Whether you’re a professional locksmith, a hobbyist, or just a person interested in DIY, security can’t be overrated. Moving into a new home or opening new business premises can be a good time to think about rekeying your locks. After all, you don’t know who could still have keys to the property. If you’ve recently been burgled, or if there’s been a number of property break-ins in your area, rekeying your locks can give an extra element of safety for you and your possessions.
Benefits of Rekeying
Getting your locks rekeyed may seem like a long, expensive process. Of course, there’s always plenty of reasons not to do something, and in the case of rekeying, there are plenty of benefits to consider.
Security
The number one benefit to rekeying your locks is security. For example, if your work premises contain expensive machines or money is kept onsite, you may want to consider updating your security. Rekeying can be a good idea if you’re moving into a new home, as copies may have been made by the previous owners, handed out, and forgotten about.
Unfortunately, this isn’t an unusual occurrence. Many homeowners hand out spare keys to friends, neighbors, and partners, in case of emergencies or house-sitting services. These spares can be forgotten, leaving a stranger with a key to your home.
A quick and inexpensive process
Rekeying isn’t the same process as changing the locks. A good locksmith can get the job done quickly, and the cost of the service won’t break the bank. While you’ll still need to pay for the labor, you won’t need to pay for a new lock system itself.
What Does Rekeying Involve?
Rekeying isn’t the same as just changing the whole locking system, however, the result is the same. No one’s key will work but yours!
First, a locksmith will remove the lock body, and open up the cylinder. This gives them access to the key pins, which they can then manipulate and adjust to fit a new key.
If you decide to go for a full lock replacement instead, costs can quickly mount up. You’ll need to pay for a new lock for each door, as well as paying labor costs. Rekeying, on the other hand, simply adjusts the current locking system.
Tools of the Trade
If you have experience as a locksmith, you may even be able to rekey your doors yourself. This can save a lot of money, and it’s a skill that you can take with you anywhere you go.
Investing in a good rekeying pin kit such as Schlage Re-Keying, Pin Kit With Tools can be surprisingly inexpensive. You can easily pick up a complete rekeying tool kit for under $50, and it can be used over and over again during your lifetime.
In conclusion, rekeying is a cheaper and easier option than a full lock change, but it still offers the same security. Keeping ourselves and our valuables safe can cause a lot of worries, but knowing that no one else can unlock our door but you can certainly help us to feel a little more secure.
