Rekey Locks or Change Locks: Which Is Better and How a Locksmith Can Help

Break-ins happen all the time. In fact, in 2018, there was one burglary every 25.7 seconds in the United States.

The best way to keep unwanted intruders out of your house is to lock your doors, but your current locks may not be up to the task.

If you’re looking to improve your home’s security measures, rekeying or replacing your locks is something you should consider. However, deciding whether you should replace or rekey locks on your property can be tough.

Here’s what you need to know about both options so you can make the right choice for your home.

What Happens When You Rekey Locks

When you decide to rekey your locks, you keep the systems that are already installed at your home. Instead of switching out the entire lock mechanism, your locksmith is able to change the way keys fit inside the lock.

Most standard residential locks have sets of pins inside the mechanism. These pins get pushed into place by your key which then makes it possible for the lock to move. Rekeying involves resetting the pin arrangement so it works with a new key instead of your old one.

Keep in mind that your locksmith will need to have your old keys on hand to start the rekeying process. If you can’t find your keys, they may need to pick the lock, which can take extra time.

Why You Should Consider Rekeying Your Locks

The biggest benefit of rekeying is that you’re able to keep your current locks. This is ideal if you love the way they look, but more importantly, it can save you money.

Instead of buying an entirely new lock for each exterior door in your house, you’ll just have to replace the keys. Your locksmith can even rekey locks so you can use a single key to open every door. If you’re looking to simplify your life and get rid of non-matching keys, rekeying is your best option.

Rekeying also boosts your home security. It renders any old keys that may have gotten lost or given to people you no longer talk to completely unusable. Unless someone has a copy of the new key, they won’t be able to get into the house.

Rekeying Is Fast But Limited

For most homeowners simply looking to replace their keys, rekeying a lock will be enough and the process will be over in a matter of minutes. It’s fast, affordable, and easy for an experienced locksmith to handle.

However, it may not dramatically improve security on your property. If the lock is currently damaged or not working well, rekeying may not be enough to fix those problems.

The best thing you can do is talk to your locksmith. If they recommend investing in a new lock rather than rekeying, listen to their advice.

What Happens When You Replace Your Locks

When you decide to replace a lock, your current locks get removed from the doors completely. This means the housing, strike plate, and fittings must all get upgraded and replaced with new models.

None of the components of your old locks will get used in the new setup.

To replace the lock, your locksmith will first remove your existing locks from the doors. They’ll then inspect the installation area for wear and tear and can make any necessary changes to ensure that the new locks fit perfectly.

Once installed, you’ll receive a set of new keys that work with your new locks and can throw out the old keys once and for all.

When You Should Replace Instead of Rekey

Since replacing locks involves installing entirely new systems, it’s the perfect option for homeowners who want to upgrade the security at their home. New locks are often higher quality and work more effectively to keep intruders from breaking into your home.

They also give you the chance to upgrade the look of your home’s exterior. If you’re considering installing new doors or just aren’t happy with the way your old locks look, replacing is your best option.

How to Decide Which Is Best for You

Ultimately, the choice to rekey or replace your locks is up to you. Before you make a decision, think about these key things:

Your Budget

Rekeying your locks is almost always going to cost less than replacing them. Instead of buying entirely new hardware and paying for the installation, you’re just paying for the cost of the service and however many new keys you want for the lock.

Think about how much you’re willing to pay before you make your choice. If money isn’t an issue, replacing your locks may be a better choice for your needs.

Why You’re Ready to Replace or Rekey

What’s driving your decision to rekey or replace your locks? Have you just lost your keys and want to replace them or does it look like someone tampered with your lock and tried to break in?

By identifying why you’re worried about your locks, you’ll be better able to decide which service you need.

Always Leave It to a Professional

There are many tutorials on the internet that tell you how to rekey or replace your locks, but that doesn’t mean you should try to do it on your own. Remember, your locks are what keep your home and your family safe.

If they’re not installed properly or rekeyed correctly, they won’t be effective.

Instead of trying to handle the task on your own, always leave it to an experienced locksmith. As an added bonus, they’ll be able to help you decide whether rekeying or replacing your locks is the best choice for your home and your budget.

Don’t Leave Your Home Unprotected

Your locks are your home’s first line of defense against unwanted intruders. The last thing you want to do is leave things up to chance.

Whether you’re looking to replace or rekey locks at your house, you’ll need an experienced locksmith to get the job done right the first time. Don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let our team boost your home’s security.