Rekeying a lock is far more cost-effective than replacing it, but how long will it take to complete the process?
Rekeying a lock is not as complicated as you might think. It’s a cost-effective way to readjust a lock while maintaining its functionality. Rekeying a lock generally takes about 15 minutes, but this depends on the type of lock as well as the skills of the person working on it.
The most time-consuming part of the process is removing the lock from the door – the actual rekeying is much simpler.
If it’s simple, should you rekey your lock yourself? Unless you are very familiar with the workings of a pin-tumbler system, this is not advisable. Watching a YouTube and attempting to rekey a lock yourself will more than likely result in damage and additional costs. There is also such a wide variety of locks on the market, so one method might not work on your lock.
If you want to save money and make the best use of locks that are already in place, rekeying is definitely a better option, provided you hire a reputable locksmith for the job.
A locksmith will also be able to tell you whether your lock should rather be replaced due to the age.