“When do I replace my locks?” This question is sometimes asked of our technicians here (visit website). Customers want to know if they have to replace their lock or if a simple rekey job will suffice. We always give them the same, correct answer. “That depends!” In reality, there is no one-size fits all answer for a question like that. Each lock is different and the people using it are all unique in their lock and key needs and uses. The best thing you can do is to discuss your situation with one of our technicians or a locksmith from another full-service, licensed, bonded and insured locksmith shop here in Kirkwood, MO.

The difference between rekey and replace
They are as different as night and day! It’s totally up to you which option, if any, that you want. Let’s start with rekeys. When a rekey is done on your lock, the locksmith leaves the lock in place and only alters the lock insides by changing the springs and pins. The end result is that you will need to use new keys in order to operate the lock. Rekeys are less expensive than full lock replacement and can often suffice when the issue is key control. Let’s say that one of your kids lost his house key at school and it was missing for a few days. You gave him a new one to use but often wondered if anyone found his lost key and possibly made a duplicate of it. Can you live with the nagging doubt of possible extra keys floating about or do you feel safer starting fresh with new keys? In this example, there is no direct need for a lock replacement; all you need is to make the old keys useless. A rekey job will do that.
Okay, how about replacements? If rekeys cost less, and are just as good; why not just do those? Again, it depends on your particular needs. Let’s say that you came home from work, ready to eat dinner and watch something on television. You notice something odd – the front door lock is damaged and has obviously been tampered with. In this case, altering the inside pins is not going to be enough. You don’t need new keys, you need a new lock! Are crime break-ins the only reason to replace locks? No, of course not! You may have aged locks that are not quite as strong as they once were. Or, you might have perfectly great locks but decided to upgrade them to better quality, stronger ones. Our in-house locksmith experts (locksmith company service in Kirkwood) are often called upon to replace home or business locks with high security ones. These locks are virtually impossible to pick or pry open as they are specially made with solid materials instead of the “just good enough” hollow locks that are pretty standard.

Lock replacement for cars
The very same reasons that we gave above, also apply to automotive lock replacement. Car theft or attempted car theft often involves physically breaking into a vehicle. Often, the door or trunk locks are damaged in the process. Sometimes, this also includes the ignition lock as attempts to force the engine to start often involve hot wiring methods and manipulating the starter and ignition system. Glove box locks are particularly vulnerable to damage as crooks know that valuable things like garage door remotes, car registrations, driver’s license copies, insurance papers and home addresses are often locked inside the glove compartment. These items are often even more valuable than the car itself. Valet drivers have the key and the crook can get home details like addresses and gate codes right from the glove box. Often, the more expensive cars will have a country club or gated community sticker right on the windshield so all that is needed is to take the car directly to the residence. The security guard at the gate will see the sticker and open the gate; granting easy access to the inside of an exclusive and now vulnerable community. No one checks outgoing cars in these clubs so leaving with a car full of cash and valuables from the robbed home is rather easy.

Lock replacement for businesses
Again, replacing locks for your local business is often a good idea. The same reasons we gave above for home locks, also apply to commercial ones. Rekeys often are enough. The locks may be fine and it may simply be time for better key control. Maybe an employee failed to turn his or her keys in after being terminated or promoted out of town. If that is all that is needed; the choice is easy; save your money, and rekey your locks. Commercial break-ins sometimes happen and the resulting lock damage almost demands that the lock be replaced. Newer, better locks are another reason for business lock replacement. Since most commercial locks are actually built-in and therefore a permanent part of the real estate, the cost of upgrading the locks is tax deductible and can be written off as an expense. Also, with advancements in commercial locksmith technology, a business owner or manager is often interested in lock upgrades, options and additions. For example, a jewelry store might add fingerprint locks to replace outdated key locks to a display case or vault. High security or bump proof locks on the front or back doors might replace less secure door locks that were already in place. A retirement home or hospital might want to add locking panic bars to replace their older, less effective hardware. The locking panic bars are easier to open and might provide added protection for their residents/customers. A change to these locks would definitely be considered a lock replacement.

What’s right for you?
Call your local, full service locksmith. Discuss your particular needs with him or her. Tell them what you want to accomplish and when. Explain your budget requirements and any security concerns that you may have. Together, you will be able to map out a rekey or lock replacement strategy that is perfect for your home, auto or business locksmith needs.
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