What are the benefits of rekeying?

Author: Janessa Goodwin  |  Last update: Sunday, August 20, 2023

5 benefits to rekeying your locks:
  • Suitable solution for many different situations. Rekeying a lock is the perfect solution for many different situations. ...
  • Quick fix to a security breach. ...
  • Doesn't require new hardware. ...
  • It's cost-effective. ...
  • Ability to change locks frequently.

Is it cheaper to replace locks or rekey?

Rekeying is usually cheaper, and it still provides you with a renewed sense of security. If you move into a new home or if your key is lost or stolen, rekeying your lock will almost always suffice. If your lock mechanism is beginning to deteriorate, however, consider changing the lock.

When should you rekey a lock?

When To Rekey Your Locks
  1. Moving Into a New Home: If you buy a home that someone else has previously lived in, it's a great idea to rekey the locks. ...
  2. Changing Older Locks: If you've lived in your home for a while, or if you've recently bought an older home, rekeying your locks is a great way to improve security.

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.

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.

What Is "Rekeying"?

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.

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.

How many times can you rekey with SmartKey?

Am I limited to how many times a SmartKey lock can be re-keyed? A: No, you can re-key a SmartKey lock as often as you'd like.

Can a deadbolt be rekeyed?

If your deadbolt requires a separate key from your entry doorknob, you can rekey it if they are the same brand. To rekey the deadbolt, remove it from the door and repin as you do a doorknob. Make sure the bolt is out and remove the screws holding the deadbolt to the door.

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 often should you change your house locks?

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

How often should you rekey your house?

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.

Can Ace hardware rekey 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.

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.

How much does it cost to rekey a deadbolt lock?

In general, prices average between $20 and $50 for a single lock and can cost up to $130 for a house. However, if you call a locksmith out on an emergency you can expect it to cost an extra $100 to $150. If you need to rekey your vehicle the price ranges from $75 to $180 for most locksmith companies.

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.

What is the difference between rekeying and changing locks?

Replacing a lock is self-explanatory: the locksmith changes your old lock with a new one. Rekeying, on the other hand, is a bit different – the locksmith replaces the working key of the lock but keeps the same lock. The lock is, however, taken apart and some parts inside are replaced (the “key pins” or “tumblers”).

Is Kwikset or Schlage better?

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.

Are keyed deadbolts locks illegal?

While there is no federal law prohibiting deadbolts requiring two keys, you could violate local codes if you upgrade to a double-keyed deadbolt on even just one door in your home.

What are the benefits of Kwikset SmartKey?

It protects against common break-in methods

Kwikset's SmartKey Security™ is designed to protect against these type of break-ins and keep your family safe. SmartKey Security™ also allows you to re-key the lock yourself in seconds, leaving lost or unreturned keys obsolete.

How safe are Kwikset SmartKey locks?

All SmartKey cylinders feature ANSI Grade 1 security, are bump-proof and highly pick resistant while also passing the most stringent security standards, UL 437, par 11.6 & 11.7.

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?

Can all door 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!)

Can Schlage locks be rekeyed?

Schlage locks with a cylinder, whether a mechanical lock or smart lock, can be keyed alike or rekeyed according to your needs.

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