Perhaps you’ve just moved into a new home, or you’ve been in the same home for a while, at one point or another, you’re going to need to change one or several locks. However, it’s not always necessary to change your locks – rekeying is also an option.
How do you know which option is best for you though?
This guide will give you the answers you need.
When to Rekey Your Locks
If there is nothing physically wrong with your locks but you don’t want an old key to work anymore, rekeying is the better option. This is generally the case when someone has moved out or you have lost a copy of your key.
Another reason you want to consider rekeying is if you want all of your locks to work with one key – a master key. Just keep in mind that the lock brands will need to be the same to make rekeying possible across your home.
When to Change Your Locks
There are more scenarios that warrant a lock change, starting with the need to upgrade your locks. Many homeowners change their locks when switching to electronic or high security locks. If your locks are broken and outdated, changing the locks makes more sense than trying to repair them.
Then there are your general preferences. If you want all locks to be the same design and style, you will need to change the lock entirely. The same applies if you would prefer all locks to be the same brand. If you wanted to rekey all of your locks, you would need to replace a few of them, if not all of them.
What About the Cost?
In terms of cost, rekeying is almost always less expensive than replacing an entire lock. Unfortunately, when there is no other option but to change a lock, there’s no way around the additional cost.
On the plus side, with the help of the right locksmith, both rekeying and replacing locks can be a quick and painless process. Just make sure you do your research and find a local locksmith with the right skills, experience, and positive reviews.
Can You Do It Yourself?
It’s not impossible to change a lock yourself if you know what you’re doing and you have the right tools. Rekeying a lock is another task entirely.
To rekey a lock, you will need the assistance of a professional locksmith who knows what they are doing. Trying to rekey a lock yourself can result in lock damage, which will more than likely warrant a replacement, further driving up costs.
You could probably find the tools you need to rekey a lock online, but this doesn’t mean you should undertake this task. It’s always quicker and easier to get the assistance of a professional.
In closing, whether or not you should change or rekey the locks of your home depends on your reasons for doing so. If you are planning to change your locks and need product or brand recommendations, contact The Security & Lock Corporation Miami today.
