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Will My Lock Need To Be Changed
Gwen Thelen • May 11, 2021
Most often, locks do not need to be changed, just re-keyed.
A lot of times, our Westminster Locksmiths get asked the following question, "Will My Locks Need to Be Changed?" Most of our Westminster customers don't care for the idea of changing their lock because it involves throwing out the whole thing, including the knob, lever and lock! For homeowners, discarding a lock can be inconvenient and costly. Many times the lock itself has a particular style that matches the homeowner's decor, or it's in the same brand and style of all the other locks in the home. If your key no longer works in the lock or you need to maintain key-control, re-keying just may be the answer.
The good news is that 95% of the time, locks do not need to be changed, but rather, re-keyed.
What does Re-Keying a lock mean?
Re-Keying a lock involves changing the cylinder in the existing lock so that the lock remains in tact. By changing the lock mechanism, the old key will no longer work to unlock the lock and a new key is needed. A skilled Westminster locksmith is required to remove the pins and springs in the lock cylinder and replace them with new pins and springs that work with a new and different key.
Is a Re-Keyed lock as secure as the original lock?
Yes. Security in a lock directly depends on how many pins are inside of it. As long as your trained Westminster Locksmith trades the old pins with new ones, your lock will remain just as secure as it was before.
How long does it take to Re-Key a lock?
A re-keyed lock can be completed in as little as 10-15 minutes by a trained, professional locksmith. If you are DIyer and try it yourself, you'll come to appreciate the skills that a locksmith has. Your locksmith is trained, skilled and licensed and has the proper specialty tools to execute a re-key successfully. A Locksmith Tool Kit is designed to deal with a large variety of locks, as all locks are not the same (See: All Locks Are Not Created Equal in our Blog).
How much will it cost me to Re-Key a lock?
The cost to re-key a lock can be anywhere from $40-$80 depending on the type of lock and its current condition. The cost of re-keying a lock can also depend on the type of locksmith you need for the doors you can't open. In general, you can expect any trained and licensed locksmith to be able to handle the job.
At Locksmith Westminster Co, we have been re-keying locks for our Westminster Community for over 7 years. We are very proud of the work we do and stand behind the quality of Locksmith service we provide. If you find you need a locksmith for your Westminster home to re-key any and all locks, give us a call. We are well known for being a fast locksmith, respectful, and efficient. Call now!