Locks Rekey
Lock rekeying can be a convenient alternative to getting your locks replaced. But many homeowners and business owners don’t know much about the process. How does a locksmith rekey a lock? Is it really as secure as replacing the lock? And how much is it going to cost?
Here at Reliable Locksmith, we make sure our clients all over Minneapolis and the larger Twin Cities metro area get the best security at the best price. No matter if you’re located in St Louis Park, St Paul or Minneapolis, we’ll be happy to help you improve your home or office locks. Let’s take a look at whether rekeying is right for your space.
What is lock rekeying?
All locks that use a key have an internal cylinder with a set of pins. When the pins are in the locked position, they prevent the cylinder from turning and releasing the door latch. The right key pushes the pins with the use of ridges and notches out of the way, thus releasing the cylinder from its locked position. As a result, the key can turn and you can open the door.
Lock rekeying works to reconfigure the internal pins of a lock in order to function with a new key. In other words, nothing about the hardware has been replaced. Instead, the cylinder is removed from the door, recalibrated, and reinstalled.
As long as the lock itself is in good working condition, rekeying is a reliable way to restore security if you’ve lost your keys.
Lock rekeying versus lock replacement
There are a few benefits of rekeying a lock instead of replacing it.
The big one is cost. Lock rekeying generally costs somewhere $30 and up (depends on the type of lock, door etc). That’s far less than you would pay to buy and install a new lock, which could cost anywhere between $100 and $500.
Another benefit is convenience. Rekeying can be done in a matter of minutes, while installing a new lock is typically a longer process. To replace your locks, you may have to wait for the new lock to be delivered. And if the new lock doesn’t fit the existing recess in the door, the locksmith will need to spend time carving out a larger recess to house it.
When is lock rekeying not recommended?
In some circumstances, we will recommend that you replace your locks instead of rekeying them.
One consideration is durability. Locks are graded for the projected amount of times they’ll be used. A Grade 3 lock, for instance, can reliably withstand 200,000 cycles. That means that if your locks are more than a few years old, or they’ve been installed in high-traffic entryways, it’s probably time to replace them.
Another reason to replace instead of rekey is if your security needs have changed. It may be time to switch your business or home security over to a smart technology system. Some of these devices can be installed with your existing locks, while others will need a new lock.
Finally, you may need to replace your locks if you want to be able to use a master key and your existing locks are not compatible. Master keys can only be installed on locks with the same internal cylinder, so if you have a Schlage lock on your back door and a Kwikset lock on your front door, you may need to change one of them.
Can you rekey a lock yourself?
Learning how to work with and manipulate locks is a popular hobby for amateur lock pickers and DIYers. And it is possible to learn how to do it yourself.
However, quick and effective lock rekeying requires a specialized set of tools, plus the ability to cut a new key. Experience and know-how is also important with key rekeying. It’s possible to rekey a lock incorrectly, meaning that neither the new key or the old one will work.
So, if you want the job done fast, it’s best to call out the pros.
We’ll come to your home or office in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area
As you can see, lock rekeying is a quick, affordable solution to restore or improve the security in your home or office. Whether you’re looking to rekey your locks on your Downtown West storefront or your home in St. Anthony Park, call our team at Reliable Locksmith here in Minneapolis. We’ll walk you through whether rekeying is the right move for your security needs.
Our Services
We provide a comprehensive range of locksmith services in Minneapolis. Serving Hennepin County, we can help you combat broken locks, install new locks, access homes and business premises when you’re locked out, and even provide replacement car keys on the spot.
We care for every one of our clients, and we’ll always do what we can to put you at ease. We’re a friendly team and enjoy our work – nothing makes us happier than solving your problems.
Plus, we provide cost-effective quality solutions. Our low prices will certainly be a pleasant surprise.