The Pros and Cons of Rekeying vs. Replacing Your Locks
Rekeying or replacing your home’s locks is a great way to increase your home security and peace of mind. But before you decide which option is best for you, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each. After all, each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and understanding your options is vital in helping you know which route to go.
That said, let us first discuss what exactly rekeying and replacing a lock means before we delve into the ups and downs of each option:
What Does It Mean Rekey a Lock or Replace a Lock?
Rekeying a lock or replacing a lock are two common ways to upgrade the security of your home or business. Rekeying a lock involves changing the internal components of a lock so that it will work with a new key, while replacing a lock consists of replacing the entire lock unit with a new one. Both methods can be used to improve the security of your property, although they have different costs and levels of difficulty.
Rekeying a lock is a relatively simple process that can be done by a locksmith or a DIYer with the right tools. When a lock is rekeyed, the original key will no longer work with the lock, and a new key will be required. The internal components of the lock are changed so that only the new key will work in the lock. This is a cost-effective way to upgrade the security of your home or business, as it does not involve replacing the entire lock.
Replacing a lock, on the other hand, is a more involved process that requires the entire lock unit to be replaced. This is a more expensive solution than rekeying a lock, but it will ensure that the lock is completely new and secure. Replacing a lock is a good option if the existing lock is damaged or if you want to upgrade to a more secure lock.
Pros and Cons of Rekeying a Lock
Pros
- Cost-Effective: Rekeying is significantly less expensive than replacing your locks, and that price can depend on the type of lock you pick.
- Quick: Rekeying a lock is a quick process and can be completed in a matter of minutes.
- Convenient: Rekeying is a great option for homeowners who are looking for a quick and easy way to secure their homes.
Cons
- Limited Security: Rekeying does not provide the same level of security as replacing a lock. The new key can still be duplicated, and the lock can still be picked.
- Limited Options: Rekeying only allows you to change the key, not the lock itself. If you want to upgrade to a higher security lock, you will need to replace the lock.
Pros and Cons of Replacing a Lock
Pros
- Increased Security: Replacing your locks is the best way to ensure the highest level of security for your home. It allows you to upgrade to a higher security lock that is more difficult to pick or duplicate.
- More Options: Replacing your locks gives you the opportunity to choose from a wide range of locks with different security features.
- Peace of Mind: Replacing your locks provides you with peace of mind knowing that your home is secure.
Cons
- Expensive: Replacing your locks is significantly more expensive than rekeying, and it gets more expensive if you purchase a higher-quality lock.
- Time-Consuming: Replacing your locks is much more time-consuming than rekeying. Depending on the type of lock, it could take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to replace each lock.
Get Your Lock Needs Met
Ultimately, the decision of whether to rekey or replace your locks comes down to personal preference and budget. If you’re looking for a cost-effective and quick way to increase your home security, then rekeying is the way to go! Either way, understand what your needs are and which option is more sensible. If you need help, always feel free to reach out to a locksmith to get a second opinion about what you should do to ensure you get the best solution possible!
Action Lock Doc offers a variety of locksmith services to meet different lock-related needs. If you are looking for a rekey service and more in the DFW area, work with us today!
Joe, a former CIO and tech industry professional, has made it his mission to secure Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) through the Action Lock Doc, Dallas Safe and Vault, and Summa Security brands. When he’s not running the show at the office, you’ll find him writing about commercial and residential locksmithing, access control, and safes.