Cheapest Way to Change Locks on a House: Real-World Tips and Tricks

Thinking a lock change means big bills? That’s a myth trapping a lot of folks. The truth is, swapping out your locks doesn’t have to cost much at all—if you know a few tricks.

The first thing to get clear is whether you need a full replacement or if you can just rekey your lock. Nine times out of ten, rekeying (which means changing the pins inside while keeping the same outer hardware) does the job. It’s way cheaper than buying new locks, and you can get rekeying kits online or at hardware stores for the price of a nice meal. Most basic kits are pretty fool-proof, so you don’t need to be a seasoned handyman to get it done.

See, a lot of people rush to call a locksmith and get hit with huge service fees on top of the cost of materials. With a bit of guidance, even someone new to this can save cash and still sleep soundly at night. Let’s get into some money-saving options you probably haven’t thought of yet.

• Why People Think Changing Locks Costs a Fortune
• Understanding Lock Replacement vs. Rekeying
• Cheap DIY Options and Step-by-Step How-To
• Where to Buy Budget Hardware (and What to Avoid)
• Common Mistakes That Waste Money
• When You’ll Actually Need a Pro

Why People Think Changing Locks Costs a Fortune

Just talking about changing locks makes a lot of people nervous about their wallets. It’s not hard to see why. In most places, calling a locksmith feels like calling in an expensive specialist, and you know they bill by the hour or even by the visit. A lot of folks picture a toolbox full of strange gadgets, a hefty service fee, and maybe a bill that could buy a new microwave.

Most people also think they have to swap out the whole lock—including the handle and hardware—whenever there’s a security worry. This confusion comes from movies and TV, and sometimes from pushy sales tactics at hardware stores.

Now, look at how much you save with that last option. The cheapest way to change locks is always going to be DIY, but people don’t often trust they can pull it off. Another big reason for the ‘expensive’ myth is how many apartment and housing complexes include lock changes in their move-in fees—they might show you one price, but charge way more than the real cost because you can’t shop around.

• Locksmiths charge not only for hardware but also for their time and travel, which bumps the price up.
• People think changing locks means buying everything new, which isn’t true most of the time.
• Most don’t know about rekeying—which is a lot cheaper and just as secure in most cases.

Plenty of Indian families just stick with their old locks because of these price worries, but they really don’t have to. Once you see where the costs add up, you can dodge the main traps and keep your security upgrade under budget.

Understanding Lock Replacement vs. Rekeying

There’s a lot of confusion about whether you need to replace the whole lock or just rekey it. Let’s clear that up with some real facts. Most folks think the only way to boost security is to swap the entire lock, but in most houses, rekeying does the job for a fraction of the cost. Here’s what each option really means:

• Lock replacement means taking out the old lock and installing a completely new one. This is needed if your current lock is damaged, outdated, or you want a new look.
• Rekeying means changing the pins inside your existing lock, making old keys useless, but keeping the exterior hardware. It’s fast, affordable, and just as secure—unless your lock is broken.

Why bother with a full replacement? Only if your lock is busted, rusted, or super old. Want to freshen up the style? Sure, go for a new lock. Otherwise, rekeying is the budget move—most people just need new keys, not new locks.

Here’s an at-a-glance comparison to help you decide:

Here’s a tip: If all your locks are from the same brand, you can rekey them to use one key for the whole house. That’s a great way to skip the keychain clutter without blowing a hole in your wallet.

Bottom line: If you want the cheapest way to change locks and your hardware isn’t trashed, rekeying almost always wins. Don’t buy what you don’t need.

Cheap DIY Options and Step-by-Step How-To

If you’re trying to save cash, learning how to change your own locks can make a world of difference. The easiest and often cheapest way to change locks is by using a rekey kit. These kits are widely available in hardware stores across India and online for brands like Godrej and Yale, with prices usually ranging from ₹500 to ₹1,500—a bargain if you compare it to professional locksmith fees.

Here’s the basic run-down for rekeying your lock without calling in a pro:

1. Buy the Right Rekey Kit: Match the kit to your lock brand. Using a mismatched kit just leads to frustration and wasted money.
2. Remove the Lock: Unscrew the lock from your door. Most knobs or deadbolts just need a screwdriver. Keep the screws safe, you’ll need them.
3. Access the Cylinder: The rekeying kit comes with a special tool called a ‘follower.’ Push the cylinder out with this so you don’t lose the tiny springs inside.
4. Swap Out the Pins: Each key’s cut matches certain pins inside the lock. The kit gives you a set of new pins—just follow the diagram to replace yours so only your new key will work.
5. Reassemble: Slide it all back together the same way it came apart. Test with the new key before screwing everything back. Don’t force anything—if it feels stuck, double-check your pin arrangement.

If tackling the cylinder feels intimidating, you can always swap out the whole lock. Here’s how that works:

• Buy a new lock set (look for certified brands, skip anything too cheap or from unknown overseas sellers—security isn’t the place to cut corners).
• Unscrew the old lock, slide it out, and fit the new one in. It usually takes about 15 minutes.
• Make sure all bolts are tight and check that the door shuts and locks smooth.

