This is an interesting question; do you Rekey or Replace a lock?

It may come as a surprise to you as it did for me that a lock can actually be rekeyed.  The idea of it seems quite complicated but once you understand the inner workings of a lock, it is quite simple. Every lock has key pins inside it and by opening the lock and changing certain key pins in the lock, you can change the key that fits into the lock without changing the lock.  The locksmith will need to have the original key that your lock came with to be able to rekey it.  Rekeying does not affect the integrity of the lock if the locksmith replaces the pins correctly. One thing you should know is that all locks have the ability to be rekeyed although each lock is different and requires specific tools per lock.

Automobile ignition rekeys; it is possible?

It is also possible to have your automobile ignition rekeyed.  One of the advantages of having your car’s car key cylinder rekeyed is that you don’t have to pay for a whole new set of keys with a new key cylinder.  You simply have the cylinder rekeyed to match your existing keys and you’re good to go.

The cost of rekeying your lock with a locksmith

the typical price for a locksmith is between $96 and $210, the price is determined based on many variables such as the lock mechanism the hour and the location you need the service the locksmith service call and other.

Prolocksmiths-24/7 offer fixed price for lock rekey and lockout services –

  • _75$_ for one lock
  • _130$_ for two locks
  • _180$_ for three locks

Why would you rekey?

Possibly your first answer would be because it is almost always cheaper to rekey than replace a lock.  The cost of the pins in the locks is really minimal and so it makes sense to have the locksmith do that rather than charging you for a new lock and for fitting it.

You would rekey when you move into a new house and want to ensure that there is no chance of previously duplicated keys being used to gain access to your house.  It’s one of those things you may not think about but it happens and it has happened to me. The previous tenant that lived in a flat that I hired years ago, had kept her key and was using my place to crash during the day while I was at work, it wasn’t for very long but that’s because I figured something was amiss and had someone come in immediately to change the locks (at the time, I had no clue about rekeying).  Just thinking about that makes me cringe!

Perhaps your handbag has been stolen with all your keys, wallet containing driver’s license, cell phone and some other proof of residence.  If the guy are girl is low enough to steal your bag, who’s to say they won’t take the chance of paying your residence a visit at some point – rekey!

Employees with access to company property, may leave suddenly or be asked to leave and not return their keys.  Changing the locks may be an expensive exercise and it makes sense to rekey locks that they may have had access to.

Why change locks?

Changing locks still has its place.  Obviously the cost of the lock and fitting would be far more than changing out the pins in a lock you own but there are instances when rekeying your locks is not an option and your best bet would be to simply change them. 

If you need to upgrade old locks that are getting stuck, chances are they have some rust issues and pins have been broken inside the lock; it would probably be a good option to get nice shiny new locks.  There are so many new high tech locks on the market with high security features and electronic locks are very popular.

When it comes to changing locks, I know my husband who is not very handy, is able to do a decent job of it but I would recommend talking to your locksmith first before opening locks in an attempt to rekey them yourself.

This post wrote by Charles Silberman

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