Rekey or Replace Your Locks? A Clear Guide for Melbourne Homeowners

How a pin-tumbler lock works (in 60 seconds)

Most door locks in Melbourne homes use a pin-tumbler cylinder. Inside are small stacks of spring-loaded pins. When the correct key goes in, its cuts lift each stack to exactly the right height, lining up a gap called the shear line, and the cylinder can turn.

Change the pins and you change which key lines them up. That is the whole idea behind rekeying.

What rekeying actually does

Rekeying replaces the pins inside the cylinder to suit a new key. Every old key stops working instantly. The lock body, handle, finish and door all stay exactly as they are, so there are no new holes or patched paint.

Rekeying is ideal when the hardware is in good condition and the real problem is who holds a key.

• You have just bought or moved into a home.
• A tenant, housemate or former partner has moved out.
• Keys were lost or stolen.
• A cleaner, tradesperson or contractor no longer needs access.
• You want one key for several doors (keying alike).

When replacement is the better choice

Replacement makes more sense when the lock itself is the problem:

• The lock is worn, stiff, sticking or needs the key jiggled to turn.
• It was damaged in a break-in attempt, or the cylinder spins freely.
• You want a stronger deadbolt or a restricted keying system.
• The finish or style no longer suits the door after a renovation.
• It is an older or very basic lock that cannot be rekeyed.

Locksmith tip: A lock that is getting harder to turn is warning you. Dealing with it early is far easier than dealing with a lock that fails with you on the wrong side of the door.

Just moved house? Start here

When you buy a home you rarely know how many copies of the old keys exist. Previous owners, their family, past tenants, cleaners, tradespeople and agents may all have had one at some point.

Rekeying every external door after settlement — front, back, side, garage internal door and any security screen doors — resets that list to zero. While the locksmith is there, ask about keying the doors alike so one key opens them all, and check that every external door has a working deadbolt.

Keying alike, master keys and restricted keys

Keying alike means several locks share the same key — convenient for a house with three or four external doors.

Restricted key systems use key profiles that cannot be copied at a key-cutting kiosk. Copies are only made through an authorised locksmith, so you stay in control of how many keys exist. They suit homes with granny flats, shared houses and businesses.

How to decide in one minute

Lock works well and you only need to control who has keys → rekey. Lock worn, damaged or not secure enough → replace. Want one key for everything → key alike. Not sure → describe or photograph the lock and ask.

Call Balwyn Locksmith Service on 03 4150 3398 — open 7 days, 9 am – 10 pm.