Rekeying (Most of this applies to both residential and commercial.)

Like most tasks, rekeying a lock can be a simple job even for a novice as long as nothing goes wrong.  If you have a Kwikset or Schlage residential lock you can buy a kit that comes with keys and pins to change up to 5 single-key locks so... why pay a locksmith?

1. Most locks are damaged or corroded (read the “Care and Feeding of Locks).

2. Many homes, particularly with double-sided deadbolts require more than a five-lock kit.

3. Many homes have Weslock, Kwikset Titan, or other locks which the kits will not fit.

4. The kits offer a limited number of combinations increasing the chance another key can operate your lock.

5. The kits include very simple instructions yet each manufacturer offers numerous lock configurations, some of which require very specialized tools to disassemble.

6. Many double-sided deadbolt designs use one-way “security screws” preventing disassembly.

A locksmith has a tremendous investment in tools, parts, product, and experience to address all of these concerns and more.  Beyond working on the lock itself, issues with the hinges and door jam can often compound making a lock work properly again - something the kit never addresses.  On many occasions I have removed a lockset from a door for rekeying only to find the set itself is broken inside from past abuse (in most cases the door had been kicked in by burglars to gain entry and shattered components inside the lock).

As with any trade, an experienced locksmith can offer more solutions than you might consider for your situation - for example, offering padlocks for gates that are keyed to match your house to reduce the number of keys you carry or keying your front door to fit a “second” different key that you can give to a handyman, maid, or babysitter... if it is lost only that lock has to be rekeyed, not the entire house.

A locksmith can also offer physically exclusive keys not available at hardware stores so no one can copy your key without your knowledge.  While this was more important for businesses in the past, it can be critical to more affluent home owners in today’s environment.