Reddit Asked, We Answered: Should I Replace the Locks After Moving

Published: Jul 6, 2026

Welcome to our new “Reddit Asked, We Answered” series! Where we scan the internet’s most active homeowner forums to find your most pressing security questions and answer them with decades of professional, hands-on expertise.

Today, we are looking at a classic dilemma from new homeowners. You just got the keys to your new house—a huge milestone! But as you hold that heavy keyring, a sudden thought hits you: Who else has a copy of these? Let’s look at a real discussion from Reddit and break down the best, most secure way to protect your new home.

The Question: The New Homeowner's Dilemma

“I just bought my first home, and the previous owner gave me several copies of the house keys. Now I’m wondering how many other copies might still be out there — I’ve read that someone can even copy a key from just a photograph. Before I move in, I want to make sure my home is secure.

Do I need to replace every lock with brand-new hardware, or can a locksmith rekey my existing locks instead? Which option costs less, and when is lock rekeying a better choice than full lock replacement?”

The “Who Has a Copy?” Paranoia is Real

If you are worried about who holds the keys to your new front door, your instincts are spot on. When you purchase a home, you aren’t just taking on the property—you are adopting its entire security history. It is not just the previous owners you have to think about. Over the years, those keys may have been duplicated and handed out to dog walkers, babysitters, contractors, cleaning services, extended family members, or even neighbors. Furthermore, there may be “hide-a-keys” stashed under rocks or inside fake sprinklers that you haven’t discovered yet.

In the security industry, this is known as a loss of key control. Because you cannot verify how many copies exist or who possesses them, assuming your home is secure with its existing locks is a significant risk. Securing your exterior doors should unconditionally be task number one on your move-in checklist.

Navigating the Confusing Reddit Advice

If you read the comments on simmilar Reddit thread, the advice is all over the place. Some users claim it takes ten minutes to swap locks yourself with a screwdriver. Others warn about peeling paint and stripped screws. A few even suggest removing your locks, leaving your house completely unsecured, and driving the hardware to a local shop. It is enough to make any new homeowner’s head spin.

The Expert Answer: Rekeying vs. Replacing Explained

To answer the core question: in most cases, you don’t need to buy brand-new locks. A professional locksmith can secure your home using a process called “rekeying,” which is often much more cost-effective — though there are situations where rekeying isn’t enough and full replacement makes more sense.

Here is how the two options compare:

What Does It Actually Mean to “Rekey” a Lock?

When a professional from Sure Lock & Key rekeys your door, we do not remove the actual hardware (the handles, knobs, and metal casing) from your door. Instead, we remove the inner cylinder and replace the tiny pins inside to fit a brand-new key profile.

The Result: Any old keys floating around will no longer turn the lock. You get a brand new set of keys, but keep your existing hardware.
The Benefit: It is faster, cheaper, and less invasive than a full replacement.

Scenarios Where Replacement Is Necessary

While rekeying is fantastic, there are specific scenarios where replacing the entire locking mechanism is the better investment:

The current locks are broken, rusty, or sticking. You cannot fix a failing internal spring by rekeying it.
You want a style upgrade. If the house has shiny 1990s brass and you want modern matte black, replacement is the only way.
You are upgrading to a smart lock. Moving to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Z-Wave connectivity means new hardware entirely.
The doors have mismatched brands. You generally cannot rekey a Kwikset lock to match a Schlage key. If the previous owner used different brands on every door, replacing a few to match the others is a smart move.

The Hidden Risks of the DIY Hardware Store Swap

The DIY route is heavily pushed on Reddit, but as locksmiths who are frequently called to fix DIY disasters, we want you to know the risks before you head to the hardware store.

Mismatched Sizes, Stripped Screws, and Door Damage

Buying cheap off-the-shelf locks and installing them yourself is rarely as simple as it looks on YouTube. Older homes often have doors that have warped or settled. If the new deadbolt doesn’t align perfectly with the strike plate on the door frame, the lock won’t easily engage. Homeowners often end up stripping screws, scratching their door’s finish, or leaving the deadbolt vulnerable to being forced open because it isn’t seated correctly.

The Beauty of the “One Key” House

One of the biggest frustrations of buying a new home is inheriting a keyring that looks like it belongs to a high school janitor. When you hire a professional locksmith to rekey your home, we can often pin all your exterior doors to operate on a single key. You can unlock your front door, back patio, and garage side-door using the exact same key. You simply cannot get that level of customization by buying pre-packaged locks off a shelf.

Why Trust Sure Lock & Key for Your New Home’s Security?

Moving is stressful enough without having to become an amateur locksmith on your first weekend in the house.

When you hire a professional, you are paying for an expert set of eyes. Our technicians don’t just change the pins and leave. We evaluate the overall integrity of your entry points. We check the alignment of your deadbolts, ensure your strike plates are anchored into the wall studs (not just the flimsy door trim), and make sure your sliding doors are properly secured.

We know that your new home is your biggest investment, and keeping it secure is your top priority. Our fully licensed, insured, and highly trained technicians are ready to make your transition seamless, safe, and stress-free.

Just closed on your new home? Don’t rely on the previous owner’s key management. Contact Sure Lock & Key today to schedule your whole-home rekey and start your new chapter with true peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I rekey or replace my locks when buying a new house?

In most cases, you should rekey the locks. Rekeying changes the internal pins so old keys no longer work, which is more cost-effective than buying entirely new hardware. You only need to replace the locks if they are broken, you want a new style, or you are upgrading to smart locks.

Can a locksmith make one key fit all the doors in my house?

Yes, as long as all the locks are from the same manufacturer or share the same keyway type, a professional locksmith can rekey your front, back, and garage doors to operate using a single key.

How long does it take a locksmith to rekey a house?

For a standard residential home with 3 to 4 doors, a professional locksmith can usually rekey the entire house in about an hour. The exact time depends on the complexity and condition of the existing locks.

Is it safe to install my own locks from a hardware store?

While it is possible to install your own locks, it carries risks. Incorrectly installed deadbolts may not align properly with the strike plate, leaving your home vulnerable to break-ins. A professional ensures the lock is properly seated and the strike plate is securely anchored.

Does rekeying a lock damage the door or the hardware?

No, rekeying does not damage the door or the hardware. A professional locksmith carefully removes the lock cylinder, changes the internal pins, and reinstalls the original hardware without leaving scratches or altering the door frame.

A Clear Action Plan for New Homeowners

Instead of letting internet forums make your head spin, follow this straightforward, educational approach to securing your new home:

Audit your entrances: Count every single exterior door that has a lock. This includes the front door, back door, side doors, garage entry doors, and sliding glass doors — and it’s worth knowing how to improve your front door security since it’s the most-used entry point.
Assess the hardware quality: Look at the brand and condition of your current locks. If they are heavy-duty, smooth to operate, and aesthetically pleasing, you do not need to replace them — you just need to rekey them.
Call a mobile locksmith: If you decide to rekey, hire a reputable, licensed mobile locksmith. They will come to your house, ensure your doors remain secure throughout the process, and can often key all your exterior doors to open with a single, unified key (which is highly convenient).
Consider smart upgrades: If the current hardware is flimsy or falling apart, this is the perfect time to upgrade. Consider an ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt or a modern smart lock that allows you to issue temporary digital access codes to contractors or cleaners, permanently solving the “Who has a copy?” paranoia for the future.

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