do i need a locksmith to change my locks

by Mrs. Meagan Rice Jr. Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Full Answer

Is it hard to change locks on a new house?

You can choose to change locks on interior doors as well, but it doesn’t have to be done right away. As you can see, figuring out how to change locks on a new home is actually not that difficult. But there are some instances where you’ll probably want to call in a professional locksmith instead of attempting to rekey on your own.

Can I change my locks if I Lose my Keys?

Your house keys are the gateway to your home, and losing this restricts your access, while potentially giving someone unfettered access to your home. It is for this reason that many homeowners ask about changing locks as a result of lost house keys. Why should you change your locks? Door locks are paired with their respective keys.

Should I hire a locksmith to change my locks?

But, while most homeowners already have the tools they need to change locks, rekeying them can require special tools, and those can be expensive. That’s why it’s easier for most homeowners to hire a locksmith to rekey their locks.

Why should you hire a locksmith to rekey your home?

That’s why it’s easier for most homeowners to hire a locksmith to rekey their locks. If you don’t know what kind of locks you have, or if you have multiple brands of locks on your home, hiring a locksmith to rekey your home is the best option. If you try to rekey a lock yourself and fail, you could end up ruining it altogether.

Can I change my locks myself?

Replacing door locks is a relatively simple DIY project. If you know your way around a basic screwdriver, you should be able to tackle it in under an hour. Full installation instructions come with the new locks and customer support hotlines are often available to answer any questions.

Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks?

Rekeying your lock is almost always cheaper than replacing a lock. This is because of the cheaper price of the key pins inside the locks, whereas when you replace a lock, you are paying for all brand-new parts.

How much does it cost to change your locks on your house?

New, upgraded locks provide extra safety and comfort by knowing your home is protected. It costs between $45 and $500 to change a door lock, including the door hardware and labor. However, specific costs will vary based on door type, the number of locks installed, and additional lock features.

How do I change my locks cheaply?

0:242:08Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks? | Mr. Locksmith™ VideoYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo re-keying is usually less expensive. So most locks can be re-keyed residential businessMoreSo re-keying is usually less expensive. So most locks can be re-keyed residential business commercial everything most locks can be re-keyed residential and commercial locks like the deadbolts.

How long does it take to rekey a lock?

about 10 to 15 minutesHow long does it take to rekey a lock? It usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes to rekey each lock.

Can Lowes rekey a lock?

Yes, as of 2022, Lowe's does rekey locks at almost all of its stores across the United States of America. However, customers should remember that Lowe's does not rekey all locks.

Do you change locks after buying house?

When you move into a new home, you should change the locks on your house. You have no idea how many copies of the house keys are floating around out there from the previous homeowners, so changing the locks will keep your new house more secure. Tom recommends changing the locks whenever a new home is purchased.

Can you rekey a lock without the original key?

Yes, it is possible for you to rekey a lock without the original key. A locksmith can change your locks even if you have lost or misplaced the original key. In general, it is possible to pick or shim the lock and unlock the door. Then, the locksmith will have a much easier time removing the lock cylinder.

How do I rekey my house?

How to Rekey a LockStep 1: Remove the Doorknob. The first step is to remove the doorknob from the door. ... Step 2: Remove the Cylinder. ... Step 3: Take Out the C-Clip. ... Step 4: Attach Key Plug. ... Step 5: Dump the Old Pins. ... Step 6: Insert New Pins. ... Step 7: Replace the Plug. ... Step 8: Reattach Knob to Door.More items...

How do you rekey a lock without a kit?

5:0116:56[44] DIY How To Easily Rekey Your Door Without A Key - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo all you got to do is you just got to just push it through. And then you're going to leave theMoreSo all you got to do is you just got to just push it through. And then you're going to leave the plug follower. Inside. And then inside here you have your key pins.

How does rekeying a lock work?

0:043:18How to rekey a lock 101 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAs you know it's a simple job that takes less than five minutes all you need is a rekey kit and aMoreAs you know it's a simple job that takes less than five minutes all you need is a rekey kit and a bit of training all keyed locks come case packed in multiples of three that are key - like.

Should I rekey locks?

Rekeying is a quick way to upgrade your current locks. If you have a quality lock that works well, rekeying it is your best option. Some locksmiths may tell you that you should change your locks. But in many cases, you can just rekey them, which means changing the existing lock system so a new key operates it.

Can a locksmith rekey existing locks?

