Have you ever moved to a new home and decided that since you didn’t know who had keys previously, that you should change the locks? Shawna Estrada of ABC Locksmith says that the easier – and cheaper – solution is to simply re-key the locks.
“The most common reason to rekey the locks is to maintain key control when there is a change in possession of a property. Key control simply means accounting for all keys made to operate the locks. Once keys are loaned out, key control is lost. Obviously, with a previously owned home, you don’t know who may have had access to the keys. In new homes, contractors have had access to the keys. In many single-builder communities, locks are construction master-keyed.”
She adds, “While the use of the homeowner’s key may prevent the future use of the contractor’s key, there are often master pins left in the lock. Each master pin doubles the number of keys that will operate the lock. In many instances, as many as 16 different keys would operate a single home’s locks. Rekeying would remove these master pins and eliminate the possibility of another key operating the locks.”
Re-keying is a simple process according to Estrada. The locksmith removes the pins and springs in the lock cylinder and replaces them with new pins and springs that work with a new and different key. Unless a lock is malfunctioning or a totally different style is desired, many locks can be re-keyed and kept in service, operating as well or better than ever.
Another option instead of re-keying or replacing an entire lock set is to just replace deadbolts or door knobs. “We had one older gentleman who bought a home with 13 regular door knobs,” explains Estrada. “He was worried about turning the knobs because of his arthritis. We recommended simply replacing all the door knobs with levers that he could just push down. He was very happy with that solution.”
Re-keying doesn’t take long — it typically takes about 20 minutes to re-key one door with a deadbolt and a door knob on a house. The glitches can come when someone doesn’t have the key. “Then we either have to pick it or drill it out,” says Estrada. “That’s usually what extends our appointment times because that takes a bit longer.”
The largest facility ABC Locksmith has re-keyed was a warehouse in an industrial park. “It had over 50 doors that needed re-keying and took three days,” laughs Estrada.
In situations such as businesses, locks can be set up with one master key that can open every door. Then individual keys are given to staff which can only open the doors that those staff have permission to open. For instance, the engineering staff can only get into their offices, but not the research offices. And the research staff can only get into their offices and not others. But the boss can have the one master key that can get into any office that they need access to.
There are many options for re-keying. However, if you choose to replace your locks, ABC Locksmith has a few ideas for that as well. The newer keypad locks are getting popular. With this type of lock, you don’t have to have a key to unlock the door, simply set a code and use it. It’s a great option for a family that is worried the kids could misplace the house key and not have a way to get in the house if no one else is home.
“I really like the keypad locks,” says Estrada. “They’re what we use.” Some of these kinds of locks have a key option included, which Estrada recommends over just the electronic keypad alone. “If you don’t remember to change the battery regularly you could end up with a dead keypad. Then the only option is to take it apart.”
The latest technological advancement in locks include ones operated by an app on your smart phone. “While I don’t want to discourage anyone from using them, I want to make sure people do their homework to find out all about them. For instance, you can set one to unlock your door whenever your phone is within five feet of the door. However, if your phone is stolen and the person knows where you live, it could allow them to get into your house,” Estrada advises.
When asked if any one system is better than the other, Estrada says it’s a matter of personal preference. “We’ll go over ideas on how people can make their homes more secure, like adding a deadbolt. There are a million options to choose from. We will always be able to find a fit.”
And that’s the part Estrada enjoys most about the business. “I love working with people to find the solutions to their problems,” she says with a smile.
To have ABC Locksmith help you find the solution to your lock problems, give them a call at 360-388-5023 or find them at 401 South Street, Centralia or email at abccentralia@gmail.com.
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