Whether you own a home or are renting from a landlord, it’s only a matter of time before one or several locks start giving you problems. However, does a problem lock automatically equal replacement? When can you repair or rekey a lock instead?
In this Quickly Locksmith guide, we tell you which scenarios warrant a lock replacement.
A Guide to When Locks Need to Be Replaced
To ensure you and your belongings are secure, here are a few instances when you should consider replacing your locks at home.
Your House Was Broken Into
When your house is broken into, your primary focus is generally on what you’ve lost and what your insurance will pay for. Locks are one of the last things you consider, but they should be one of the first. If an intruder has broken a lock, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible for safety reasons. If an intruder has taken your house keys, it’s even more important to replace the relevant locks. However, rekeying is also an option in this scenario.
You’ve Lost Track of All Key Copies
Whether a partner or roommate has moved out or you’ve lost track of spare key copies, you may want to consider lock replacement. The same applies if you needed to evict a tenant. Replacing a lock ensures any old keys no longer work with your locks. Rekeying is also an option in this scenario and may be a better choice if you’re dealing with multiple locks.
It’s Become Difficult to Unlock Your Door
If you struggle to lock and unlock your door, you may need to consider replacing the lock. However, this depends on what is wrong with the lock. In some instances, a lock might just require some lubrication. While in other instances, the internal components have become loose or damaged. It’s best to get a professional locksmith to assist you if your lock is no longer working as well as it once did.
Your Locks Don’t Feel Secure
If your locks and door handles or knobs feel loose, you’re far more vulnerable to break-ins. It’s much easier to get through a lock that isn’t as secure as it could be. You may be able to tighten a loose lock at home with the right tools, but it’s important to have some know-how too. If after tightening a lock, it still seems loose, it may indicate there’s a problem inside the lock, which requires professional assistance.
Your Locks are Outdated
The final reason why you might want to consider replacing your locks is if you want to upgrade your security. Outdated locks can also put your security at risk, so it makes sense to replace them for your own peace of mind. If you are upgrading your doors, replacing your locks might be a natural next step anyway.
If any of these scenarios apply to you, it might be time to contact Quickly Locksmith so that we can discuss your lock replacement options with you.
