You can get a professional to rekey a lock for a small fraction of the cost. Even though most lock makers sell rekeying kits, they can’t be used with each other. For each type of lock in your home, you need to buy a kit.
By changing the way the lock works, the old key will no longer work. Instead, it will be necessary to make a new key. Depending on the situation, it might be better to change your locks than to rekey them. If all of your locks are the same brand or style but use different keys, you can have them rekeyed so that they all work with the same key.
You can only change the locks to match an existing key if they all have the same keyway. You can tell if the locks use the same keyway by putting the key you want to use into the keyholes of the locks you want to use it on. If it gets in, it can be changed so that it only needs one key to open. If the key doesn’t work, it’s probably because the lock is a different brand or has a different keyway and can’t be opened with the key that already works.
Some locksmiths may tell you that your locks need to be updated. But they can often be rekeyed, which means that the current lock mechanism can be changed so that a new key opens it. A locksmith can only change the tumblers and pins in a lock so that it can be opened with a new key. The locksmith can look at your lock and add lubricant so that it stays in good shape.
If you’ve ever moved into a new place, lost your house keys, or had to let go of an angry worker, you may have thought about changing your locks. Most people don’t know that re-keying their locks is a much better and often cheaper option than replacing their locks. In this essay, I’ll explain what it means to “rekey” a lock and, more importantly, when you should rekey your locks instead of replacing them. You might wonder what this has to do with anything. because you can save a lot of money every year Some locksmiths take advantage of the fact that customers don’t know the differences. Instead of explaining the different options to the customer, they choose the most expensive one.
Should locks be changed or rekeyed?
Changing the key to a lock is almost always cheaper than getting a new lock. This is because the key pins inside locks are cheaper, but you have to buy all new parts when you replace a lock.
How much does it cost to change the keys to locks?
Locks on homes can be changed. Most of the time, it costs between $80 and $160 to rekey a home lock. If you call a locksmith to come to your house, you might have to pay between $50 and $100 for the trip. Each lock costs between $30 and $60 to rekey, which adds up. Lock replacement costs more money than rekeying.
Can the keys to existing locks be changed?
You can only change the locks to match an existing key if they all have the same keyway. You can tell if the locks use the same keyway by putting the key you want to use into the keyholes of the locks you want to use it on.
How long does it take to change the key in a lock?
Rekeying a lock usually takes 15 minutes, but the time it takes will depend on the type of lock and how skilled the technician is. The hardest part of rekeying is taking the lock off the door, which takes the most time. Should you change the key on your own if it’s easy?
Will Lowe’s change the keys for us?
As of 2022, Lowe’s rekeys locks at almost all of its stores in the United States.
Does the original key have to be present to rekey a lock?
Yes, you can change a lock’s key without the old key. Even if you’ve lost or forgotten the original key, a locksmith can change your locks. Most locks can be picked or shimmed to open the door. Now that the lock cylinder has been taken out, it will be much easier for the locksmith to do his job.
When I buy a new house, should I change the locks?
Change the locks when you move into a new home. You don’t know how many extra keys the previous owners left behind, so changing the locks will make your new home safer. Tom says that you should change the locks when you buy a new house.
Can all of the Kwikset locks have their keys changed?
It’s easy and quick to change the key in a new lock so that it works with an old Kwikset key. Also, all Kwikset pin and tumbler locks can be changed so that a single key can open many locks. A Kwikset Re-keying Kit, a Kwikset key, and a pin and tumbler lock are all you need.
Doesn’t Ace Hardware really rekey locks?
Ace Hardware can change the keys to a wide range of locks. Ace Hardware can rekey your locks, no matter what brand they are (Schlesische, Kwikset, or Ace).
Should I get new locks because I lost my keys?
Even though it’s very unlikely that a burglar will break into your home with a missing key, you should still change your locks if you lose your keys.
Why do locksmithing services cost so much?
Locksmiths are expensive because they have the technical training and experience to do jobs that most people can’t. They are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you need something outside of normal business hours, they may charge you more.
How can I make the key fit all of my locks?
Even though most lock makers sell rekeying kits, they can’t be used with each other. For each type of lock in your home, you need to buy a kit. They should be the same brand, I hope. You can rekey up to six locks with each kit. If you need to do more, you can buy more pins.