5 Signs It’s Time to Rekey Your Home Locks

Securing your home is essential, and a key part of home security is maintaining your door locks. But how can you tell if it’s time to rekey or replace them? Knowing when to rekey your home locks can make a significant difference in your overall safety, whether it’s due to a lost key, a recent move, or an outdated security system. Rekeying can be a cost-effective and efficient way to maintain security without entirely changing the locks. Here are five signs that it’s time to consider rekeying your home locks.

• You’ve Recently Moved to a New Home

One of the most important times to rekey your locks is when you move into a new home. Even though previous owners may have handed over all the keys they had, there’s no way to guarantee that duplicates aren’t still floating around. Past homeowners may have given keys to family, friends, babysitters, dog walkers, or even repair people who serviced the home. Rekeying the locks ensures that only you and anyone you trust will have access.

Beyond safety, rekeying your locks also gives you peace of mind. Adjusting to a new space can be a big transition, and knowing that your home is secure is an excellent way to start fresh. Rekeying is also generally more affordable than a full door lock replacement, making it a simple yet effective solution for new homeowners.

• You’ve Experienced a Break-In or Attempted Break-In

A break-in can leave you feeling vulnerable, and a swift response is crucial for restoring your sense of security. Whether the incident involved forced entry or not, rekeying your locks can provide an extra layer of protection. A burglar may have tampered with the lock, weakening it in ways that may not be immediately visible.

In cases where the locks have been directly compromised, it’s wise to consider a door lock replacement. High-quality, more advanced locks can enhance the security of your home even further. Express Locksmith can assess your situation and recommend the best course of action, including high-security lock options for areas that may require added reinforcement.

• You’ve Lost or Misplaced a Key

Misplacing a key is more than a nuisance—it can also present a security risk. Lost keys can end up in the wrong hands, and if you’re unable to retrieve them, rekeying your locks is a good idea. Even if the key was lost somewhere unlikely, like a distant place or in transit, there’s still a possibility it could be found by someone who may try to locate your property.

When a key goes missing, a rekey service is a simple and affordable solution. Rekeying involves altering the internal mechanism of the lock so that the old keys no longer work, and only the new key provided will grant access. If your keyring holds more than one key to different parts of your home, consider a master key system, which Express Locksmith can install to simplify your lock security.

• You’ve Changed Roommates or Had Tenants Move Out

For those who share a home with roommates or rent out rooms, a change in residents is a perfect time to rekey. Roommates may leave on good terms, but it’s not guaranteed they won’t come back without permission. Similarly, former tenants may have made copies of your keys that they could use in the future.

Rekeying locks is a proactive way to ensure that only current occupants have access to your property. For landlords and property managers, rekeying between each tenant is also a good habit to follow, as it builds trust and ensures the safety of incoming tenants. It’s often required by law in some regions, so it’s best to check local regulations.

• You Haven’t Updated Your Locks in Several Years

If you’ve been living in your home for a while without updating your locks, now might be a good time to rekey them. With advances in lock technology, modern locks are built to resist various forms of tampering and forced entry, offering better protection than older models. Additionally, the constant use of a lock can lead to wear and tear, which may eventually weaken its security.

Rekeying old locks can be an effective solution, as it refreshes your lock system without replacing the hardware entirely. However, if your locks are particularly outdated, it might be worth considering a full door lock replacement with new, more secure models. Upgrading to electronic locks or smart locks can offer enhanced control over access to your home. Express Locksmith is available to walk you through modern options that align with your specific security needs.

How Rekeying and Lock Replacement Differ

While rekeying and lock replacement both aim to secure your home, they are distinct services with different purposes. Rekeying involves changing the internal workings of a lock so that it no longer works with the original keys. This is a cost-effective solution if you’re looking to maintain the same locks while updating who has access.

On the other hand, door lock replacement entails entirely swapping out the old locks for new hardware. This is usually necessary if your locks are damaged or too old or if you want to upgrade to a high-security option. When you rekey, you retain the same locks but change the keys; when you replace, both the lock and the key are new.

The Benefits of Rekeying with Express Locksmith

Rekeying your locks provides several benefits, including affordability and convenience. However, hiring a professional locksmith service is key to ensuring that rekeying is done correctly. Attempting to rekey locks on your own can lead to misaligned mechanisms or even damaged locks if not handled properly.

At Express Locksmith, we offer quick and dependable rekeying services, so you won’t have to worry about lock quality or functionality. Our experienced technicians use industry-standard tools and techniques to ensure your rekeyed locks work smoothly. With 24/7 availability, we can address your rekeying needs at any time, making us a reliable choice for unexpected situations.

Stay Proactive About Your Home’s Security

Maintaining your home’s security is essential to feeling safe and at ease. Whether you’ve moved to a new place, misplaced a key, or recently experienced a change in household members, rekeying your locks is a smart step to protect your space. For older locks or after a break-in, upgrading to new hardware through a door lock replacement may be the best way to restore security and peace of mind.

Contact Us Today

When it’s time to rekey or replace your home’s locks, turn to Express Locksmith. Our team is ready to help with prompt, reliable lock services around the clock. At Express Locksmith, our name is what we’re all about—delivering quick, professional lock and key services for your home, business, or vehicle. Available 24/7, we’re here to help you in your time of need, no matter the situation. Call us today for expert assistance with rekeying, door lock replacement, master key systems, lockouts, and more.

Categorised in: House Lock