Is It Better To Rekey Or Change Locks

If you’re wondering whether it’s better to rekey or change locks, the answer depends on several factors. 

If your locks are old and worn, or if you’ve lost a key and can’t be sure who else has a copy, changing locks may be the best option. 

Rekeying is usually cheaper and faster, and it’s a good choice if you’re moving into a new home or apartment and want to be sure that only you have keys to the property.

The Benefits Of Rekeying

If you’ve ever lost your keys or had them stolen, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only do you have to worry about someone gaining access to your home or car, but you also have to go through the hassle and expense of getting new keys made.

Rekeying is a process whereby the pins in a lock are changed so that a new key will operate it. This is often done when a key is lost or stolen, or when a new tenant moves into a rental property.

Rekeying has a number of benefits over simply getting new keys made. First, it’s more cost-effective. Second, it’s quicker and easier than changing all the locks. And third, it provides peace of mind, knowing that your lost or stolen keys will no longer work.

If you’re considering rekeying your locks, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Cost

The cost of rekeying a lock is typically a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire lock. This makes it a more budget-friendly option, especially if you have multiple locks that need to be rekeyed.

Convenience

Rekeying is a much quicker and easier process than changing out all the locks. This is especially beneficial if you have a lot of locks, or if they’re located in hard-to-reach places.

Peace of mind

Rekeying your locks provides peace of mind, knowing that your lost or stolen keys will no longer work. This can give you a sense of security and help you sleep better at night.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, convenient, and secure way to protect your home or business, rekeying your locks is a great option.

The Benefits Of Changing Locks

If you’re like most people, the thought of changing locks is probably not something that crosses your mind on a daily basis. However, there are actually a number of benefits to changing locks that you may not be aware of. 

Here are just a few of the reasons why you should consider changing locks:

Increased security

One of the main reasons to change locks is to increase security. If you’ve recently moved into a new home or apartment, it’s a good idea to change the locks to make sure that only you and those you trust have access to the property.

Deter burglars

Another reason to change locks is to deter burglars. If a burglar knows that you have old, outdated locks, they may be more likely to target your home. By changing locks, you can make it more difficult for burglars to break into your home.

Save money

Believe it or not, changing locks can actually save you money. If you have an old, inefficient lock, it may be costing you more money to keep it operational than it would to simply replace it with a new, more efficient lock.

Improve curb appeal

If you’re looking to sell your home, changing locks can actually help improve its curb appeal. Potential buyers will be impressed by updated, modern locks and may be more likely to make an offer on your home.

Peace of mind

Lastly, changing locks can simply give you peace of mind. If you’ve been meaning to change locks for a while but haven’t gotten around to it, finally taking the plunge can provide a sense of relief and help you sleep better at night.

The Drawbacks Of Rekeying

In the process of rekeying, a locksmith will change the tumblers inside a lock cylinder so that a new key can operate it. This is usually done when a lock needs to be made more secure, or when a key is lost and there is no way to get a replacement. While rekeying can be an effective way to improve security, there are some potential drawbacks to consider.

One of the main drawbacks of rekeying is that it can be time-consuming. Depending on the type of lock, it may take a locksmith several minutes to disassemble the lock, change the tumblers, and reassemble it. This can be an issue if you need to have a lock rekeyed in an emergency situation.

Another potential drawback is that rekeying a lock can be expensive. The cost of the service will depend on the type of lock, the complexity of the rekeying process, and the location of the locksmith. In some cases, it may be cheaper to simply replace the lock altogether.

Finally, there is always the possibility that something could go wrong during the rekeying process. If the wrong tumblers are changed, it could render the lock inoperable. While this is unlikely, it is something to keep in mind before you have a lock rekeyed.

Overall, rekeying a lock can be a good way to improve security. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider before you make the decision to have it done. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully to decide if rekeying is right for you.

The Drawbacks Of Changing Locks

If you’re considering changing the locks on your home, there are a few things you should know first. While changing locks can provide some peace of mind, it also has its drawbacks.

One of the biggest drawbacks is the cost. Changing locks is not a cheap undertaking. You’ll need to purchase new locks and then pay a professional to install them. This can quickly add up, especially if you have multiple doors and windows.

Another downside is the inconvenience. If you have to change locks, it means you’ll also have to change out all your keys. This can be a hassle, especially if you have a lot of keys or if they’re all different.

There’s also the potential to damage your doors or locks. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to accidentally damage your door while changing out the lock. This can be a major repair bill.

Finally, changing locks can be a security risk. If you don’t change the locks properly, it’s possible that old keys will still work. This means that someone could easily get into your home, even if you’ve changed the locks.

Overall, changing locks can be a good idea, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

The Bottom Line

If your locks are starting to show signs of wear and tear, it may be time to consider rekeying or changing them. Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully before making a decision. Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your budget, security needs, and personal preferences.

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