Understanding When to Rekey Your Locks: A Guide for Homeowners
As a homeowner, one of your top priorities is to keep your property and loved ones safe. One important aspect of home security is ensuring that the locks on your doors are in good working condition.
While changing your locks entirely may seem like the obvious solution when it comes to securing your home, there is another option that can be just as effective and more cost-efficient: rekeying your locks.
What Is Rekeying?
Rekeying a lock involves changing the internal components of the lock so that a different key can operate it. This means that your current key will no longer work, and you will need a new one.
Unlike replacing the entire lock, rekeying allows you to keep the same hardware in place while altering the mechanism inside. It's a simple process that can give you peace of mind without breaking the bank.
When Is Rekeying Necessary?
There are several situations where rekeying your locks may be necessary, including:
Moving into a New Home
When you move into a new home, it's important to consider the possibility that there may be spare keys floating around from previous owners. Rekeying your locks ensures that only you and your family have access.
Lost or Stolen Keys
If you've lost your keys or if they were stolen, it's wise to change your locks as a precautionary step. This will prevent anyone from using the lost or stolen key to gain access to your home.
When Someone Moves Out
If you have roommates or tenants who move out, it's important to rekey the locks to ensure that they no longer have access. This is especially crucial for rental properties where there may be multiple people coming and going.
Wear and Tear
Over time, the internal components of a lock can wear down, making it easier for someone to pick or break in. Rekeying your locks every few years can help prevent this and keep your home secure.
Hiring a Locksmith
While rekeying your locks may seem like a simple task, it's always best to hire a professional locksmith for the job. Attempting to do it yourself could result in damage to your locks or even make them less secure.
A trained and experienced locksmith will have the necessary tools and knowledge to properly rekey your locks without causing any harm. They can also assess the overall security of your home and make recommendations for any additional measures that may be needed.
For more info, contact a local company like Bilco Safe & Lock, Inc.
