What to Do When a Key Is Stolen: Rekeying vs. Replacing Your Lock

https://thesafethreshold.evercolumn.com/posts/what-to-do-when-a-key-is-stolen-rekeying-vs.-replacing-your-lock

If your key gets stolen, the first decision is whether to rekey or replace the lock. Rekeying is cheaper and faster—a locksmith changes the internal pins so the old key no longer works, while you keep using the same lock hardware. Replacing the entire lock gives you new, potentially upgraded hardware but costs more and takes longer. For most homes, rekeying is the practical choice; only replace if the lock is old or damaged.