Call Today: (720) 310-1706
Lock replacements are a common cause of concern for all property owners. In fact, it’s fairly common for locksmiths to be asked about the best times to replace the locks, and how to tell that these have been damaged.
Whether you’re a homeowner or you run a business, keeping your locks in top working condition is just part of basic security maintenance. Even if you never experience an issue with your fixtures, changing the locks every few years is always a good idea – that way, you’ll be able to prevent the damage caused by wear and tear AND you’ll reap the benefits of keeping up to date with the latest security.
If in doubt, there are various ways to identify whether you’re overdue for a lock replacement. Before getting an expert to look into your issue, here are some simple signs to look out for:
Did you purchase a new property? Change the locks right away!
Whether you’ve just moved into your dream home, or you’ve invested in a property for your commercial operations, a lock change will keep everything secure right from the get-go. You don’t know how many copies of the original keys were made before the property exchanged hands – so rekeying your doors will ensure you know exactly who can access it at any given time.
New tenant, new locks
This applies to homeowners taking in new roommates, as well as investment property owners who are leasing out to tenants. Just as you should change the locks in a newly-purchased property, make sure to always change the locks whenever you part ways with a tenant. Even if you’re ending the lease on friendly terms, a lock replacement will reduce any suspicions if your house ends up being broken into.
When relationships (and not just the romantic kind) fall apart
You may have entrusted a family member, friend, spouse or neighbor with a spare key, before falling out with them. Or, you could be evicting a problem tenant or letting go of an employee – both of which could cause a bit of ill will. In all relationship breakdowns, personal or otherwise, you can’t really predict what’s on a person’s mind. Stay on the safe side and rekey your locks, just to prevent any kind of vindictive scenarios.
Coming home from vacation
Homeowners who have a good relationship with their neighbors might choose to leave a spare key with them before going on vacation. This is a perfectly reasonable thing to do – in fact, it could even help you keep your property safe. But still, consider getting your entry door’s locks replaced as soon as you get home from vacation. Even if you trust your neighbors completely, there’s always the odd chance they might have made a spare copy of your key to give to someone else – once again, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Break-ins call for immediate replacements
If someone tries to force their way into your property, your locks will likely be the first thing to be damaged. Prevent any repeat offenders from trying to take advantage of any security vulnerabilities – replace the locks of your property as soon as a break-in attempt occurs. To stay on the safe side, assume the keys fell into the wrong hands and change all external door locks in your residential or commercial property.
Is your key sticking to the lock? Your components are wearing out!
The most common sign of a worn out lock is that the key can no longer be inserted, turned or removed with ease. As your locks age, the stress they are regularly put under will lead to wear and tear. When not replaced accordingly, your old locks will become susceptible to malfunction and may even put you in awkward lockout situations. Aside from a sticky key, other signs you need to replace some old, worn out locks include visible signs or tarnishing and rust running along it.
What if your keys have been misplaced or stolen?
Your course of action will depend on the number of keys that are missing. Figure out which ones have been mislaid, and change those locks accordingly. If you’re dealing with multiple missing keys, you’ll need to prioritize: start by replacing any external locks before moving onto the internal doors. And if you’re constantly losing your keys? Talk to a locksmith about investing in a keyless entry system – they’re very easy to set up, and quite reasonably priced (the more sophisticated options will definitely be more expensive, but others are quite accessible).
One more thing to keep in mind. Homeowners with kids will likely need to rekey their locks more frequently. Children could lose their spare keys on their way to school or on a day they’re involved in extra-curricular activities. They could even leave their keys with a friend and forget to get them back. That’s another factor that will influence your lock changing habits.
So you need a lock replacement – now what?
Whenever you need a lock replacement, count on a locally-based lock and key professional to do the job right. As long as they have the credentials and reputation to back up their work, you should be able to trust them to give you good value for money. To ensure you are making the right choice, make sure that you:
Are you looking for a residential or commercial lock replacement expert based in Arvada, CO? You’re in luck – the licensed and insured professionals at Locksmith Arvada CO are always ready to be of assistance. Schedule a time for a free consultation to discuss some options and we’ll give you a price quote to go along with your queries, too. If you’d like us to inspect your locks for damage, our locally-based experts will set up an appointment to visit your property at your convenience.
Regardless of where you’re based, we hope this blog post helps demystify some of the situations that call for a lock replacement. If you have any questions, make sure to get in touch with a trusted locksmith in your area.