Let us start with an interesting fact. It is believed that locksmiths originated more than 40 centuries ago, making their trade one of the oldest in the world. It means that locksmiths have been helping us access and secure our cars, homes, and business premises for more than 4,000 years.
While you rarely require the services of a locksmith, they are the first things you think about when you walk to your car and cannot find your car keys. The same thing applies when your home’s keys are lost or stolen. Then, you appreciate the value of a locksmith’s services. Professional locksmiths like Flat Rate Locksmith and others prevent us from ruining our property by replacing damaged locks or replacing lost or stolen keys.
Rekeying
There are other instances when you might need to alter your locks to match a particular key. This process, also known as rekeying, involves changing the combinations of your different locks’ pins and wafers. Rekeying your locks can be a cheaper option than changing them.
However, you can only rekey your locks to match an existing key when they all have a similar keyway. To establish the existence of a similar keyway with the key you want to use, try sliding it into the locks’ keyways. You can have the locks rekeyed to use one key if it goes through. If they do not, you will need to change your locks.
When You Might Need to Rekey a Lock to Match an Existing Key
You might need to call a locksmith one day to rekey the numerous but same-patterned locks in your home or business offices to use one key. This is because it can be inconvenient and time-consuming for you, your family members, and workers to keep searching through a bunch of keys every time you need to open a door.
Other times, you might need your locks rekeyed to secure your premises and prevent a home burglary, especially if you have lost or misplaced your keys. Besides, you can never tell the character of the person who finds your misplaced keys and what he or she can do, so it is best to err on the side of caution. Similarly, you cannot afford to take chances when someone steals your keys. Whether it is your vault, home, or car keys, it is safer to assume a sinister motive on the part of the thief and rekey those locks.
You might also need to rekey the locks of any new facility, whether a home or office, you are moving into, to enhance its security. Any previously occupied facility risks having multiple copies of your locks’ keys in many hands, so this could potentially expose you to theft. If the new facility has similar locks, you can have your locksmith create a new key and rekey all locks.
A locksmith’s services may also be necessary at the expiry of the leasing period for shared apartments or office premises. Rekeying those door locks with a different key will give new occupants peace of mind knowing there are no duplicate keys that anyone can just use to come in. Rekeyed locks in shared spaces further enhance a sense of security.
Advantages of Hiring a Locksmith
If you are into do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, you can think about rekeying the locks as long as they have the same keyway with a target key. DIY rekeying can be aided by a domestic rekey set. However, there are some risks with DIY rekeying.
Rekeying a lock involves disassembling it, which causes malfunction if the process is not handled carefully. Unfortunately, if locksmithing is not your specialty, chances are high that you might spoil your locks, and you might have to incur more expenses.
Further, you might be rekeying the locks with different pin and tumbler locks that need an experienced eye to identify. The various combinations of your locks’ pins and wafers are critical security features. Without experience, you can compromise your locks’ security features through a rekeying process.
Therefore, hiring a locksmith may be more advantageous than a DIY rekeying project that risks weakening your property’s security measures.
Conclusion
Due to various reasons, there may be occasions when you would need to rekey your locks to match them with a particular key. Hence, working with professional locksmiths with years of experience is a good idea as they can provide the necessary assistance. An experienced locksmith will rekey your locks while safeguarding all their critical features, including security. In addition, a locksmith will use that opportunity to gauge the condition of your locks and provide feedback.
Because you will never know when you might need the services of a full-service professional locksmith, it is advisable to have their contacts in your phonebook. Finally, ensure you go with experienced locksmiths offering pocket-friendly, round-the-clock mobile services within your locality.
