Who is Authorized to Change Locks?

Changing the locks on your home, for your business, and even for your automobile must be done properly and legally. There are several factors to keep in mind if you are planning to change locks of any kind. You may need to check with your state to make sure you follow any necessary procedures or laws if and when you receive a lock change. For more information about who is authorized to change your locks, keep reading. You will also learn more about the definitions surrounding lock changes and other important information.

Rekeying or Changing Locks?

Since the two phrases are often used interchangeably, you may be unsure of the difference between rekeying a lock and changing a lock. Both are similar in some respects, but there are some differences you should be aware of.

Rekeying locks means that the original lock itself is still left in the door. For example, if a deadbolt lock were being rekeyed, the actual hardware would still be intact and utilized after the rekeying. Where the real action happens is on the inside of the lock itself. Rekeying allows you to keep the same locks, but use a different key to work them. So once a lock is rekeyed, the old keys will no longer work and a new set will be required. Rekeying is often a lot cheaper compared to changing the locks, but it does not necessarily increase security. It merely allows so that a new homeowner can use a new set of keys for the same locks on their doors and the old homeowners key will not work. 

On the other hand, changing locks is much more intensive. Changing locks requires that the hardware of the lock itself be removed from the door and replaced entirely. Changing locks is great if you want a different style of lock for your home and homeowners will often choose to change their locks to a different design or brand. Additionally, changing locks is required for upgrades to electronic locks since they require programming and set-up that is incompatible with traditional or standard locks. Some electronic or smart locks may work in conjunction with the locks you already have on your doors, but it not, a lock change will be required.

When You Should Replace or Rekey Your Locks

You may not have thought about when or why you might need to rekey the locks on your home or vehicle, or even your business. There are several important reasons and security factors to consider when it comes to changing your locks. Continuing reading to see how you might benefit from changing your home, business, or vehicle locks and why rekeying is so necessary and important.

Residential Locks 

Replacing your home locks might feel like a big undertaking, but there are a couple of instances in which you will want to consider replacing your home locks in order to ensure your safety.

Upgrades 

The first reason you may want to replace your home locks is for upgrades. There are many newer models now available that function electronically and even wirelessly, allowing homeowners more control over their homes than ever. If you are interested in having keyless entry locks, such as locks that require a passcode, these can be a great alternative to traditional locks. Families who want to be able to see when certain family members come and go can have those options via wireless phone applications. These types of locks are great to upgrade to and are worth the investment if we want maximum security for your home.

Recent Rise in Crime 

If you are concerned about crime in your area or there has been an increase in robberies or break-ins where you live, you may consider changing or upgrading your locks. At the very least, you should schedule an appointment with a locksmith to perform lock maintenance on your home locks. This may mean you only need added security for one or two doors in your home or other minor repairs. A locksmith who is skilled in residential lock maintenance will give you the proper recommendations and help stop minor lock and key issues from becoming bigger or threatening your home security.

Business Locks 

Business and commercial buildings can benefit from rekeying some or all of their building doors. The most common reasons you may want to rekey your business might be for upgrade purposes or to protect an increase in business assets.

Upgrades 

If you are a business owner, you may want to have your business locks up to speed with the latest models. As your business expands, you may have no choice but to switch to a more practical lock method. Access control, for example, is extremely popular for business buildings due to the ease of access it affords those authorized to enter. At the same time, however, access control keeps the building highly secure. Consider if your business is expanding or if you are moving into a new building entirely. Former method with which you used to secure your building may not be practical as your business grows.

Increase in Business Assets 

Just as your building expands, so will your assets. Rekeying your locks may be necessary depending on the nature of your business and the services and products sold. Heightened security may be needed as you gain more employees, services, or more expensive items in your store.

Vehicle Locks 

Even your vehicle is no exception to rekeying. If you own a vehicle, read on to consider if you may need to rekey the locks. Luckily, most locksmiths are trained not only in residential and business lock repairs and upgrades, but also vehicle locks as well. If you are unsure if your car needs to be rekeyed and have a specific question pertaining to your vehicle, be sure to call a local locksmith.

Buying a Vehicle Second-Hand 

One of the primary times you will want to consider rekeying your vehicle locks is if you purchase your vehicle used or second-hand, such as through Craigslist. You really have no way of knowing who else may have keys to the vehicle you just purchased, despite any insistence to the contrary from the former owner of the car. You can never be too safe using sites like Craigslist, so rekeying is one of the precautions you can take to ensure your second-hand purchase does not turn into a nightmare.

 

Still Unsure if You Need to Rekey Your Home, Business, or Vehicle? 

Depending on your circumstances, you may not be sure whether or not you should bother to rekey your home, business, or automotive locks. The quickest way to get an answer about what best next steps you should take is to call a locksmith. Most locksmiths offer free consultations and price quotes over the phone to help you narrow down what locksmithing solutions will work best. You definitely do not want to go with a cheap option when it comes to replacing your locks, so a locksmith will help you pick the most durable and quality locks to fit your budget.

Because locks are so critical to your safety, you will want to take the time to work with a professional locksmith to make sure your property or vehicle is secure. There is no harm in scheduling an inspection from a professional and certified locksmith just to make sure there are no potential problems lurking with your locks. Being proactive about your locks is the best way to stay on top of whether or not you should replace or rekey any of your locks. Call a locksmith and schedule a maintenance and inspection appointment today!

 

Schedule a Locksmithing Appointment Today! 

Residents and business owners in Atlanta, GA should call Suwanee Locksmith LLC anytime they need rekey services or other locksmithing repairs and upgrades. Their expert team of locksmiths are professionally certified and on-call 24-hours a day, seven days a week to make sure you are never without the superior locksmithing help you need. Give them a call and schedule your emergency, same-day or next day appointment for any lock and key needs you have for your home, business or vehicle. Your repairs and upgrades are important to their locksmiths, so do not hesitate to phone in your locksmithing requests as soon as possible.

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