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Your locks are one of the first lines of defense when it comes to protecting your home. However, when a key is lost, a lock is damaged, or you move into a new property, you may wonder whether you should rekey your existing locks or install new ones. Knowing the difference can help you choose a solution that satisfies your security needs, budget, and situation.
What Does Rekeying a Lock Mean?
Rekeying reconfigures an existing lock so that it won’t open with its old key. The lock hardware stays the same, but a locksmith reconfigures the lock mechanism. Rekeying is a viable solution if your lock is still good, but you don’t want the previous key to work with it. If you’ve recently moved into a home and don’t know how many key copies exist, rekeying can be a great way to limit your access to every lock on the property without replacing them all.
Access Key & Security offers a variety of residential locksmith services to homeowners in San Antonio. This includes lock rekeying as well as other security solutions involving residential locks.
When Is Rekeying the Better Choice?
There are a number of situations where rekeying vs. replacing locks might be advantageous. If you have good locks that are working properly, then removing them just to change keys isn’t necessary.
After the following events, homeowners might want to consider rekeying:
- Moving into a home that was previously occupied
- Losing a house key
- Giving a key to a person who will no longer need access
- Attempting to prevent unauthorized copies of a key
- Wanting several locks to operate using a compatible key
A rekeying also has the added benefit of leaving your current lock hardware. The locksmith can inspect the existing locks first to assess their feasibility for the service.
When Should You Replace Your Home Locks?
Rekeying is not always the right solution. Some locks are worn, damaged, too old, or hard to operate, and a lock replacement will be a better choice for the long term. Home lock replacement will also make sense when you want to upgrade your property’s security. Homeowners, for example, might want to install newer deadbolts, electronic locks, key pads, or other new locking options. Residential locksmith lock services are provided by Access Key & Security, including electronic lock installation.
If your lock has been damaged as part of a break-in or is simply unreliable now, a lock replacement will surely ease the immediate problem as well as improve the durability and reliability of your house’s security.
Rekeying vs. Replacing: Which One Is Right for You?
The decision is largely a matter of the condition of your locks and why you need to alter them. If the hardware is in acceptable condition and your primary concern is restricting access to those who have a working key, rekeying can be a cost-effective solution.
Alternatively, if your hardware is damaged or simply obsolete or does not meet your security standards any longer, replacement would be perhaps the more sensible choice. In some cases, even a combined approach will be suitable. Some locks can be rekeyed while others replaced or revamped. Instead of pre-baking into your mind one or the other, have a consultant examine the locks and explain what is most sensible for your home.
Why Does Professional Home Lock Rekeying Matter?
Locks might seem simple when viewed externally, but the components inside need specialized tools and expertise to service correctly. Improper work can leave the lock difficult to manipulate or render the key ineffective.
Professional home lock rekeying also provides an opportunity to simultaneously assess and improve the condition of your locks. A locksmith can determine which parts have worn away and look for damaged components or other issues that can impact the security of your home.
Access Key & Security has offered residential locksmith services in San Antonio since 1985 and offers customized solutions specific to individual homes and situations.
How Do You Protect Your Home With the Right Lock Solution?
Rekeying and lock replacement both enhance the security of your house, but they have distinct uses. Rekeying is a solution if the hardware is solid, but you need to change access. Replacement is optimal if the locks are in disarray, obsolete, or simply require a security enhancement. If you can’t decide which provides the best approach for your home, a professional can properly assess your needs so you don’t replace hardware unnecessarily.
Do you require rekeying or replacement of your home lock system? Call Access Key & Security at (210) 829-5397. We can help! Our residential locksmith service is the solution you need for your home lock security.