Last updated: August 7, 2026
Published August 7, 2026 · Updated August 7, 2026
The answer depends on three things: whether the lock mechanism itself is damaged, how old your cylinders are, and what security level you actually need. A professional locksmith can assess whether rekeying or replacement is the appropriate next step after a break in attempt. Replacement may be appropriate if the lock is physically compromised, worn out, or if you want to upgrade your door hardware.
Rekeying changes which keys work without replacing the entire lock body. Replacement may be appropriate if the lock is visibly damaged, the cylinder is worn, or you are upgrading security. A professional locksmith can assess the condition of your locks and discuss suitable options after a break in attempt.
The Short Answer
After a break-in attempt in Etobicoke, Long Branch, Mimico, or anywhere else in the West GTA, rekey first. If the lock itself isn’t damaged – no visible scratches on the cylinder, no forced marks on the faceplate, the bolt still operates smoothly – rekeying is faster and more affordable. You’re changing which keys work, but the lock body stays in place.
Replace the entire lock only if you see physical damage, the cylinder is jammed or difficult to turn, or you’re upgrading to a stronger brand. That’s the honest breakdown. Most homeowners in Lakeshore or Islington Village don’t need the replacement route – they need peace of mind fast, and rekeying delivers that.
The Full Answer: Should You Replace or Rekey a Lock After a Break-In Attempt in Etobicoke
Why Rekeying Is Your Default Move
If someone tried to break into your place but didn’t get past the lock, rekeying is the right choice 95% of the time. Here’s why: when you rekey, the locksmith removes the cylinder (the rotating part where the key goes in), drains out the tiny brass pins inside, and replaces them with a new configuration. Same lock body. New key configuration. Any key that worked before – a copy someone made, a key a previous tenant had, a key an ex-partner kept – stops working immediately.
A professional locksmith can assess your locks and advise whether rekeying is appropriate. If you are concerned after losing keys or following a break in attempt, prompt attention to your door security can help you decide on the next step.
“If the lock is not damaged, rekeying can provide a new set of keys without replacing the entire lock. A professional assessment can help determine the right option for your door.” Etobicoke Locksmith Team
When Physical Damage Means You Need Replacement
If the cylinder itself is damaged – scratches deep enough to catch your fingernail, the plug (the rotating part) is cracked, or the lock won’t turn at all – rekeying won’t work. You can’t rekey a broken cylinder. That’s when replacement comes in.
Lock replacement may be appropriate when a lock is physically compromised, worn out, or no longer meets your security needs. A professional locksmith can inspect the lock and discuss replacement options and door hardware that suit your property.
Signs you actually need replacement, not just rekeying: the key gets stuck halfway in, the cylinder rattles inside the lock body, the lock feels spongy or loose, or you can see light around the cylinder when it’s fully turned.
The Upgrade Path: High-Security Locks After a Break-In
If you’re the type of homeowner or property manager who decides “never again” after a break-in attempt, this is the moment to upgrade. High-security locks like Mul-T-Lock, Medeco, or ASSA Abloy are specifically engineered to resist the picking, drilling, and bumping techniques that work on standard Schlage or Kwikset cylinders.
High security lock options may be worth discussing if you are concerned about repeat attempts. A professional locksmith can assess your doors and explain available lock and door hardware options for your property.
| Option | Cost Per Lock | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rekey (standard cylinder) | Priced per job | Timing confirmed when you book | Break in attempts with no damage; new key access |
| Replace (standard lock) | Priced per job | Timing confirmed when you book | Damaged cylinders; older locks needing upgrade |
| Upgrade to high security | Priced per job | Timing confirmed when you book | Security upgrades and door hardware options |
| Commercial lock service | Priced per job | Timing confirmed when you book | Commercial properties and staff access changes |
The Age-and-Wear Factor: When Old Locks Become Dangerous
Here’s a detail most homeowners miss: if you’re rekeying an old lock that’s already worn, you might be fixing the immediate problem (unauthorized keys) without fixing the deeper vulnerability (a worn mechanism that’s easier to manipulate). A lock that’s 15+ years old and gets used multiple times daily can develop play inside the cylinder – the plug shifts a tiny bit when you turn the key. A skilled pick can sometimes exploit that micro-gap.
If a break in attempt revealed an old lock that was already sticking, hard to turn, or loose, rekeying may provide new keys while leaving the underlying lock condition unchanged. This is a good time to ask whether replacement or a security upgrade would be more appropriate. A professional locksmith can discuss rekeying, replacement, and door hardware options.
Smart Locks and Hybrid Security: A Third Option
If you are considering a broader security update after a break in attempt, smart locks can be part of the conversation. A professional locksmith can discuss smart lock and door hardware options for your doors, including how they may work alongside traditional lock hardware.
We’ve installed this combo in Etobicoke condos where the front entrance gets a Schlage Encode (keyless, remote-viewable, battery-powered) and the back or garage door keeps a Mul-T-Lock cylinder (no power dependency, maximum picking resistance). If one fails, the other is still secure. After a break-in attempt, this hybrid setup can feel like the right “never again” investment.
The Timing Factor: Act Within 48 Hours
One thing we see consistently: homeowners who delay rekeying or replacement are often revictimized within a week. A failed break-in attempt tells you someone has already mapped your door, tested your lock, and decided it’s worth another try. They might come back with better tools or patience. The locksmith should be called the same day or next morning, not after three weeks of thinking about it.
Etobicoke Locksmith provides emergency lockout service in Etobicoke. If you are concerned about your security after a break in attempt, a professional locksmith can assess your locks and discuss the next steps.
Related Question We Often Hear
A: Ask your landlord about lock responsibilities and discuss your options with a professional locksmith.
When the Answer Is Different
Commercial Property After a Break-In
If you own or manage a restaurant, retail store, or office, changes in staff access may call for a review of your locks. A professional locksmith can assess your commercial doors and discuss rekeying, lock changes, and door hardware options.
A professional locksmith can discuss lock and access options for commercial properties.
Vehicles and Transponder Keys
If your car was targeted in a break in attempt, the mechanical lock and door hardware may need inspection. If you have lost your keys or suspect a copy exists, Etobicoke Locksmith can provide car key services with uniformed mobile locksmith technicians.
FAQ: More Questions About Rekeying vs. Replacing After a Break-In
Q: How can I tell if my lock is damaged or just needs rekeying?
A: Look at the outside of the lock. If there are deep scratches, gouges, or signs of drilling, the cylinder is likely compromised and needs replacement. If the key turns smoothly and the bolt moves freely, but you’re worried about unauthorized copies, rekeying is enough. If you’re unsure, a locksmith can inspect in 10 minutes for free; we do this all the time in Etobicoke and Mississauga.
Q: Will rekeying make my lock harder to pick in the future?
A: Rekeying changes the internal pins but doesn’t improve the lock’s resistance to picking – that depends on the lock brand and age. A rekeyed Kwikset lock is still easier to pick than an unchanged Mul-T-Lock. If picking resistance matters to you after a break-in, invest in the replacement with a high-security brand. Rekeying alone is a psychological reset, not a security upgrade.
Q: If I moved into my Etobicoke home or condo recently, should I rekey the locks even if there’s been no break-in?
A: Rekeying entry doors after moving in can help ensure that previous keys no longer work. A professional locksmith can assess your locks and discuss rekeying options.
Q: Can I rekey a lock myself, or do I need a locksmith?
A: Rekeying may require professional tools and experience. A professional locksmith can assess your lock and discuss whether rekeying or replacement is appropriate.
The Bottom Line
After a break-in attempt in Etobicoke, Lakeshore, Mississauga, or anywhere in the West GTA, your first instinct is right: you need a locksmith. But before you panic about the cost, understand the difference. Rekeying can prevent unauthorized copies from working and gives you new keys. Replacement is for locks that are physically damaged or too old to trust. You get the exact price before any work starts.
Most homeowners who act within 48 hours and choose rekeying first report that they sleep better almost immediately. If you want fortress-level security after a repeat threat or an especially aggressive attempt, upgrade to Mul-T-Lock or a smart lock. But there’s no shame in starting with the rekey – it’s the professional choice, and it costs less than a dinner out.
Call a professional locksmith the same day you discover the break-in attempt. Don’t wait. The longer the window stays open, the higher the chance a determined intruder comes back.
Sources
- Rekey and lock replacement pricing – Etobicoke Locksmith Service Menu
- High-security lock brands and specifications – ASSA Abloy Openings
- Schlage Encode and Yale Assure smart lock features – Schlage Smart Locks
- GTA residential security best practices – City of Toronto Official Website