When it comes to securing your home or business, one of the first things people think about is ensuring that their locks are working properly. Over time, locks may wear out, become damaged, or need updates due to security concerns. However, many homeowners and business owners face a dilemma: should they rekey their locks or replace them entirely? While replacing locks is often seen as the go-to option, rekeying offers a number of benefits that make it a more convenient, cost-effective, and secure choice.
In this blog, we’ll explore why rekeying your locks could be a better option than replacing them and why it’s worth considering before making a decision.
What Is Rekeying a Lock?
Rekeying a lock is the process of changing its internal mechanisms to run with a different key. The existing lock remains in place, but its internal pins and springs are rearranged to match a new key. The new key will thus open the door, while the old keys will not work. Unlike replacing a lock entirely, rekeying does not require removing the entire lockset or installing a new one. It’s a simpler, quicker, and more affordable process that a professional locksmith can do.
The Cost-Effective Solution
One of the primary reasons many people choose rekeying over replacing locks is the cost savings. While replacing a lock can be expensive, particularly if you need to upgrade to higher security models or replace multiple locks, rekeying typically costs a fraction of that amount. Rekeying involves only altering the internal mechanism of the lock, which is far less expensive than purchasing and installing new locks. If you’re looking to enhance security without breaking the bank, rekeying your locks is a highly economical option.
In addition to the reduced cost, rekeying offers another financial advantage. If you have multiple locks on your property, you can have them all rekeyed to work with the same key. This eliminates the need for carrying multiple keys, simplifying access and minimizing the risk of misplacing keys. Plus, it’s far more affordable to rekey several locks than to replace them all.
Enhanced Security
While both rekeying and replacing locks can improve the security of your property, rekeying offers a unique advantage when it comes to maintaining control over who has access to your property. If you’ve recently moved into a new home, for instance, rekeying your locks ensures that any previous occupants or people who might have had keys no longer have access to your property. This is especially important if you don’t have a complete history of who might have had access to the old keys.
Rekeying is also a great option if you’ve recently lost a key, had a break-in, or experienced a security breach. By changing the locks entirely, you might be introducing an entirely new set of vulnerabilities, especially if the new locks are of lower quality or are easier to bypass. Rekeying, on the other hand, allows you to retain your high-quality locks while ensuring that only the new key will open them.
Convenience and Time-Saving
Generally speaking, lock replacement is more time-consuming than rekeying. When replacing a lock, the locksmith needs to remove the old hardware, install the new lock, and ensure it fits correctly. This can take longer, especially if there are complications with the installation. On the other hand, rekeying simply involves adjusting the internal components of the lock, which can usually be completed within an hour or two, depending on the number of locks involved.
Additionally, rekeying does not require you to get used to new locks or adjust your home or business’s security setup. You can keep your existing hardware while still enjoying the benefits of a fresh set of keys. This is especially useful if you have custom locks or want to maintain the aesthetic of your existing hardware.
Flexibility and Control
Rekeying offers a level of flexibility and control that replacing locks doesn’t. For example, you may want to limit access to certain areas of your property by rekeying individual locks instead of replacing them entirely. If you’re renting out a property or have multiple tenants, you can easily change the access level of each tenant without the hassle of replacing the entire lock system.
Similarly, if you need to grant access to a contractor or temporary worker, rekeying allows you to control when and how they can access your property. Once their work is completed, you can rekey the locks again or even change the combination for added security.
Environmentally Friendly
If you’re someone who values sustainability, rekeying is an eco-friendly choice. Replacing locks means tossing out old hardware that may end up in a landfill. By rekeying, you’re reducing waste by keeping the existing lock in place and simply modifying it to meet your needs. This small step toward sustainability can be an important part of your overall effort to reduce your environmental impact.
When Should You Rekey Your Locks?
Rekeying your locks is a good idea in a variety of scenarios, including:
Moving into a new home:
If you need to know who has copies of the keys to your home, rekeying will give you peace of mind, knowing that only you and those you trust can access the property.
After losing your keys: If you lose your keys or suspect they’ve been stolen, rekeying the locks will ensure that no one can use the lost keys to gain access.
After a break-in: If your home or business has been burglarized, it’s a smart move to rekey your locks as a precautionary measure to ensure that no one else has a copy of the key.
Upgrading security: If you feel that your current locks may be outdated or no longer provide the level of security you need, rekeying can improve security without the need for a full replacement.
Key Benefits of Rekeying:
Cost-effective solution: Save money on expensive lock replacement costs.
Increased security: Ensure that only authorized individuals can access your property.
Convenience: Rekeying is a quick and easy process that doesn’t require installing new locks.
Control over access: Limit or adjust who can access your property with ease.
Environmentally friendly: Reduce waste by keeping your current locks and simply modifying them.
When Should You Consider Rekeying?
Rekeying your locks may be the right choice in several situations. For instance, if you’ve just moved into a new home, it’s important to rekey the locks to prevent previous owners or anyone else with a key from gaining access to your property. Similarly, if you’ve lost a key or had it stolen, rekeying can ensure that your home or business remains secure.
Other scenarios where rekeying may be the best option include when you’ve recently experienced a break-in or when you’re changing tenants in a rental property. It’s also a practical solution if you’re consolidating multiple locks and want them to work with the same key. Rekeying provides a quick, affordable, and effective way to upgrade security without the hassle of replacing all of your locks.
Conclusion
Rekeying your locks is a smart and cost-effective solution for homeowners and business owners looking to improve their security without the hassle and expense of replacing their locks entirely. By opting for rekeying, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your property is secure and that only those you trust have access to it. If you’re in need of expert locksmith services, whether you’re looking to rekey your locks or need assistance with any other security needs, Action Lock & Door Company is here to help. With years of experience and a commitment to providing quality, reliable services, we specialize in ensuring your property is secure and protected. Reach out to us today, and let us help you make the right choice for your security needs.