Some locksmiths may tell you that you should change your locks. But in many cases, you can just rekey them, which means changing the existing lock system so a new key operates it. A locksmith simply replaces the tumblers and pins to create a lock that can be opened by a brand-new key.

Should I change the locks after buying a house?

How do I rekey a lock to match an existing key?

Can you rekey existing locks?

You can rekey all of your locks to match an existing key only when all of the locks have the same keyway. You can test if the locks use the same keyway by taking the key you want to use and seeing if it slides into the keyholes of the locks you want to work using that key.

Lost Keys

We have all had those moments of where you think your keys are in your purse or pocket and then you find out they aren't. Every once in awhile, you don't find the missing keys. Rather than lay awake at night worrying about who may have your house keys, consider having a residential locksmith come in and change the locks.

New Home

Once you sign a purchase agreement to buy a house, one of the first things you should do is change the locks on the house. You have no idea who has keys to your home. Every residential locksmith will recommend that you change the locks the minute you move into or just before you move into a new home.

Break-In

If someone has broken into your home or attempted to break into your home, get the locks changed right away. Nothing violates your sense of security more than knowing your safe haven isn't as safe as you once thought it was. Changing and possibly upgrading the locks with a residential locksmith can help return some peace of mind.

Old Home and Locks

If the home is aging and the locks are aging with it, just for the sake of security, you may want to consider having the locks changed. It's never a good idea to keep the same locks on a home that was one of them for a very long time.

Loaned a Key

If you have very loaned your key to someone, change the locks. It doesn't matter; it is a friend, repair guy or service provider, change the locks. You don't know if someone has had a copy of your key made or not.

Residential Locksmiths to the Rescue

If you aren’t sure if you should change your locks, call us! We will help you decide on the best course of action for your locks, and your home security.

Why do people ask about changing locks after losing keys?

Why do people change their locks?

A homeowners decision to change their locks is often greatly influenced by the manner in which they lose their house keys. There is always a shroud of uncertainty that surrounds lost items. For the most part, this uncertainty stems from not knowing if you misplaced your keys or if they were stolen. Your course of action will differ depending on the status of your keys.

What to do if you lose your house key?

If you lose your house keys as part of a keychain that has another identifying feature, you should change your locks to negate old keys.

What to do if you lose your keys?

If you have the unfortunate habit of frequently losing your house keys, you should consider changing your locks to something that accommodates keyless entry. This usually means that you will have to enlist the help of a locksmith for a smart lock installation.

Why do people ask for spare keys?

Homeowners ask this question because they know that there is a slim chance that a lost house key could make them vulnerable. Spare keys help you regain access, but they do not help you stay secure. If you are able to regain access to your home, do not grow complacent and think that everything is fine and dandy.

Why do we need spare keys?

A set of spare keys will help you gain access to your home, which solves the first part of the problem. However, spare keys do not cater to the danger that made you wonder if you need to change your locks. Homeowners ask this question because they know that there is a slim chance that a lost house key could make them vulnerable.

What happens if you lose your door lock?

Door locks are paired with their respective keys. So if you’ve lost your house keys, some aspect of your locks will have to change to compensate for this loss. A key determines the way access is granted or barred to your home. Homeowners should be aware of this fact when they are dealing with their lost keys.

Why do you need to change your locks?

Over time, or as a result of security situations, you may feel the need to change your locks to protect your safety and privacy. There are several ways to accomplish this, so if you’re considering replacing the door locks on your house, keep reading.

How much does it cost to replace a door lock?

Expect to pay $80 to $300 per lock, depending on quality, and up to $200 more for professional installation. Many door locks, however, are DIY-friendly and come with installation instructions.

What to do if your house keys are stolen?

If your house keys are ever stolen, one of your first orders of business is changing the locks on your doors so no one can gain access to your home. Rekeying is the method of choice in this situation, just as it would be if a family member misplaced a key or otherwise lost track of it. The one instance when you’d need to replace the entire lock is if the only key to the lock went missing. The rekeying process requires the use of an original key; if you don’t have one you’ll have to replace the entire lock.

Can you rekey all the door locks?

Rekeying techniques (and key styles) vary from one manufacturer to another. For example, if all the locks on your house are Schlage, you can rekey all of them to fit the same key. If the locks are of various brands, you’ll need to replace some to have all rekeyed to accept a single key.

Can you rekey a locked door?

Jamming the wrong key into a lock or just the repetitive movement of locking and unlocking the door over time can damage the internal mechanism, resulting in a key that sticks or is difficult to turn. Rekeying a damaged or worn lock won’t solve the issue, because it can’t make a worn-out lock new again—preexisting problems with the locking mechanism will still be there. In this situation, it’s best to bite the bullet and replace the entire lock.

