I’m Josh, and after a decade as a locksmith across Maricopa County, the question I hear most often isn’t “can you get here fast?” — it’s “do I actually need new locks, or can you just rekey them?” That’s a smart question. The answer saves most people real money, and getting it wrong costs more than it should. If you’re in Tempe, AZ — maybe near Mill Avenue, south of the ASU campus, or out by Baseline Road — here’s exactly how to think through it with Lock Replacement Service in mind.
What Rekeying Actually Does
Rekeying doesn’t touch your hardware. A technician disassembles the lock cylinder, swaps out the internal pins, and cuts you a new key. The old key stops working — permanently. Your deadbolt, your handle set, everything stays exactly where it is. The job typically runs $20–$50 per lock in labor, and it’s genuinely the right call the majority of the time.
It’s the right move when:
- A tenant moved out and you’re not 100% sure how many key copies exist
- A relationship ended and someone still has access — if that’s your situation, read our deeper guide on rekeying after a divorce or separation
- You moved into a home and have no idea who had keys before you
- Your locks are in solid shape — no rust, smooth operation, good brand
- You want all your locks on one key (yes, we can do that — see rekeying to match a key you already carry)
Rekeying is like a reset button for access — same lock, completely new control. Most homeowners don’t need more than that.
When a Full Lock Replacement Service Is Worth It
Sometimes the hardware itself is the problem. A full Lock Replacement Service makes sense when the lock is worn, damaged, or simply not up to the job anymore. Budget $100–$300+ per lock depending on the grade and brand — that includes the hardware and labor.
Replace the lock when:
- The lock is visibly damaged — forced entry attempt, storm wear, or years of Arizona heat warping the frame
- You’re upgrading to a smart or keypad lock (if you’re curious about that direction, our guide on keyless door locks is worth a read)
- The hardware is a cheap builder-grade lock that a determined person could compromise
- The lock brand is discontinued and replacement parts aren’t available
- You want a higher security grade — Grade 1 ANSI vs. the Grade 3 that ships in most new construction
If your steel entry door has worn hardware, we also cover what actually holds up in our post on the best locks for a steel entry door — useful reading before you invest in new hardware.
Rekey vs Replace Locks: The Honest Cost Breakdown
Here’s the practical split most Tempe, AZ homeowners land on after we talk it through:
- Rekeying 3 locks: roughly $80–$150 total, done in under an hour
- Replacing 3 mid-grade locks: roughly $350–$700+ depending on hardware chosen
- Replacing to premium Grade 1 hardware: $600–$1,000+ — but you’re getting a genuinely different level of protection
The difference is real. If your locks are solid — Schlage, Kwikset, Medeco — rekeying almost always wins on value. If they’re the flimsy brass things that came with a 2005 tract home near Kyrene Road, a replacement conversation is worth having.
Why Who Does the Work Matters as Much as What Gets Done
This is where I get direct: a rekeyed lock is only as good as the technician who rekeyed it. Pins set incorrectly, cylinders not fully seated, mismatched keyways — these are real failure points that show up when a solo operator rushes the job or works without the right tools. Sundial Locksmith has operated since 2009, runs a real storefront, and dispatches trained technicians with proper equipment — not a guy with a Google Voice number who learned rekeying from a YouTube video.
If you’re in Tempe, AZ or anywhere across Tempe, AZ and AZ, our team covers the full Maricopa County area. You can reach our Scottsdale location or our Gilbert service area — same team, same standards either way.
The short version: rekey when your hardware is good and access control is the issue. Replace when the hardware itself is the weak point. And if you’re not sure — that’s exactly what we’re here to figure out with you, at no pressure.
Some content on this site is AI-assisted and may not reflect exact current details — please verify with Sundial Locksmith at (480) 525-7778. Learn more.
