Why You Should Rekey Your Home

Rekeying is one of the most effective and affordable ways to improve your home’s security. Rekeying allows all locks to fit the same key, making it far more difficult for someone to make duplicate keys.

It’s a great idea to have your home or office rekeyed as soon as you move in. Here are some important reasons to do so:

1. You’ve Lost Track of Copies

You may not be sure exactly who has a copy of your key, but chances are you gave one to someone at some point. If you are unsure, having your locks rekeyed is an important way to ensure that no one else has access to your home.

Rekeying simply involves changing the lock cylinder’s pins so that previous keys no longer work in it. This process is far cheaper than replacing the entire handle or deadbolt and can be done much faster.

Many people have their homes rekeyed after a break-in, as this can help prevent the thief from gaining entry again. In addition, this step is often taken by new homeowners who want to make sure that the previous owners do not have a key to their home.

Rekeying is also a good option for those who want to lighten their hefty key ring and have one key that opens all of the door locks in the house or apartment. Having one key that fits all of the doors reduces the number of keys you need to carry and will also save space in your pocket or purse. Additionally, some newer types of locks can be rekeyed easily at home without the need for a locksmith. These include SmartKey locks, such as Kwikset and Schlage SecureKey. These are becoming increasingly popular, as they allow you to control your home’s lock with a smartphone app.

2. You’ve Bought a Previously Owned Home

Rekeying your locks is a good idea if you have recently moved into a previously owned home. You never know who has a key to the house, and there is no way to be certain that previous owners haven’t given extra keys to family, friends, babysitters, or other people they trust. Rekeying ensures that only you have a working key to your house, which is cheaper than replacing locks.

Rekeying works by changing the pins and springs inside a lock so it no longer accepts the same key. Sometimes, the pins are removed entirely and replaced with new ones that only fit a different key. This is less expensive than replacing a door handle and deadbolt, but it provides the same level of security.

Replacing a lock is also an option, but it’s usually more expensive and time-consuming. If you are considering either option, talk to a locksmith to see which one is right for you. They can help you understand the pros and cons of each option so you can make the best decision for your family. Whether you need to replace your locks or rekey them, it is important that you do it soon to keep your family and belongings safe from potential burglars and intruders. Call a locksmith today to get started. They will be able to provide you with the help that you need quickly and professionally.

3. You’re Recently Divorced or Single Again

Whether you’ve just split with your spouse, or you parted ways with a roommate on less-than-ideal terms, rekeying your home is a smart move. You never know if your ex or former roommate made copies of the key and has them in their possession.

It’s even more important to rekey your home after you’ve had tenants move out, whether they moved out on good terms or not. Changing the locks or rekeying them is the only way to ensure that you’re the only person with access to your home.

A professional locksmith can rekey your entire lock system so that the old key no longer works. This will prevent anyone from accessing your home and keep you safe.

Rekeying your home doesn’t have to be an expensive service either. Oftentimes, the cost is much cheaper than replacing all of your door handles and deadbolt hardware.

If you’ve been wanting to make your home more secure or are just curious about what it takes to rekey a lock, call your local locksmith today! They will be happy to answer any questions and provide you with a free quote. You can also rekey your own locks at home using a rekey kit, which you can purchase online or at most hardware stores. Just make sure you buy the correct one for your brand of lock.

4. You’ve Lost Your Keys

Rekeying means changing the internal mechanism of your lock so that old keys won’t work. It’s an effective way to track who has access and stops unwanted people from entering your home or business.

This is an important step when you’re moving into a new home, splitting from a partner, or if you’ve lost your own keys. Many homeowners believe they need to change their locks in these situations, but most are unaware that rekeying is a cheaper and more effective solution.

You should have your locks rekeyed after you move into a new home because you have no idea who has copies of the keys to that house. The previous owner could have given them to neighbors, friends, or even contractors. You also don’t know if there are any spare keys lying around that someone has found.

Having your locks rekeyed can prevent you from losing your keys because even if you drop them while walking the dog or going for a jog, they won’t open your house. That’s because the key will only fit into your home’s locked door, meaning nobody can get inside unless they have a key that matches the rekeyed locks.

Of course, if you have an old and damaged lock that is worn out or broken, then replacing it with a new one will be a better option than just rekeying. Both can limit access, but rekeying is more cost-effective and offers a more convenient alternative to changing your locks completely.

5. Someone Didn’t Return a Spare Key

It can be concerning when someone doesn’t return a spare key you gave them. If you’re worried that they’ve made a copy and have access to your home, rekeying is an effective way to ensure that the old key doesn’t work. The process changes the tumblers inside of the lock cylinder so that it no longer operates with any previous keys. It’s cheaper than changing locks altogether and can be a good option for situations like break-ins, when roommates move out or if you lost a key somewhere outside of your home.

Rekeying is also an excellent choice if you have recently purchased a new home and don’t know if the previous owners gave out copies to family, neighbors, or the babysitter. This is one of the best ways to ensure that you’re the only one with access to your home and can rest assured that no other people may be able to get in, regardless of whether they have a key.

The benefits of rekeying are numerous. Unlike changing your locks, it’s quick, cheap and easy. It’s also a good alternative to replacing your door hardware if you’re concerned about aesthetics. You can also rekey your locks to make them operate with the same key as other doorknobs and hardware in the home for added security and ease of use. Contact us today to learn more about this affordable and efficient alternative to changing your locks.

6. You Have Too Many Keys on Your Key Ring

If you have a full key ring, it’s a good idea to consider having your locks rekeyed. This allows you to have a single key that opens all your doors. It’s a great way to control who can get into your home, especially when you have kids or give out keys to contractors, house cleaners, or babysitters.

Rekeying a lock involves changing the internal pins so that the old key no longer fits into the lock. It’s less expensive than replacing a lock entirely and a great option if you want to limit who has access to your property.

In order to rekey multiple locks so that they all work with the same key, they must all be made by the same manufacturer and use the same type of keyholes (or “keyways”). For example, you cannot rekey a Schlage lock to open with a Kwikset or Sargeant lock because they have different keyholes.

If you have a home warranty plan, rekeying your locks may be covered at no additional cost to you. American Home Shield offers a standard home warranty that includes rekeying for deadbolts and doorknob locks on entry doors that can be accessed from the exterior of your house. Contact us today to learn more about our plans or submit a service request to have your home rekeyed. We’re here to help you feel safe and secure at home.