Your home’s security starts with the locks on your doors. Sometimes, situations arise that decrease the effectiveness of these devices and require them to be rekeyed or replaced. If you are unsure which one is necessary in your case, use the guide below to determine which feature your locksmith should perform.

Rekey

When you lose your keys, it’s not always necessary to have the locks on your home replaced. In many instances, rekeying is a feasible and less expensive option. To do this, the locksmith will remove the cylinder from the lock mechanism and replace or reconfigure the pins inside it to correspond with a new key. 

There are several other situations that warrant rekeying your locks. For instance, your roommate moved out, you lent out keys in the past to friends or neighbors, or you recently moved into your home. If there are several copies of your house keys floating around, rekeying is an ideal option. Additionally, if you want to use the same key to open every lock to your home, rekeying is a viable option. However, be prepared to provide a copy of the original key to the locksmith. If you do not have one or if it’s damaged, it might cost more for them to complete this process.

Replace

The number one reason to replace your locks is to improve the security on your home. Old and damaged locks could increase the risk of a break-in because burglars can get around them easily. However, there are less serious reasons to replace your locks. For instance, you might want to change their look to be more in sync with the rest of your home décor. Also, when your current locks are all made by different manufacturers, having a locksmith replace them might be the only way to use the same key on all doors to your home. 

If the locks on your home don’t bring you peace of mind, contact Northstar Locksmith to discuss rekeying or replacement options. They provide prompt and professional residential and commercial locksmith services to Anchorage, AK, and proudly offer the best in security products. Call them today at (907) 279-2154 to schedule an appointment or any time to request emergency assistance. You can also visit their website to learn more about their services.