Should I replace or rekey?

Should I go for lock re-keying or lock replacement?

Re-key or replace? Well, this is one question we find ourselves struggling with at one point or another. We say, it depends. Let’s find out in details.

You always remember to lock your door when you leave your house or get out of your car, but you never really think about those little mechanisms and how hard they work to keep you safe. That is, not until you lose your keys, move to a new home, break up with a significant other who had a copy have your home or car broken into…

Okay, you get it. When a catastrophic security event happens, it’s a big deal and you probably have a lot of questions. We can help you answer one, at least, today: When should you rekey your locks and when should you absolutely replace them without a second thought?

What exactly is a lock “rekeying?”

If you’re not sure what a “rekey” is, it’s a process that involves modifying the internal assembly of pins of a lock so the old keys no longer work. The hardware of the lock remains on the door or safe or vault (hey, who knows what you’ve got under lock and key!), but now you need a new key to open that lock!

Cool, so what’s so good about a rekey, you ask?

Well, it’s nearly as good as replacing the whole locking mechanism but it costs a lot less. A lot of situations don’t call for an entire replacement of your locks because that would be a waste of money!

Sounds good. So, when should I get a rekey?

Ideally, you’d get this done anytime you feel there could be copies floating around that you have lost track. Or when you are not too sure of who all have access to an area you want to have under lock and key. It’s probably a good idea to go ahead and rekey from time to time even if you are sure, as an added security measure.

Here’s some specific events that could inspire you to rekey your home, car, or your office vault:

• When you move – This is a great precaution because the previous owners may have lent a key to friends, babysitters and maintenance and forgotten all about it. Selling a home also involves a lot of moving pieces, like realtors who are in possession of the keys. You don’t want to run the risk of any of these strangers having access to your home!
• Whenever you change maintenance services – This is a no-brainer if you’re a business owner or work in an office building. Changing a maintenance service can leave your locked areas vulnerable to vendors that may have kept a key. But this also might apply to your home. If you have professional cleaners come into your home from time to time or construction vendors for instance, you’ll want to rekey if you switch who provides those services.
• After a break-in – Whether successful or not, it’s time to rekey!
• Someone who lived there with you is moving out – Whether it ended on good terms or bad terms with a significant other or a roommate, you can never be too careful. It is definitely time to rekey your locks for that sense of security.

Okay, so when should I replace my locks?

• When the lock is faulty or broken – You’re better off, in most cases, to just go ahead and rekey because this will save everyone time and money. However, if you see noticeable signs of wear and tear like fraying or rusting, you’re going to need to get those locks replaced or you’ll run the risk of break-in or burglary. Even if you’re having difficulty turning your key, this could turn into a major problem that might eventually find you locked out of your home, automobile, or office!

If you find yourself locked out, please give Kyle Locksmith Co. a call at (512) 634-8090. We are open 24/7 and we employ professional and insured technicians that will get to you quickly and make the whole process as painless as possible! If you need any of the above services, we urge you to act today! You don’t want to be caught with bad locks or vulnerabilities in the security of your home or business for too long. Call us today and we’ll get out there ASAP to make sure you are safe.