What Does It Mean to Rekey Locks? A Complete Homeowner’s Guide
When it comes to home security, one of the simplest yet most effective measures a homeowner can take is rekeying their locks. However, what is it to rekey a lock? It is not the same as substituting the whole lock system, as many people are misled by the act. Rekeying can be a relatively inexpensive method of improving security, gaining access control, and a feeling of safety, without necessarily purchasing new hardware.
Here, we will dissect all the information you should know about rekeying locks: what it is, how it happens, when we need it, and why it is the most suitable alternative in most cases among home regulations.
What Does it Take to Rekey a Lock?
It refers to altering the interior mechanism, in other words, altering the pins and tumblers within the inner mechanisms of the lock, such that the old key would cease to work. The lock can be rekeyed, and it can only be opened with a new key programmed to a new setting.
The external lock is the same, but inside, it is a different setup. This is a good way of making all the keys of the past irrelevant, thus giving you a clean sheet as far as who is allowed into your house is concerned.
Suppose it is a password reset. The lock is the same, but the combination in the lock is not the same as it used to be in the lock before; it has been changed to a new one.
Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks
The majority of house owners begin to think that it is the only option to ensure that lock security can be better used by changing the entire lock. Rekeying may prove more useful and less expensive than replacement may be necessary.
Rekeying will alter the inside of the lock, whereas changing will involve the deletion and installation of a whole new system of hardware. Rekeying is less invasive, faster, and cheaper since one uses his/her own locks. Replacement can be required, on the other hand, when your locks are old, damaged, or do not work with new keys.
Rekeying is the better and most cost-effective option in case you have good locks, but you wish to change their occupants.
The Rekeying Process: An Overview
Rekeying can be considered complicated, but it is not a difficult process for a professional locksmith. The following are the steps in which it works:
Removing the Lock Cylinder:
The locksmith will then unlock your door and pull the lock out, which contains the key pins.
Taking Out the Old Key Pins:
The cylinder contains little pins, each of which is cut on your key. These are carefully removed.
Inserting New Pins:
New pins are inserted, which correspond to a new key configuration. This is what alters the lock combination.
How do you know when to rekey your locks?
Some of the cases in which rekeying is a prudent act among homeowners include:
1. Moving Into a New Home
This is the most popular cause of people rekeying their locks. One is never sure who still has the keys to the old keys, the former owners, tenants, real estate agents, and contractors. With rekeying, you are the only person who has access.
2. Lost or Stolen Keys
When you may have lost your keys or you think they might be stolen, then rekeying the locks is good immediately. This helps to avoid unauthorized access and provides you with an immediate sense of peace.
3. Following a Breakup or Roommate Change
It is prudent to rekey locks whenever a person who had access to your residence relocates, be it an ex-spouse or a flatmate, or even a maid. It will be a minor expenditure on your security and privacy.
4. Upgrading Home Security
In other cases, owners of homes desire to make all their locks operate using a single key. This can be made possible with the use of rekeying, which will reduce key clutter and enhance convenience.
5. Turnover of Tenants
In the case of rental properties, rekeying between tenants is a necessary procedure to be undertaken to guarantee security. It is a precautionary measure as well as a good practice in property management.
Benefits of Rekeying Locks
Rekeying has a variety of practical and financial advantages:
1. Cost-Effective
It is much cheaper than changing all your locks. You receive the same rate of security and do not have to spend extra money to purchase new hardware.
2. Quick and Convenient
Most locks can be rekeyed in less than 20 minutes by a professional locksmith, and this would cause very little disturbance to your day.
3. Enhanced Security
Rekeying makes sure that old keys do not open your doors anymore, no chance of lost or duplicated keys being out.
4. Key Control
Rekeying can be used to ensure that the entry to your property is controlled. You will be aware of the precise number of keys and their owners.
5. Simplified Access
The different locks can be rekeyed to a single master key, and this can be the ideal solution in a large house or office with a lot of access points.
Home Rekeying and Hiring a Locksmith
Cases exist where the homeowners would want to find out whether they can rekey the locks themselves or not. Although DIY rekeying kits can be obtained, they may not necessarily suit all people.
DIY Rekeying
A DIY kit can also save you money, should you have some familiarity with the tools, and you have an idea of how the locks operate. Nevertheless, it is a process that is time-consuming and imprecise, and a minor mistake can cause harm to the lock or destroy the security.
Professional Rekeying
The cost of employing a locksmith ensures that there is knowledge, speed, as well as trustworthiness. A professional will make sure that the rekeying is properly done, the new keys fit, and the locks are strong. They are also able to test your locks and recommend improvements in case of wear and tear.
To a majority of homeowners, rekeying by a professional is worth the little money.
Final Thoughts
One of those unattended home maintenance tasks, which may prove to be ongoing, is rekeying. It is easy, cheap, and very efficient. You are taking an initiative towards securing your home, your property, and what is most important is your peace of mind, by getting to know what is meant by rekey locks and when that is required.
Amalgamated Locksmiths is a famous name in the drive and is known for its fast and reliable services. Some of their services include key cutting, master keys, electronic security, safes, lock change, lock repairing, and much more. They serve multiple locations, making it easier to access them. For more details, you can visit its official website.