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Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks | Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc.

Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc. • Jul 30, 2018

Stainless Steel Door Knob — Houston, TX — Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc.
When it comes to home security, door locks are an essential part of the equation. A compromised lock can put your family’s safety at risk, but the condition of your home’s locks likely isn’t something you think about very often. The following are some potential lock related risks to keep in mind as well as solutions to address them.

Have My Locks Been Compromised?

Having your home broken into is unsettling. It can be even more alarming when there are no signs of forced entry. In this case, a faulty lock could have allowed the intruder to enter your home.

Even if you have not experienced a break-in, you may be concerned about it happening down the road. Here are some crucial warning signs that your locks have been or could be compromised.

Missing Keys

Take inventory of your spare keys, including ones you have given to others. Anyone with a key could have made a copy and passed it along to someone else. You may have also misplaced a key and are not sure if someone got their hands on it.

Damaged Hardward

If your key gets stuck in the lock or it becomes more difficult to open, your door lock hardware may be damaged. This can make it easier for burglars to pick the locks or may even be a sign that a thief tried to break in by attacking your lock and leaving it broken.

Suspicious Wear

It is not uncommon for thieves to break into homes using lock picks or bump keys. It can be difficult for the average person to detect the difference between the wear of a regular key and lock picking tools. If you suspect your home has been broken into or a would-be burglar made an attempt, seek a professional locksmith’s assistance. They will be able to determine if the wear on your locks is normal or suspicious.

Options for Securing Your Home

Once you have determined that your home has been broken into or is at risk, you should take steps to secure it. You have two options – rekey or replace the locks.

Rekeying a Lock

If you decide to rekey your locks, a locksmith will remove the pins and springs in the cylinder and replace them with new ones that work with a different key. The benefits of rekeying include:
  • Cost-effective solution Replacing the key pins and springs is more affordable than buying a new lockset. You will only have to pay for the new parts and the labor cost of hiring a locksmith.
  • Increased sense of security – This is an easy way to prevent old keys from being used in your locks.
  • Quick process – When handled by a locksmith, rekeying a lock is a quick process that does not require many tools.
One limitation to rekeying is that it does not provide a big security boost. If your original locks are subpar and you rekey them, you are only changing the internal components and not the entire thing, so you may still have less-than-ideal security.

Replacing a Lock 

Replacing a lock is costlier than rekeying because you are buying an entirely new lockset. However, it does have its advantages, such as:
  • Ability to upgrade – If your home’s locks are outdated or simple, this is a perfect opportunity to invest in a more secure lockset or even smart locks.
  • Customization – There are hundreds of lock designs available to match your home’s style, from traditional to modern.

Which is the Best Choice for My Home?

While there are benefits to rekeying and replacing, no one understands your security needs better than you. If you are still finding it difficult to decide which is best, ask yourself these questions:

Am I satisfied with my current lock brand?

If you like the locks you currently have, rekeying will allow you to beef up your home security without costing you as much.

How much am I willing to spend?

If you are on a tight budget, rekeying is your best option because you will only have to pay labor costs. Replacing is more expensive but can be a good choice if you want to change the style or security features of your current locks.

Has my home been broken into recently?

No one wants to be burglarized, but having your home broken into can teach you some valuable lessons about how to better protect your property. Replacing your locks with a more sturdy, secure design can provide peace of mind after a home invasion.

Am I moving into a new home?

When you move, you might not know who has a spare key, so you will want to take measures to protect your home as soon as possible. Rekeying will prevent people from using their old keys to access your house. Replacing the locks may be your best bet if you are concerned about how secure they are.

Professional Security Solutions in Houston

Whether you decide to rekey or replace your locks, Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc. is your trusted partner in home security. We offer the best names in door hardware so you can rest assured your property is protected. Our locksmiths are available 24/7 to provide rekeying services for homes and businesses throughout Houston.

Call (713) 643-5767 today for your fast price quote.
Number First Name Last Name Email Address
1 Anne Evans anne.evans@mail.com
2 Bill Fernandez bill.fernandez@mail.com
3 Candice Gates candice.gates@mail.com
4 Dave Hill dave.hill@mail.com
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