If you’ve ever moved into a new place, lost your house keys, or fired an angry employee, then you’ve probably had to deal with a locked door. Most people are not aware that there is usually a much cheaper solution for all of these situations—rekeying them.
In this article, I’m going to explain what it means to “rekey” a lock, and more importantly, I’ll describe when it may be worth rekeying your locks instead of changing them. Why is this important? Because rekeying your locks can save you money every year. Some locksmiths take advantage of the fact that people aren’t aware of the differences, and instead of explaining the various options and costs to the customer, they push for the more costly option.
Rekey vs. Changing Your Locks: Which Option Is Better?
Rekeying locks
Rekeying a lock is the process of changing the internal mechanisms of the lock itself. Typically, when you rekey a lock, the core is replaced, the tumblers are moved or rotated, and the pins are changed. The difference between rekeying and changing the lock is that rekeying keeps the outside appearance of the lock the same. If you’re concerned with your door looking uniform and there is no reason to keep the same locks, then you should consider changing your locks instead.
Changing your locks
Changing your locks is the process of replacing the hardware on your door. People tend to choose this option when they are selling a home, they are renting out a property, or if they’re just sick of dealing with their old locks. Changing your locks will also change the outside appearance of your door.
Which is the cheaper option?
Rekeying locks is usually much less expensive than changing them. This is because you aren’t paying for complete replacement of the lock. Rather, the locksmith is changing out the core of the lock and providing a new set of keys. The locksmith will remove the lock from the door and then remove the old tumbler pack and replace it with the new one. This process is quick and very effective at improving the security of your lock.
Are both effective security options?
Yes. Both rekeying and changing your locks are very effective at providing you with a high level of security. The locksmith will check your lock and make sure that it meets all of the standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), thereby ensuring that there is no compromise in security.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that there are many variations of locking systems, and the only way to know for sure which is best for your situation is to consult with a locksmith. There are many nuances to locks, and as such, you should not make a decision based on price alone. Consult with a locksmith who can provide you with expert advice when it comes to selecting your system. If you’re unsure whether or not you should rekey or change your locks, call a locksmith to set up an in-home consultation.
If you need a locksmith service, come to Allied Lock and Door. We are a locksmith company specializing in locksmith services, door repair, door closer repair, service of safes, and access control.