Installing a new
Generally, it takes a professional locksmith between 10 and 40 minutes to rekey a lock. If you need multiple locks rekeyed, you'll want to plan accordingly as a locksmith is likely to require at least an hour for a job that requires more than one or two locks. The type of lock will impact the job.
Replacing door locks is a relatively simple DIY project. If you know your way around a basic screwdriver, you should be able to tackle it in under an hour. Full installation instructions come with the new locks and customer support hotlines are often available to answer any questions.
A lot of locksmith jobs such as fitting and changing locks can be completed within an hour, although repair jobs may take longer to complete. You can find the nearest locksmith in your area here all our locksmiths are fully vetted and inspected.
While the process of changing a door lock is relatively simple, there are few tips and tricks that will ensure your new front door lock works like a charm for years to come. We've laid out a step-by-step guide to changing your door lock, with all the tools and materials you'll need to get the job done right.
Installation and Labor
According to HomeAdvisor, a professional locksmith charges an hourly fee between $50 and $100 to change a lock, or $75 per hour on average. Other locksmiths may charge per project based on the number of locks, type of locks, and complexity of the installation process.
A professional deadbolt installation takes less than two hours. If you're going the DIY route, it will take a similar amount of time, depending on your familiarity with the necessary tools. Deadbolt replacements can be performed in just 15 to 30 minutes since all you're doing is swapping out the hardware.
The amount of traffic in your area can also increase your waiting time. There may be an accident on an important road, or rush hour can prevent a fast arrival. Distance also plays a large role in arrival time, so it's important to be aware of how far the locksmith is from your location.
While you get the keys to your new home at the closing, you can't know how many copies of the keys the previous owners had made and how many might still be floating around. That's why it's important to have the locks changed out.
If you have a quality lock, it can last for decades. So you should expect your lock to last about seven years. Door locks last longer when they are properly maintained. It is also essential to have the lock installed properly.
Changing the locks in your new home isn't something that comes to mind when considering a move. Many may even consider it an extra hassle on top of the moving process. As it turns out, changing locks is an easy DIY project that can take less than a day to complete.
It is usually cheaper to rekey the existing door hardware than to completely replace it. A lock rekey is great if you already like your current door knob and want a cost effective safety solution. Rekeying your hardware is a simple way to keep your home and work place safe and secure.
Keys and locks come in pairs, and of course, if one gets compromised, the entire security system gets compromised. Therefore, if you lose your home keys, it is recommended that you change your door locks as a security measure.
Even hardware store-quality locks can operate for decades, depending on the amount of usage. Most residential locksmiths agree the average lock's lifespan is about seven years.
Most locksmiths advise that a door lock should be changed once every seven years. However, this depends on a number of factors. If a lock is used rarely, it may remain fully functional for longer.
Simply shutting the door won't prevent burglaries. Double-lock the door every single time you leave the house. Modern multi-locking and uPVC doors use a system of hooks and latches to secure the door but these only work if you lift up the handle and then remember to turn and remove the key.
While you should never leave doors and windows unlocked when you leave the house (unlocked doors and windows are a common entry point for burglars), if you are locked out it never hurts to check, just in case. If this does the trick, that's great.
In practice, locksmiths that need to know how to pick locks likely will know how. But it is not as useful a skill as one would think in locksmithing. Time is money, so the only picking that is done is that which is profitable and worth it.
The Benefits Of A Locksmith
A major convenience of hiring a licensed and registered professional locksmith is convenience. Not only will the locksmith have the know-how of getting you back into your home or vehicle as quickly as possible, but they will also already possess the tools necessary for the job.
Hiring a pro to install a deadbolt lock generally costs around $50 to $100, but that's just for the labor—the full installation cost will vary based on what type of lock you choose. You can also save money by choosing to roll up your sleeves and install a deadbolt lock yourself.
Replacing an existing deadbolt lock is a pretty simple task, and does not usually require any special tools. In most cases, all you need to replace a deadbolt is a Philips head screw driver.
Signs of a tampered lock can be difficult to detect and often go unnoticed until it's too late. Signs vary from visible dents and scuff marks around the keyhole, scratches around the door handle, or even missing hardware from inside the door frame.