What is lock rekeying and how can it solve your problem?
Lock rekeying is when a locksmith removes the lock, takes out the cylinder and changes the internal pins so that the old key no longer works, and the new key does work. How does this help you? Well, if an unwanted person has a copy of your key, the key they have will no longer work. If you have a bunch of locks that all use different keys, they can be rekeyed to match so you don’t have to hunt around for the right key every time. If you lost all your keys, unless the lock is smart key lock, we can rekey the lock, so you’ll have new keys. Lock rekeying is cheaper than lock change, so if your locks are in good condition, getting them rekeyed can save you money and still achieve your goal.
Can every lock be rekeyed?
Most can. It’s rare that there’s a lock that can’t be rekeyed, but there are a few complications to rekeying. If you have a smart key lock and you have a working key now, rekeying the lock is so easy you can do it yourself. Just get the smart key reset tool, buy a set of keys you want to change the lock to (make sure it’s the same keyway Kwikset, schlage etc) put the reset tool into the little hole next to the cylinder, put the old key in the lock, turn it, take it out, put the new key in, turn it, test that it only works with the new key, and you’re done. However, if all the keys are lost, you can’t rekey smart key lock. There is a reset tool that exists but you’re probably better of just replacing the lock at that point. In most cases, every lock can be rekeyed though. Storm door locks, hurricane shutter locks, screen door locks, residential locks, commercial locks, car locks, filing cabinet locks, and more.
What is Master Key Rekey and How Can it Help You?
If you manage a few properties or have a commercial location, master key systems are a big part of your life. Master keys are when you have one master key that opens all the locks and then a second key opens each lock and is different so employees or tenants can have access to only one lock, but the manager has access to all locks with one key. If that master key got lost, or got into the wrong hands though, you may need master key rekey. We offer top level master key rekey services that will be done correctly. When it comes to master rekeying, you need to choose a locksmith carefully because if it’s done incorrectly, the locksmith can make a huge mess that will cost you more to get fixed than if you had done nothing.
When is it a Good Idea to Rekey a Car?
Car rekeying is an excellent idea if your car was stolen or if you have a different key to the door, glove compartment, trunk, and ignition. If you change the ignition, the key to the door will no longer match the ignition. And while that’s livable, the problem is that if you lose the ignition key and a locksmith buys a car key code that matches your VIN, it no longer matches. So, you’ll need ignition change again. If you rekey the door lock to match the new ignition key, a skilled locksmith could lishi the door and read the cuts to make you a new ignition key. If you don’t rekey the car, at least get a few copies of your car key made, so you don’t find yourself in this situation. If your car was stolen and you got it back, you won’t want the thieves to have access to your car again. So, it’s a good idea to get the doors and ignition all rekeyed to only work with a new key.
When is it Better to Change the Locks Instead of Getting them Rekeyed?
If your locks are worn out, getting stuck when you try to open them with the key, the cylinder turns and turns but doesn’t unlock the door, the lock is rusted, the lock is low security, or you want a new style, then it’s better to change the lock because rekeying won’t achieve your goals. You can call us at any time of day or night and ask questions, we’ll be happy to guide you.
