Lock rekeying

Rekey Locks in BC

Rekeying keeps the lock you have and makes every old key useless. EZ Locksmith rekeys homes and businesses on site, usually in a single visit.

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A worn brass door knob with a keyed cylinder, ready to be rekeyed

Rekey Locks

Firstly, we’ll try to explain what it means to “” a lock. And, more importantly, when you should go for rekeying your locks rather than changing them? What is the significance of this, you may be surprised to know the details. Because it can save you a enough amount of money each year. Some locksmiths take advantage of the fact that people are unaware of the differences and, rather than explaining the different options to the customer,they choose a more expensive version for them.

What does it mean to re-keying a lock?

While “changing a lock” is self-explanatory, clearly referring to replacing an old lock with a new one, “re-keying” requires a little more explanation. Rekeying a lock means changing the lock’s working key to a different key without replacing the lock itself. In other words, you maintain the same lock, but the old key no longer works for it.

This is accomplished by disassembling the lock and replacing some of the internal components (known as “tumblers” or “key pins”).

Process of re-keying

The process of re-keying the tumbler of an existing lock to accept a new key is relatively simple. First, we replace a few of the lock pins in the cylinder, which will cause the tumbler to change. Following that, we cut new keys to open your rekeyed lock. The old keys will no longer work once the lock has been rekeyed.

Re-keying a lock has no effect on the lock’s security, nor does it improve it. The number of pins inside a lock is one of the factors that contribute to its security. The lock will remain as secure as before as long as the locksmith replaces the old 5 pins with 5 new ones. Because key pins in locks are so inexpensive, re-keying is often less expensive than having your locks changed. When you rekey your locks, you are only charged for labor. Whereas when you have your locks changed, you are charged for both labor and parts.

One thing to remember is that all locks have the ability to be re-keyed built-in, so you shouldn’t have to wonder whether your locks can be re-keyed. However, the procedure for re-keying different locks may not be the same and frequently necessitates the use of other tools.

Why should you opt for re-keying the locks on your home?

No. 1: When moving into a new home:

It is not safe to assume that the previous owners, tenants, and landlords had also turned in all copies of the locks and would not abuse access to your residence. Re-keying your locks ensures that your home is secure and that you are the only person who has access to the keys.

No. 2: When you misplace a key:

If a key is misplaced or stolen, An unaccounted-for key to one’s home means less peace of mind. Re-keying is a less expensive and equally secure alternative to changing locks.

No. 3: You want to prevent someone who has the key to enter:

When someone moves out of your house, you should rekey the locks. If you have a roommate who is leaving, you have no idea how how many keys he or she made or who has some of these keys. It is critical that your locks be re-keyed so that old keys no longer open your residence and possessions.

No. 4: When someone has a copy of your key:

If you have had a falling out with someone who had a duplicate of your key, Friendships and other relationships, unfortunately, end. If you gave a backup key to someone you no longer have a trusting relationship. We recommend that you rekey all of your locks and have new keys cut.

Commercial Lock Re-keying

There are numerous reasons for commercial lock rekeying. A change in staff, getting a new location, getting new locks, and many more! No matter the reason, the experts at EZ Locksmith can rekey your locks at any commercial location.

No matter the reason, the experts at EZ Locksmith can rekey your locks at any commercial location. Just call us, and we’ll get the situation sorted out! We are serving in Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, White Rock, Maple Ridge, Richmond and more, in BC.

When is the best time to change your locks?

Rekeying, key by key

Hardware we rekey

Brand names and logos belong to their respective owners and are shown only to indicate the hardware we work on.

Rekey or replace? How to choose

Rekeying and replacing both end the life of your old keys, but they suit different situations.

Rekey when…

Replace when…

After a move: a simple checklist

Rekey every exterior door, the garage entry, any side gate or shed lock, and the mailbox if it is yours. Then ask for a few spare keys cut at the same visit. We do all of it on site across Surrey, Langley, Delta, White Rock, Coquitlam, Richmond, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, New Westminster and Pitt Meadows.

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What customers say

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Questions about rekey

How long does it take to rekey a lock?

Most residential rekeys take roughly 30 to 60 minutes for a typical home, depending on the number of locks and their type.

Does rekeying make my lock less secure?

No. Rekeying changes the pins inside the lock so a new key works; the lock’s security level stays the same.

Can all locks be rekeyed?

Most standard residential and commercial locks can. We confirm on site, and tell you if replacing a worn lock would be the better choice.

Can you rekey my locks so one key opens everything?

Usually yes, when the locks are compatible. Mixed hardware may need one or two cylinders replaced first.

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