Your lock is the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your home. If you have lived in your home for many years, it may be necessary to hire a locksmith to rekey or replace your locks. What is the difference between them and what should I do?
Rekeying locks
Rekeying is a quick way to upgrade your locks, depending on the type of deadbolts that you have. If you already have a good lock, rekeying it is the best way to upgrade.
Locksmiths may tell you to replace your locks. Rekeying locks is a common solution. It involves changing the lock system so that a new key can operate the lock. A locksmith will replace the pins and tumblers in a lock so that it can be opened with a key. A locksmith can inspect the lock, and add lubricant for maintenance. Are you planning to rekey your locks? You’re probably in one of the following situations.
Locks that require more than one key
This will also reduce the weight of your keychain and eliminate confusion. All locks must have the same keyholes and be the same brand for this method to work. Before calling a locksmith, you can test this by inserting your keys into the lock that you wish to rekey. If the keys fit well, you can rekey it.
Moving
After moving into your new home, you don’t know who the owner of the keys is. Rekeying your doors will ensure that only you and your family have access to the house.
Lost Key
You are afraid that someone may find your key, and use it to enter your house. If you lose your keys, it’s best to buy a new set.
Concierge Services Change
You are changing concierge services such as housekeepers and babysitters that hold a duplicate of the key to your home.
Cost of Rekeying Lock
Rekeying locks can be more economical than buying a new lock, as you will only have to pay for the labor, and not the parts. Rekeying can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 on average.
Be sure to have your old keys. The locksmith can also pick your lock, but this will cost extra.
Can You Rekey a Home Yourself?
If you’re in a rush, rekeying your door lock is an easy task. The easiest way is to use a rekey kit, which comes with pins, keys and other tools. Rekey kits range in price from $10 to $25.
Don’t buy the first kit you see in the hardware store. Buy a rekeying set made by the company who makes your locks.
Change your locks
When you replace your locks, a local locksmith will install an entirely new lock and key. This is more expensive than simply rekeying locks because you have to pay for labor and hardware. The cost to change your locks is approximately $75 per hour.
Know how to change your locks?
It is possible to change your own locks, but only if you are in the right circumstances. In older homes, it may be difficult to replace locks. You will likely need professional assistance if you want to install a master key system for the entire house.
You can probably replace the standard lock in a modern home. The deadbolt will have to be removed and the hardware replaced. Test everything before calling it a day.
Why you should change locks
Do you have any doubts about whether to replace or not your lock? This guide can help you decide if now is the time to replace your locks.
Look different
If you want to update the appearance of your house, changing the locks is an easy task. You can create a uniform look by changing your metal hardware, for instance.
Switching Keyless Lock Systems
If you’re looking to upgrade to a keyless security system, then you will need to replace all of your locks. You can either hire a professional installer to install your lock, or you can follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Upgrade to Master Key System
You want to use the same key for all locks, regardless of their brand or type. You need to use one key for each lock. You’ll need to contact a local locksmith in order to set up the master-key system.
Use of an old or low-quality lock
It may be worth buying a new set if your keys become stuck and lubricating doesn’t help. Your keys may need repair if they have rust spots or broken or chipped pieces. If you have high-quality locks, rekeying may be an option.
FAQs
Should I replace my locks when I move into a new house?
After you’ve purchased your house, it is important to change the locks. You don’t know how many copies of keys the previous owner made. It’s a matter of privacy and security. You can either replace the locks on your own or hire a professional for between $50 and $100.
Which is cheaper: replacing the locks or rekeying them?
Rekeying locks is less expensive than buying new ones. A lock replacement costs on average $315. The cost includes both materials and labor. Professionals can rekey locks in an hour. Professional locksmiths charge about $75 per hour, and don’t need to replace any hardware.
How often should I change the locks on my home?
Every three years, rekeying is recommended to reduce the chances of someone breaking into your home. You can do more but it depends on the number of people who visit your house and how much foot traffic there is. Businesses rekey their locks regularly, every six to 12 months. If you’ve experienced a break-in or lost your key, rekey your locks as soon as possible. Rekey your lock if it is damaged.
This article was written by an expert at Unico Locksmith. Unico Locksmith is a local locksmith that offers a variety of services including residential and commercial lock changes, re-key services, automotive locksmiths, and locksmith qualified emergency situations. Contact Unico Locksmith to get the best emergency locksmith Lanham MD today!
