Should You Replace Your Locks or Just Re-Key Them

This is a question we are asked quit often in Skokie, IL. The truth of the matter is that it really depends on the circumstances for which the question is being posed. If you’re simply attempting to take care of the maintenance of your homes locks, you might find that replacing them is more beneficial than re-keying the locks. There is no doubt about it; locks help to protect you and the things you value. When you have the right type of locks, it can mean the difference in your being able to effectively do this or not. We have put together some reasons that a person should definitely consider replacing their locks.

Keys Have Been Stolen or Lost

When you cannot find your keys, it is reasonable to conclude that you have lost them. However, in some instances, someone may have intentionally taken your keys. In either instance, your security is now compromised and your locks should be replaced. You might conclude that since your keys were found and returned to you that you do not have to have your locks replaced. This is not true. They could have made a copy of your keys and therefore the need to replace your locks is still necessary for your safety and security.

Moving Into a New Home

No matter where you are moving, the type of home or location, you should have the door locks changed. Although the previous person living in the home should have this done before you move in, this seldom occurs and therefore, you should take on the responsibility yourself. This also gives you the assurance that this has been done. Don’t take chances with your safety and security.

Whenever Your Keys Have Been Out of Your Possession

Sometimes it is necessary to leave keys with a service professional because you are unable to be home when they are performing their job. If you don’t leave them directly with the service provider, perhaps you’ve left them with a neighbor so that they can let them in and out. Always make sure that you change the locks soon after as a precaution. While the keys are in the hands of the service professional, you never know who might sneak off to have the key duplicated. If your neighbor has the key, as much as we think we know our neighbors, you may not know others who live in their homes. This is a reason for caution when handing over keys to other people. The bottom line is that if you ever have to leave your keys with someone, for any reason, you should have the locks changed.

After a Divorce or Separation

Relationships end everyday and yours may not be an exception. Although both parties may have agreed upon the divorce or separation, feelings can always get involved and unfortunate situations can ensue. If you want to make sure that no one is able to come back to your home while you are away, make sure you have all of the locks changed.

Whenever Someone is Moving Out

If someone is moving out of your home like a roommate or a tenant, you should always make sure the locks are changed to ensure your protection. Regardless as to whether or not you trust the person, you may not be able to trust all of the people who they allow into their lives. You can eliminate the threat by taking the necessary pre-caution and have the locks changed.

When Locks are Worn

You shouldn’t continue to use locks that are worn. Burglars can easily compromise your locks. They often go around looking for locks that they can easily break. Don’t become a victim. Exam your door locks and make sure they are not worn to the point where you have to do a lot in order to get the lock to engage or disengage. If you are having trouble with any of your locks, have the locks changed.

After reading the above, you might be wondering why you shouldn’t just have the locks re-keyed. Here is what you should know about re-keying locks.

Rekeying Your Door Locks

Re-keying a lock is not the same as replacing a lock. The lock can remain but the locking mechanisms are changed so that the old key will no longer work. This is something that is practiced often in apartment buildings since they have to tenants moving in and out frequently. Re-keying locks helps to account for every key used to open a particular lock. In a community where there is a single-builder, there is often a master construction key. The problem with this is that when the keys are handed over to homeowners, the contractor may have left some of the master pins in the door, making it possible to still gain access. In order to completely avoid this possibility, homeowners may opt to have the locks replaced rather than re-keyed. If they choose to use the same lock, they would simply have the lock re-keyed and make sure that there are no master pins left inside the locks. Re-keying can be a lot more cost effective because in most cases, it is not necessary for the entire lock to be dismantled. Something as simple as lubricating a lock that doesn’t appear to be working, may clear up the problem. Locks that appear to be problematic can often become operable again just by re-keying the lock. Our locksmiths sometimes discover a problem with your lock when they are in the process of re-keying the lock that tells them that your entire lock should be replaced. In this case, it is in your best interest to follow the advice of a qualified, professional locksmith. They know what can occur if you use a lock that can be compromised and they wish to help you to avoid any unfortunate circumstances that can occur. It is the responsibility of the locksmith to ensure your protection whenever possible.