Replacing Locks: When and How

Every now and then, you may be faced with the task of needing to change the locks on your home, vehicle, or for your business. This can be necessary for a variety of reasons. If you are unsure about when it is necessary to change your locks or if the current locks in your life could use a change, read on! Since lock changes are only necessary every so often, it is a good idea to review when lock changes are imperative in order to maintain your personal security.

Residential Locks

Changing the locks on your home doors may be necessary for a couple of reasons. The number one time that homeowners change their locks is when they have just purchased their home. This is usually done for comfort and peace of mind. When you purchase a new home, it is possible for just about anyone to still have a key to the property. Although you can rekey the locks on your new home, a lot of new homeowners opt to change the locks altogether.

You may also consider changing the lock on your new property if you are making exterior renovations or style changes. Sometimes the deadbolt lock on one’s front door does not match the new renovations and a different colored lock or a handle set may be better suited in its place instead. Changing the style of the locks on your door will also increase your security at the same time. Not only will you have a new, updated lock to match your home, but any former keys will no longer work and a new set of keys can be used by you and your family members.

A Warning About Apartment Locks

If at any point you are having trouble with your apartment locks, such as a worn, broken, or faulty lock, you will need to speak to the apartment management. Most apartment complexes and contracts that renters sign forbid residents from adding, changing, or removing any locks on the apartment doors. There may be exceptions to this rule, but regardless, you should always consult your property management or leasing contract before making any changes.

Typically, apartments will not allow tenants to change the locks because of potential emergencies. In the event of flooding or some other kind of disaster, management and emergency services need to get into apartment complexes quickly. If they are unable to use the extra key for the apartment from management because the keys have been changed, this can make a bad situation worse. If you have any concerns about your apartment locks or the locks on any other space you rent, be sure to speak with management before making any changes.

Vehicle Locks

Your vehicle locks should not be neglected either when it comes to changing them. Vehicle lock changes are most common when the lock is broken or damaged. Since handle locks on cars can easily become damaged in fender benders or accidents, you may have to change the lock on your vehicle after an unfortunate mishap or accident. Vehicle locks can also wear down over time, so even without a recent accident, it may still be possible for vehicle locks to wear out and stop working as well over time. If this is the case for you, you will want to have your vehicle locks replaced immediately.

Business Locks

Business owners will want to change their locks if they intend to upgrade their business security or they are concerned with recent break-ins in their area. Traditional locks, such as deadbolts, are not nearly as effective for business owners when it comes to keeping their properties secure compared to electronic or keyless entry locks. If you are a business owner, you can increase your security and protect your business assets by changing your current commercial locks to electronic locks. Electronic locks come with a wide variety of perks that cannot be found with traditional locks, so they are well worth the investment and initial cost.

Professional Replacements: Why You Need Them

Regardless of the kind of replacements you need for the locks in your life, know that you should always rely on an expert to help you. Due to the nature of business and vehicle locks, it is likely you will think to call a locksmith to help you with installations no matter what. For home locks changes and replacements, you should also rely on a professional. Even though some home lock changes can be handled on your own, when it comes to your front door or other entrances to your home, you will want to make sure a professional makes sure your new locks fit and work properly.

Attempting to install a lock by yourself without prior experience or training may result in damage to your door, the lock itself, or even injury to yourself or someone else. Locksmiths are trained to make sure that every lock replacement and procedure they perform is done with precision, care, and expertise. On your own, you may not know how to solve unforeseen problems that arise while you are in the process of attempting to change a lock. Instead, by hiring a trustworthy locksmith, you will know right from the start that you are working with a competent and capable specialist.