Is it better to buy new locks or rekey?

Author: Autumn Haley  |  Last update: Sunday, December 10, 2023

One of the major benefits of rekeying a lock is that it is much cheaper than replacing the entire lock. The cost of rekeying a basic lock ranges from $20-$60. More complex locks might cost a bit more to rekey, but it's still a reasonably small price to pay for home security and peace of mind.

Is it better to rekey or change locks?

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.

Should I change locks after buying a house?

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.

How often should you change your house locks?

Most locksmiths advise that a door lock should be changed once every seven years.

Can you rekey a lock without replacing it?

Yes, the original key is necessary to use a rekey kit when rekeying a lock. If you do not have the original key, you can choose to hire a locksmith to make a new key or you can replace the lock.

Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks? | Mr. Locksmith™ Video

Can existing door locks be rekeyed?

Rekeying Your Locks

Some locksmiths may tell you that you should change your locks. But in many cases, you can just rekey them, which means changing the existing lock system so a new key operates it. A locksmith simply replaces the tumblers and pins to create a lock that can be opened by a brand-new key.

How long does it take to rekey a lock?

Rekeying a lock generally takes about 15 minutes, but this depends on the type of lock as well as the skills of the person working on it. The most time-consuming part of the process is removing the lock from the door – the actual rekeying is much simpler. If it's simple, should you rekey your lock yourself?

Are expensive locks worth it?

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.

How long does it take to change locks on a house door?

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.

What is the lifespan of a door lock?

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.

What not to do after closing on a house?

What Not To Do After Closing On A House: Avoid Common Mistakes
  1. Don't Forget To Call A Locksmith. ...
  2. Don't Skip Following Up On Your Home Inspection. ...
  3. Don't Refinance Right Away. ...
  4. Don't Lose Track Of Important Documents. ...
  5. Don't Forget To Update Providers With Your New Address. ...
  6. Keep An Eye On Your Credit Score.

How much does it cost to have a deadbolt installed?

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Deadbolt Lock? Deadbolt installation typically costs between $40 and $200, including the lock and installation equipment, but the price varies by several factors.

How much does labor cost to replace door locks?

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.

What are the benefits of rekeying?

Here's a rundown of six benefits of rekeying your door locks.
  • Fixes a Security Breach Quickly. A security breach is one of the primary reasons you should consider rekeying your door locks. ...
  • Cost-Effective. ...
  • Allows for Master Key Option. ...
  • Ability to Change Locks Frequently. ...
  • Maintains Your Home's Aesthetics. ...
  • Customized Locks.

Should I key all my locks the same?

Keyed alike means one key fits all locks, for example your front and back door locks can both use the same key or every lock in an office can use the same key. Having your locks keyed alike is very beneficial if you want to open & close all your door locks with one key.

What are the benefits of rekeying your locks?

7 Benefits of Rekeying Locks
  • Different situations. There are a variety of reasons why you would want to update the locks on your home or company. ...
  • Fixes a security breach. ...
  • No need for new hardware. ...
  • Cost-effective. ...
  • Customized. ...
  • Master key. ...
  • You can change locks differently. ...
  • Wrapping up.

Can I change my locks myself?

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.

When should locks be changed?

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.

Should I change my door locks?

It's a good idea to change the door locks when you move into a new home – even if the house is new construction. You never know who had access to the home before you and whether they made a spare key.

What grade is best on door locks?

A lock's security is denoted by its American National Standards Institute (ANSI) grade, with Grade 1 the most secure and Grade 3 the least. A builder-quality tubular lock will likely be a Grade 3, a good-quality handleset a Grade 2.

Are combination locks better than key locks?

Since they don't contain dials, keyed locks offer a superior level of security when compared to combination locks. Unless a thief has the key, he or she won't be able to open it. Furthermore, keyed locks are better protected against shimming than combination locks.

Can you rekey multiple locks with same key?

It's time to replace the locks. If you don't feel confident rekeying your lock and can't find someone to do it for you, then you'll need to change them. To rekey locks to use the same key, all of them must be from the same manufacturer.

What are the easiest locks to rekey?

Although there are many different types of locks, today we're going to talk about rekeying a pin and tumbler lock. This is the most common and one of the easiest types of locks to rekey aside from old-school locks.

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