If you have ever moved into a new property or misplaced your house keys, you’ve definitely contemplated changing your locks. Many consumers mistakenly believe that updating their locks is their only option.
However, most of the time, a much better and less expensive option is required: rekeying your lock. So, what’s the difference between rekeying vs replacing locks, and is it better to rekey or change locks?
Rekeying: What Exactly is it?
Rekeying is a quick and easy way to improve your existing locks. Rekeying vs replacing locks is the best solution if you have a high-quality lock that functions well.
Some locksmiths may advise you to update your locks. However, in many circumstances, you can simply rekey locks, which involves modifying the old lock mechanism so that a new key activates it. A locksmith simply changes the tumblers and pins in a lock to produce one that can be opened with a new key. To maintain your lock in excellent working order, the locksmith may evaluate its condition and add lubrication.
How it Works
A current match key is required by a locksmith to rekey locks. The only way to change the lock’s key is to pick it open. This is usually not a problem for an experienced locksmith, but it could lead to additional costs that could make it more expensive than simply replacing the lock.
Rekeying vs replacing locks does not totally affect their security. A lock’s number of pins can make it more secure. If the locksmith replaces five of the old pins with five, the lock will be secure and protected. If you wish to increase security, it is a good idea to replace the locks with more secure and modern versions.
Rekeying your locks can be less expensive than having them repaired because key pins are so inexpensive. It is only a one-time charge to rekey locks. You will be charged both labor and parts if your locks need to be replaced.
Keep in mind that locks can be rekeyed. Rekeying vs replacing locks can be difficult and require different tools. Rekeying locks like the “Medeco”, “Mul-T-Lock”, and “Medeco” requires special tools and key pins.
Reasons Why You Should Rekey Your locks
There are many reasons as to why you should rekey your locks. Here are a few of them:
- Your house has locks that require numerous keys. Rekeying every lock to the same key reduces the burden on your keychain and eliminates misunderstanding. To achieve this, all of the locks in your home must be the same brand or have the same sort of keyholes. Before calling a locksmith, validate this by putting your keys into the locks to be rekeyed to determine if they have the same keyholes. You’re ready to rekey if they fit correctly.
- You’ve just moved in and want to make sure you’re the only one who has functional keys. You don’t know who else has a key to your door after moving into a new house. Rekey your doors to ensure that only you and your family have access to your new house.
- You misplaced or lost a house key and are worried that a person would find it and use it to get access to your home.
- You are switching concierge services that have a duplicate of your house key, such as housekeepers or baby sitters.
Replacing Your Locks
A locksmith sets a completely new lock with a new key when you replace your locks. Rekeying vs replacing locks can be a bit cheaper. Replacing locks is more expensive than having your locks rekeyed is due to the probability of spending for not just the locksmith’s work, but also the components of a completely new locking system. Lock replacement costs about $75 per hour.
Reasons Why You Should Have a Lock Change
- You wish to change or upgrade the look of your lock.
- You are using a traditional deadbolt but want to change to a modern keyless lock.
- You have different locks and want them to all work with the same key.
- The key to your lock has been lost. It is more cost-effective to replace the entire unit than to pick a new lock.
- A low-quality lock or an older lock. Rekeying is an option.
- The hardware is corroding or rusty. If it gets stuck and the hardware has not been lubricated, it’s time for an upgrade.
If you have multiple locks that you don’t have keys for, it is important to weigh the cost and benefits of replacing them with new ones. You should only replace the lock if the cost of picking it and rekeying it exceeds the cost of a lock change.
The locksmith should be able to provide at least two locks with a matching key when you have your locks changed. Many hardware stores will match your locks free of charge when you purchase them.
Is it Better to Rekey or Change Locks
Rekeying vs replacing locks is a cheap and easy way to improve the security of your existing locks. If you have a high-quality lock that works properly, rekeying is the best approach.
If you already have them installed, rekeying vs replacing locks is nearly always a better alternative since it reduces the cost of employing a locksmith and can typically be performed relatively quickly, decreasing the time your business suffers a security risk due to lost or stolen keys.
Despite the benefits of rekeying over replacing locks in most cases, there are some instances when you will need to replace your locks rather than rekey them. Most organizations would update their locking system hardware in two situations: replacing worn out hardware and switching to a different security system or security vendor. There is simply no reason to change hardware in any other business or retail setting.
Hire a Professional Locksmith to Do Both
If you are planning to rekey or change locks, remember that these activities necessitate not just knowledge and skill, but also the purchase of pricey tools. Moreover, if you attempt to replace a lock manually and fail, you may do some harm to the lock. Manually attempting to rekey a lock and failing will also almost always wreck it totally.
To minimize such risks, always hire a highly recognized and highly regarded locksmith in Denver. Our skilled local locksmiths at Alexius Denver’s Locksmiths are are recognized for providing dependable, timely, and professional locksmith services, such as rekeying or replacing your locks. Contact us right away to avoid the time and trouble of having to do it on your own!
