. Your door handles and deadbolts stay exactly where they are.
- Replacing: We completely unscrew the chassis and strike plates to install brand-new hardware. This resets the mechanical integrity of the lock but costs substantially more due to the price of materials.
🔑 When to Rekey (The “Smart Spend” Option)
In our experience servicing homes from Cool Springs to Crieve Hall and Brentwood, rekeying is the gold standard for new homeowners. You get the security of a brand new key without paying for expensive decorative metal you don’t need.
- You Just Bought a Home: You have no idea if the previous owner gave a spare key to a dog walker, contractor, cleaning crew, or neighbor.
- Budget Is a Priority: Rekeying generally costs a fraction of the price of buying high-quality Grade 1 or Grade 2 locksets.
- The Hardware Matches: You love your current architectural style (e.g., Oil-Rubbed Bronze, Satin Nickel, or Matte Black) and the mechanism turns smoothly.
- Tenant Turnover: If you own a rental property in Franklin or Brentwood, rekeying between tenants is legally compliant, fast, and cost-effective.
Master Locksmith Tip (Keyed Alike): When we rekey your home, ask us to make the locks “Keyed Alike.” We can code your front door, back door, garage door, and patio deadbolts to all work with a single key. No more fumbling with a heavy keychain!
🛠️ When to Replace (The Upgrade Option)
Sometimes, the internal mechanism is too worn to save, or the security rating is too low. In these cases, replacement is necessary:
- Mechanical Failure: If the key feels “mushy” or you have to jiggle the key to get the bolt to throw, the internal springs or tailpiece are failing.
- Security Upgrade: Many builder-grade locks installed in new subdivisions are easy to bump or drill. We recommend upgrading to high-security brands like Schlage Commercial or Medeco featuring reinforced steel strike plates.
- Going Keyless: If you want to install a keypad or Wi-Fi-enabled smart lock (Schlage Encode, Yale Assure, August) for keyless phone entry.
- Break-In Damage: If you’ve suffered a forced-entry attempt, the latch assembly or door jamb is likely compromised.
🌳 Real Case: A Move-In Near Crockett Park in Brentwood
We recently helped a family who just moved into a beautiful property near Crockett Park in Brentwood. They assumed they needed to replace all 8 exterior locks because they wanted “fresh keys.”
💰 The Quote Comparison:
- Replacement Cost: Replacing 8 handlesets and deadbolts with high-quality hardware would have cost them upwards of $1,200 in parts and labor.
- Our Solution: We inspected the locks and found they were high-end Baldwin architectural hardware in perfect mechanical condition. We simply rekeyed the internal cylinders.
- The Result: The family saved nearly $800, kept their beautiful matching hardware, and we were finished in under 90 minutes!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does rekeying weaken my door locks?
No. Rekeying is a non-destructive procedure. We simply swap the internal brass tumbler pins. The lock will function just as strong and smooth as before, only matching your new key.
How long does a home rekey take?
For a standard home in Brentwood or Nashville with 4 to 6 locks, our mobile locksmiths are usually completely finished in under 60 minutes.
Can I rekey locks myself with a hardware store kit?
While store-bought rekey kits exist, they lack the 0.003-inch precision of professional pinning kits. If you drop a top driver spring or misalign the pins, the lock will jam permanently and have to be drilled out.
📍 Schedule a Residential Rekey in Nashville & Brentwood
Armstrong Locksmith carries factory pins for Schlage, Kwikset, Baldwin, Yale, Weiser, Defiant, and Medeco.
- 📞 Call Direct: (615) 625-8000
- 📍 Storefront Location: 208 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37211
- 📜 Licensed & Insured: TN State License #406