What is rekey and when you need to rekey your locks
To make sure your locks are the most secure and best option for you needs, it helps to understand some common locks and keys terminology. For instance, what is re-key and when do you need to re-key your locks as well as which locks brands are best.
Re-Key
To re-key a lock is to change the inside components of the lock only, leaving the outer hardware intact but making it so that the lock will now require a new key to open it. The process is less expensive than buying brand new locks and having them installed but will only work on locks whose hardware are in good condition.
Rekeying is usually done when the owner is concerned that someone he or she does not trust may have access to the keys that open the lock.
To re-key a lock, a skilled locksmith will remove the pins and springs inside the lock cylinder and replace them with new pins and springs that work only with a new and different key. The end results is a brand new lock and key without the expense of purchasing and installing new hardware. Unless the outer hardware no long works, is damaged, is not allowed to be changed because it’s part of a master key system for an apartment complex or office building, or the home owner wants a different style of lock, rekeying is often the most affordable option in making sure you are the only one with access to the keys that open your door.
Locks Brands
Like anything in the consumer world, there are several brands of locks to choose from. Determining which one is best for your security often comes down to preference in style or budget. A qualified locksmith will be able to walk you through the pros and cons of the most popular brands in great detail.
Of course, you can choose a high-security option like RR Brink, but for everyday household use, most people don’t require top-notch prison-level security. Mul-T-Lock and Medeco are great hard-to-pick lock options. Yale is touted as being the creator of the modern day pin and tumbler locks and have many secure options. Generally speaking, Kwikset is one of the most commonly used locks sold by hardware stores. They are popular mostly because they are inexpensive. They also tend to not typically offer the best levels of security. Baldwin locks are considered to be a mid-range lock in that they are not the highest quality but not the worst either and are usually affordable. Schlage brand is also sold at most hardware stores, and while they are slightly more expensive, they provide a higher level of security than their cheaper alternative. They also sell a re-key kit to do it yourself if you need to re-key a Schlage lock.
During the rekeying process, a locksmith will change out only the inside tumbler or wafer configuration of the lock and provide you with a new, working key. Contact us at Peoria Locksmith 24 to know what is re-key and when you need to re-key your locks as well as which lock brands are best for you.