It probably goes without saying, but you love the people in your home. That’s why you flip the locks every night before heading to bed – to keep them safe.
But even the strongest of locks can be subject to wear and tear, lost keys, or potential malfunction.
As professional locksmiths, we’re equipped to both rekey and replace locks depending on what the situation requires. Read on for an easy explanation of the difference, and tips for when you should reach out to us!
What’s the Difference?
Some homeowners don’t realize that rekeying and replacing locks are not the same thing. While both are fairly simple processes, understanding the difference between the two can help you determine which makes the most sense for your current situation.
Rekeying involves keeping the same overall locking mechanism, but the springs and pins that make up the interior of the lock are changed so that it will only work with a newly designated key.
Replacing the lock, however, means dismantling the entire assembly and installing a brand-new lock with its own keys. Both provide enhanced security for your home, but let’s dive into some specific reasons you may choose one option over the other.
When to Rekey
One of the primary times locks are rekeyed is following the purchase of a home. The new inhabitants naturally want to ensure they are the only ones with access to the house, so all of the exterior locks are rekeyed and given to the buyer.
We’ve all been guilty of occasionally misplacing our keys. Sometimes, they never turn up! If that’s the case, it can give you peace of mind to quickly rekey your doors so you know there’s not a lost set that could end up in the wrong hands.
When to Replace
In some instances, locking mechanisms are damaged beyond repair, meaning it’s not possible for them to be rekeyed. Normal use over time can wear down the lock until it breaks.
Other acute circumstances can cause damage to your door lock, such as blunt force like strong winds or accidents that compromise the integrity of the lock. Homes in humid and/or salty climates may find their locks need to be replaced more frequently to ensure proper functionality. In all of these cases, damage seems to warrant a full replacement.
If you’re replacing the entire door, consider that a good time to replace the entire lock. If the door is old enough to need a change, it’s likely the safety measures on it do, too. Plus, in some cases you can get a deal if you buy the pieces together.
Maybe you’re just tired of dealing with keys altogether? If that’s the case, you can consider removing your old lock and upgrading with a high-tech option, such as keypad entry. Just be sure everyone in the home is comfortable using it, and you have a backup plan for any outages that might affect the locking mechanism.
Overall
Whether you decide to rekey or completely replace your home’s locks, we have a team ready to make the switch quick and painless. If you’re not sure what the current state of your home calls for, then give us a call to speak with a certified locksmith for their professional opinion. We look forward to working with you and improving your home’s security needs!
Related Questions
Is it cheaper to rekey or replace a lock?
The cost to rekey or replace your locks will vary by situation, but as a general rule of thumb it is cheaper to rekey versus replacing the entire mechanism. Factors that will also affect your total cost include the number of locks found on your home and the complexity of the lock/mechanism to be rekeyed or replaced.
How long does it take to rekey or replace a lock?
Depending on the number of locks involved, we can typically complete a rekey job in a single visit, with each lock taking an average of 15-20 minutes to rekey. Replacement will take slightly longer, but unless there are an abnormally large amount of exterior locks, we can usually perform replacement in one to two days.
What about keyless entry?
Keyless entry is growing in popularity. It can be a smart choice for homeowners constantly misplacing their keys, or those who always seem to have their hands full as they approach their front door. Further, many keyless entrance options today can integrate with other smart home features, meaning you could control your locks from your phone when you aren’t even home!
Of course, one should keep in mind that, while providing enhanced security and convenience, these keypads will come with a higher installation and maintenance cost.
First Choice of Locksmith Services for Your Home and Business
Action Locksmith Inc has been keeping Michigan homes and businesses safe and up to date for over 30 years. We are a mobile locksmith service that does it all and is available 24 /7. So, if you have an emergency, we’ll be there. Our locksmiths are professional and trained in residential, automotive, and commercial locksmith services with vast experience, knowledge and a trusted reputation. Call us to learn more about how we can help!