What is Re-key? When To Rekey Your Locks?

Your locks are the first line of defense to your home or office security, so make sure they are in top-notch working condition at all times. When you have experienced a break-in attempt, you’ve lost your keys, or they were stolen, or you don’t know who has access to duplicate keys floating around out there, it’s time to change or re-key your locks. Sometimes, the most secure step to take is to change the entire lock. Other times, a re-keying process is all you need. What is a re-key, and how do you know when to re-key your locks?

The difference between a re-key or locks change is that one provides an entirely new locking hardware and key while the other uses the working, intact cylinder and changes out only the inside mechanisms, which will also require a new key but leaves the existing lock and outer hardware intact.

Since you are retaining the outer hardware of the lock, for a lock to be considered a good candidate for a re-key service, it needs to be in good working condition showing very little wear, rust or tarnishing. You can attempt a re-key service yourself, but often it’s best to get it done fast and right from the start, to call upon the help of an expert technician.

Do-it-Yourself Re-key requires purchasing a re-keying kit at a local home improvement store. Though, not everybody is truly knowledgeable of how to use the proper tools for the job, and others simply want to make sure the job is done right to begin with. After all, it is your home security at risk if you fail to finish the job or do it poorly. If your current locks are showing signs of wear, or you have antique lock sets, doing it yourself is going to escalate quickly into a project that becomes out of control and overwhelming.

When it comes to locks and key security, it’s best to leave the job to a professional locksmith who will be able to get it done well and right in very little time. In the long run, the cost will be worth not having to give up your weekend on a frustrating, tedious project.

Call a locksmith today who is local and able to show up at your convenience to assess the security and durability of your locks and to discuss your re-key options. The locksmith will have your safety and security needs in mind. A knowledgeable locksmith will be able to examine your lock, explain the details of what is a re-key service and help you determine when to re-key your locks.