When it comes to home or business security, ensuring your locks are functional and secure is a top priority. Whether you’ve just moved into a new place, lost a key, or experienced a security breach, you might find yourself deciding between rekeying and replacing your locks. While both options enhance your security, rekeying often emerges as the more cost-effective and efficient solution.
Let’s explore in this blog why rekeying your locks can save you money and time and how a locksmith in Rochester can deliver the protection you need.
Reasons Why Rekeying is More Cost-Effective Than Replacing Locks
Lower Costs for Materials and Labor
One of the most significant advantages of rekeying is the reduced cost of materials and labor. Rekeying only requires a locksmith’s expertise and a few small components, like new pins. In contrast, replacing a lock involves purchasing entirely new hardware, which can be pricey, especially for high-security or smart locks.
Locksmiths typically charge less for rekeying services than full replacements because it’s a quicker, less labor-intensive task. If you have multiple locks that need attention, rekeying them all to match a single key can also be more economical than replacing every lock.
Maintaining Existing Hardware
Locks, especially high-quality ones, can be expensive and designed to last for years. If your locks are still in good condition, replacing them might be unnecessary and wasteful. Rekeying allows you to keep your existing hardware while refreshing the security, extending the life of your investment.
Additionally, preserving the original locks maintains the aesthetic consistency of your doors and avoids potential issues with fitting new hardware.
Convenience and Time Efficiency
Rekeying is typically faster than replacing locks. A skilled locksmith can rekey a standard lock in around 30 minutes, while replacing a lock could take longer, especially if adjustments to the door are needed. For homeowners or businesses managing multiple locks, this time efficiency can translate into less disruption and lower labor costs.
Furthermore, rekeying allows you to consolidate your keyring. If you have different keys for various doors, a locksmith can rekey them to work with a single master key — simplifying your access without the expense of new hardware.
Enhanced Security Without Full Replacement
If security is a concern, rekeying is a highly effective solution. Lost keys, turnover in tenants or employees, or ending a relationship with someone who had access to your property are all valid reasons to rekey your locks. By doing so, you ensure old keys no longer work, eliminating potential unauthorized access.
In many cases, locksmiths can even upgrade your lock’s security during the rekeying process. They might add anti-pick pins or suggest ways to reinforce the door and strike plate, providing enhanced protection without the price tag of entirely new locks.
Situations Where Rekeying Is the Smarter Choice
While replacing locks may be necessary in some instances — such as when the hardware is damaged or outdated — rekeying is the smarter, more cost-effective choice in many scenarios:
- New Home or Apartment: After moving into a new place, rekeying ensures previous owners, tenants, or contractors can’t access your property with an old key.
- Lost or Stolen Keys: If your keys go missing, rekeying quickly invalidates the lost keys without needing new locks.
- Tenant or Employee Turnover: Property managers and business owners often rekey locks when tenants or employees leave, rather than incurring the higher costs of lock replacement.
- Relationship Changes: In cases of breakups, divorces, or roommate departures, rekeying provides peace of mind without a complete hardware overhaul.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Security
Rekeying is also a more sustainable option, as it reduces waste. Replacing a lock means discarding the old one, which contributes to landfill buildup. By rekeying, you reuse the existing mechanism and only discard small internal components, minimizing environmental impact.
When Lock Replacement Makes More Sense
Despite its many benefits, rekeying isn’t always the best solution. There are situations where lock replacement might be more appropriate:
- Severe Wear or Damage: If a lock is rusted, broken, or malfunctioning, replacement might be the safer, more reliable choice.
- Upgrading to Smart or High-Security Locks: If you want the features of modern smart locks or need enhanced protection, replacing your locks may be the way to go.
- Mismatched or Incompatible Locks: If you have a variety of incompatible locks that can’t be keyed alike, replacing them with a uniform set may ultimately simplify your security.
Also Read: Why You Should Rekey Your New Home Immediately After Moving In
Contact Greece Local Locksmith to Hire a Locksmith in Rochester
Are you looking for an expert locksmith in Rochester? Greece Local Locksmith is the right choice. We have been in this industry for over a decade, providing expert locksmith services in Rocester. All of our locksmiths are fully licensed and insured. They have the right tools and equipment to rekey or replace your locks quickly.
Whether it is day or night, contact us for quick locksmith services. We are just a call away.
