Rekeying vs. Replacing: What's the Actual Difference?
Rekeying means a locksmith changes the pin tumblers inside your existing lock cylinder. The old key stops working. A new key works instead. The lock hardware stays in place.
Replacing means removing the entire lock and installing new hardware. It costs more and takes longer, but it's necessary when the lock itself is the problem — not just the keys in circulation.
For most Fort Collins homeowners moving into a previously occupied property, rekeying is the correct first move. It's faster, cheaper, and solves the core problem: unknown key copies floating around from the previous owner.
When Rekeying Is Enough
Rekey if your existing deadbolts meet ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or Grade 2 standards and the hardware is in good physical condition. Grade 1 is the highest residential rating — look for it on Schlage B-series and Kwikset SmartKey deadbolts.
Check the lock for visible damage: a loose cylinder, a stiff or grinding key turn, or a deadbolt that doesn't fully extend are signs the hardware itself needs replacement. If the lock works smoothly and feels solid, rekeying is fine.
Rekeying in Fort Collins costs $75–$120 per lock. Most homes need 2–3 locks done. Budget $150–$360 for a standard rekey job. A locksmith can typically complete all three locks in under an hour.
When You Should Replace Instead
Replace the locks if the existing hardware is Grade 3 — the lowest ANSI rating, common on older interior-style deadbolts and many builder-grade locks installed in Fort Collins homes from the 1970s through the 1990s. Grade 3 hardware offers minimal resistance to forced entry.
Old Town Fort Collins homes are a common example. The door frames on those older properties shift seasonally due to Colorado's temperature swings — from below -15°F in winter to 95°F in summer. That expansion and contraction causes deadbolts to bind, and worn hardware gets worse faster.
Also replace if the lock is a knob-only entry without a deadbolt. Knob locks alone don't meet basic residential security standards. A Grade 1 deadbolt — Schlage B60N, Kwikset 980, or equivalent — runs $120–$200 installed in Fort Collins.
The CSU and Rental Property Reality
If you're moving into a rental or recently purchased a home near CSU or in the Midtown area, assume the previous tenant's key is still out there. Landlords are legally obligated to provide a secure unit in Colorado, but they're not always proactive about rekeying between tenants.
August and September are the highest-demand months for rekeying in Fort Collins. CSU move-in season floods locksmiths with calls. If you're moving in during that window, schedule your rekey a week in advance — don't assume same-day availability.
Property managers handling multiple units can request volume pricing on commercial rekeying. Fort Collins rates run $85–$150 per lock for commercial hardware, with discounts available on five or more locks. See our full locksmith services for what's included.
Smart Lock Upgrade: A Third Option Worth Considering
If the existing hardware is already Grade 1, moving in is the ideal moment to consider a smart lock upgrade. Schlage Encode, Yale Assure, and August Smart Lock Pro all retrofit onto standard deadbolt prep. No new door drilling required.
Smart lock installation in Fort Collins runs $150–$250 in labor, plus the cost of the lock itself ($100–$350 depending on model). The benefit: no physical keys to track, no mystery about who has access, and remote locking via phone.
Harmony Corridor homes built in the last decade are typically smart-lock-ready — standard door prep, solid frames, and minimal alignment issues. Older Old Town homes may need door prep work before installation, which adds cost and time.
Quick Decision Guide: Rekey or Replace?
- Rekey — Hardware is Grade 1 or Grade 2, works smoothly, no damage visible
- Replace — Hardware is Grade 3, worn, damaged, or builder-grade knob-only lock
- Replace + upgrade — You want a smart lock or the existing prep doesn't match modern hardware
- Rekey urgently — CSU-area rental, August–September move-in, or prior tenant disputes
- Consult first — Old Town home with seasonal door frame shifting; get a security assessment before deciding
For certification standards and what to look for in a qualified technician, the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) maintains a directory of certified professionals and publishes industry best practices for residential rekeying.
Not sure which option fits your situation? Get a free quote and a locksmith can assess your hardware on-site before any work starts.
Rekey when the hardware is solid and you just need to invalidate old keys — it costs $75–$120 per lock and solves the problem in under an hour. Replace when the hardware is Grade 3, damaged, or you're upgrading to a smart lock. Either way, do it before you sleep in the new place — not after.