Consider these reasons for changing your locks: The previous owner left a copy of their key with a friend, neighbor or family member. The previous owner lost a copy of their key or had it stolen without changing the locks. The previous owner still has a copy of their key that they did not turn over.
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.
Whether it's due to standard wear and tear, or to comply with changing security standards, it is standard practice to replace door locks every 7 years. However, if any of the previous instances occur, or you just want to upgrade the security or operation of your door locks, you can change them before this time period.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Changing Home Locks
A locksmith may charge $50–$75 per hour for this job, though a master locksmith may cost up to $125 per hour. Alternatively, they may charge $20–$80 per lock plus a trip fee. The overall cost for a new lock system can be anywhere from $50–$300. Deadbolts, garage-door locks, and spare keys cost more.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
To do this, locks throughout your home need to be the same brand or have the same type of keyholes to rekey. Before calling your locksmith, you can test this out by trying your keys in the locks you want rekeyed to see if they have the same keyholes. If they slide right in, you're good to rekey.