You rekey locks when you keep the existing hardware and change only the internal pins, so old keys stop working. In Sydney, rekeying costs about $75 per lock (range $52–$140), while replacing a single basic lock costs about $255 (range $140–$400).
This guide shows when to rekey locks, when to change locks instead, how the job works and what to ask before you book. For the full price breakdown, see our locksmith cost in Sydney guide.
Key points
- Rekey locks when the hardware is sound and you only need to cancel keys you no longer control.
- Change locks when the lock is worn, damaged, low quality or you want a higher security grade.
- Rekeying costs about $75 per lock in Sydney; replacing a basic lock costs about $255.
- Only a locksmith holding a NSW Class 2C security licence should do the work; ask for the licence number.
Rekey locks vs change locks: the quick answer
Both options stop old keys working. The difference is whether you keep the lock body or pay for new hardware.
| Factor | Rekey locks | Change locks |
|---|---|---|
| What happens | Pins inside the cylinder are reset to suit a new key | The whole lock or cylinder is removed and replaced |
| Typical Sydney cost | About $75 per lock ($52–$140) | About $255 per basic lock ($140–$400) |
| Best when | The lock works smoothly and looks sound | The lock is worn, loose, broken or outdated |
| Security gain | New key only; the lock grade stays the same | New key and a chance to upgrade the grade |
| Time on site | Quick, often handled in one visit for every door | Longer, especially if the door needs trimming |
Older Lockwood and Gainsborough sets in Sydney homes often rekey well, because the cylinders are standard and parts are easy to source.
When to rekey locks
Rekeying suits situations where the lock is fine but the keys are no longer under your control.
- You have just moved in: previous owners, tenants, agents and tradies may still hold copies, so rekey locks on every external door at the start.
- You lost a key with no sign of a break-in: cancelling that key is far cheaper than buying new hardware for the whole house.
- A tenant has moved out: landlords and agents usually rekey between tenancies so former residents’ copies stop working.
- You want one key for every door: a locksmith can pin the front, back and garage locks alike, which cuts the bunch in your pocket.
- A relationship or work arrangement has ended: an ex-partner, cleaner or builder may keep a key, and rekeying removes that risk.
- You have copied keys too many times: worn copies of copies cause sticking, and fresh pins with a new key often fix it.
When to change locks instead
Replacement makes more sense once the hardware itself is the problem, not only the keys.
- The lock is stiff, loose or worn out: a cylinder that already sticks will not improve with new pins, so replace it.
- The lock is a cheap knob set: rentals often carry basic knob locks that give little resistance, and a deadbolt costs about $290 (range $170–$460) to install.
- The lock is damaged after a break-in attempt: scratched, bent or drilled hardware should be replaced, and the door and frame checked as well.
- You want keyless entry: a smart or digital lock costs about $600 supplied and fitted in Sydney (range $345–$920), and our smart locks guide explains the options.
- The lock has corroded near the coast: salt air eats into older brass and plated parts, and replacing them is usually better than rekeying.
- You want a better grade of security: a quality deadbolt or a restricted key cylinder adds protection that rekeying alone cannot.
How to rekey a lock: what the locksmith does
Rekeying is precision work, and mistakes can leave you with a lock that fails or a door that will not close securely. This is the usual sequence.
- Check the lock first: the locksmith confirms the brand, condition and keying so they know whether rekeying will work.
- Remove the cylinder: the cylinder comes out of the door or deadbolt without disturbing the latch or handle set.
- Replace the internal pins: the old pin set is swapped for one that matches a new key cut for you.
- Refit and test: the cylinder goes back in, and every new key is tried repeatedly in the lock.
- Confirm the old key fails: a proper job includes testing that the previous key no longer turns the lock.
- Collect all keys: you receive the new keys, and extra copies cost about $14 each (range $6–$34) for a standard key.
Cheap DIY kits suit only certain locksets and are easy to get wrong, so book a licensed locksmith for any door that protects your home.
Cost to rekey locks or change locks in Sydney
These typical Sydney prices include GST and were current in October 2026.
| Job | Price range | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Rekey, per lock | $52–$140 | $75 |
| Replace a single basic lock | $140–$400 | $255 |
| Deadbolt installation | $170–$460 | $290 |
| Smart or digital lock, supplied and fitted | $345–$920 | $600 |
| Extra standard key cut | $6–$34 | $14 |
- Rekey every door in one visit: you avoid paying travel more than once, and the whole property ends up on matching keys.
- Book in business hours: after-hours, weekend and public-holiday call-outs carry a surcharge that varies by locksmith.
- Ask for an itemised quote: it should list labour, parts, keys supplied and any surcharge so you can compare fairly.
- Weigh the long-term cost: three worn locks replaced at about $255 each add up quickly, so ask whether rekeying will do.
Change locks in rentals, strata and new homes
Who is allowed to change locks depends on your situation, so check before you book.
- Tenants: you need the landlord or agent’s written consent before you rekey or change locks, and must hand over a working key afterwards.
- Landlords and agents: rekey between tenancies and keep a register of who holds each key, so you can show a record if there is a dispute.
- Strata owners: the lot’s front door lock may be common property in some schemes, so confirm with the strata manager first.
- New homeowners: change or rekey on settlement day, because builders, agents and previous owners often keep spares.
- Exit doors: any replacement must still allow quick escape under NCC exit-door rules, so avoid fitting a double-keyed deadbolt without advice.
- Control key copying: a restricted key system stops casual duplication, and our restricted key systems guide explains how it works.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Rekeying a worn lock: new pins cannot fix a sticking or loose cylinder, so you pay twice when you replace it later.
- Skipping the door and frame check: a strong lock in a split or rotten frame will not stop forced entry, so budget for frame repairs.
- Forgetting secondary doors: the garage, laundry and side gate often stay on old keys, which leaves an easy way in.
- Hiring without a licence check: ask for the NSW security licence number and expect an ID check from any legitimate locksmith.
- Keeping unlabelled spare keys: a hidden key under a pot undoes the point of rekeying, so use a key safe instead; see our key safes guide.
- Drilling a stuck lock yourself: forcing it usually turns a simple rekey into a full replacement; for stuck keys, read key stuck or broken in a lock.
Rekey locks FAQs
How to rekey a lock?
A locksmith removes the cylinder, replaces the internal pins to suit a new key, refits it and tests that the old key no longer works. The lock body stays in the door. Cheap kits exist, but a licensed locksmith is safer and tests every door for you.
Is it cheaper to rekey locks or change locks?
Rekeying is usually cheaper at about $75 per lock in Sydney, compared with about $255 to replace a basic lock. Rekey when the hardware works well. Replace it when the lock is worn, damaged or you want a higher security grade.
Do I need to change locks when I move into a new house?
You should at least rekey locks on every external door, because previous owners, tenants and agents may still hold copies. Rekeying one visit’s worth of doors is usually the best-value option when the locks are in good condition and working smoothly.
Can I rekey locks myself in a rental?
Not without written consent from the landlord or agent, and you must leave working keys for them. Even with permission, a licensed locksmith is the safer choice. If your agent refuses, ask them to arrange the work and confirm who pays.
Next step: rekey or change your locks with a licensed local
If you are unsure whether to rekey locks or replace them, we can inspect each door and quote both options. TQN Locksmith’s licensed Sydney team gives you an itemised price before work starts. Read the full locksmith cost guide first, then book a licensed locksmith.
