Rekey or replace locks
We hear the term “change the locks” often, but what does that really mean? The usual interpretation is to make an alteration so that the old key no longer works, and a new one is needed. What many don’t know, is that there is a BIG difference between a rekey, and a lock change-out or replacement. Here at AA San Tan Valley Locksmith we often get calls for one or the other, and the customer sometimes doesn’t know the difference. This post will clarify for you the many differences between rekeys and lock replacements so that you know which one will work best for your needs.
Rekeying locks
When our locksmiths get calls for rekey service we respond by removing the pins and springs in the lock cylinder and replacing them with new ones. The end result is that new keys are now needed to open the lock. This is usually the desired effect. An example would be moving into a different home. As you know, many people have had copies of the same key you were handed at closing. These may include realtors, the builder, contractors, previous owners, neighbors, babysitters and dozens more! It just makes sense to want new keys to your home. This not only gives a better sense of security but it also helps manage your key distribution as you are starting brand new.
You might be thinking “I just moved to a new home and no one had keys before me” and you would be wrong. The builder and over a dozen contractors and sub-contractors have all had access to that same key at one time or another. Are you really sure that no one made a copy? It may not have been done for malicious reasons; it may have been copied simply for the convenience of being able to access the property at any time in order to get work done.
Our AA San Tan Valley Locksmith customers usually call us for rekey service whenever they have taken possession of a property and want to start fresh with new keys and better key control. We think it’s a good idea. If a lock has been damaged, removed or has become outdated, then rekey service is NOT recommended and a lock change or replacement is what we suggest.
Replacing locks
Sometimes, rekeying is not the best idea. If you are dealing with a worn or aged lock that has become outdated or damaged, then replacing the lock entirely is the smart thing to do. Many residents of San Tan Valley, AZ choose to replace their locks with newer, better ones, even if nothing is wrong with the original lock. In these cases, lock replacement gives you the opportunity to bolster your security at home or at your business by adding new technology that is often more in line with your security goals and requirements.
Rekeying an older or worn lock can save money over lock replacement but what is the point if the lock can’t do the job it was intended for? Always keep in mind the important job that our locks do for us. Good quality locks are vital to our safety, well-being and overall security while driving, conducting business or simply relaxing at home. If you are not sure whether you need rekey service or a full replacement, ask someone that is qualified to give you an honest and unbiased answer. There are dozens of licensed, bonded and insured lock professionals in the San Tan Valley, AZ area that you can call upon. Most offer free price quotes and many shops including ours give free, no-obligation consultations.
More reasons to rekey or replace
One of the best reasons to rekey your home locks is that 90% of residential front and back door locks today can be picked open, bumped open or simply smashed open in mere seconds. How can this be? It’s easy; really. Builders are required to put a lock on the door but no one ever said that it had to be a GOOD lock! As long as the lock did its basic job; it passed code requirements. That’s why builders offer upgrades. You don’t get the best window, carpet, tile or bath fixtures by paying rock bottom prices, so you add the upgrades you want before closing and pay a premium for it, too.
While many are opting for granite counters or French doors, they don’t think to get better quality locks and wind up getting stuck with low grade, easy to access locks that get used over and over each time the house is sold or rented out.
What you can do about it
Call your favorite local residential locksmith and opt for better quality hardware. You won’t pay a lot for it but you can reap rich rewards when it comes to added safety and peace of mind. Lock bumping can be done in mere seconds and as mentioned earlier, most home doors are very susceptible to it. A simple bump key (easy to make; easy to buy) is inserted into the door and then lightly tapped a few times. The lock opens quickly and with NO signs of forced entry! There are even videos online showing anyone interested how to do it (for informational purposes only!).
We encourage readers to choose bump proof or high security locks if they are interested in quality lock replacement. Both are very affordable and can be installed at your convenience by a mobile locksmith technician.