When to Replace Locks
Replacing your locks, unlike when to change the oil in your car, isn’t dictated by a certain period of time. Instead, replacing your locks will more often than not be dictated by certain situations. We often receive phone calls from customers who are not sure if it is time to replace their locks, or if they can get by having the same ones a little longer, or maybe even rekeying them. We thought it would be beneficial to put together an article dedicated to allowing people everywhere know when the right time is to swap out their locks with something new.
If in doubt, you can always ask a lock and security expert in your area – a locksmith! They can come out to inspect your locks if there is any doubt, and let you know if replacement is a good idea. We want to let you know that it is a great idea to pay attention to security for your property. You have locks on the door leading into your home, after all. You have a lock on your back patio door, most likely, too, and you might even have one for your garage. You likely have them on interior doors, too, whether or not you use them. Of course, you want them to work, or else what is the point of having the security features in place? Locks not only help to deter theft, but they can prevent break-ins altogether. So, are your locks still in great shape, or is it time to replace them?
- Replace Damaged Locks
If your locks are damaged to the point that a criminal could manipulate them with ease to gain entry to your property then you need to replace them. How can you know? If you have a hard time unlocking or locking them, as in the key gets stuck for a second, sticks, or you have to wiggle it around, these are all signs you might have a damaged lock. - Poor Quality Locks Should Be Replaced
Maybe you opted to go with a brand you had never heard of or no brand at all in an attempt to save money. Poor quality locks aren’t going to last long like other locks will. So, if they seem to be falling apart, have them replaced with something more reputable. - Replace Locks When A Break-In Has Occurred
A break in is a horrible thing, and we wish it never happened. But the unfortunate truth is that break-ins do happen, and they happen all over the country. If a criminal broke your locks or manipulated them in any way to get inside, or if there is a chance that they grabbed your key, you must replace your locks. If you need 24/7 emergency services for break-in repairs or lock replacement, you will likely be able to find a locksmith willing to provide this. You should not have to lose any more sleep after your property was broken into. If you don’t think replacing the locks is enough, consider other services too like CCTV cameras and an alarm. - Replace Locks Upon Moving
Did you recently relocate to another home? If you have, then think about replacing the locks. Too many people likely had access to the home for services such as cleaning up, inspections, maintenance, sales and more. So it is a good idea to replace locks if you have moved into a new home, even if it is brand new. - Replace Locks When A Tenant Moves
Do you rent out a room in a home? If you do this to help pay your mortgage, that is great and can certainly put some money in your pocket. But if you have a tenant move out, especially if they move out on bad terms, you might want to think about replacing your locks. Even if they left on good terms, who knows if someone managed to copy their key? Again, it’s not a bad idea to replace the locks. - Replace Locks If You Want Something New
Are your locks out-of-date? Would you prefer keyless entry or smart locks? What about a lock that you can operate using your smartphone? How cool would that be, especially if you forget if you locked your door but already made it to work? Perhaps you need child-resistant locks. Or maybe handicapped-accessible locks are important. Just a quick look at the many options available can be enough to sell you on replacing your locks with something upgraded. A locksmith can go over different options with you.
If you are questioning replacing locks, we hope that this information offers the direction you were looking for. We can’t emphasize enough the importance of hiring a licensed and insured locksmith to replace your locks, when you do make the decision to do this. They will make sure everything is properly installed. This will allow you to know that the locks are working properly.
It is our hope that you now realize if lock replacement is the best move to make depending on the specific situation you are facing. Locks are needed for solid security. So if you are looking to replace your locks, turn to someone you can count on. Consider replacing your locks if any of the above-mentioned situations apply to you!