Should You Change Locks, Barrels, or Rekey? Pros and Cons Explained
When it comes to securing your home or business, one of the most common questions homeowners and property managers ask is whether they should change locks, change barrels, or simply rekey their locks. Each option offers distinct benefits and drawbacks, depending on the situation and your specific needs. Whether you’re locked out in Malvern, need a locksmith in Box Hill, or are thinking about improving security in Richmond, it’s important to understand what each service entails. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of rekeying, changing locks, and changing barrels to help you make the best decision.
1. Rekeying Locks: A Versatile and Affordable Solution
Rekeying locks involves altering the internal pins of a lock to make the old key obsolete. It’s a cost-effective way to ensure that someone who has an old key can no longer access your property, without the need to change the entire lock or barrel. One of the key advantages of rekeying is that it allows you to rekey all your locks to the same key, making it incredibly convenient for homeowners and property managers who need to manage multiple locks.
Pros:
- Affordable: Rekeying is the least expensive option compared to changing locks or barrels. It’s a great way to enhance security without breaking the bank.
- Quick: Rekeying locks is generally fast, especially if you’re only changing the keys for a few doors.
- Same Hardware, New Security: Since you’re only changing the pins inside the lock, your existing hardware and external lock remain the same, which can save on the cost of purchasing new hardware.
- Convenience of One Key: The most significant advantage of rekeying is that you can have all your locks rekeyed to the same key, making it easier to manage multiple entry points with just one key. This is particularly beneficial for larger properties or for people who need access to several doors, such as landlords or business owners.
Cons:
- Limited to Same Lock Model: Rekeying is only an option if you are keeping the same lock hardware. If your locks are old or damaged, this may not be a viable solution.
- Not Effective for Significant Security Issues: If your locks have been compromised (e.g., through wear and tear or forced entry), rekeying may not provide the level of security you need.
For those living in areas like Malvern, Richmond, or Balwyn, rekeying offers an efficient solution to secure your property while saving on costs. Additionally, the convenience of having all your locks keyed to the same key can simplify access.
2. Changing Locks: The Most Secure Option
Changing your locks completely involves replacing the entire lock mechanism, including the lock body and key. This is the most comprehensive security solution, offering a fresh start and full control over access to your property.
Pros:
- Highest Level of Security: By replacing both the lock and key, you ensure that no one who previously had a copy of your old key can access your property.
- Peace of Mind: If you’ve recently moved into a new home, lost your keys, or had a break-in, changing the locks is the safest choice to prevent unwanted access.
- Customisable Options: When changing locks, you can select a new type of lock (e.g., deadbolt, smart lock, or high-security lock) that better fits your security needs.
Cons:
- Higher Cost: Changing locks tends to be more expensive than rekeying or replacing the barrel, especially if you have multiple doors to secure.
- Inconvenience: You will need new keys for all the locks, and all old keys will become useless.
- Time-Consuming: Depending on the complexity of your locks, the process can take longer than rekeying or barrel replacement.
Changing locks can be an ideal solution for homeowners or businesses who need the highest level of security. If you’re located in Melbourne suburbs like Brighton, Kew, or Camberwell, it’s important to consult with a local locksmith to determine whether this option best suits your needs.
3. Changing Barrels: A More Cost-Effective Alternative
Changing the barrel of a lock involves replacing only the internal mechanism that holds the pins. This method is often used when you want to upgrade your lock or change the keying system but keep the outer lock hardware intact. For example, you might replace the barrel if you’ve lost your keys or want to increase security without replacing the entire lock.
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Changing just the barrel is usually cheaper than replacing the whole lock.
- Quick and Simple: The process is usually faster and less invasive than changing the entire lock, so it’s less disruptive.
- No Need for New Hardware: If the external part of the lock is still in good condition, changing the barrel can save you the expense of buying an entirely new lock.
Cons:
- Limited Security Improvement: If the existing lock hardware is outdated or compromised, simply changing the barrel won’t improve security as much as replacing the whole lock.
- Key Compatibility Issues: The new barrel may not be compatible with all existing key systems if you have other locks on the property that need the same key.
For homeowners or businesses located in areas like Malvern East, Surrey Hills, or Box Hill, changing the barrel can be a more cost-effective option for improving security without the need to completely replace the locks.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your security needs, budget, and situation. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
- Choose Rekeying if you need a quick, affordable solution to restrict access without replacing the lock hardware. This is ideal if you’ve lost your keys or want to prevent access by a former resident, tenant, or employee. Plus, the convenience of having all your locks rekeyed to the same key makes it the best option for many.
- Choose Changing Locks if you want the highest level of security and are willing to invest in a comprehensive solution. This is ideal for new homeowners, those who have recently experienced a break-in, or anyone who wants the ultimate peace of mind.
- Choose Changing Barrels if you want a cost-effective way to improve security without replacing the entire lock. This is ideal if your lock hardware is still in good condition and you just want to upgrade or change the keys.
For residents in suburbs like Malvern, Richmond, Kew, or Camberwell, locksmiths can help guide you through these options to choose the best solution based on your needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick fix, a security upgrade, or a comprehensive overhaul, professional locksmiths are available to assist with changing locks, changing barrels, or rekeying your locks.
By understanding the pros and cons of these three options, you can make an informed decision that best suits your security requirements and budget.