It's one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners and property managers across Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and Ventura County: should I rekey my locks or replace them entirely? Both solve real problems, but they solve different ones — and choosing the wrong option usually means spending more than you need to. At Barak Lock & Security Solutions, we've spent 22+ years helping local families and businesses make this exact call. Here's how to think it through.

What rekeying actually does

Rekeying changes the internal pins of your existing lock so that your old keys no longer work and a brand-new key takes their place. The lock hardware stays on the door — only the mechanism inside is reconfigured. It's fast, affordable, and it's the right choice far more often than people expect. If your locks are in good working condition and you simply need to control who has a working key, rekeying is almost always the smarter spend.

Common reasons Valley and LA-area customers rekey rather than replace: moving into a new home or apartment where previous tenants, agents, or contractors may still hold keys; a roommate, employee, or ex-partner moving out; a lost or stolen keyring; or wanting several doors to open with a single key (“key-alike”). In a busy rental market like the SFV, rekeying between tenants is one of the most cost-effective security steps a landlord can take.

When replacement is the better call

Replacement means installing entirely new lock hardware. You'll want to replace — not just rekey — when the lock is worn, sticking, or damaged; when it was forced or tampered with during a break-in attempt; when the finish or style no longer matches an updated door; or when you're upgrading to something more secure. If your current locks are builder-grade or decades old, replacement lets you step up to a higher-grade deadbolt, a keypad lock, or a smart lock with keyless entry. For businesses, replacement is also the moment to standardize hardware and add master-key control across multiple entrances.

A quick way to decide

Ask yourself two questions. First: is the lock itself in good shape? If yes, rekeying is likely all you need. Second: do you want new features or a security upgrade? If yes, replacement is worth it. When the answer is “the locks are fine, I just don't trust who has a key,” rekeying wins on every count. When the answer is “these are old, ugly, or beat up,” replacement pays off long-term.

We'll give you a straight answer

As a licensed, owner-operated locksmith, we won't upsell you into replacing hardware that only needs a rekey — and we'll tell you honestly when tired old locks aren't worth saving. We handle residential and commercial rekeys, deadbolt and smart-lock replacements, security cameras, gates and access control, intercoms, and safes throughout Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and Ventura County.

Shopping for new hardware? You can buy your locks and smart hardware from us and we'll install them — 10% off installation. Prefer to talk it through first? Call or text us at (818) 723-6800 and we'll help you decide before you spend a dime.

Barak Lock & Security Solutions — licensed and insured. CA BSIS LCO4897 | CSLB 995953 | 22+ years serving LA, the SFV, and Ventura County.