The security of your home or business is your highest priority, and the locks you have on them are the first line of defense. If you have just moved into a new home or you’re not sure if your locks meet your security standards, you may want to consider changing them. Your two options are to replace or re-key, and here are some things to consider before you make that decision.
Re-keying
The concept of re-keying is simple, though it is more difficult to do on high-security locks. A locksmith changes the tumblers inside the lock so that each of the wafers or ridges of the lock are in a different position. An old key will never fit in a re-keyed lock, ensuring that only those with a new key have access to your property.
Why Re-key
This process is much cheaper than changing every lock, primarily because you don’t have to replace all the hardware. In addition, you will not have to make any cosmetic changes such as staining or painting, as there are no external changes to your doors. Re-keying is the most convenient, cost-efficient choice if you need or want to change the locks on your home or business.
Lock Replacement
When something gets old or is broken, we know it’s time to replace it. Though they don’t generally wear easily or quickly, locks that become ineffective must be replaced. This process involves removing the old lock apparatus and replacing it with something new. This is a more expensive alternative to re-keying and often requires some touch-up work on the doors due to a difference in the external size or shape of the new lock system. Replacement Locks does, however, give you the opportunity to upgrade the security level of your locks.
Why Replace Lock.
At times, lock replacement is the only viable option to ensure the security of your property. If one or more of your door locks have been damaged or no longer “catch” with a key, it’s time to invest in new locks. If your locks are old and replacement parts are unavailable, it’s also time to upgrade and get a new, more secure set of locks. Replacement is more cost-effective in this case, and the security level will automatically increase with the installation of more modern and technologically advanced locks. Finally, if your home or business requires increased security, replacement is your only option.
Both re-keying and replacement have advantages and disadvantages, but both options will provide added security to your home.