Locks are an essential part of home security, providing an added layer of protection against break-ins and intruders. While many homeowners may think that replacing their locks is the only way to ensure security, rekeying locks is a cost-effective and efficient alternative. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of rekeying your locks, including the cost savings and added security that it provides.
What is Rekeying?
Rekeying a lock involves changing the lock cylinder so that it works with a new key. The existing lock mechanism remains in place, but the old key will no longer work with the lock. Instead, the lock is reprogrammed to work with a new key. This process is much simpler and less expensive than replacing the entire lock.
Cost Savings
Rekeying your locks can provide significant cost savings compared to replacing your locks. Here are some ways that rekeying can save you money:
- Lower cost: Rekeying is often less expensive than replacing your locks entirely. It typically only involves the cost of a new key and a locksmith’s labor, which is significantly less than the cost of buying new locks.
- No need to replace hardware: Rekeying allows you to keep your existing hardware, such as doorknobs and deadbolts, which can save you money on replacement costs.
- Improved efficiency: Rekeying can be done quickly and efficiently, allowing you to save time and money compared to replacing your locks.
Added Security
Rekeying your locks can also provide added security benefits, including:
- Prevent unauthorized access: Rekeying your locks ensures that only you and authorized individuals have access to your property. This can prevent unauthorized access and help protect your home or business from break-ins and theft.
- Control access: Rekeying allows you to control access to your property by determining who has access to the new key. You can also change the locks again at any time to further restrict access.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that your locks have been rekeyed can provide peace of mind, knowing that your property is secure and protected.
When Should You Rekey Your Locks?
Here are some situations where rekeying your locks may be necessary:
- Moving to a new home: When moving into a new home, it’s important to rekey your locks to ensure that no one else has access to your property. You never know who might have a copy of the existing keys, so it’s best to rekey the locks to prevent unauthorized access.
- Lost or stolen keys: If you lose your keys or they are stolen, it’s important to rekey your locks to ensure that no one can gain access to your property using the lost or stolen keys.
- Change in occupants: If there has been a change in occupants, such as a roommate moving out or a tenant leaving a rental property, it’s a good idea to rekey the locks to ensure that no one has access to the property who shouldn’t.
Types of Locks That Can Be Rekeyed
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Deadbolts | Provides added security against break-ins |
| Padlocks | Portable and easy to use, ideal for securing gates and lockers |
| Mortise locks | Commonly used on exterior doors, with a heavy-duty construction |
| Cylinder locks | Commonly used on doors and cabinets, with a simple mechanism |
| Smart locks | Uses advanced technology for keyless entry and remote access |
Conclusion
Rekeying your locks is a cost-effective and efficient way to improve your home or business security. By changing the lock cylinder to work with a new key, you can prevent unauthorized access and control who has access to your property. Rekeying is also a great option if you want to save money on lock replacement costs. Whether you have deadbolts, padlocks, mortise locks, cylinder locks, or smart locks, they can all be rekeyed to provide added security and peace of mind. Don’t wait until it’s too late – rekey your locks today to protect your property and your loved ones.
