The difference between lock rekeying and changing locks

When your home requires new locks, you may be asking yourself, “do I need to change the entire lock or is there a more efficient option?”. The answer depends on a few different variables including why you need to change your locks and what your budget is. We’ve outlined these in more detail below so you know what to expect when calling your professional locksmith.

​What is Lock Rekeying and when is it my best option?

Losing your keys is never good news, and it always seems to happen at the most inconvenient time. However, the good news is that this will likely be a quick fix for a locksmith. Assuming that your locks are still operating well and in a secure manner, this is usually the best option for you. A lock rekeying involves your professional locksmith changing all of the pins inside your lock – rendering your old keys useless. You will also be issued new keys to work with the updated key system. Your attending locksmith will also service and lubricate all moving parts within the lock so it will continue to function well into the future. Lastly, upon re-installation, your locksmith with also check that the striker plate – the metal bit on your door jam – aligns with the lock. This ensures that your lock is aligned correctly and can continue doing its job to protect you and your home.

When is changing the locks my best option?

If your home requires completely new locks, this is generally because your old locks are no longer functioning well. This could be due to broken parts, rusting or old locks, or just generally insecure locks. This process includes the selection of what kind of locks you would like to install on the door. Your professional locksmith will then completely remove the old models and install your new, secure locks.

​What are the price differences for locksmiths in Washington DC, Maryland

Perhaps one of the main points when considering which option is best for you: associated costs. For the simple lock rekey, this starts at $44.00. If you do require a lock replacement, this starts at $77.00, but can go all the way up to $600.00. It’s worth considering if your locks are going to need a replacement within the next few years. Houses in Maryland are oftentimes quite old, so we commonly see locks that aren’t as secure or smooth as they should be and are on their way out.

If you have lost your keys and require your locks to be serviced, call your local professional locksmith in Maryland. We’ll be able to guide you to the decision that is best suited for your situation. It’s also important to know that our we offer 24×7 locksmith services in Washington – so if you’ve discovered a lost or stolen key and aren’t sure who now has access to your home, we are able to help. It’s quite common to attach your keychain to your wallet and ID which tells people exactly where your keys allow access to. Avoid any security breaches, and mention this to your professional locksmith so we can fully service and protect your home.

If you have any questions about our lock rekeying or lock changing services, give us a call on (877) 200-8815 or leave us an enquiry HERE.