What Exactly Is Rekeying A Lock?

What Exactly Is Rekeying A Lock?

Posted by on Jun 8, 2016 in Locksmith |

Lock rekeying is the process of changing the lock code. The lock is taken apart and the locking pins are replaced with new pins and springs, then new keys are cut to match the new locking pins. At this point the old keys will not operate the lock.

The reasons for rekeying a lock are many, but they should all revolve around security and key control. Let’s say that a bank has 5 keys that open the bank doors, when they do an audit it is discovered that they cannot account for one key. They have two choices: replace all the locks that the lost key opened or rekey all those locks. If the door hardware is in good condition then the choice should be to rekey. A locksmith like beverlyhillslocksmith.org can do this job at the bank and cut new keys to match the rekeyed locks.

Key control is the process of knowing where all your keys are and who has them. If you can’t account for even one then rekeying should be your first action. Remember, without Control you do not have a secure facility. Most quality locks can be rekeyed and if the lock happens to be high security, then when it is rekeyed you will get a new registered code with registered keys.

 

professional locksmith1Rekeying has an advantage if you want to change the keying sequence of your building. For example, if you have multiple doors that work with a different key (keyed different) and you want these doors to all open with the same key (keyed alike). All of these locks can be taken apart and rekeyed so that they all open with the same key. To take this a little further you can create a master system. This is when all the doors open with different keys, but you have one (master) that will open all the doors.

To rekey a lock, the cylinder must be made so that it can be removed from the padlock. Once removed the combination pins are changed to a new configuration and keys are cut to match. This process can be done many times. Not all padlocks are rekeyable though, it depends on the manufacturer, the manufacturing process and the cost. Most padlocks sold at big box stores are not rekeyable.

If you lose your keys and you want to make sure that your stuff is still secure you either have to purchase new padlocks or rekey them. The rekey process is much cheaper. For years high security padlocks were manufactured to be rekeyable. With these locks the rekey process is a little different. These types of locks use restricted lock and key codes. This usually means that only you will have those lock codes and therefore the keys to open those locks.

For businesses these types of locks offer many benefits:

rekeyingThe ability to change the lock codes quickly if keys are lost Padlocks can be keyed alike in groups from two to thousands There is the ability to create a master system Key control, you know where your keys are and who has them

There is another type of lock cylinder that go into padlocks. These are called removable core, SFIC or changeable. With these the complete lock cylinder is removed from the padlock and replaced with another one. The core can then be rekeyed and made ready for use in another padlock. The benefit to these types of locks is that anyone can change the padlock core. This helps to regain control of your keys immediately. Removable core padlocks are usually available only at service centers or locksmith stores and cost more than standard padlocks.

So how can you tell if a lock is rekeyable? For the average person it could be tough. If you go to big box stores the padlocks are usually carded, sealed in plastic and hung on a hook. Unless it is stated on the packaging it would be difficult to know. I don’t think that store personnel would be any help. If you want this type of padlock go to a professional Service Center.

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Rekeying vs. Changing Your Locks

Rekeying vs. Changing Your Locks

Posted by on Jun 2, 2016 in Locksmith |

Every home and business owner knows how important it is to secure one’s property and there are many requirements that a security measure should meet. Did you just acquire the space? What are the kinds of locks that are currently installed? How old are the installed locks, and do they meet your needs with regards to the security level you are after? Do you feel safe with the amount of security your locks provide? These are just some of the essential questions you should find answers to, so you can make a rather sound decision in choosing whether to rekey or change your locks completely. Big thank you to Greshamlocksmith.org for all the helpful information.

First, let us define lock rekeying…

Rekeying2Before you decide whether to rekey or change the lock assembly of your business space or home, you need to understand first how a lock rekey procedure goes as well as its pros and cons. It is actually one of the most common tasks for locksmiths, but it is still a complicated security lock that gives sufficient protection.

A lock rekeying process changes the tumblers of your current lock so that all of the wafers would be jumbled or set in a much different order. This is usually done to retain the lock that is already utilized, but still change the keys entirely. A competent locksmith can easily use the newer code from the tumblers, so that the current keys will no longer work with the changed lock tumblers.

If the locks on your doors are made of a (ANSI) security grade of one or higher, then your locksmith wont have to go through a lot of hassle to rekey all of them. This also a great factor you need to consider if you want to update your locks, but also save a couple of bucks at the same time.

The Benefits You Can Get from Rekeying Your Locks

As soon as you have your locks rekeyed, you wont have to worry about buying any additional hardware anymore which would usually reap you off your hard earned money. Below are more benefits you can get from rekeying your locks.

