The doors to your home are the gateways of your security. Your family and your possessions are protected by the locks and the security systems in place. When you leave to go to work, run errands, or visit friends, you want to have confidence that the lock you have in place is safe. There are certain circumstances when you might need to have your locks rekeyed.
So, what are the signs of needing to rekey your locks?
You need to rekey your locks if you have recently moved or if a roommate moved out, if you want uniformity with all your doors, and if you feel your security has been compromised.
Rekeying your locks allows you to keep the existing hardware and doorknobs but requires a new key for access, so it strengthens your security. The old keys will no longer work but there is not the added expense of having to replace all the hardware.
So, When is it Better to Change the Locks Instead of Rekeying?
Changing your locks can be a better choice than rekeying in a variety of situations. If the integrity of the doorknob or any part of the hardware is damaged or compromised, then rekeying may not be enough to ensure safety. Replacing the lock is a better option because you will be confident that the lock will be secure. Locks can become damaged from weather, vandalism, or simply from old age.
Another reason to change your locks is if you would like to have one key to work on all your doors and the existing door locks are from different manufacturers and cannot be made uniform by rekeying. It may be easier to have one key for all your doors and worth the effort to replace the locks with a system that works on all of them.
The third reason is for cosmetic purposes. The doorknob and plate are major features of any door, and if you are remodeling or looking for an easy way to create a new design for your entryways, then changing your locks is one option.
How Does Rekeying Work?
When your lock is rekeyed, the interior mechanisms are changed so they no longer match the old keys. This means that no matter who still has copies of the previous keys, they will not work, and your home is secure again. Only the interior pins are different, so there is no additional cost for a new doorknob or hardware.
Rekeying your locks is a great idea if you have reason to believe someone stole or copied your keys and the locks themselves are still in good shape. You can sleep well knowing only you, and whomever you gave copies to, can unlock your doors with the new keys.
Related Questions
Which Types of Locks Can be Rekeyed?
Any type of lock can be rekeyed. If the interior mechanisms are not broken, then they can be rekeyed. If it is broken, then replacing the lock is the best course of action. If you have a lock that is not working properly and you suspect it is not broken and just jammed, then schedule an inspection with a locksmith to determine the cause.
What Should You Do if You Lose Your Key?
If you lose the key to your home, you should have the lock rekeyed. This will ensure your safety because you do not know who might find it and what they might do with it. It is important to always know where the copies of your keys are, so you know who has access to your home. Just like if your key is stolen, you do not need to have the whole lock replaced, you just need to have it rekeyed.
Assistance from a Locksmith
You should be able to look at your key as a safety feature for your home and be confident that only the people who should have access to your family and possessions have a copy. If you move into a new home or have safety concerns, having the locks rekeyed is a great idea. Replacing the locks is necessary to stay safe if they are damaged or if you want to upgrade to a uniform system. In either case, having properly working locks and keys is a crucial part of maintaining safety for your home.
A professional locksmith that is local and experienced can help with any door and lock issue you may be having. Action Locksmith in Michigan is a reputable and dependable locksmith that has an established business backed by referrals. Our locksmith services include residential as well as commercial locksmith needs. Call us anytime, our dedicated locksmith team is available 24/7 to meet all your lock and safety needs!