When rekeying is the better call
The lock turns smoothly. The bolt throws fully. You just do not want the old keys in circulation. Rekey.
You want several doors on one key. Many common residential cylinders can be keyed alike during a rekey. That is a better living setup than a junk-drawer full of labeled keys.
When replacement is smarter
The lock is loose in the door, the bolt misses the strike, the tailpiece is chewed, or the finish is the only thing holding the cylinder together. Rekeying a failing lock wastes the visit.
You want a keypad, a smart lock, or a heavier deadbolt than what is there. That is replacement, not a rekey.
New home and rental rekeys
A closing packet of keys is not a security plan. Realtors, contractors, and previous owners have had copies. Rekey after you take possession.
On a rental, rekey between tenants even if the outgoing tenant “returned all the keys.” You have no way to know that is true.
Questions people actually ask
Can you key the front and back door alike?
On matching or compatible cylinders, yes. That is a normal request. Bring any extra cylinders (side door, back door) so they can be done in the same pinning.
Do I need all the old keys?
It helps. We can still rekey without them. Extra keys on site just make it obvious how many copies existed.
Related work
Guides
Served from Taylor
Based in Taylor, City Locksmith Taylor provides mobile service throughout Downriver and nearby communities. Taylor neighborhoods we cover, then the rest of Downriver:
Educational process notes
How this type of job is typically approached — not a write-up of a specific completed job.
Educational process note
Rekey after a house closing
New owner is in the house. Realtor, contractors, and the previous owner have had keys. Hardware is still working.
Read the noteEducational process note
Rekey after closing in a Brownstown subdivision
The house just closed. Contractor, inspector, and realtor keys still exist. Hardware is new-ish and turns.
Read the note