What is the Difference Between Rekeying and Changing Locks?
Getting a lock rekeyed might be an excellent option for homeowners worried about who has access to their property, whether they are moving into a new house, missing a key, or going through a change in ownership. Our initial inclination is to replace all of the locks in these situations, but there are often less expensive and more practical alternatives. In cases like these, calling a residential locksmith to discuss viable choices for your individual security needs is a wise first step.
What exactly is rekeying?
Rekeying a lock differs from replacing it entirely. It does not replace the existing lock; instead, it only changes the key that unlocks it. When a lock is removed from a door, the tumblers or pins can be replaced to correspond to a new key. The lock is reinstalled into the door after it has been changed to the new key.
It is best to have the key when rekeying a lock, but do not worry if you happened to lose it. Calling a locksmith service when a lock needs to be rekeyed is a good option. A commercial locksmith will be able to arrive on-site with extra keys as well as pick open the lock and rekey it to new keys. Rekeying your home or business will not only offer you a new set of keys, but it will also give you peace of mind. Although rekeying a lock can save money in some cases, depending on the security needs of the property, having a lock changed can be more beneficial.
What is a Lock Change?
Changing a lock is self-explanatory. When a lock is changed, the old or broken lock is removed and replaced with a new piece of lock hardware. Lock changes may be needed for many different reasons, including replacing old or broken locks or upgrading the security of said locks.
There are a few similarities between changing a lock and rekeying, but the most notable is that both need the use of a new key. Because the previous lock is no longer there, the lock hardware will be different when a new lock is installed or replaced. Although replacing a lock is a simple procedure, it might be more costly than merely changing tumblers to match a new key for an old lock.
Cost, brand, security level, and lock style are all aspects to consider when determining which type of lock to buy for your property.
What Are the Differences Between Lock Changes and Lock Rekeying?
The difference between changing the locks and having them rekeyed is significant. The key distinction between the two is that when you change a lock, you are replacing the entire lock rather than just the internal mechanics. When a lock is already damaged, or you are concerned about the security of your locks, changing them is a good option. When a lock is replaced, it is typically replaced with a newer, more secure lock model, which can provide better security against tampering.
While rekeying is generally the most cost-effective and quickest way to keep others out, it will not repair a lock that is already broken or malfunctioning. When a lock is rekeyed, it is temporarily uninstalled and taken apart to remove the old pins that are inside the lock, which are then replaced with new pins unique to a new key, leaving the old key useless.
The lock is then reinstalled and can no longer be unlocked with the old key after the pins have been matched with the new key. It is possible to have all of the locks in the property rekeyed to the same key when rekeying, and you can also have separate keys for different locks.
Knowing the difference between a lock change and rekey, where can you hire a locksmith Los Angeles? Kardo Locksmith is always there, available around the clock whenever you need them. Their services are just a call away, so you will never be kept waiting.
Visit our website @ Kardo Locksmith