*It will maintain the current aesthetic of your door, which is without any annoying paint lines.*it is very convenient, because you can use the same locks.*It would cost you much less!

You Need to Change Your Locks If…

When the current locks to your house or business space are shaky and old, out of style and jiggly, then it is definitely time for you to change the assembly of your locks entirely. Below are the three signs you need to watch out for that would signify that you need a replacement job done.

*If your locks have experienced being damaged, broken into or any other mishap

When some parts of your current locking system has already been taken out from the frame of the door, or the entire assembly has been worn down already that you can already witness the sections of the lock not doing the security mechanism it is supposed to perform, then it is now time for you to purchase a brand new lock set.

*If your locks are rather old that there are no longer parts available in the market

You could have an antique set of locks. This is actually bad news, if this is the case, because that would mean you can no longer have the option of having the locks rekeyed. Your only point of action now is to change the locks altogether. If you upgrade your locks, you would get a much higher level of protection because locks are already manufactured with high tech procedures in the recent years. If you insist on having your antique locks rekeyed, then let me warn you that you will have a very hard time finding a locksmith that would work on your antique locks.

*If you are requiring a high level of protection for your business space or home

biometric fingerprint lock1Your current locks may be installed with a rather poor or low security rating. If you want to feel more secure with your system of protection, then you might want to put upgrading the locks into a Grade 1 security level into your to-do list.

Changing your locks would mean you get to utilize a newer and better technology. The modern locks are much harder to drill, tamper with and pick. We recommend that you ask your locksmith which brands are the best in producing quality locks, since there are so many to choose from. If you once had a bad experience with a specific brand of locks in the past, you should also discuss it with your locksmith so he or she can advise you regarding your concerns.

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Why Re-Key Your Home?

Why Re-Key Your Home?

Posted by on May 23, 2016 in Locksmith |

Everybody values his or her valuable possessions. This is the reason why you need to optimize the security of your belongings. In addition, it is important that you optimize the security of your loved ones so that they can remain safe. You will realize that most individuals have ever experienced burglary at their homes at one time or another. This can frustrate you a great deal. You need to re-key your home so that your home can remain safe from intruders. You can actually hire the services of a locksmith so that he can re-key the locks of your home. You will realize that most locksmiths normally charge a certain fee for the services they offer. Why re-key your home? There are many reasons why you should re-key your home. They include the following:

1. You moved into a new home.

Many individuals are normally excited to move into a new home. However, once you move into a new home, you need to address a number of issues. You need to clean your house and arrange your items so that they can remain orderly. Did you know that it is important that you re-key your new home? The previous tenant could have retained an extra key that he or she did not surrender to the landlord. This can compromise the security of your belongings. This is the reason why you should rekey your new home.

2. In the event of misplacing your keys.

lost car keyYour keys are very essential to you as a home owner. This is the reason why you should take of them all the time. However, you will realize that many individuals normally misplace their keys now and then. This can be detrimental to you as a home owner. If you happen to lose or misplace your keys, you need to re-key your home. Remember that someone might have spotted you with those keys before misplacing them. He or she can actually access your home without your consent. This can compromise the security of your belongings a great deal.

3. If you reside in an area that has high insecurity.

Everybody would like to live in a secure area. If you live in an area where there is rampant insecurity, you should re-key your home. Remember that such areas are prone to theft and burglary. This will go a long way in preventing intruders into your house. You can always be assured that your valuable possessions are safe when you are away at work.

4. If you do not trust your relatives or friends with your keys.

Many individuals normally share their keys with their friends and relatives. However, some friends and relatives can be mischievous. Some of them can conspire with other people and steal your property when you are away. In such circumstances, it is advisable that you re-key your home. This will go a long way in ensuring that nobody gets into your home without your consent.

5. If your locks are unreliable.

You should always ensure that your locks are reliable so that your belonging can remain safe all the time. You will realize that there are some locks that can be opened by multiple keys. You should re-key those locks as soon as possible. Faulty locks can make intruders access your home when you are away at work. Do not take chances. You should re-key your home so that your possessions can remain safe.

6. In the event of separation and divorce.

Divorce 2Some people normally don’t know how to handle conflicts well. This could lead to separation and even divorce. If you are a married man, you might end up divorcing your wife. You might also fire your house help and so on. Remember that those individuals might have retained an extra key of your home. They might not hand over all the keys to you before leaving your house. This is the reason why you should not relent in re-keying your home. These individuals can access your home when you are away at work. However, when you re-key your home, they will not be in a position to access it.

It is very important to re-key your home. This will enable you to have some peace of mind when you are away from your home. Remember to hire a professional locksmith so that you can get quality services. Do not leave anything to chance. Re-key your home today and you will enjoy the results.

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