Is it Time to Replace Your Locks? 6 Factors to Consider

Keeping your locks in good shape and secure is a crucial step to retain the protection of your Marysville, Washington residential or commercial property. This is because locks form the first line of defense against any intrusion, unauthorized access, vandalism, or crime.

Before you even think about adding additional security measures and investing a bunch of money into your security, you should optimize your locks.

A locksmith can assist you in determining the best locks to install on your property. Since changing your door locks doesn’t happen often, however, it’s easy to follow the temptation to put it off.

The following is a list of the times when it’s suitable to consider having your locks changed. While it’s always your decision as the homeowner, this can act as a helpful guide.

Remember, if you have your locks changed, always have any spare keys that you may possess replaced as well. Locksmiths always recommend that you have a backup set of keys kept in a safe place to avoid a lockout.

For key duplication, lock change service, and other necessary lock and key services to maintain and optimize your home security, trust on a well-established and respected locksmith company, such as Marysville Locksmith.

Lock Change or Rekeying Service? 

We previously mentioned rekey service, which you may or may not have heard of. So, what is rekey service and how is it different from a lock change? Lock change is just that, changing out the entire old lock mechanism and replacing it with a new one, usually of the same type.

Rekeying requires a professional locksmith. It consists of a more complicated process that involves taking the entire lock mechanism apart, replacing and reconfiguring the pins inside, and replacing the lock. The process shouldn’t take longer than ten minutes for a qualified locksmith.

All the previous keys that used to work to open the lock will be rendered ineffective after the lock is rekeyed, and only the new key will work. Rekey service is often an option if your lock mechanism is in relatively new and in good shape, and you’re just looking to have the key configuration itself changed, such as if you’ve lost your key or lent it to someone whom you no longer want access.

Rekeying is usually less expensive than a full lock change, but it doesn’t add anything additional in terms of security for your lock. Ask your locksmith professional if you’re interested in rekeying to see if it’s applicable in your situation.

1. Are Your Locks Broken or Damaged? 

While this might seem like an obvious one, it still bears mentioning. If the broken lock isn’t on a main entry, such as one on a back door or a window, you may be tempted to ignore it and assume it’s no big deal.

However, crafty thieves look for vulnerabilities in your home or business’s defenses such as these.

Since locks are the basic protection against any unwanted intrusion, broken locks should never be ignored. Have a professional locksmith replace any broken locks right away. 

2. Did You Lose Your Keys? 

Lost keys are by far the most common reason why people consider changing or rekeying their locks. Nearly all of us have experienced temporarily losing our keys from time to time. Usually you end up finding them after retracing your steps.

Sometimes, however, you discover that you’ve truly lost your keys. If that’s the case for you, consider having your door locks changed or rekeyed as soon as possible if there’s any way that your keys could be acquired by someone else. 

3. Did You Recently Move to Your Property? 

While you might be excited when you’re handed the keys to your new home or business, especially if it’s your first one, if there’s any chance that someone else owns a copy of that key, you should strongly consider having the locks changed.

Anyone who owns a copy of your key will be able to let themselves in, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry. You can always frame your original key or otherwise save it as a keepsake if you don’t want to part with it entirely. 

4. Your Former Roommate or Tenant Won’t Return Their Key 

Breakups, friendships ending, and evictions are all delicate situations that are also an inevitable part of life. Not all of these situations will resolve easily, and sometimes there will be hard feelings. As we previously stated, anyone who has a copy of your home’s key can let themselves right in, whether you approve or not.

Whether it’s a messy divorce or the end of a long relationship in which you were roommates with your significant other, the aftermath of a breakup can cause people to act less rationally than they normally would. If your ex had keys to your home, it may be best to have the locks changed once they leave, especially if you’re concerned for your safety.

5. Your Home or Business Has Experienced a Break-In

Another time when changing your locks may seem like a no-brainer, but still requires mentioning: if someone has broken in to your property. In these cases, often the lock is completely damaged, along with the doorframe and door in many cases.

 Replacing all of these elements is important, but it’s also crucial to consider whether you should boost your security. Your current lock protection has already proved insufficient, so to prevent a repeat of the situation in the future, consider upgrading your locks.   

Professional Locksmith Lock Change Services

When it comes time to replace or change your locks in Marysville, Washington, you need a locksmith company you can trust to deliver superior results at an excellent cost. That company is Marysville Locksmith.

Contact our locksmiths any time you need your locks repaired, swapped out, upgraded, or rekeyed. Our fully mobile locksmith vehicles are work stations on wheels and come directly to your location with all of the tools, equipment, supplies, and knowledge needed to solve your every lock and key issue at an affordable cost. 

Marysville Locksmith, LLC

For More Info.

Call us at (425) 242-3709

Marysville Locksmith, LLC is proud to provide services for those looking for automotive, residential, emergency and commercial solutions in Marysville.

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