When To Replace Or Rekey A Lock
Replacing or rekeying your locks is not something that you should take lightly, as the process takes a fair bit of time and represents a disruption in your life as you have to give out new keys. However, there are a number of good reasons to either rekey or replace your locks. Knowing when to do so can help maintain your home's security and reduce the likelihood of a break-in.
When to Rekey a Lock
Rekeying a lock is when a locksmith simply changes the configuration of the already existing lock to accept a new key, which is much less expensive than replacing the locks entirely.
Moving In: When moving into a new home, it is always a good idea to have the locks rekeyed. This is not because the previous homeowners may return and kick you out, but rather because you do not know how many copies of your key are floating around out there. By rekeying the lock, you are preventing any of these potential keys from gaining access to your home in the future.
Break-ins: You should replace your locks after a break-in, even if they didn't go through the door. It's possible that, even if they forced entry through your windows or another avenue, they took a cast of your lock. For peace of mind and maintained security, rekeying your locks should be the second thing you do after a robbery, after you call the police.
Lost keys: If you've lost your keys, it's a good idea to have your locks rekeyed for security. While it is likely that you've simply misplaced them or they slipped out of your pocket, changing your locks can prevent anyone from finding your keys and letting themselves into your home.
When to Replace a Lock
Replacing the locks within your home is more expensive than rekeying the lock, but should be done in a few specific cases.
Malfunctioning locks: If you find that your locks are catching or not opening when they should be, or if there are any other problems (like your key getting stuck within your lock), there may be a problem with the lock itself, and it should be replaced.
Increased security: If you have suffered multiple break-ins, or simply want to increase the amount of security within your home, you can replace the locks on your doors to a higher grade, stronger model to keep your doors secured.
If you've rekeyed or replaced the locks on your home and feel the need for extra security, a home security system might be worth installing. Call a specialist like Amped Security for more information.
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