When it comes to securing your Columbus home or business, keeping your locks up to date is important. Whether you’ve moved into a new property, lost your keys, or want to improve security, you may wonder whether to rekey your existing locks or replace them altogether.
Both options offer distinct advantages; the best choice depends on your situation. Let’s explore the key differences between rekeying and replacing locks to help you make the right decision.

Why Change Your Locks?

There are several common reasons why you might need to change your locks:

• Moving into a new home or business and wanting to prevent previous occupants from having access.
• Misplacing or losing your keys.
• After an employee or roommate who had access to your property leaves.
• Upgrading security for greater peace of mind.

What Does Rekeying a Lock Involve?

Rekeying means adjusting the internal mechanisms of an existing lock so a new key will work with it. The lock hardware stays in place, but a locksmith rearranges the internal pins, making the previous key ineffective.

Rekeying is typically much faster and more affordable than a full lock replacement, allowing you to update security without changing the physical locks themselves.

Situations where rekeying is ideal:

• Moving into a new home or business.
• After losing a set of keys.
• Wanting to consolidate multiple locks to work with a single key.
• Securing a property after a tenant or employee moves out.

When Should You Replace a Lock?

Lock replacement involves removing the entire lock and replacing it with new hardware. This is necessary if your lock is damaged or outdated or if you want to upgrade to a higher level of security.

Replacing a lock allows you to invest in more advanced security options, such as high-security or smart locks, which offer added protection and convenience.

Consider replacing locks if:

• Your lock is damaged, rusted, or malfunctioning.
• You want to upgrade to modern locks like keyless entry or smart locks.
• There has been a break-in, and the lock’s integrity is compromised.
• Your existing locks are old or no longer reliable.

Cost Comparison: Rekeying vs. Replacing

Cost is an important factor to consider. Rekeying is generally more affordable, as it doesn’t require purchasing new hardware. A locksmith only adjusts the pins and provides you with new keys.

In contrast, replacing locks can be more expensive, as it involves both purchasing new hardware and paying for installation. However, this option may be worth the investment if you’re looking to upgrade security or replace broken locks.

Snap & Crack Locksmith offers competitive pricing for both services, helping you find a cost-effective solution based on your needs.

Which Option Is Best for You?

The choice between rekeying and replacing your locks depends on your specific needs:

• If your locks are in good condition and you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to improve security, rekeying is an excellent option.
• If your locks are damaged or you want to upgrade to more secure models, replacing your locks is the better choice.

Trust Snap & Crack Locksmith for Your Lock Needs

Whether you choose to replace your locks or rekey your locks, working with an experienced locksmith is essential to ensure the job is done right. Snap & Crack Locksmith provides professional rekeying and lock replacement services for homes and businesses across Columbus.

Our locksmith team can help you assess your unique security needs and recommend the best solution. Ready to upgrade your security? Contact Snap & Crack Locksmith today to schedule a consultation.