Rekeying Homes and Business: A Comprehensive Guide

Rekeying Your Home or Business

Every year, millions of homes experience break-ins. In fact, a burglary occurs every 30 seconds in the United States. A major reason for this vulnerability is outdated or compromised locks. Rekeying provides an effective solution, giving you peace of mind without the hefty expense of replacing locks. This guide will walk you through rekeying, explain when it’s needed, detail the process, and offer tips on maintaining your security.

Understanding Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks

Rekeying Explained

Rekeying is the process of changing a lock so that it can be operated by a new key. A locksmith changes the internal pins inside the lock, rendering old keys useless. This method is not only cost-effective but also time-efficient. On average, the cost of rekeying a home ranges from $125 to $185, depending on the type and number of locks involved.

Lock Replacement Explained

Replacing a lock means removing the entire locking mechanism and installing a new one. This is typically necessary if a lock can't be rekeyed due to damage or tampering. Lock replacement costs can be $200 or more. When weighing the cost of rekeying versus replacing, consider these averages: rekeying is usually much cheaper.

Choosing the Right Option

To decide whether to rekey or replace locks, consider these questions:

Are the locks damaged?
Are there multiple keys in circulation?
Do you prefer a new look?

A decision tree can guide you based on these factors.

When to Rekey Your Locks

After a Break-in

If your home or business has been broken into, rekeying is an immediate priority. Expert locksmith Jane Doe states, "Rekeying after a break-in helps restore a sense of security and control." It ensures that any old keys can no longer unlock your property.

Moving into a New Home or Business

When you move, you never know who else has keys to the property. Rekeying is a critical step to secure your new space completely. It’s a small investment for your safety.

Lost or Stolen Keys

If keys are lost or stolen, rekeying becomes urgent. Consider the story of a homeowner whose missing keys led to a break-in. They wished they had acted sooner to secure their property.

The Rekeying Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding a Qualified Locksmith

Select a reputable locksmith by checking:

Licensing and insurance
Online reviews
Background checks

The Rekeying Procedure Itself

The locksmith disassembles the lock.
Old pins are removed and replaced with new ones.
The lock is reassembled and tested with the new key.

What to Expect

The entire rekeying process usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, but complications can arise, such as needing replacement parts if the lock is severely damaged.

Maintaining Your Rekeyed Locks: Tips and Best Practices

Regular Lock Maintenance

To keep your locks functioning well:

Lubricate locks every few months.
Check for rust or wear.
Ensure the locking mechanism operates smoothly.

Identifying Potential Problems

Watch for signs that your lock may be compromised:

Difficulty turning the key
A key that gets stuck
Visible damage to the lock

When to Call a Locksmith

If you notice persistent issues or if a lock breaks, call a locksmith immediately. For example, timely maintenance saved a local business from facing further costs after a minor issue escalated.

Rekeying for Businesses: Additional Considerations

Master Key Systems

Businesses can benefit from master key systems that allow for multiple access levels. This not only secures different areas but also streamlines access for trusted employees.

Key Control Policies

Implement policies to manage who has access to keys. Regularly review who has keys and when they were last issued.

Security Audits

Conducting regular security assessments can prevent expensive burglaries. Research shows that businesses lose an average of $3,000 due to break-ins. Regular audits can help mitigate these risks significantly.

Conclusion

Rekeying your home or business locks offers valuable security benefits, protecting you from potential threats. The process is straightforward and affordable, requiring just a qualified locksmith. Taking proactive steps like rekeying, regular lock maintenance, and audits forms a solid strategy for safety. Reach out to a locksmith today to secure your space and enjoy peace of mind.