Have you misplaced the key to your home or your key no longer works in the lock? Rekeying can help to eliminate the annoyance of walking up to your home or business and not be able to get inside. If this has ever happened to you, then you know how frustrating it is not being able to gain entry to what is rightfully yours. This article can help you make an informed decision to keep your home, family, and business safe.
What Is Rekeying?
Rekeying a lock is a process that only takes a few minutes to complete. The first step is to remove the lock from the door. Once the lock is removed, the locksmith will assess which pins need to be changed in order for the new key to work and then cut a new key that will work with the newly rekeyed lock. Finally, the lock is put back onto the door and tested to make sure it works properly.
Rekeying is a service that professional locksmiths in the United States offer for individuals who have lost or damaged keys and need new ones installed. This technique will ensure that your doors are locked once again, preventing others from gaining entry by using an outdated replica of your key without permission.
Why Might You Need Rekeying Services
There are multiple reasons that you may want to consider having your locks changed or inquiring about a rekeying. Many homeowners insurance agents suggest getting rid of old keys used by previous residents and replace them with new keys.
- One reason is that you may have misplaced your key and don’t want someone else to find it and use it to enter to your home.
- Another reason is if you’ve had a break-in and the intruder attempted or was successful in stealing your keys. In this situation, it’s critical to rekey all of your locks as soon as possible so the robber can’t return to try again.
- Finally, if you’ve recently moved into a new home or workplace, it’s always a smart idea to have your locks rekeyed for security reasons.
Why would you want to rekey locks?
When you need to change your locks, the simplest and most common option is to rekey them. If you’ve lost your keys or want to get rid of them, rekeying is typically the best alternative. To safeguard other people from unlawfully gaining entry into your house, business, or vehicle storage locker, the locks are replaced. Another justification for rekeying your locks is to make sure that all of the doors in your building have the same key.
Having your locks rekeyed is also a cheaper and quicker solution than replacing ALL your locks entirely. Also, if you’ve moved into a new apartment or house, it’s always best practice to change the locks. This will help you feel more secure in your new home. And its always more convenient to have one key to match all your locks and deadbolts. No more lugging multiple old keys around on your keychain or weighing down your pockets.
Will rekeying affect the performance of my lock?
Rekeying has no negative side effects on a lock’s security or functionality if done correctly. In fact, by adjusting the pins in a cylinder, you can improve its evenness and make it need less force to open in the future.
How much does it cost to rekey a lock?
The cost of a locksmith residential rekeying service isn’t free and varies according to the different brands of locks. For example, changing the cylinder in your front door lock could cost as little as $150 whereas changing the old pins in a car door lock cylinder might set you back around $60. It’s also important to know that if you choose to replace your locks with new locks on all your doors, you may have to keep up with multiple new keys.
Is it more cost-effective to rekey or replace them?
Rekeying is generally less expensive than replacing the entire lock. The procedure will not require you to replace any of your locks, only to return the existing locks to their original configuration.
Can all lock brands be rekeyed?
No, you cannot rekey all brands of locks. If you want to know if this solution is the best option for your existing lock, contact us right away and we’ll let you know if it’s feasible or not.
How long does it take to rekey a lock?
It usually takes 15 minutes for professionals to rekey a lock. However, there are many elements that determine the amount of time the process will take. For example, if you’d like to purchase additional keys and prefer them to be made during their visit, they might need additional time to perform that service. If your lock is very difficult to open or doesn’t work properly due to wear and tear, then it would require special attention on their part too.
What is the difference between rekeying and changing locks?
Rekeying a lock is the total replacement of a door’s locks with a new set of operating key codes for the same door. This process only works for single-cylinder, pin tumbler locks. Changing locks can be done on any lock that has been previously opened by using keys, unlike rekeying which only works with one set of previously used keys.
Rekeying does not work on locks with electronic openers or deadbolts that have been locked and unlocked with a remote.
Today, having your locks rekeyed is done by an experienced locksmith using machines or tools designed specifically for this task. Some of the devices used to rekey a lock include:
- A chamber pick – these are long, thin instruments that have a variety of end shapes that fit into the keyhole and push or pull pins up or down to open or close a cylinder.
- Plug follower – this tool is inserted into a plug and turned with the key so that the plug can be pushed up or down in the cylinder with minimum risk of damage.
- Tumbler picking tool – inserted into a chamber, this device follows grooves in the pins and pulls them out with the force to open or close a lock.
Rekeying is an important skill for a professional locksmith to have, especially if they work for a company that wants to provide their clients with rekeying service.
A technician specializing in lock rekeying should always bring along proper equipment when working on locks because there are different kinds of keys and keyways. If the wrong tools are brought with them, it could result in permanent damage to the lock and loss of the locks warranty.
The best way to get a rekeying done is to contact a locksmith directly and speak with their staff. Some companies will book appointments for a rekey, simply by filling out a form online or over the phone and then paying for it in advance.
Key Takeaways:
When you are considering the option of rekeying your locks, refer back to these Top 5 tips.
- You’ve lost your keys and cannot gain entry to your house.
- An intruder has attempted or succeeded in stealing keys from your home.
- You moved into a new home and want to change the locks.
- You want to change your old lock which has become unreliable.
- Because of a defect in the code (this might be due to stress, rusting, or wear and tear), it is no longer functional.
Are you looking for a locksmith in Tulsa Oklahoma?
If you’re locked out of your car, home, apartment, storage unit, or office building – don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll be there as quickly as possible to get you inside again. Or if your keys were stolen and it’s possible that someone else has access to your property – don’t worry! We can rekey or replace all of your locks for new ones that only work with one key (and not an entire set).
Midnight Run Locksmith is the area’s leading provider of rekey services. We provide quick and dependable service that will have your property or company back to normal before you know it. Our highly-experienced experts are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can rely on us to get the job done correctly the first time, every time.
Don’t hesitate to call us today for all of your locksmith needs! We are always here to help!