Do you need to rekey a lock on a new house?

This is typically a part of the sales process (and the responsibility of the builder), although the buyer’s real estate agent is the one who makes sure it’s complete before closing. Rekeying is a good idea any time you move into a different home because you never know how many keys are floating around. When you’re buying an existing house, you’re on the hook for having the locks rekeyed. If you’re renting , check your lease agreement for regulations about changing locks on a door—you may be required to give the landlord a key to the newly rekeyed lock.

Can smart locks be synced to a phone?

High tech has gone even deeper into home security, via smart locks synced to a phone, tablet, or PC, allowing you to lock and unlock the door remotely. Smart locks will also send an alert to your device if the door is unlocked in your absence.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Locks Changed?

A new deadbolt kit will cost your around $35 to $50. If you want a professional install, expect to spend about $100 on top of that for installation, according to Angie’s List. Your installation cost may be more if you decide to choose a different type of lock, such as a smart lock for keyless entry.

How to remove a deadbolt lock?

This part is pretty easy. Locate the screws on the interior side of the lock (the side with the turner) and remove them, along with the turn plate. You should now have a hole that you can see through. Open your door so you can see the side of the lock (the narrow part running along the inside of the door) and locate and remove those screws as well. Remove the rest of the deadbolt hardware from the door.

Do deadbolts have adjustable heads?

Most new deadbolts are adjustable, but you’ll still want to make sure that you’re in the right range. You can find a good overview on how to measure door locks here. Screwdriver. Look at your existing hardware to determine whether you’ll need a flathead or a Phillips head.

Can you replace a deadbolt in an old house?

If your house is old. While it’s not impossible, it can be quite difficult to find a replacement for vintage locks. If you’ve moved into an old house and you’re dealing with a non-standard deadbolt, bring in a pro who has familiarity with rekeying older locks.

Is it safe to do DIY locks?

If you’re not confident in your DIY skills. There are some DIY projects that you’re fine to take on as a super beginner, such as painting and grouting. But when it comes to the safety of your home and your family, it’s better to be safe than sorry. While going the DIY route will definitely save you some money when it comes to changing your locks, it’s more important that you have reliable security.

Should security be a concern when moving?

Security should always be a top concern when moving. You’re going to be better off going the extra mile when it comes to the safety of your new home, even if the biggest gain that you get is just more peace of mind. So with that in mind, read on for the steps that you need to know regarding how to change locks on your new home, ...

Can you add a master key to a lock?

If you want a master key system. You may decide that you want to add a master key system to your home—i.e. a lock system where one key can open all the doors. While you can do this on your own, a locksmith is already trained in installing these types of complex lock systems. If you’re not confident in your DIY skills.

What happens when you change a lock?

When you change a lock, you or a locksmith removes the old locking door hardware and replaces it with new hardware. You’ll have all new locks and all new keys, but changing your locks can be expensive and isn’t always necessary.

What to do if you lost your old key?

If you’ve lost a copy of your old key, and you’re afraid someone will find it and access your home, you can rekey your locks so the old key doesn’t work anymore.

How to rekey American Home Shield?

How to make a Rekey service request with American Home Shield: Make a service request online or call 800 776 4663. An American Home Shield contractor will rekey up to six keyholes with four identical keys. Pay the same service fee associated with your American Home Shield® Home Warranty Plan. At American Home Shield, helping buyers feel ...

How many identical keys can you get from American Home Shield?

The contractor will supply you with up to four identical keys. You are, of course, free to make copies of these keys, should you need more. Changing or rekeying your door locks is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home and belongings. American Home Shield has your back.

Can you rekey a lock yourself?

If you don’t know what kind of locks you have, or if you have multiple brands of locks on your home, hiring a locksmith to rekey your home is the best option. If you try to rekey a lock yourself and fail, you could end up ruining it altogether. Fortunately, if you have an American Home Shield® Home Warranty, rekeying service is covered, ...

Do you need a new key to rekey locks?

Instead, a new key will be necessary. In many circumstances, rekeying your locks makes more sense than changing your locks. For example, if all of your locks are of the same brand or have the same type of keyhole but use different keys, you can have your locks rekeyed to operate from the same key. If you’ve lost a copy of your old key, ...

Can you change a door lock without a key?

If you’ve lost the key to a lock , changing it may be cheaper than rekeying it, although a locksmith may be able to rekey it without the key.