Rekey services for home and business
Blog Post
In the event of a security breach at your home or business, you have the option between lock replacement and rekeying. But, what are the pros and cons of either option? Is rekeying is the right move for your unique security needs?
Here at Lan Locksmith, we’ve heard these questions from many homeowners and business owners here in the Louisville area. And we always want to make sure our clients know what to expect before making the final say. Here’s the breakdown of rekeying versus lock replacement from a locksmith’s perspective!
What is rekeying?
Rekeying is an option in the event that your keys have been lost, stolen, or duplicated without your consent. It allows you to change the inner workings of your lock so that it can be opened with a new set of keys, making the old set of keys unusable. And for a trained locksmith, the process is quite simple:
- The cylinder of the lock is removed
- A copy of the old key is inserted and the pins removed
- A new key is inserted and the pins are reset to align with the teeth of the new key
- The cylinder is replaced in the lock
Rekeying uses a set of specialized tools to remove the pins and calibrate the new configuration. But, someone with experience can rekey a lock in a matter of minutes.
What are the benefits of rekeying?
There are a few different reasons why a homeowner or property owner would want to opt for rekeying over lock replacement including:
- Cost. Ordering and installing new locks is a more costly process than recalibrating your existing locks.
- Time. As mentioned, rekeying is typically a faster process than lock replacement. This is especially true if lock replacements need to be ordered by mail or if the new locks require a more involved installation process.
- Convenience. Rekeying is generally simple and will save you the headache of having to research new locks and make sure that they’ll be compatible with your door. As long as your existing locks are in good condition, rekeying can give you the convenience of giving your current security system more years.
Is rekeying possible with a master key system?
Business owners especially are curious about how rekeying works in a master key system. And the good news is, in many cases, rekeying can restore the security of your master key system just as easily as with a single lock.
That’s because there is a method by which locks can be rekeyed on a single level of the master hierarchy. In other words, if you lost a lower tier key, you can rekey the lock for that single key. Or, if you lost a master key, you can rekey the locks in the system to open to a new master without having to replace the lower levels.
When is lock replacement a better option?
Although rekeying can be a good way to restore security in some cases, there are certain scenarios in which lock replacement is recommended, such as:
- There is an issue with the lock. If the lock itself is damaged or has been in use for many years, your locksmith will likely recommend lock replacement.
- You’re ready for a security upgrade. Rekeying will restore your security, but if you want to increase your level of security, a new lock will be your best option. We can recommend new locks that will give you added protection with more durable hardware or smart technology.
- You’re looking to install a master key system. Master key systems require that all of the locks be compatible with the same master key. So, this may be a good time to swap out certain locks to be able to install a master hierarchy.
Can you cut spare keys while rekeying?
Yes! We would recommend that you cut spare keys at the time of rekeying so that everyone who needs access to your home or office can have their own set. Spare key cutting can be done independently of rekeying, of course, so you can always schedule key cutting at a later date if necessary.
What should you do with your old keys?
Every once in a while, we get a call from a customer who had a rekeying service done saying that their new set of keys doesn’t work. But, what actually happened was that they mistook the old keys for the new ones! Beyond simply the hassle of getting locked out because you mixed up the keys, there’s also a risk here of breaking off the old key in the lock and having to call out a locksmith again for key extraction. So, it’s recommended that you immediately discard the old keys by recycling them.
What are interchangeable locks?
As a business owner, you might have heard about interchangeable core (IC) locks. These locks allow you to remove and replace the internal cylinder in a matter of seconds so that you can restore security even without having to wait for a locksmith to arrive on scene. Once the compromised cylinder has been removed, it can be brought to your locksmith for rekeying.
This kind of system may be beneficial to operations that have frequent large staffing changes or turnover.
Can you rekey your locks yourself?
Maybe you want to try rekeying your locks yourself. And if you’re familiar with DIY home projects, this may be an approachable project for you. But keep the following in mind:
- Rekeying requires a set of specialized tools or rekey kit. Locksmiths will arrive at your home or place of business with a few tools they need for rekeying: a catch tool, spanner, and a pin follower, for example. They also will come with a cut key that will replace your old one. You can order these tools independently and cut the new key if you have access to a key cutter. Or, you can purchase a rekey kit for your particular brand of lock which will come with everything you need, including the new key.
- You’ll want to be sure to keep track of those pins. The pins are essential to rekeying your lock, so you’ll want to transfer the cylinder to a clean, level surface before you release the pins so that you don’t lose them.
- It will likely take longer to do it yourself than calling the pros. One of the benefits of rekeying is that it can be a fast, hassle-free way to restore your security. But, doing it yourself may take time, especially if you don’t have access to all of the tools already. So, if you need a security solution quickly, it’s best to call in the pros.
Call Lan Locksmith for residential and commercial rekeying in Louisville!
From Corydon to Shelbyville to downtown Louisville, Lan Locksmith is here to help you in the case of a security breach! With rekeying, we’ll make sure that your home or commercial space isn’t vulnerable to unwanted entry after losing your keys. And, we’re available 24 hours a day throughout the year so that you never have to be without a reliable security system!
Call Lan Locksmith in Louisville for rekeying!
