If you're moving into a new home in Knoxville, just ended a lease, or lost a house key recently, you've probably been told you should "change the locks." What that actually means — and whether a full lock change is even necessary — is worth understanding before you spend money.
What Is Rekeying?
Rekeying is changing the internal pins inside the lock cylinder so that the old key no longer works and a new key does. The lock hardware stays exactly the same. Only the tiny metal pins inside the cylinder are swapped out.
When rekeying makes sense:
- You just moved into a home and don't know who has copies of the old key
- A tenant moved out and you want to disable their key
- You lost a key and want to make sure no one can use it
- You want all the locks on your home to open with one key (called keyed-alike)
Rekeying is cheaper than replacing because you're not buying new hardware. Typical cost in Knoxville: $20 to $40 per lock plus a service call.
What Is a Lock Change?
A lock change means removing the existing hardware and replacing it with a new lock — a new deadbolt, new knob, or both. You're buying the physical lock, not just changing the pins inside.
When a lock change makes sense:
- The existing lock is worn or damaged and doesn't work reliably
- You had a break-in and the hardware was compromised
- You want to upgrade to a higher security grade (ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt, for example)
- The door prep doesn't match current hardware standards
- You want smart lock capability and the existing hardware can't be converted
Lock changes cost more because you're paying for parts plus labor. The hardware itself ranges from $30 for a basic Kwikset to $150+ for a high-security Schlage commercial-grade cylinder.
The Quick Answer
If your locks work fine and you just need old keys disabled: rekey.
If the hardware is worn, damaged, or you want something better: replace.
A trained locksmith can assess your existing hardware on-site and tell you which option makes sense. In many cases, customers come in expecting to need full replacements and find that rekeying is all that's needed, saving $100 or more per door.
Real Scenarios
New homeowners in Farragut: You bought a 10-year-old home in a Farragut subdivision. The previous owners had the locks for 10 years. Rekey. The hardware is almost certainly fine; the issue is unknown key distribution. Lock change and rekey service in Farragut handles this in a single visit.
Break-in repair in North Knoxville: A forced entry damaged the deadbolt and cracked the strike plate. Replace, not rekey — the hardware is compromised and the frame may need reinforcement too. Lock change in Knoxville covers full post-break-in replacement.
Rental property in Maryville: Tenant just moved out, hardware is 3 years old and works well. Rekey between tenants. Lock change service in Maryville handles tenant turnovers efficiently for property managers.
Can You Rekey to One Key?
Yes. If you have a front door deadbolt, front door knob, back door deadbolt, and a garage side door, Tristar Locksmith can rekey all four to operate on a single key. This is called a keyed-alike setup and is one of the most popular requests from homeowners across Knox County.
Call (865) 381-3931 for an upfront quote on rekeying or lock change service anywhere in the Knoxville area.