Home Improvement

8 Things To Know Before Changing Front Door Locks

Written by  Harry Taylor
Last updated: July 12, 2023

How safe is your house depends on the locks you use on the front doors, or when you change locks on front door. Changing your locks is one way to ensure that you and your belongings remain safe, especially if you feel the need to do so due to serious security concerns. 

Changing the locks on your home is a good idea, whether you’ve been there for a long period of time or if a roommate has just left. There are several things to consider if you are planning on when to change my front door locks.

In this article, we will shed light on 8 important things to consider when you plan to change locks on front door!

  1. Replacing Vs Rekeying Front Door Locks

It is crucial that you recognize the distinction between rekeying and replacing locks when learning about how to change locks on front door. When we change or replace locks, we always replace the entire lock. But when we rekey a lock, the lock itself stays the same, but the internal mechanism is replaced. 

In detail, locks can be rekeyed by rearranging the pins and springs inside them to function with a different set of keys. On the other hand, replacing the entire lock and handle is the best way to ensure safety.

  1. Replace Damaged Locks

To change a lock, either a homeowner or a locksmith must remove the existing hardware from the door and install the new locking mechanism. A new set of locks and keys will get into your hands, although it may not be necessary to immediately upgrade your locks.

Only change your locks if you really want or need new ones; otherwise, get them rekeyed. If your locks are old and worn out, for instance, it’s better to replace them than to rekey them. 

The same holds true if you want to upgrade your outdated mechanical locks to modern electronic ones.

  1. Rekey When You Move House

Lots of people, from real estate agents to contractors may need to utilize the front door of a newly constructed home. This happens at various points during the building process. A new resident probably doesn’t want all of them to have access to their house. 

That means the locks need to be rekeyed, so learn how to change locks on front door!

Any time you move into a new home or business, rekeying the locks is a good idea. This is because you never know how many copies of the old keys are floating about. It is your responsibility to get the locks rekeyed after purchasing a pre-owned home.

  1. Cost Comparison Between Replacing And Rekeying Locks

You need to make sure your new home is safe and sound, but you also don’t want to spend too much. There are a few primary factors that determine how much it will cost to replace locks.

Both rekeying and replacing door locks can be costly, but you can save money if you DIY (do it yourself). Along with the factors that determine the cost, hiring a locksmith might also increase the price. But when it comes to your home’s security, a professional is always the best option!

A lock’s price might change significantly based on the components and manufacturing method used. As a general rule, the higher the cost, the greater the level of protection.

  1. Change Locks When You Have Either Lost Your Keys Or Had Them Stolen

When you’ve lost your house keys, or they get stolen, you should change the locks as soon as possible. This is due to the fact that the burglar could get access to the house by using the stolen keys. 

So, avoid taking unnecessary risks with your well-being. Altering the entire system is unnecessary; a rekey will do. Unfortunately, rekeying requires the primary key, so if you lose the sole spare key you have, you’ll need to replace the complete set.

  1. Having A Single Key Is More Convenient

It’s not as much fun as it sounds to have to juggle multiple door keys, every time you need to enter a new room. If you have more than one lock on your doors, you may even need to label your keys. All of these hectic problems can be solved by rekeying. 

Yes, you can use one key to unlock all your building’s doors. You can use that key to enter any room in your house too. For uniformity’s sake, you might want to rekey the lock after replacing multiple locks from different manufacturers.

  1. The Better The Lock The Better The Security

If you’re replacing your front door lock, the most fundamental safety considerations revolve around the functions of your deadbolt. The lock’s breaking point (or the force required to unlock it) should be a top priority when you plan to change locks on front door. 

The majority of burglars and house invaders will use this tactic. However, lock pick resistance is more useful for preventing lock bumping, as criminals rarely pick locks.

Given time and resources, all locks can be picked and broken. That’s why you shouldn’t stop at just replacing your front door lock — you should also take other precautions to make sure your home is secure. 

  1. Why Its Worth Hiring A Locksmith

A residential locksmith with years of experience is your best bet for thorough information and advice. A locksmith can do more than just provide you with knowledge; they can also take care of any tasks you have. Residential locksmiths are the best for changing or rekeying locks.

In certain cases, you can replace your front door lock without the assistance of a professional, but in others, it’s best to call the experts!

You may get information about locks and even get new ones from a locksmith.  A locksmith can provide you with all the items you need to change the lock on your front door.

Conclusion

The safety of your family and your belongings is crucial, which is why it is the best idea to change locks on front door when you move into a new home. But there are several considerations you should keep in mind!

If you’re trying to decide, whether you should rekey or replace your door locks, the information we’ve provided above should help. 

We hope this article has provided you with a foundational understanding of why change my front door locks and the various factors to consider while doing it!

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