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Believe it or not, a lot of people do not realize that they even have the option of rekeying a lock. When they find out that this is a possibility, they often want to know more about rekeying. One of the questions that our locksmiths in North Royalton, OH often ask is whether it is better to replace or rekey a lock. Most people will simply replace their lock because they didn’t know that rekeying their lock was even an option. While there is nothing wrong with replacing your lock, we simply want you to know that you have other options. In some cases, rekeying your lock rather than replacing it might be better. However, in order to make a well-informed decision, you will need to know exactly what it means to rekey a lock.
The internal part of the lock is readjusted so that another key will work to unlock or lock it. Even though this sounds simple, it has to be performed in a very precise manner if it is to be effective. Only a qualified, trustworthy locksmith should handle this for you to ensure that the job is done right. When your lock is rekeyed, there is no need to buy another lock to replace your existing lock. Rekeying your lock is affordable and this is what many people like to hear. The lock is removed from the door and the locksmith will need to access the lock cylinder. The locksmith will rework the pins and the lock cylinder so that the lock is rekeyed properly. The key will need to fit perfectly and needs to be present during the rekeying process.
When it comes to your security, you simply cannot afford to take any chances with the locks that are designed to keep you safe. This involves making sure that you find and hire the right locksmith for the job. Rekeying a lock is serious business and should only be handled by a qualified locksmith. If you follow a DIY video and attempt to handle the job, one misstep and you could end up with an ineffective lock that could easily be compromised.
Like anything, there are always pros and cons. Here are some of the advantages of rekeying your locks:
Rekeying your locks can reinforce them and make your property more secure. This is because it strengthens the lock and makes any keys that have been duplicated null and void. Many new homeowners will have locks rekeyed since so many contractors have had access to their new home. In some cases, if they are moving into an older home, previous owners may still have keys to the home. It really is a sense of security that most people will appreciate when they have a lock rekeyed.
Since the locksmith works with the key pins, it makes it very inexpensive. This makes it less expensive to have the lock rekeyed rather than replaced. The labor is generally more expensive than they actually rekeying. You wouldn’t want to waste your valuable time trying to handle it because it could cost you more in time than in money.
When you allow a professional locksmith to rekey your locks, it should be very fast and easy. That is because it doesn’t require a lot of time and tools to do. It only requires a spanner, catch tool, decoder, and the key. If you have never rekeyed a lock before, you may not realize the needed tools to effectively handle the job, which is why you should leave it to a proficient locksmith to handle.
Replacing a lock is just that, removing an old lock and replacing it with a new lock. The entire lock is removed and replace with an entirely different lock. This is more expensive than simply rekeying the lock. That is because a new lockset is required. Once you have determined that you would like to replace a lock, you now have to determine which type of lock you will replace it with. When trying to figure out what type of lock to replace your existing lock with you will need to consider your budget and the features that you would like for your new lock to have.
Just like rekeying a lock has its advantages, so does replacing a lock. Here are some of the advantages of replacing locks:
This means that if you have sub-par locks and you now want high-security locks, you will have that option. Choosing a better lock helps to improve your chances of avoiding a break-in. Locks have grades, which means you can go from one grade to another, which is based on durability.
If you want your locks to blend in with your home décor, you will now have this option by replacing your existing locks. You will also be able to determine the type of functionality that you would like for your lock to have.
You may want the reassurance that no one will be able to gain access into your home and while doing either one would remedy this, some people simply feel more comfortable having the entire lock changed. However, if you are the type that is cost-conscious or you own a rental property, you might decide that rekeying the locks is best for you.
If you are still uncertain about whether you should replace or rekey, just know that you can always rely on the services of a locksmith to steer you in the right direction. Since a locksmith knows both the advantages and disadvantages of both, they are the best resource for figuring out what you should do. In either case, you are sure to gain better security than you currently have. Nothing beats peace-of-mind which is what you are sure to gain when you have new locks rekeyed or replaced.
