Re-Keying Your Door Locks
Re-keying locks
If you’ve ever moved into a new house, misplaced your keys, or had to terminate an unhappy employee, you’ve thought about changing your locks. Most individuals are unaware that re-keying your door locks is a far better and often less expensive alternative than replacing them. The budget locksmith will explain what it means to “rekey” a lock and, more significantly, when you should rekey your locks rather than change them. Why is this significant, you may ask? Because it can save you a lot of money every year. Some locksmiths take advantage of the fact that customers are unaware of the distinctions, and instead of discussing the various alternatives with the customer, they pick the more costly one for them.
What is the process of rekeying a lock?
While “changing a lock” is self-explanatory, simply referring to replacing an old lock with a new one, “rekeying” takes more explanation. Rekeying a lock implies changing the working key of the lock to a new key without replacing the lock itself. In other words, you maintain the same lock, but the old key no longer works. This is accomplished by disassembling the lock and changing some of the internal components (referred to as “tumblers” or “key pins”). Every series of key pins in your lock corresponds to a certain key pin, so when you replace those pins with other ones, you establish a new key that will now operate the lock. Despite how hard this may seem; it is a simple technique that should only take a few minutes if the proper equipment is used.
A current matching key is required for the locksmith to rekey a lock. Without the matching key, the only method to rekey the lock is to pick it open, and although this is normally not a problem for an experienced locksmith, it can often incur extra costs that may make it more costly than replacing the lock entirely.
Rekeying a lock does not affect its security or make it more secure. The number of pins included inside a wave is one aspect that contributes to its security. The lock will remain just as safe as before as long as the locksmith replaces the old 5 pins with 5 new ones. If you want to improve the security of your locks, replacing them with newer, more secure models is the way to go.
Because of the incredibly low cost of the key pins in the locks, rekeying is usually always significantly less expensive than replacing your locks. When you rekey your locks, you pay for labor; however, you pay for both labor and components when you have your locks replaced.
Keep in mind that all locks can be rekeyed built-in, so you won’t have to ponder if your locks are rekeyable or not. However, the method for rekeying various locks is not always the same and often necessitates special equipment. Some high-security locks, such as “Medeco” and “Mul-T-Lock,” need a specific set of tools and key pins to be rekeyed.
Rekeying is used not just to retire an old key but also to match more than one lock to the same key. For example, if your property has numerous locks and each lock has a separate key, which might be troublesome, you may wish to rekey the locks to match the same key. Remember that to compare two or more locks for one key; the locks must be of the same brand or have the same keyholes. If your key fits one lock but not the other, it implies that their keyholes (or “keyways”) are different and cannot be matched.
Why is it important?
Unless you are an expert at lock picking or specialize in this profession, it is difficult to open a lock if you do not have the key. But what if someone was able to get a duplicate of the key? Is it still unable to get the lock open? No, since he can now see the key pattern, which will enable him to construct a duplicate or have a copy manufactured. This is why re-keying your door locks is so critical. If someone wants to break into your home, they may make a duplicate and enter without your knowledge. If you detect missing items in your house or find your door locks open after you had previously closed them, it is a good idea to arrange an appointment with your local residential locksmith and get your locks rekeyed.
When should you rekey?
There are several reasons why you should think about rekeying your locks.
- When you misplaced your keys
One reason to rekey the locks is as follows: When you lose your keys, you will need an emergency home lockout service, but you will also require a rekeying lock service. - After you moved to a new home
Another cause is that you’ve relocated to a new residence. This protects your property from past tenants’ keys. - When a family member or friend moved out of your house
Someone who has just moved out of your home and has their keys. It might be a roommate, a previous lover or spouse, or a landlord. Rekeying the locks is in your best interests and safety. - When your lock has been picked
When someone has attempted to break into your house, or when the lock seems damaged from a possible burglary. It’s time to improve your security by replacing the broken lock.
When should you change your locks?
- You want your locks to have a different color or style. For example, if you moved into a new property and your locks are old and corroded, you may want to replace them with newer, nicer-looking ones.
- When you wish to improve your security and replace your locks with high-security or electronic locks.
- If you have locks of various brands Lock Change in your home and want them all to function on the same key, you will need to replace some locks so that all of your locks are of the same brand (or have the same sort of keyway), only then can you rekey them all to one key.
If you have one or more locks installed but do not have the key to them, you will need to assess the cost of a new lock vs. rekeying them without a key (which requires additional work) and make an educated choice as to which is most cost-efficient. Only if picking the lock and rekeying it costs more than the cost of a new lock should you replace it.
It is important to note that when you have your locks replaced, the locksmith should be able to provide you with at least a couple of locks that have a matching key. Most hardware shops will also match your locks for free if you buy them.
Can you re-key your locks on your own?
Re-keying your door locks requires not just knowledge and skill but also the purchase of expensive equipment. A professional pinning kit for rekeying most locks is much more than the cost of ten new basic locks. Another thing to remember is that if you attempt to change a lock manually and fail, there isn’t much harm you can do to the lock, but trying to rekey a lock and failing will almost always ruin it.
Some newer locks allow you to quickly rekey them yourself without disassembling them or hiring a locksmith. These locks, such as the Kwikset SmartKey and Schlage SecureKey, are becoming more popular as technology advances, but they are not without problems. So, if rekeying locks isn’t something you often do, I suggest keeping your usual locks on your door for the time being.
The Advantages of Re-keying Your Door Locks
Some people adore the appearance of their locks and want to keep them. The most significant advantage of re-keying your door locks and house locks is that you can continue to use your old hardware while using new keys. In certain circumstances, if a lock isn’t functioning correctly, you should replace it to offer yourself peace of mind by having a functional lock on a door. When it comes to commercial locks for business, you need a professional locksmith to assist you through the stages of implementing a master key system. A keypad lock for the company also facilitates simple access for managers and personnel.
Lock Rekeying and Lock Replacement in the Commercial Sector
Lock rekeying is already important in commercial and industrial settings. Employees left with the master key jammed locks after hours, and even break-ins have occurred. Budget locksmith of Virginia Beach has assisted several companies in securing their facilities by providing high-quality industrial and commercial locksmith services. Whether you have a restaurant with several workers or a factory that needs locks to be replaced, it is best to do it as soon as possible to minimize problems. We advise all company owners not to put things off until the last minute. If you use a lock regularly and it isn’t working properly, contact your local locksmith for assistance.
Budget Locksmith of Virginia Beach provides Rekey services in Virginia Beach. Call us for the finest rekeying services. We provide the best services and best rates.