Rekey vs. Lock Change in Ottawa: Which Option Is Best for Your Security?
When it comes to protecting your home or business, one of the most common questions people ask is whether they should rekey their locks or change them completely. If you’re searching for a trusted locksmith in Ottawa, understanding the difference between these two services can help you make the right decision for your property.
At S.O.S Locksmith Ottawa, we help homeowners, landlords, and business owners across the city choose the most effective and cost-efficient solution for their security needs.
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What Does It Mean to Rekey a Lock?
Have you ever wondered what rekey means?
Rekeying a lock means changing the internal pins inside your existing lock so that old keys no longer work. The lock itself stays the same, but it is adjusted to work with a brand-new key.
This is one of the most popular services for people searching for rekey locks in Ottawa, especially during move-ins or tenant changes.
✔️ Benefits of Rekeying:
- More affordable than replacing locks
- Quick and efficient service
- Keeps your existing hardware
- Prevents old keys from working
What Is a Lock Change?
A lock change (or lock replacement) involves removing your current lock and installing a completely new one. This is typically recommended when locks are damaged, outdated, or when you want to upgrade to higher security or smart locks.
Many property owners choose lock change services in Ottawa when they want maximum security or a fresh start with new hardware.
✔️ Benefits of Lock Change:
- Brand new lock and hardware
- Option to upgrade to high-security locks
- Ideal for worn-out or damaged locks
- Better for long-term security upgrades
Rekey vs. Lock Change – Which Should You Choose? still not sure?
Choosing between rekeying and replacing locks depends on your situation.
Rekey is the better option if:
- You just moved into a new home
- You want to block access from previous key holders
- Your locks are still in good condition
- You’re looking for a cost-effective solution
Lock change is the better option if:
- Your locks are old or damaged
- You want to upgrade security
- You need a completely new locking system
- You’re installing smart locks or high-security locks
If you’re unsure, a professional locksmith Ottawa technician can assess your locks and recommend the best solution.
Locksmith Near You in Ottawa
- Downtown Ottawa
- Nepean
- Kanata
- Stittsville
- Bells Corners
- Britannia
- Carlington
- Lincoln Heights
- Orleans
- Old Ottawa East
- Golden Triangle
- Vanier
- Beacon Hill
- Rockcliffe Park
- Overbrook
- Hunt Club
- Greenboro
- South Keys
- Westboro
- Hintonburg
- The Glebe
- Old Ottawa South
- Barrhaven
- Riverside South
- Alta Vista
- Carleton Place
- South Ottawa
- Near Ottawa University
- Gloucester
- Centretown
- Sandy Hill
- Near Ottawa International Airport
Why This Matters During Move-In Season in Ottawa?
Spring and summer are peak moving seasons across Ottawa, including Nepean, Barrhaven, Orléans, and Riverside South. During this time, many homeowners and tenants forget one critical step: securing their property.
You never know how many copies of existing keys are still out there—previous owners, contractors, or tenants may still have access.
That’s why rekeying or changing locks is one of the first things you should do after moving in.
Locksmith Services in Ottawa

Emergency Locksmith Ottawa
Emergency Lockout Services in Ottawa

Auto Locksmith Ottawa
Locked out of your vehicle?

Residential Locksmith Ottawa
Locked out of your house?

Lock Replacement Ottawa
Looking for a lock replacement in Ottawa?

Car Key Cutting & Duplication Service Ottawa
Need a transponder car key Replacement in Ottawa?

Commercial Locksmith Ottawa
Commercial locksmith services in Ottawa to businesses of all sizes.

Emergency Locksmith
Emergency lockout situations can happen at the most inconvenient and unexpected times. If you happen to come across an emergency situation, you need a locksmith company that is both reliable and efficient who can help you out as quickly as possible. S.O.S Locksmith is ready to assist you with quality locksmith technicians for any emergency. We provide emergency locksmith services such as residential, commercial and car lockouts in London Ontario. We at S.O.S Locksmith are available with fast response times.

Auto Locksmith
Locked out of your vehicle? S.O.S Locksmith is dedicated to swiftly and professionally providing auto locksmith services. Whether your car keys are jammed in the ignition, vehicle door lock is broken or if your locks need replacing after a road accident, we make sure you gain access to inside and outside of your vehicle safely. Don’t spend more than a few minutes without access to your car in terrible weather or in the parking lot. Contact us now to solve your car lock problems.

Residential Locksmith
Getting locked out of your house or losing your apartment keys is a stressful situation. S.O.S Locksmith alleviates this problem and makes this a minor inconvenience. Whether you require same day service, scheduled appointments or emergency residential locksmith services, S.O.S Locksmith provides it all. Our high security home locks provide you with a greater peace of mind and safety for your condo, apartment or house.

Lock Replacement
Looking for a lock replacement in London Ontario? Look no further, at S.O.S Locksmith we provide many trusted brands and types of locks for every kind of lock change. Whether your property was broken into, if your locks are worn out or if you just require a regular deadbolt lock installation, we provide professional and affordable lock replacements in London Ontario.

Key Cutting & Duplication Service
Whether if you need car keys, residential or business keys duplicated, S.O.S Locksmith will guarantee that a copy will be made quickly and at a fair price. We can cut and reprogram every key on the market. Finally, we ensure that any new copies don’t damage your locks by hand finishing the newly cut keys.

Commercial Locksmith
We offer commercial locksmith services to businesses of all sizes. Whether own a large commercial property, operate a chain of local businesses or if you’re a small business owner in London Ontario, you can rely on our experienced team of locksmiths to keep your tenants or workers in a secured space. Contact us for both emergency or same day appointments.
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Still need to talk to a locksmith?
Both rekeying and lock replacement are effective ways to secure your property, but choosing the right one depends on your needs, budget, and the condition of your locks.
Working with a trusted emergency locksmith in Ottawa ensures the job is done correctly, giving you peace of mind and full control over your property’s security.