When Should You Replace, Re-Key, Or Change Your Locks?

JUNE 18, 2018

As a homeowner sometimes you wonder when you should Retrofit, Change, or Re-key your locks. Here are some tips to help guide you.

When to Retrofit locks:

Retrofitting is when the guts of a lock that you want to keep are upgraded to ensure proper functionality.

•  When you like the way the trim on the inside and outside face of your door looks, but the locking mechanism is no longer working properly.

When To Change locks:

Replacing a lock requires a full replacement of the locking mechanism and any accompanying knob or handle.

•  After a break in (there may be damage to the locking mechanism).
•  Not comfortable with your current security hardware and want something more durable.
•  If your locks are old and you want new stylish locks.
•  After buying a new home.

When to Re-key locks:

Re-keying involves removing the pins and springs in the lock cylinder and replacing them with new ones that operate with a new and different key.

•  If you just moved in to a new home (cheaper than changing the locks).
•  If a tenant gets evicted or moves out (this eliminates access from any spare keys from past tenants).
•  If you lost your keys.