When it comes to the security of your home or business, changing your door locks can be an important step to take. Whether you’ve lost your keys, need to upgrade to a better system, or simply want to feel more secure, changing your door locks is a great way to enhance your safety.
But before you rush out to buy new door locks or hire a locksmith, there are a few important things you should know and consider when you change the locks on your home.
Determine Your Needs
Before you can make any decisions about which locks to install, you need to determine what you actually need. Are you looking for the highest level of security possible? Do you need to replace all the locks or do you just need new keys for an existing lock? Do you need new locks on all the doors or just the front door? Are you hoping to change the locks on a new house? Do you want smart locks or mortise locks? How many copies of the keys will you need?
All of these questions can help you and your locksmith determine the best route of action. Answering these questions may also save money and time as you replace or install a new locking mechanism.
Additionally, there is a difference between re-keying and replacing your locking mechanism. Changing the locks involves removing the entire lock from the door before installing a brand new lock in its place. A new door lock can cost anywhere from $40 to $300 depending on the type you purchase.
On the other hand, rekeying the lock involves realigning the pins and springs in the inner workings of the lock in order to match the lock to a new key. You can also re-key all the locks to fit the same key or master key system. Getting your locks rekeyed is an affordable way of securing your new home when your locks are the same brand.
Choose the Right Door Lock
Once you’ve determined your needs, it’s time to choose the right locks. You can opt for traditional locks that use a single key, or you can choose electronic locks that use a keypad, fingerprint, or even your smartphone to grant access. You may even choose different locking systems for your front door lock and other interior doors.
Regardless of what kind of replacement locks you choose, you have to make sure that they match your door’s measurements so they fit properly.
There are pros and cons to each type of lock, so it’s important to do your research and choose the one that will meet your specific needs.
Consider Deadbolts on An Existing Lock
Experts often recommend using deadbolts as a way of reducing the chance of a robbery. Whether you’re changing the locks on a door or rekeying your the locks for your new house keys, a new deadbolt can be a great addition to your home. A deadbolt is a kind of lock that uses a hardened steel bolt extended into the doorjamb and strike plate in the doorframe to lock. These reliable locks offer added protection and are known to be difficult to pick.
Keep Spare Keys Safe
After you’ve finished changing locks or rekeying a lock, it’s important to keep spare keys safe. Don’t hide them in obvious places like under a doormat or flower pot. Instead, give a spare key to a trusted friend or family member, or invest in a high-quality key box from your hardware store that can be securely mounted to your home or business.
Hire a Professional Locksmith
Because you never know what old keys from previous owners still work, replacing the door lock on your home can increase safety and security. While replacing locks might seem like a quick DIY job, it’s always best to hire a professional to handle the job.
They have the knowledge, expertise and all the tools necessary to install a whole lock system quickly and correctly, including the knob, deadbolt, keypad, and the interior side of the lock. Plus, using a professional ensures that your new door locks or new code will work properly and provide maximum security for your home or business.
D & L Locksmith
Changing your locks can be a great way to enhance your security and peace of mind. If you’re looking to replace your current lock system for better security and safety, a professional installation can be crucial.
D & L Locksmith offers trusted locksmith services for your home and doors, whether it’s replacing the lock system on your front doors, rekeying a lock, and building in added security to prevent a break-in. Want your locks changed? Give us a call today to see how we can help you!
