Are there any safety concerns with rekeying a home or business? There are many reasons you might need new keys. Perhaps you misplaced your old set and worry that someone else might have it. Maybe you want to ensure that old tenants or a disgruntled ex-employee no longer have access. Either way, you have two options: rekey the locks or replace them. Keep reading to learn about the safety pros and cons of rekeying.
What Is Lock Rekeying?
Traditional locks are like a puzzle. When you insert a key, it must align with the pins inside the lock to open it. Rekeying works by changing these pins to form a different pattern. Once the new pins are in place, a locksmith cuts new keys to fit the manipulated lock.
Rekeyed Locks and Safety
Are rekeyed locks a secure alternative to replacing the entire mechanism? The short answer is yes. Rekeying a residential or commercial lock ensures old keys no longer work.
Rekeying is extremely popular with landlords. As soon as an old tenant moves out, the landlord can rekey the building to ensure they can’t get back inside. New keys protect the property and give the tenant peace of mind.
Many business owners also use rekeying to secure their belongings. They may choose to rekey all entrances after firing an employee. Some companies even schedule routine rekeying to ensure active keys don’t land in the wrong hands.
Cons of Rekeying
Rekeying is safe, affordable, and effective. However, this method limits any security feature upgrade. For instance, you can’t rekey a standard lock into one with an electronic keypad. The lock will still function and look the same as before, just with a new key. It’s often better to replace an outdated lock and invest in a higher-quality model.
Rekey or Replace?
Both rekeying and replacing locks are safe ways to enforce access control. But which one is right for your needs? Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Are you on a tight budget? It costs significantly less to rekey your current locks.
- Do you want to open multiple locks with the same key? A locksmith can rekey several locks to fit a single key.
- Did you lose a key? Rekeying the lock gives you a stronger sense of security.
- Do you change locks frequently? It’s more financially sustainable to rekey.
- Do you want to update the look of your locks? Replacement is the only option.
A Locksmith for Your Rekeying Needs
It takes a skilled hand to rekey a lock. Georgia Lock and Door offers a full range of residential and commercial locksmith services. Our team has over 15 years of experience—there’s no lock we can’t handle! Whether you need rekeying, replacement, or door repair, you can count on us for quick, accurate service.
Is rekeying safe? Absolutely! Request an appointment at Georgia Lock and Door to rekey your home or commercial locks.