Rekey vs new locks
Why Rekey?
In most cases it is cheaper to have a Locksmith rekey your locks vs replace the locks. This is not always the case though. If you have cheaper off brand locks you picked up on a clearance rack or at a big box store it may be cheaper to simply replace them. Though sometimes even the cheaper locks you may be interested in utilizing a locksmith. We are not all mechanically inclined and lets be real the convenience of not having to deal with such a tedious task has an appeal to it for many people. Lucky for you we are here to help and are happy to assist. We can assess your needs and discuss the options to fit your budget and your needs. If you have higher quality locks such as Schlage, Kwikset or Yale locks for example it is going to be cheaper to have the locks rekeyed. In nearly all cases with commercial grade locks it is much more cost effective to rekey than to replace. There are high security locks such as Medeco or ASSA which you will require a locksmith to assist with.
What is Rekeying
When you contact a Locksmith to rekey your locks or even install locks you have previously purchased we can change the pins inside the lock. If the keyway is the same, meaning the key fits in the lock cylinder, they can all be keyed to the same key. This is helpful so you don't need to carry around multiple keys. Even this has a few exceptions such as Weiser and Kwikset. A Kwikset key can fit in a Weiser lock but not the other way around. Meaning locksmiths can key up Weiser locks to use a Kwikset key. With some commercial locks locksmiths can change out the core of the lock to accomplish the same thing which is another option other than replacing the entire lock. There are many options available to assist with rentals or businesses such as setting up a master key system, interchangeable cores and even smart key technology. There can be downsides to this technology too which we can discuss with you to find the best options for your needs.
Rekey process
Having a working key makes the process much faster and cheaper. Without the old working key the lock must be picked or shimmed prior to rekeying.
Once the plug is removed from the cylinder the locksmith will change the bottom pins to fit the new key. If it is not being keyed to a master key the top pins will remain the same. This will allow the new key to line the pins up to the sheer line and the plug and key can turn. The old key will no longer line up the pins and it will no longer allow the lock to to be opened. At the end of every job the locksmith will give you the new keys and the old key. We will have you verify the old key no longer opens the lock and that the new key works smoothly.
Replacing or fixing worn locks.
There will be times that our locksmith will suggest a different lock due to the intended use or function. We are not just upselling you. Especially in commercial applications there are ADA and fire codes that you are required to meet. If it is a fire rated door the lock must also be fire rated. It is the responsibility of the business and property owner to meet and follow these requirements, but the locksmith will make suggestions to help you stay within your legal responsibilities. There will also be times the locksmith will have to replace springs or clips in locks. These things are expected to wear over time. The locksmith will correct them without added cost. Though latches and the internal working of locks do and will wear beyond repair. That being said, this is why it is preferred to purchase quality locks. We deal with broken locks quite often. Those cheap off brand locks often fail and it never seems to be at a convenient time. When a lock fails you could be paying for after hours services and extra costs such as drilling out the lock.