The locks on your home’s doors are the first line of defense against crooks, so you need them to be as effective as possible. Whether you recently moved into a new home or want to upgrade your lock security, changing your locks is an important DIY project. However, you may be wondering whether it’s better to simply rekey your existing locks or replace them all together. In this article, we’ll help you understand when it is essential to replace your locks and when you can get away with rekeying.
When it comes to changing your locks, the best course of action is always to start with the front door. This is because it’s the most likely entry point for burglars and you don’t know what the previous owner did with their keys (or if they made copies). After that, you can move on to other exterior doors.
It’s also a good idea to change the locks on your garage and your backdoor if those are accessible through the front door. If you don’t like the appearance of your door knob or lever, replacing your locks is the only way to achieve the look that you desire.
Finally, it’s important to change your locks if they’re damaged or worn out. Worn locks are much easier for crooks to break into. If the hardware is rusty or you can see dents in the lock, it’s probably time to get a new set.
Before you change your locks Replace your locks, make sure that you have all of the necessary tools and supplies. A starter kit for rekeying your locks can be purchased at most home improvement and hardware stores. It contains a tool to open your current deadbolt, along with a few spare key cylinders. When buying new locks, try to purchase ones that are the same make, model and manufacturer as your existing locks, in order to ensure that they’ll be a perfect fit.
The process of rekeying your locks is simple and can be completed by most homeowners. It involves removing the old lock cylinder, re-keying it and then reinstalling it. During the rekeying process, the pins in your lock are adjusted to match a different combination. By doing this, you can make all of your existing locks open with one key. This is especially useful if you’re moving into an older home, where the locks are different brands or don’t have the same keyway.
Rekeying your locks is a great way to save money and make your home more secure. It’s a DIY-friendly project, but it does require some patience. If you’re unsure about how to do it yourself, a professional locksmith can handle the job for you. Keep in mind, however, that if your locks are already worn out or damaged, it’s usually best to just replace them. This will ensure that your home is as safe and secure as possible. The most important thing to remember is that your locks are only as effective as the quality of the hardware you use. Choose a high-quality lock that has been tested to meet BHMA standards.