Why you should rekey your locks when you move
You don't know how many copies of your new front-door key exist. Rekeying fixes that for less than new locks.
You got the keys. Congratulations. Now the uncomfortable question: who else has a set?
Unless you're the very first person to live in the place, there are copies out there. Real estate agents, former owners or tenants, their relatives, cleaners, contractors, a dog walker from three years ago. Even if the seller or landlord says every key was collected, nobody can promise that a copy wasn't cut at a hardware store along the way.
What rekeying actually does
A pin-tumbler lock opens when the right key lifts a set of small pins to exactly the right height. Rekeying swaps those pins for a new set, so the old keys stop working and a new key does. The lock body, the handle and the deadbolt stay where they are. When the existing hardware is in good shape, rekeying is just as effective as new locks and usually costs less.
Five good reasons to do it now
- You can't account for every old key. Rekeying is the only way to be sure.
- It's a cheap security upgrade. On the price list, rekeying starts at $19.00 per lock, plus the $29.00 service call fee.
- You can carry fewer keys. If your locks share a keyway, they can be rekeyed to one key.
- Renovations leave keys behind. Painters, electricians and movers all had access.
- Peace of mind. Knowing exactly who can walk in is worth a lot in a new place.
Renters: ask first
If you rent, ask your landlord to rekey before you move in; many will. If they won't, you can often offer to pay for it yourself, with their written permission, and give them a copy of the new key as the lease requires. Don't change locks without permission. It can breach your lease.
Rekey or replace?
Rekey when the locks are sound and you simply want the old keys gone. Replace when the locks are worn, rusted or loose, when they're a low grade, or when you want a different style, such as a smart lock or a high-security deadbolt. A locksmith can look at each door and tell you which makes sense; sometimes it's a mix.
The move-in coupon
This site lists a MOVE-IN SPECIAL coupon: 15% off when you've moved into a new house. Mention it when you call and show it to the locksmith before work starts.
Ready to sort it out? Call 510-803-3120 and say how many doors you have; the dispatcher will give you an estimate.
Related services: residential, commercial, automotive and emergency locksmith work; current prices and coupons.