Rekey when the lock operates correctly but the old key should not. Repair when the key, latch, alignment, or hardware has a fixable problem. Replace when the lock is worn out, badly damaged, missing parts, incompatible with the goal, or needs a different function. One door can involve more than one of those decisions.
What should change at the door?
Do not replace a lock that operates correctly just because the key should change, and do not rekey a lock whose mechanical problem remains.
Rekey the existing lock
Use the current compatible hardware while changing which key operates it.
- Move-in
- Lost or unreturned key
- Staff or tenant change
Rekey service
Repair the lock or door fit
The key may be fine while the cylinder, latch, strike, fasteners, or alignment causes the symptom.
- Sticky turn
- Loose hardware
- Latch will not catch
Lock repair
Replace the lock
Use new hardware when the current lock is damaged, worn, incomplete, incompatible, or no longer suits the opening.
- Broken parts
- Different lock function
- Planned hardware upgrade
Lock installation
Check how the lock operates
The same “bad lock” description can come from the key, cylinder, latch, strike, door fit, or hardware condition.
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The key turns smoothly
If the lock operates well and only the old key is the concern, rekeying may be the direct route.
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The key sticks or needs pressure
Wear, debris, cylinder trouble, a bent key, or door alignment may need repair before any key-control decision.
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The latch misses the strike
A door-fit or alignment problem may remain even after new hardware is installed.
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The lock is broken or wrong for the door
Damaged, incomplete, badly worn, or unsuitable hardware points toward replacement.
Moves, missing keys, and planned upgrades
After a move
If the hardware operates correctly, rekeying may address unknown old keys without replacing every lock.
After a lost key
The urgency, where the key was lost, and which doors it opens shape the key-control decision.
During an upgrade
A keypad, different finish, different cylinder, or new door function may make replacement the practical choice.
Compatible locks can sometimes be keyed alike, but not every lock belongs in the same group. Name the doors that should share a key and the ones that must stay separate.