Rekey or Replace Locks

Did you know that you may be able to save that old lock that you can no longer find the key for? Yes! You don’t have to throw it away. You can get it rekeyed. Many people do not know this. So, instead of keeping some of those expensive locks that are perfectly functional, you end up throwing it away because you thought it was not valuable. You don’t have to do this anymore. Make sure that you check your locks before throwing them away to see if they can be rekeyed.

Replacing and rekeying locks is nothing new. It has been going on for many years. It’s just that many people have never explored their options when it comes on to locks. As soon as something goes wrong with your locks or keys, you opt to get new locks. This doesn’t have to be the case. Hence, the importance of a locksmith. You could have gotten this advice so many times before. Nevertheless, it is not too late for you to start considering your options.

Rekey vs Replace Locks

Rekeying locks and replacing them are often options that homeowners and business owners are faced with. It also goes for car locks too. But, do you really know what it means to rekey a lock? The name says it all. Rekeying involves creating a new key for an existing lock. This service is very useful if you are unable to find the keys for a lock, whether they have been stolen or they got lost somehow. Replacing locks are a much simpler task. All you need to do is buy a new lock and install it.

When to Rekey Locks

There are several instances where it is best for you to rekey your locks. Although you can always decide to just replace the lock rather than rekey it, rekeying makes a lot of sense in many cases. Here are just a few instances where it is recommended that you rekey your locks instead of replacing them.

• You have lost your keys or they got stolen

  If you have lost your keys or someone stole them, it is not a smart idea to keep those locks around with those same keys. You never know whose hands your keys will end up in. If they end up in the wrong hands, you will be very vulnerable to criminal elements. Instead of going out to buy a whole new set of lock and keys, you can have a locksmith stop by and rekey that lock for you.

• Someone has your old set of keys but you don’t want them to access your property

  If you have just ended a relationship, you may not want that person to have access to your property- whether it is your home, business or vehicle. Although you can simply change out all your locks and keys, you should think about getting them rekeyed. This way, you can keep those high-quality locks that you already have installed but get new keys for them. those old keys will no longer work too. So, you won’t have to worry about those persons accessing your property.

• You just moved into your new home

  When you move into a new home, it is in your best interest that you change out all the locks that are present. You never know who has keys for all those locks. Think about it! Can you imagine someone opening your door and stepping inside because they didn’t know that the house has a new owner? That would definitely be awkward. Don’t run the risk of it happening to you. Get your locks rekeyed.

When to Replace Your Locks

If you got very attached to your locks and you loved the way they work, finding out that you have to replace them may not go down so well. Can you imagine, after getting familiarized with that locking mechanism you have to get it replaced? Not so great, huh? But, replacing locks can be completely necessary once you want to remain safe. Whether the locks are protecting your home, car or business, make sure you replace them promptly when necessary.

Not sure when you need to replace your locks? Here are a few suggestions.

• Your lock is damaged

  A damaged lock is never a good thing and there is no going around it. There is no choice but to have it replaced. Any damage to your lock will leave you vulnerable to burglary. Don’t delay getting damaged locks replaced.

• The lock is rusting

  Rust on your locks is not a good sign. Do you know why rusting occurs? It is a form of corrosion. Corroding metal on a lock? Doesn’t sound like a good combo, does it? Once again, you don’t really have a choice here. Rekeying is certainly not an option. Just get the lock replaced as soon as you can.

• After a break-in

  If someone attempts to break into your home, car or business, it is very important that you get a locksmith to check out your locks. In most instances, you will have some lock replacement to do. It is not a very wise idea to keep compromised locks on your doors. Rekeying won’t help either. The only option is to replace them.

Replacing or Rekeying Locks on Your Own

Some newer locks are now being sold with instructions on how to rekey them yourself. Are these locks any good? It’s up to you to take a chance with them. But, rekeying is a locksmith service that is best handled by the professionals.