Rekeying Locks Verse Replacing Them
Rekeying your lock or replacing, which is the best option for you? The answer to this question may depend upon a number of factors. Factors like the quality of lock that you have, the age of your house or your car vs. Age of your lock, the brand of your lock and the type of lock you have. These factors are what will determine which option will make sense to your home, your car or your business premise.
Rekeying involves altering the inside of your lock such that the old keys won’t work on the lock. Replacing is pretty obvious; it means installing a brand new lock, instead of upgrading what you already have and this is actually what most people go for, simply because it is an easy option and a well-known solution to issues like security, or when they lose their keys. But there are certain circumstances when rekeying is actually a simpler option and an easy one.
Resources:
www.portlandlocksmithpros.com
Wikipedia.com
When should you rekey?
Unless your current lock has been irreparably damaged or simply flimsy, rekeying offers the same degree of security just like having a new hardware. However, Rekeying has some more advantages over replacement. First, it involves using hardware that is already installed, which means it is a pretty simpler option. Replacing require a new installation, which is not easy as it may seem and takes a lot of time leave alone being costly. Secondly, Rekeying is a greater way of minimizing security risk since you can be able to control the distribution of the keys to the newly rekeyed lock/s. You can also be able to use the same key on many locks, unlike lock replacement where you will need keys for each and every lock. Rekeying is an economical and much more convenient alternative to replacement. Rekey locks as soon as: A roommate moves out, as soon as you change a domestic helper, after a home renovation project, if you move into a new home or when your keys are stolen or lost. It doesn’t trust your friends or your workers or even your contractors, but sometimes you have no way of being sure that their friends or their employees may have any intention of accessing your home or your business.
However, there are circumstances where replacing is a much better option
When should you replace your lock?
If your lock has not been working properly, then rekeying may not be able to solve your problem. Installing new hardware may also be able to improve the level of security especially if you have recently moved to a new location. If you want to change the style and the finish of your lock, or maybe you are changing out your door then, replacement is a necessity.
The technology of locks and security is constantly changing, so if you have an old lock, then it is high time you consider replacing them since as lock technology changes so does burglary methods. Old locks are easy prey to criminals so you may need to get the best expert when it comes to installation of a new lock. If your apartment or house was recently broken into, then it is highly recommended that you replace your lock. In most cases if a lock has been tampered with it is very unlikely that it will work and rekeying may not work.
Installation of a new hardware is often much more complicated that you can anticipate and requires the mind of a professional. You can do it yourself, but hiring a professional will not only ensure extra safety but also saves you lots of time leave alone getting assured that the installation has been performed properly and precisely.
So, which of these methods makes sense to your business premises, your home or even your car? Well, each situation is different, and I can give you my best recommendation in terms of cost, time, convenience and appearance. However, at-the-end of the day it is about going for the option that will make you feel the most secure. Rekeying is sufficient for changes in staffs or services while the replacement is the best option when you move into a new space or when you have had a break-in attempt. Either way, It is a job that should be handled by a professional and done precisely.
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