Lock Rekeying

Should You Have Your Locks Rekeyed?

Whether you’ve moved into a new home, recently kicked out an untrustworthy roommate, or simply feel the need for a security update, changing the locks on your house may be necessary from time to time. While doing a full replacement of every lock may sometimes be necessary, having a locksmith rekey your existing locks is a fast, affordable and secure option to choose.

What Is Lock Rekeying?

image of a lock cylinder that has been removed so it can be reset to accept a new key.

Here’s a cylinder from a Schlage deadbolt that’s been removed so the pins can be replaced to make it work with a brand new key.

When a locksmith comes to rekey locks in your home, they don’t have to remove the entire lock and replace it with a new one. Most locks are designed to use a series of pins, or small, spring-loaded metal rods, to keep the lock closed. When you insert your key, it pushes these pins down in a specific pattern, which lets the cylinder turn and the lock open.

To rekey a lock, the locksmith simply opens up the cylinder and replaces those pins with new ones in a different pattern. All of the other parts of your lock remain the same, but your old key will no longer work since it is now pushing down the wrong pins. Your locksmith will make a new key to the locks for you to use in the future.

To Rekey or Replace a Lock?

In most situations, lock rekeying is all you need to do when you need to change the locks on your house for safety or security reasons. It can also help if your locks aren’t quite functioning at full capacity, such as slightly older locks sticking from time to time. It’s often an issue of the pins sticking or other parts needing a slight tune-up, so having rekeying deadbolts or other sticky locks can give your locksmith a chance to lubricate them, perform minor repairs and replace pins with worn-out springs. Rekeying locks can also be a good choice for interior doors where you need a little extra security, such as when you’re sharing a house with roommates. Having a knob lock rekey done on your door can keep nosy housemates out of your space without risking damage to the door.

However, sometimes a full replacement is necessary. The most common situation where a replacement is required is when the locks are very old and worn. In those situations, a rekey may not fix the problems or may not even be possible. Most other replacements are due to personal preference, such as if you prefer a different style of lock.

The Lockmaster Security Services, Inc. Difference

If you’re in the market to have your locks rekeyed or replaced in the Las Vegas area, give us a call at Lockmaster Security Services, Inc. Our experienced and certified locksmiths can take care of all your needs, from simply letting you back in if you get locked out to doing a full-house rekey or replacement. We are ALOA and Clearstar members to ensure we’re always on the cutting edge of technology and customer service, and we’re a licensed low-voltage contractor so we can work on a variety of commercial and residential applications. Our pricing is always honest and upfront so you never need to worry about hidden fees or last-minute inflation. Give us a call today or visit us at our Las Vegas, Nevada, store so we can help you keep your home or business safe and secure.

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