House keys are one of the easiest items to lose. In fact, Americans lose over 20 million car and house keys every year.
It happens to all of us.
But what are we supposed to do next?
If you’re worried about the security of your home, you should rekey your home as soon as possible. How much does it cost to rekey a lock? We’ve put together this guide to help you find out.
So let’s get started!
Should You Rekey or Replace Your Lock?
Before we answer this question, we should start by asking an even more important question. What’s the difference?
When you replace a lock, you have to take the whole thing off and install a new one, which can be expensive.
Rekeying a lock, on the other hand, lets you keep the same lock you already have. A professional can change the pins inside the lock so the original key doesn’t fit anymore.
And don’t worry. Rekeying your lock doesn’t damage it in any way.
Now that you know the difference, how do you know which option is right for your door?
Replace
Remember, replacing your lock is often much more expensive than rekeying your lock. Because of this, you should only replace your lock when you really need to, such as when your lock is old or damage.
You can also replace your lock if you want to modernize it or get a different style.
Rekey
Rekeying your lock is a good option if you just want to use a new key.
For example, you might have lost a copy of your key when you were out and about. Instead of worrying whoever found it will walk into your house one day, you can rekey your lock. It’s also smart to rekey your lock when you move into a new home—just in case someone else still has a copy of the original key.
This will help improve the security of your home.
How Much Does It Cost to Rekey a Lock?
On average, it costs about $19 to rekey a lock. But there are a number of factors that can make the price go up from there.
Here are a few things that can affect the overall price.
Number
The low price of $19 only covers one lock. If you want to rekey your entire home, such as after moving into a new house, the job can get much more expensive. Depending on the size of your home, you might have to change several different locks.
And you might not want all your doors to have the same lock.
In that case, you might have to deal with a few more added charges, but this depends on the type of locks you have and the type of locks you want.
Variation
Some locks take more time to rekey than others, and some require special tools to get the job done.
This can make the price go up. If you have several different types of locks, you should be prepared to spend a bit extra during the rekeying process.
Complexity
Again, some locks take more work to rekey than others. Even if all the doors in your home have the same type of lock, if it is a complicated lock, you’ll have to pay more than the base price.
Method
Different locks require different rekeying methods, which can affect the price. And different locksmiths might have their own methods as well.
You can talk to your locksmith about the price for different types of locks so you have a better idea of what you’ll have to pay before they get started.
Will DIYing Help You Save Money?
You can DIY your way through the rekeying process for some types of locks. If you don’t have the right tools for the job, you can find rekeying kits that will have everything you need.
But just because you’re doing it yourself doesn’t mean you’ll save any money. In fact, you might end up spending more money than you would if you hired a professional in the first place.
Why?
Rekeying a lock isn’t easy. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could end up breaking the lock or causing other problems. When this happens, you’ll either have to spend more money to replace the lock or hire a professional anyway.
It’s never a good idea to DIY your way through rekeying a lock. You’ll probably end up saving more money by calling a professional.
What to Look for in a Professional Locksmith
A locksmith holds the security of your home in their hands. Because of this, you want to make sure you end up with someone you can trust.
Here are a few things you should look for in a professional locksmith.
Make Sure They’re Experienced
Any locksmith you work with should have several years of experience, and they should have all the necessary licensing and credentials. And they should be willing to show you proof of this.
If they refuse to show you these things, you should take your business somewhere else.
Talk About the Price
Your goal shouldn’t be to find the cheapest locksmith out there. Remember, you get what you pay for.
However, you don’t want to choose a locksmith who overcharges either. Talk to your locksmith about the cost so you know what to expect.
Ask for References and Read Reviews
The best way to learn more about a locksmith is to read reviews of past customers. You can find reviews online on websites like Yelp. If the passed customers don’t have anything good to say, you should stay away from that locksmith.
You can also ask the locksmith for references. Get in touch with a few of these references and ask them about their experience working with the locksmith.
This will ensure you find the best locksmith in your area.
Understanding Locksmith Prices
So how much does it cost to rekey a lock?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on how many locks you have and what type they are.
Interested in rekeying your door?
Make sure you click here to learn how our locksmith services can help you!
