What is Lock Rekeying?

Lock rekeying is a security method that involves changing the internal workings of a lock so that the old keys no longer work, and new ones are required. This is different from a lock change, which involves replacing the entire lock system with a new one.
There are several scenarios where lock rekeying is preferred over a lock change. For instance, if you've recently moved into a new home, it's likely that the previous owners still have copies of the keys. Instead of changing all the locks, which can be costly and time-consuming, you can simply rekey them. This ensures that any old keys floating around will no longer work, giving you peace of mind.
Another scenario where rekeying might be the preferred option is if you've lost a key and are worried it might fall into the wrong hands. Again, instead of replacing the entire lock, you can simply rekey it. This is a quicker and cheaper solution that still ensures the security of your home or office.

The Process of Rekeying a Lock

The process of rekeying a lock involves several steps. First, the locksmith will remove the lock from the door. They will then take apart the lock cylinder and remove the pins. These pins are then replaced with new ones that correspond to a new key. Once the new pins are in place, the locksmith will reassemble the lock and install it back into the door.
The main benefit of rekeying a lock over getting a new one is that it's generally a cheaper and quicker process. You also don't need to worry about getting new keys, as the locksmith will provide them for you. This can be especially useful if you have multiple locks that need to be rekeyed, as you can have them all rekeyed to the same key, reducing the number of keys you need to carry around.

Advantages of Lock Rekeying

Lock rekeying provides a cost-effective alternative to a full lock change. This is because it requires less labor and fewer materials, as only the internal components of the lock need to be replaced.
Rekeying locks also allows for increased security without needing new keys. This is because the new keys will only work with the rekeyed locks, rendering any old keys useless. This can be especially beneficial if you've lost a key or if you're worried that someone might have a copy of your key.

Understanding Lock Change

A lock change, on the other hand, involves replacing the entire lock system. This means that a new lock is installed, and new keys are required. This is different from a lock rekey, where only the internal components of the lock are changed.
The main difference between a lock rekey and a lock change is that a lock change requires new keys. With a lock rekey, the old keys are made useless, but new keys aren't necessarily required, as the locksmith can rekey the lock to match existing keys.

The Procedure for Changing a Lock

The process involved in changing a lock is more involved than rekeying. First, the locksmith will remove the old lock from the door. They will then install a new lock, which will require new keys. The locksmith will provide these new keys, and any old keys will no longer work with the new lock.
There are several differences between the procedures of lock rekeying and lock changing. The main difference is that lock changing involves replacing the entire lock, while rekeying only involves changing the internal components. This means that lock changing is generally a more time-consuming and expensive process.

Benefits of a Lock Change

While a lock change is more expensive and time-consuming than rekeying, it does provide enhanced security. This is because a new lock is generally more secure than an old one, especially if the old one has been compromised in any way.
Another benefit of a lock change is that new keys are guaranteed. With a lock rekey, the locksmith can match the new lock to existing keys, meaning you might not get new keys. However, with a lock change, you're guaranteed to get new keys, which can give you peace of mind knowing that no one else has a copy of your keys.

In conclusion, both lock rekeying and lock changing have their benefits, and the best option depends on your specific situation. If you're looking for a quick and cost-effective solution, rekeying might be the way to go. However, if you're looking for enhanced security and don't mind the extra cost, a lock change might be the better option.