Home Security

Rekey or Replace? What’s the Difference?

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Rekey or Replace? What’s the Difference?

Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks: A Naples Resident’s Guide to Choosing the Right Security Upgrade

When it comes to protecting your home or business, few decisions are as misunderstood as whether to rekey your locks or replace them. Both options strengthen security, but they serve different purposes. And in Naples, where we balance salt air, seasonal living, property turnover, and high expectations for safety, making the right choice matters.

At Key Breeze Locksmith, our guidance is rooted in experience, training from professional organizations like ALOA, and decades of real-world work across Collier County. Our expertise is shaped by the thousands of Naples families, snowbirds, property managers, and business owners we help every year.

This article breaks down the true differences between rekeying and replacing locks, local conditions that influence the decision, and real stories from Southwest Florida that show why choosing correctly can protect both your property and your peace of mind.

What Rekeying Really Means

Rekeying changes the internal pins inside your lock so old keys no longer work. You keep the same hardware on the door, but you receive a new key that becomes the only key that operates the lock.

For many Naples residents, rekeying is the simplest way to regain control without changing the look or feel of their home.

When Rekeying Makes Sense

Brand-new homes or remodels where contractors had access.
One Naples homeowner loved her gorgeous new door hardware but was uneasy knowing how many subcontractors held copies of the construction key. A full replacement wasn’t necessary. A simple rekey restored her peace of mind and allowed her to keep the premium hardware she selected.

Snowbirds returning for the season.
Seasonal residents often share temporary keys with service providers, cleaners, pool services, or family members. Rekeying offers a quick reset so you know exactly who has access when you return to Naples.

Property managers and high-turnover units.
For condos, rentals, and commercial suites, rekeying remains the most cost-effective and scalable solution for changing access between tenants or employees.

When the lock works well but you’ve lost track of the keys.
If the hardware is sturdy and smooth, there’s no need to replace the lock itself.

Rekeying is a surprisingly strong security upgrade. It only works when the hardware is in good condition.

When It’s Time to Replace the Lock Instead

Replacing the lock involves removing the entire set and installing new hardware. It is the right choice when the lock is worn, unreliable, or no longer meeting modern security needs.

Situations that Call for a Full Replacement

Corrosion from living near the water.
Naples humidity and salt air can wear out lock components faster than people expect. One of our clients thought she needed a simple rekey but lived directly on the water. Her lock had corroded internally, making it difficult to turn, especially with her arthritis. By installing smoother, higher-quality hardware with a larger, easier-to-grip key design, we improved both her security and her daily comfort.

Flooding and hurricane exposure.
Any lock that has been submerged in floodwater eventually fails. Salt, grit, and minerals corrode the internal parts until the lock becomes unreliable or jams entirely. After Ian, every flooded lock needed replacement.

Outdated or low-quality hardware.
Cheap big-box store locks and many no-name imports from online marketplaces degrade quickly in our environment. They often become loose, seize up, or strip internally. These locks are also easier for criminals to compromise and lack the durability Naples homeowners expect.

When DIY jobs go wrong.
We regularly receive calls to fix locks that were installed incorrectly by homeowners who bought hardware online. If the hardware does not match the door’s existing specifications, the lock may not latch, may bind, or may never operate smoothly. A professional replacement corrects these issues.

When you want a new look or upgraded features.
Hardware styles evolve, and many homeowners prefer to refresh their entryways with new finishes or choose smart lock technology that provides remote access and temporary guest codes.

Why This Decision Matters: Real Naples Lessons

Security choices become deeply personal when something goes wrong.

A childhood lesson in rekeying.
When Angelique was young, her family moved into a new home but did not rekey the locks. One night, a man used the key he still had, forgot he had moved out, and walked into the home. It was terrifying, entirely preventable, and a reminder that rekeying is one of the simplest ways to regain control over your home.

A tragedy close to home.
Local news covered an incident where an apartment complex issued duplicate keys that opened units in multiple buildings. A renter mistakenly entered the wrong apartment, was mistaken for an intruder, and was fatally shot. This tragedy highlights how essential proper key control is.

Naples-Specific Factors to Consider

Our climate accelerates wear.
Salt air, humidity, and even irrigation overspray can corrode locks inside and out.

Seasonal occupancy increases key exposure.
Snowbirds typically have contractors, cleaners, pool services, and neighbors entering their home throughout the year. Resetting access when seasons change is essential.

High turnover in condos and rentals.
Property managers often juggle dozens or hundreds of keys. Rekeying is vital for access control, although upgrading hardware may be necessary when buildings transition to master key systems or higher-security cylinders.

Business owners face liability concerns.
When employees leave or older hardware becomes unreliable, the risk to inventory, records, and customer areas increases.

The Hidden Risk: How Scammers Exploit Rekeying vs. Replacing

Naples has experienced a rise in fake locksmith listings and predatory operators. One of their most common schemes is turning a simple rekey request into an inflated replacement bill.

Here is how the scam typically works:

  1. They quote a low price to “come out and rekey.”
  2. They intentionally damage your lock during the process or claim you have a high security lock that needs to be drilled.
  3. They claim the lock is now broken and must be replaced.
  4. They install a cheap, low-quality off-brand lock.
  5. They charge $400 to $1,900 for a job that should have cost around $200.

A reputable locksmith will never destroy your lock during a rekey. If a technician damages your hardware and pressures you to replace it, stop the job immediately and call a trusted professional.

A Simple Rule of Thumb

Choose rekeying when your locks are in good condition and you want new keys or restored access control.

Choose replacement when the lock is worn, unsafe, corroded, outdated, flood-damaged, or mismatched with your door.

At Key Breeze Locksmith, our goal is to guide you toward the option that fits your home, your lifestyle, and your security needs. Naples residents, snowbirds, property managers, and business owners trust us because we lead with honesty, expertise, and respect for your safety.

Stay safe, stay secure, and stay breezy.

Key Breeze Locksmith

Locks, Safes & Security with Ease

Naples FL’s Most Experienced Residential & Commercial Locksmith

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Call (239) 992-2886