As a homeowner, your door locks are often the first line of defense against thieves. To maintain this security, it is necessary to upgrade these features every so often. While having the locks changed is sometimes the answer, there are instances when rekeying locks is the better option. The guide below will break down the pros and cons of each to help you determine which is the best route to take.  

Rekeying Locks

When you move into a new home, lose your keys, or have one too many copies out in the world, rekeying locks is often the best way to gain control back over your property. This process requires a locksmith to remove the current springs and pins inside the cylinder and replace them with a new set that works with a different key. It is a fairly quick and easy task to complete and, generally, less expensive than replacing the entire deadbolt. 

The downside of rekeying is that you are not upgrading the security of your home. You’re simply decreasing the number of people who currently have matching keys. If the lock is not durable or has noticeable wear and tear, you might want to skip this step and move on to a full replacement. 

Replacing Locks

If the current locks on your home have visible damage, they could be putting your property and family at risk. Lock replacement gives you the opportunity to upgrade to stronger, more secure locks. It is also a way to unify all the locks to operate with the same key or to update the design to match the current style of your house.

Since replacing locks is more labor intensive and requires more parts, expect to pay a locksmith more for this service than rekeying. However, in the long run, the price difference is nothing if it means your home is tightly secure.

If your old roommate never returned their keys or your current deadbolts have a lot of wear and tear, contact Cohen’s Key Shop about replacing or rekeying locks around your home. Since 1897, this full-service locksmith has served residents and businesses throughout New Haven County, CT. If you have a lock or key issue, call (203) 397-3528 to speak with one of their professional and knowledgeable staff members today. You can also visit their website to learn more about their services.