Should I rekey my locks?

Author: Piper O'Conner II  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Lock mechanisms can get dirty and worn down over time, which leaves them vulnerable to break-ins. Rekeying older locks is a great way to decrease the chances of successful tampering. You've Lost Your Keys: If you've lost your keys, rekeying your locks is paramount to the continued safety of your home.

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.

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 rekey my new house?

If you've moved into a new home for the first time, rekeying your locks can be an affordable way to guarantee that no one but you and your family has keys to your new home. You never know who may have obtained keys to your home from the previous owner and how many copies of those keys have been made.

Should I change my locks if I lost my house keys?

Your door needs to be as solid as your security system to work hand in hand. The final verdict in the argument of whether you should get your locks changed or not after losing your keys is this: yes, you should! That's what we as professionals recommend and that's what should be done, essentially.

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

Should I change all the 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.

Should all house locks be keyed alike?

Having your locks keyed alike is very beneficial if you want to open & close all your door locks with one key.

How long does a rekey take?

You may choose this service for various reasons, like if you lose your house key and are worried about a stranger gaining entry. In any case, it will likely take the locksmith around 10 to 40 minutes to rekey each lock since they will be replacing the old lock pins with new ones.

How long does it take to rekey a door 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?

When should I change my locks in my new house?

When you move into a new home, you should change the locks on your house. You have no idea how many copies of the house keys are floating around out there from the previous homeowners, so changing the locks will keep your new house more secure. Tom recommends changing the locks whenever a new home is purchased.

Is it difficult to rekey a door lock?

Rekeying a lock is a common task for a locksmith, and this simple project only takes about 30 minutes to complete. The only tools you'll need to rekey your lock yourself are a rekey kit and the current key to the lock. This saves considerable money, especially when you need to access multiple locks with the same key.

Can all locks be rekeyed?

Re-keying kits are available for most lock brands but they're not interchangeable. You must buy a kit for each brand of lock in your home. (If you're lucky, they'll all be the same brand!)

How many times can you rekey a smart lock?

How many times can I re-key my lock? Unlimited amount of times. All you need is the Smarkey Security tool.

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.

Can I rekey a lock without the original key?

Yes, it is possible for you to rekey a lock without the original key. A locksmith can change your locks even if you have lost or misplaced the original key. In general, it is possible to pick or shim the lock and unlock the door. Then, the locksmith will have a much easier time removing the lock cylinder.

Can I rekey my locks myself?

If you're in a pinch, it's relatively easy to rekey your door locks on your own. The easiest method is to purchase a rekey kit, including pins, keys, and various other tools. Rekey kits typically cost $10 to $25 each. However, don't buy the first rekey kit you find on the hardware store shelf.

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.

Can you change a lock without changing the door knob?

If you love your existing knobs and don't want to replace the entire set, you can simply rekey the lock with a kit labelled for its brand. Have no fear if your knob lock is fine, but your deadbolt needs to be replaced. Changing a deadbolt is even easier than switching out your knobs.

How do you make all locks the same key?

Pick the key you like the best (or have the most of) and have all the other knobs keyed to it. Remove the locks that need to be rekeyed and take them to a locksmith or a hardware store. Bring a key that works each of the locks and the key you want all the locks keyed to and give us five minutes a lock.

What is the most common house door lock?

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.

What is the most common type of house lock?

Deadbolts are unarguably one of the most popular type of door locks, and they are widely used for residential properties. They are opened by turning a knob or key without the use of a spring.

Should you have two locks on front door?

The answer: One sturdy lock is enough to secure a front door. If installed correctly, a high-quality lock is all you really need. You always have the option of adding a second lock as an extra layer of protection — but there are potentially more productive measures to take.

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