Should I Rekey or Change My Locks?
When homeowners lose their keys, they usually opt to change their locks. Sometimes, they don’t understand that there’s a simpler alternative, which would be to rekey. While rekeying is the cheaper and faster option, there are other factors to consider when you need a new key and lock. We welcome you to contact Speedy Locksmith for advice before you decide to rekey or change your lock.
Rekeying Vs Replacing A Lock : A Professional Locksmith’s Perspective
Replacing your lock and key needs no explanation. You lose a key and you replace it. Rekeying is another matter altogether. The key is changed and the lock is dismantled and some components of the lock are changed. This includes the tumblers and key pins. Changing the key pins prevents anyone from using the old key on the rekeyed lock.
You should rekey your home locks - especially those on external doors - the moment you move into a new home. This offers you peace of mind as no one will have access to your home.
Realtors suggest this option to new homeowners. Some locksmiths collaborate with realtors to give clients a discount on moving-in services. Speak to your realtor to see if you qualify for a discount on your rekeying needs.
If you share a home with someone who leaves, you should rekey your locks. While the split may be amicable, it is nevertheless wise to rekey or change your locks. You never know where keys have been and who has had access to it via your ex-room mate. The last thing you want is to receive uninvited visitors who have access to your home.
You may share your home with loved ones, but it’s natural to want to restrict access to certain rooms or cabinets. For instance, children and strangers should not be exposed to your medication cabinet. Rekeying these locks is the safe route to take, especially if security has already been breached. Likewise, if you work from home, rekey your home office lock and safe, if you have a built-in, so your private matters remain private.
Master rekeying your locks allows you to use one key for many locks in your home or business. Another convenient option is to install a smart lock. This gives you full access, control, and overriding capability.
Is it cheaper to buy new locks or rekey?
Save yourself money by rekeying instead of changing locks. It is cheaper, because it requires fewer labor hours, it is quicker, and it involves less hardware. Locks do not appear outwardly to be in need of repair. A Locksmith will need to come to your home and do a thorough inspection of your locks and keys. This will require the locksmith to inspect and disassemble and remove locks where necessary.
A locksmith’s professional inspection will include checking for issues that might damage your lock or cause it not to work as it should. At Speedy Locksmith, we check for the following:
- insect infestation in your locks rust build up (this will cause corrosion and decay in the lock)
- Widening or signs of splitting apart
- tumbler spring (if the top spring drops, it could twist around the plug)
- Grinding (if the key grinds when you turn it in the lock, it means metal burrs have formed)
- Chipping in the housing
- Shape (if plug’s lock pinholes are oval instead of round)
- Wear and tear
If any of the above situations arise, it is best to replace the hardware
Can existing locks be rekeyed?
It seems you can buy anything online these days, including rekeying kits. Rekeying kits promise to allow you to rekey your locks like a professional. These kits work for almost all brands, however, only the most expensive kits are interchangeable. If you’re strapped for cash, you will need to buy a kit for every lock that requires rekeying in your home.
Unless you have experience with security technology, we recommend you rely on a professional locksmith for your home and business locksmithing needs. Don’t put your family’s safety at risk. Rather call the professionals at Speedy Locksmith in Denver for 24/7 service.