Lock replacement and rekeying

Rekeying keeps the lock but changes its internal pins so that a new key works and the old keys do not. It suits cylinder locks that are in good condition, and usually costs less in parts because the lock body stays on the door.

Replacing means fitting a new lock or a new cylinder. It is the better choice when the lock was forced or damaged, is worn out, cannot be rekeyed, or when you want better security. On doors with euro-profile cylinder locks, often only the cylinder needs to be swapped — not the whole lock.

Older 2- and 3-lever mortice locks are common on South African doors. They offer relatively low security and are often replaced rather than rekeyed — ask the locksmith what they recommend for your door.

Locks on burglar-bar and trellis-type security gates face weather and, at the coast, salt-air corrosion. Some security-gate brands use proprietary locks that need the manufacturer’s parts or an authorised installer. Tell the locksmith the gate brand, if you know it, so they can check whether they can supply the part.

Seized or lost-key padlocks are a separate, quicker job — choose “Padlock removal” in the app.

A clear request helps the locksmith bring the right parts and gives you a more accurate price:

The number of locks, whether they are rekeyed or replaced, the type and security grade of any new hardware, travel and the time of day all affect the price. Locksmiths on Vula24 set their own prices, and the app shows the full price before you confirm. If the locksmith finds on site that extra hardware is needed, agree on it before any work starts.

For a general guide to what locksmiths charge, see our locksmith cost guide.

Offices, warehouses, schools and complexes that need many locks changed — or everything on one common key or a master key — usually need a site inspection and a written quote first. See commercial locksmith help and our guide to master key systems.