Key Duplication vs. Rekeying – Which Is Right for You?

When it comes to improving your home or business security, one of the first things that comes to mind is your locks and keys. Whether you’ve moved into a new property, lost a key, or want to limit access for security reasons, two common options often come up — key duplication and rekeying.

While both involve your locks and keys, they serve entirely different purposes. Understanding the difference between them can help you make a smarter, more cost-effective decision for your property’s safety. In this blog, we’ll break down what each service means, when to choose one over the other, and how a professional locksmith can help you decide what’s best.

🔑 What Is Key Duplication?

Key duplication is exactly what it sounds like — creating an exact copy of your existing key. It’s a straightforward and affordable process that can be done in minutes by a professional locksmith. Using specialised key-cutting equipment, a locksmith traces the pattern of your original key onto a new blank key, ensuring that both keys operate the same lock perfectly.

When You Might Need Key Duplication:

• You want to give an extra key to a family member, roommate, or employee.

• You’ve misplaced a spare and want to make a new one before losing the only key.

• You need additional copies for convenience, such as keeping one in your car, office, or with a trusted neighbour.

Key duplication is quick, inexpensive, and highly convenient — but it doesn’t increase your security. Anyone who already has a copy of your existing key will still have access to the lock.

🏠 What Is Rekeying?

Rekeying involves changing the internal pins and tumblers inside your existing lock cylinder so that it works with a new key. Essentially, the old key will no longer open the lock, and only the new key will work. The process doesn’t require replacing the entire lock — only the key mechanism inside it.

Professional locksmiths use a rekeying kit to adjust the internal configuration of the lock. Once complete, your old keys become useless, and new keys are cut to match the updated pin settings.

When You Might Need Rekeying:

• You’ve recently moved into a new home or commercial property.

• You’ve lost a key and want to prevent anyone from using it.

• You’ve had a change in staff or tenants and want to limit access.

• You suspect your keys may have been copied without permission.

• You want to match multiple locks to a single key for convenience.

Rekeying is an effective and affordable way to enhance security without replacing your entire locking system.

⚖️ Key Duplication vs. Rekeying: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Key Duplication	Rekeying
Purpose	Create an identical copy of an existing key	Change the lock mechanism to work with a new key
Security Impact	No change in security	Increases security by disabling old keys
Cost	Low	Moderate (but cheaper than replacing locks)
Time Required	Quick (a few minutes)	Slightly longer (10–20 minutes per lock)
Ideal For	Convenience and spare keys	Security updates and key control
Requires Locksmith?	Not always (hardware shops can duplicate keys)	Yes, needs a qualified locksmith

In short:

• Duplicate your key when you simply need more copies for convenience.

• Rekey your locks when you want to improve or restore security.

💡 How to Decide Which Option Is Right for You

The decision between key duplication and rekeying depends on your situation and goals:

1. If You’re Concerned About Security

Go for rekeying. If you’ve moved into a new place or lost a key, it’s safest to assume someone else could still have access. Rekeying ensures that only your new keys work, giving you complete control.

2. If You Simply Need More Keys

Choose key duplication. It’s quick, cheap, and ideal if you just want to share access with family or employees.

3. If You Want to Simplify Your Keys

Opt for rekeying to match multiple locks to one master key. This is a great option for offices or homeowners tired of carrying a bulky keychain.

4. If You’re Upgrading Locks or Moving

Rekeying is the smarter choice since it gives you a clean slate without the need for costly lock replacements.

🧰 Why Call a Professional Locksmith

Whether you’re duplicating keys or rekeying locks, it’s always best to use a certified locksmith. A trained professional ensures precision, reliability, and proper key control. Locksmiths use high-quality key blanks, calibrated machines, and secure methods to ensure your locks remain durable and tamper-proof.

Moreover, a locksmith can inspect your locks for wear or damage during the process and recommend upgrades if needed — such as switching to high-security locks or smart locking systems.

🔒 Final Thoughts

Both key duplication and rekeying play essential roles in maintaining security and convenience, but their purposes differ.

• Choose key duplication for accessibility and extra copies.

• Choose rekeying when your priority is safety and key control.

No matter your situation, consulting a trusted local locksmith can help you make the right decision and keep your property secure.

If you’re unsure which option suits your needs, reach out to your local locksmith service for expert advice and quick, reliable assistance — because your safety starts with your locks.