Budget Locksmiths

Re-keying or Lock Replacement: Which Is Best?

To feel secure in your home, you need to have a door that locks. However, there are situations in life when you might need to change the lock for an extra layer of security. Nowadays, you can choose between a complete replacement and re-keying. Both options have their pros and cons, and you’ll need to consider both to make a decision you won’t regret.

Lock Re-keying: Affordable and Simple

Re-keying a lock is a relatively simple procedure that Budget Locksmiths can perform quickly and efficiently. It entails replacing the tumblers of a lock cylinder. Its most important benefits are:

  • Affordability.
    Lock re-keying is much cheaper than a complete replacement. Considering the cost of a high-quality new lock, this is a very important consideration, especially if your budget is limited.
  • Maintaining the original lock.
    If the piece itself is good and functions well, replacing it would be a waste. You also need to consider the fact that removing it from the door is sure to damage its surface. Minor scratches are unavoidable, so the door itself will need some work, which adds to the cost of replacement.
  • Convenience.
    Re-keying is a very quick process and it doesn’t cause any mess, so you can have your door fixed and be on your way within minutes. You can also have all the locks in the house fixed in a way that will allow you to open all of them with a single key. However, this will compromise the security.

However, there are some disadvantages to re-keying:

  • It may be impossible.
    If the lock itself is damaged, replacing the tumblers might not be the best solution, because your security would still be compromised. Note that re-keying, in general, is possible only on locks designed with this idea in mind. If the piece is old-fashioned, there may not be replacement tumblers for it.
  • It doesn’t give a 100% security guarantee.
    Re-keying means you still have the same lock. If you want to up your security, you’ll need to install a more advanced model.

Lock Replacement: The Ultimate Security Measure

Replacing a lock can be expensive, especially if you want to install the most reliable device available. However, there is no arguing the fact that this will make you safer. Installing new locks is advised in the following situations:

  • You’ve moved house
  • Your house was broken into
  • Your lock seems unreliable
  • You want to boost the security in your home

Keep these things in mind and decide whether re-keying or replacement is better in your particular situation. Don’t hesitate to ask a professional locksmith for advice.

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