If your keys have gone missing and you’re worried about the security of your home or office, you’ll be relieved to know that you don’t have to replace the entire lock.
In fact, rekeying is a simple, quick alternative that will restore your security system at a fraction of the cost.
Instead of going through the hassle of looking for replacement locks online and then waiting anxiously for the new one to arrive, all you have to do is call your Buffalo NY locksmith, Red Key LLC for an on-site visit. Before you know it, you’ll have a brand new set of keys and a sense of relief that your home or office is safe!
Is rekeying the right option for you?
There are two reasons why you might consider rekeying your lock instead of replacing it.
You may, for instance, have a lock in good working condition. But, after losing your keys or making various copies that you can’t quite keep track of, you might worry about the security of your home or office.
Another common reason to seek out a lock rekey is convenience. As long as the various locks in your home or commercial space are compatible, you can use the same key to open different doors. With rekeying, you can ditch the heavy key-ring!
That said, there are certain situations in which rekeying is not the best option. If, for instance, your locks are old, replacing them is recommended.
What does rekeying entail?
When you first purchased your lock, it came with a set of designated keys. But that doesn’t mean that your lock will only work with those keys forever! In reality, there are a set of pins inside the cylinder of your lock that can be rearranged to correspond to a new set of keys. The process is simple:
- We remove the doorknob/deadbolt/key pad – red key LLC can handle all types of locks
- Then, we remove the cylinder, which houses a set of pins that correspond to the current key
- Then, we replace the old set of pins for a new set that match your new keys
- Finally, we reassemble the lock and do a quality check!
Seems pretty easy right? Well, while there are only a couple of steps involved, the process does require a few specialized tools and a working knowledge of how lock cylinders function. Luckily, We will arrive with everything they need to get the job done in no time.
Can any lock be rekeyed?
Whether you need to rekey a doorknob or a deadbolt, your experienced locksmith will be able to help. They have the tools and know-how to rekey locks from Kwikset, Schlage, and other brands of locks.
And, while it can be a bit more complicated, your local locksmith can even work with car locks or locks that use smart technology. As long as the lock has a key, it can be rekeyed by Red Key LLC in Buffalo NY and surrounding areas.
Can a lock be rekeyed without the original key?
Yes! Because locks can be rekeyed without the original key, you don’t have to fret if you’ve lost yours. That said, it is a slightly more difficult process, as your locksmith will have to manually unlock, or shim, the lock before being able to replace the pins.
For an experienced locksmith, this is simply another step in a fairly straightforward process. If you’re trying to rekey your locks on your own, though, you might call in the pros to help if you’ve lost the original key.
What does rekeying cost?
In general, rekeying your locks is a much more affordable option than replacing them. In the Buffalo NY region, for instance, the average price of rekeying a lock is somewhere between $30 and $60, while replacing one could be up to $200.
Here are a few additional factors that may affect your final rekeying cost or the amount of time that your locksmith will need to rekey your lock:
- Creating a master key for multiple different locks. Master keys require an additional mechanical element in order for the key to work in multiple different locks, so installing a master key system can be more expensive.
- Whether the locks use smart technology. While your local locksmith is well-versed in smart locks, they can be a bit more time-consuming when it comes to rekeying.
- Whether you have the original key. As we mentioned, it is possible to rekey a lock without the original key! But, it requires an extra step for your locksmith.
- How quickly you need your home or office rekeyed. While this is a quick and simple process, your locksmith will need to arrange an on-site visit to rekey your locks. Emergency rekeying or rekeying outside of normal work hours may increase your final price.