If you want a second opinion, consider what veteran trainer Rajat Chandra from India’s Institute of Locksmiths says:

“DIY rekeying and simple lock replacement aren’t rocket science, but double-check your steps and always test the lock several times before calling it done. Most problems show up right away if something’s off.”

One last tip: If your home has more than one lock and you want all doors to use the same key, look for rekey kits with extra pins or buy a multi-pack of lock cylinders keyed alike. That way, you only need one key for everything and save even more in the process.

Where to Buy Budget Hardware (and What to Avoid)

Finding good, cheap locks comes down to shopping smart and knowing what to skip. Big chains like Amazon, Flipkart, Home Centre, and local hardware stores in India all have options, but there’s a big gap between the solid deals and total junk. Let’s keep it simple: you’re looking for reliable brands at the lowest cost, but without risking your safety to save a few extra bucks.

Stick with brands that are known to last, like Godrej, Yale, Link, and Harrison. Godrej, for example, has been around in India for over a century and balances affordability with decent durability. Most Godrej rim locks cost between ₹400 and ₹800, which is way cheaper than what you’d pay a pro. Even Yale’s regular deadbolts often dip below ₹1,000 online during sales.

• Cheapest way to change locks often means grabbing a discounted lock set online during a sale. Look for combo packs as they’re usually cheaper per lock than buying singles.
• Online reviews aren’t just for show—sort products by rating and read a few bad ones to catch any red flags.
• If you’re visiting a local shop, ask to see the lock before buying. Test the key for smooth turning and check if the shackle is solid, not flimsy or rattly.

Don’t fall for those no-name locks on street corners or deep-discount deals from unknown brands on e-commerce sites. They tend to have weak metals, sloppy grinding, and shoddy keys. If the price seems too good to be true—like ₹100 for a door lock—it probably is.

One more tip: don’t forget to check for warranty or service support, especially if you’re buying in bulk. Often, spending a bit more (maybe ₹100 extra) can get you a branded lock that’s miles tougher than some cheap knockoff. Your savings disappear fast if you end up replacing those low-quality locks twice as often or after a security scare.

Common Mistakes That Waste Money

People throw away a lot of cash on new locks just because they trip up on some simple stuff. You don’t need to spend more than you have to, but messing up these basics can drain your wallet fast.

• Replacing instead of rekeying: Most locks can be rekeyed for a fraction of the cost of full replacement. Folks often buy brand-new locks just to fix a lost key problem, bumping up the price for no real reason.
• Picking the wrong lock size or style: Grabbing a lock that doesn’t fit means special returns or buying another one. Always check your door measurements before you buy. Even a half-inch difference can make all the difference.
• Falling for cheap lookalikes online: Some super cheap locks from random online sellers may not meet even basic security standards. In India, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) marked locks are the way to go for real protection without overspending.
• Not keeping all the tools ready: Making a trip back to the hardware store mid-project costs time and money. Most rekey kits need a screwdriver, tweezers, and sometimes a plug follower. Double check you’ve got the lot before starting.
• Forgetting about matching keys: If you replace only one lock in a house with several doors, you can end up with a heavy keychain and a confused family. Some lock brands let you match keys across locks with their smart systems—super handy and can save on locksmith visits later.

Let’s get concrete. Here’s a quick reality check on costs versus mistakes:

Bottom line: Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll lock in a smart deal. Want the cheapest way to change locks? Know exactly what you need, stick to reputable brands, and prep your tools before you start.

When You’ll Actually Need a Pro

Sometimes, no matter how confident you feel around a screwdriver, it’s just smarter and safer to call in a professional locksmith. Here’s when cheap tricks and DIY hacks simply won’t cut it, especially if you value your home’s security and peace of mind.

• Broken Locks: If the lock is jammed, rusted tight, or the key keeps snapping off inside, that’s a headache you don’t want to risk making worse. Pros have special tools that can remove broken keys and fix badly damaged locks without wrecking your door.
• High-Security or Smart Locks: If you’ve got a high-end lock or one of those smart keypad systems, the parts and programming are a whole different ball game. Messing up a smart lock install can cost you both time and extra cash down the road.
• Lost All Keys: If you’ve lost every copy of a key—no spare, no backup—most DIY rekey kits are useless without at least one original key. A pro can pick, decode, or properly replace the lock without causing extra damage.
• Legal Requirements: Some rentals require proof that a licensed locksmith handled the cheapest way to change locks or rekeying job, especially for insurance purposes.

Indians spend an average of ₹800-₹1500 for standard locksmith services on home locks (May 2025), and while that’s not small change, bungling a DIY lockout or damaging a new smart lock can cost way more to fix. The table below compares repair costs if you try to DIY versus hiring a locksmith:

If any of these bigger issues pop up, don’t try to save a few bucks and risk a much bigger mess. Get it done right the first time and avoid spending double later. Sometimes, paying for the pros is the real cheapest way.