There are a number of reasons why you may wish for the locks on your home to change. You may have just moved into the home and are unsure who all has keys to your door. Or you may have lost your keys and want to ensure no one uses your house key to gain entry. Regardless of why you want to change the locks, you have a decision to make. You can have a locksmith rekey the locks to your home or you can replace the locks. There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods. Getting answers to the questions you have about rekeying will help you decide if it is right for you.
What Exactly is Rekeying?
When a lock is rekeyed, a locksmith service is able to remove and replace the lock pins and change the tumbler configuration within the cylinder of the lock. If you look at any key, the shape of the key fits perfectly within the lock pins and tumbler that it is designed to fit into and turn the lock. When this configuration is changed, the old key will not turn the lock and open it.
After replacing the lock pins and changing the tumbler configuration, a locksmith will use a mold to create a new key. They will then give this key to you, helping to ensure you are the only person who has a key to this new lock.
What are the Benefits to Rekeying a Lock?
There are many benefits to rekeying a lock, instead of replacing the lock completely. One of the biggest benefits to doing so is that it is cheaper to rekey a lock. When a lock is replaced, you have to purchase new locks. Then a locksmith has to remove the old locks and install the new ones. All in all, this process costs more than simply replacing the pins and rekeying the lock.
Another benefit to rekey a lock is the amount of time it takes. While the process of rekeying a lock may sound time-consuming, it is actually a relatively quick process. It typically takes longer to change the locks than rekey them. If you want the key to your old locks to not work, but are in a hurry, having the locks rekeyed may be a better option.
The last benefit to rekeying a lock is that you are the only person who has a key to the lock. Typically, most door manufacturers produce master keys that can unlock their doors. These master keys are typically given to locksmith services, who can then enter and rekey locked residences. If you are worried about security, rekeying your lock gives you a custom lock that only you have a key to. This can give you peace of mind that your lock is secure and you are the only one with access to it.
Can I Rekey a Lock Myself?
Many home improvement stores sell rekeying kits. These kits include the pins that you will need to rekey your lock and the tools you need to modify the tumbler configuration. However, completing this project on your own can be time-consuming and this type of project is listed as being moderately complex. This means that this probably isn't a great project for the average do-it-yourselfer. The instructions for rekeying vary based on the manufacturer of your door lock. If you are handy and are considering completing this project on your own, read the directions on the rekey kit for your type of lock. If it sounds out of your realm, a locksmith service will be happy to help you.
If you are concerned someone may have a key to your door, and you want to ensure they can't enter, you have to decide whether to change the locks or have the locks rekeyed. Learning about rekeying will help you decide which method is ideal in your situation. Click here to find out more.
