You don't need to change your locks every few months — unless that's how often events above happen to you. Consult with a locksmith to see if your locks should be updated. You can prevent having to change your locks frequently by taking some precautions like: Only give your key or copies of it to people you trust.
Over time, they will need replacing so that they can function correctly, without any problems and to the latest home security standards. It is recommended that you change your locks at least every 7 years, however, you can change them more frequently for your peace of mind or to simply upgrade.
Most locksmiths advise that a door lock should be changed once every seven years.
It's common to believe a door lock will always work. 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.
Usually, new homeowners to want their door locks changed as soon as possible, but we recommend waiting a day after closing to schedule the service.
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.
Homeowners most often rekey a door lock when the same lock needs to be used with a new key, or when the original key is lost or stolen. Changing a lock, on the other hand, involves replacing the entire locking mechanism with a new one. A locksmith swaps out the full lock assembly in the door for a new one.
Deadbolts
Deadbolts are arguably one of the most popular door lock types, and they are widely used in many residential properties. Due to their popularity, they are also a common fixture in commercial spaces.
That's a question most property owners will have to confront eventually, as even the sturdiest lock is eventually going to wear out. It might start sticking. The bolt may not line up with the strike plate. The pins inside the lock may be bent or warped.
A quality lock can last for decades, but there are situations where you may want to install new locks. In a previous blog, we discussed the importance of replacing your locks if they are no longer aesthetically pleasing or if they're worn out and not keeping your home safe.
Yes, a higher price can ensure a higher quality of the lock's material and the mechanism itself. In this way, your lock will have a much higher resistance level than a cheap door lock. In addition, even the appearance of a higher-quality and cost-effective door lock can cause thieves to bypass your door.
It doesn't latch or lock right
Obviously, if your door hardware is broken – your toddler pulled the lever off the door, you can't get the key in or out of the deadbolt – it's time to replace it.
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.
Changing the locks (also referred to as rekeying the locks) on a new home is always a good idea, since you really can't be sure who has access to the property otherwise.
As it turns out, changing locks is an easy DIY project that can take less than a day to complete. Moreover, if safety is a concern, but you're limited on time, you could hire a professional locksmith to replace the locks.
Choosing when to rekey locks for your home is different from that of a business. For residential homes, locks should be changed at least every three years. Of course, there are certain situations in which you should rekey your locks immediately.
Basic Cylinder Locks
Deadbolts use a solid piece of metal to secure the door, while standard cylinder locks use a spring to help make it easier to lock the door. Unfortunately, the spring does not provide much security and it can easily be forced. Deadbolts, however, are still vulnerable to lock picking.
Prices for deadbolt locks are typically between $25 to $300 depending on the the quality. Deadbolt installation typically costs between $75 to $400, depending on if you do it yourself or hire a professional to help you.
Due to the nature of the mechanism, a deadbolt will always be more secure than a doorknob. If you're reading this from home I encourage you to do a simple test: If you have a door with both a deadbolt and a doorknob, open it and then lock both locks while the door is open.
Schlage and Kwikset are two of the most popular lock manufacturers on the market. Both brands make excellent locks that homeowners can easily install, but Schlage locks tend to offer higher security and reliability and are trusted by big businesses.
Best High-Security Door Lock
CR's take: The Medeco Maxum 11TR503-19 is the strongest deadbolt across all of our lock categories. It's top-notch for drilling, withstands kick-ins very well, and is designed in a way that makes it quite difficult to pick.
Having your locks keyed alike is very beneficial if you want to open & close all your door locks with one key.
But, while most homeowners already have the tools they need to change locks, rekeying them can require special tools, and those can be expensive. That's why it's easier for most homeowners to hire a locksmith to rekey their locks.
We rekey Kwikset and Schlage locks at a fraction of the price of having to replace your locksets. We can also create a 'master key' for superintendents or landlords that need access to multiple units without carrying a hundred keys. We also key Masterlock padlocks to an existing Masterlock key.