Rekey vs Replace Locks: Which is Better for You?

When important life incidents occur in your house, you want to be confident that you are safe. Updating latching systems is an important aspect of ensuring your home’s safety. You can get knowledge about rekey vs replace locks after reading this post. Changing a key can sometimes be quite enough to improve the security of your property. Changing lock systems is a better solution in other instances. How do you know if rekeying or changing locks is the better option?

locksmith with drill replacing a lock

The Difference Between Rekey vs Replace Locks

There can be some instances when you’ll need to update your locks. Homeowners should choose to rekey the locks before renting a place. Numerous householders like to change their locks after a break-in.

What Happens After Rekeying?

Rekeying a lock entails keeping the latching mechanism but swapping out the key that matches. The lock’s performance remains the same in this case, but the internal workings can be different. You can use a new key after that, but there is no need to change the entire lock.

When a skilled locksmith does a rekey lock in Oak Park, he’ll change the internal pins and hinges in the lock cylinder. When you see notches on a key, you know those patterns indicate the internal pins and springs of the corresponding lock. Because locksmiths arrange those elements in the same way as the key, you can use it to unlock the door. The rekeying procedure entails altering the operational aspects of the lock cylinder so that the old key no longer functions. But you can use a new key after rekeying process.

You’ll need to have the old key for the locksmith to rekey the lock. If you misplace your key, for example, if you have a duplicate key or someone else in your house has a key, you can still rekey your lock. Rekeying a lock even without the old key is possible, but it will need the locksmith to pick the lock. You may incur additional fees as a result of this.

Lock Replacement

However, replacing a lock necessitates a unique procedure. The contractor removes the entire lock physically from the door in this case. The locksmith removes the deadbolt and locking mechanism from the door and installs a brand new lock.

Most of the time, rekeying a lock is less expensive than changing it. In some circumstances, the rekeying process can reveal faults with the lock, necessitating lock repair and replacement in Forest Park.

High Costs For Lock Replacement

The price of obtaining your locks changed is substantially more than other choices because it involves not only labor charges but also the costs of new locksets. Clearly, the more complex and technological a lock is, the more expensive it will be.

When Do You Need To Rekey The Lock

A simple rekeying can be a good option depending on the type of your problem.

Rekeying a lock is useful in the following situations:

  • You misplaced your keys and have no idea who now has access to them.
  • You’ve just moved into a new house and have no idea who else has a key.
  • You have several different keys for locks at your home’s entrances, and you’ve given a spare key to a third person.

In most circumstances, a simple rekey is an excellent and cost-effective way to keep your house secure.

When Do You Need To Change The Lock

Other situations in which it is preferable to replace a lock entirely include the following:

  • When the lock is broken after a break-in
  • Locks that are old, rusty, or faulty
  • If you have a variety of lock designs and types.
  • You wish to replace your old lock with a new one.

It is not always important to change locks. In most circumstances, rekeying is a wonderful alternative for home security. However, you should seek advice from a competent locksmith to determine which solution is best for you.

rekeying

Rekey vs Replace Locks: What Is The Best Option For Commercial Buildings

Locks can be rekeyed or changed in a variety of buildings, not just residences. In reality, these possibilities should be considered by small buildings, offices, and others.

Rekeying or replacing locks is beneficial to a variety of enterprises, including:

  • Buildings with multiple tenants
  • Hotels
  • Institutions of finance
  • Supermarkets
  • Small businesses
  • Corporate offices
  • Retail Businesses

However, In a commercial environment, there are a few options for rekeying or changing a lock:

  • When the ownership of a property change
  • Relocating to a new office complex
  • When employees are laid off or dismissed
  • After a break-in
  • When locks are in poor condition
  • After renovating
  • When a building is old
  • Improvements of key technology

Rekeying or lock replacements in large office buildings can be difficult to coordinate. Set the date, notify staff or residents, and plan the key swap with your team. You can make this process go more smoothly if you plan ahead of time.

Rekeying a lock is a reasonable alternative in many circumstances. Replacing locks is important at other times, including when you would like to construct a master key system or update to an authentication mechanism. A competent locksmith can make this process go as smoothly as possible for you, your guests, or your staff.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *