Frequently, when people think they need to change a lock, what is really needed is to have their current locks repinned. Repinning is a process where the pins/tumblers of a particular lock are changed, so that the lock pattern matches a new key.
The primary advantage of rekeying a lock is that it saves you from having to buy a new lock and set of keys. Rekeying locks is a more cost effective and faster option than replacing them, which means it is also less of a security risk.
This easy-to-read and informative post, will give readers essential information regarding when to rekey a lock and how the rekeying process works.
When To Rekey a Lock
Locks are an essential part of security for every home, business, and vehicle. They can help keep people out, thereby preventing intrusion and helping to maintain privacy, or they can lock people in, preventing them from doing harm to others.
However, like any mechanism, they are subject to wear and tear and can fail to function properly. When a lock fails to function properly, you can either replace the entire lock and key. Another option is having the lock rekeyed, which is the less expensive and faster process.
While it is possible to rekey the lock yourself by following the guidelines here, this is not recommended. Since the lock is such a crucial part of security and the rekeying process can be challenging, it’s always better to engage the services of a rekey locksmith. A registered locksmith with the necessary experience and skills can quickly and safely rekey your locks, minimizing any vulnerability and effectively maintaining security.
Below are the common situations where rekeying becomes necessary.
1. You moved into a new home.
When transferring to a new house, one of the first things you should check is the lock system. Even if the previous owners handed over all the keys, there’s no telling who else may have had access to them before you moved in. Rekeying the locks ensures that only you and those who you share the new keys with will have access to your home.
2. The keys were lost, stolen, or misplaced.
When your keys are lost, stolen, or misplaced you may feel that you have no other option but to replace the entire lock. However, rekeying a lock is usually a more affordable and efficient solution. This is especially true if you’re worried about strangers finding the lost keys, allowing them access to your home.
3. You have new tenants or employees.
If you’re a landlord or a business owner, it’s important that you rekey the locks when you receive new tenants or employees. This will prevent anyone who had access to the old keys from being able to enter the property. In other words, rekeying a lock can help protect your property from theft and unwanted intrusion.
4. The security system is being upgraded.
Rekeying the locks is often a simpler and faster way of providing the required security improvements for your property. Even if you’re installing a new and advanced access control system, rekeying a lock will often be part of the process.
5. You want a single key for all the locks.
If you own a house that has several different locks and each one of these has its own key, this can prove to be inconvenient, especially in an emergency. Rekeying can solve this problem by making all your locks match the same key. For this to work, however, the locks should be made by a single manufacturer or at least have identical keyhole type.
How Rekeying Works
Although rekeying may appear like a complicated process, this does not necessarily mean that the standard locksmith rekeying cost will be beyond your budget. It’s even possible to rekey a lock DIY style, provided that you know the steps, and have locksmithing skills or experience. Indeed, if you do have the necessary skills and experience, DIY rekeying will save you money.
Below are the basic steps involved in the rekeying process:
1. Remove the lock cylinder.
Removing the lock cylinder is a process where a skilled locksmith removes the lock cylinder from the door. This usually involves removing the screws on the face of the lock, which allows the locksmith to slide the cylinder out of the lock housing.
2. Remove the old pins.
Once the lock cylinder has been pulled out of the housing, the next step is to remove the old pins from the lock. For this, a skilled locksmith will usually refer to a pinning kit, which contains all the necessary tools and lock components.
3. Insert new pins.
After removing the old pins, the new ones will be inserted into the cylinder. At this point, it is important that a rekey locksmith ensures that the new pins match the design of the new key that you will use to open the lock.
4. Reassemble the lock.
Once the new pins are in place, the lock is reassembled by sliding it back into the cylinder and reattaching the screws and all the other removed parts.
5. Test the new key.
Testing the new key is needed to ensure that the lock is working properly. To do the test, the key is inserted into the lock and turned slowly. To turn the key successfully and operate the locking mechanism, the key pattern (or the grooves) on the shaft of the key must align with the pins inside the lock.
Key Takeaway
A common concern of many is whether to rekey or replace the locks in their new homes. Rekeying is often more cost-effective, although this will vary according to the prevailing circumstances.
Additionally, replacing your old locks with new locks does not guarantee enhanced performance from your locking system, or increased security. The newly-installed locks will continue to work the way they used to but with no additional features. If you’re thinking of getting a more advanced lock security system, there are many professional locksmith companies that can provide this for you.
Unlock the secret to a more secured home with Alexius Denver’s Locksmiths.
If you want to improve the security of your home or office, rekeying is a crucial step toward this end. Rekeying assures that only authorized individuals can operate the locks and gain access to your property. Alexius Denver’s Locksmiths can perform this service for you at an affordable rate.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action today and contact our Denver, CO, locksmith team to assist you with the process. Remember that rekeying a lock can save you from security threats in the future. Protect your property and have peace of mind by calling us now.
