There are many security risks that may prompt property owners to consider changing or rekeying locks. At Accredited Lock and Hardware, we always advise our customers to consider changing or rekeying locks under the following circumstances:

Tenant evictions – After evicting tenants from a property, a landlord should always invest in changing or rekeying locks for the safety of their new renters.

Moving into a new home or office building – Even if the locks appear to be durable and in good working condition, there is a chance that the previous owner or maintenance workers have access to their old keys.

Locks were compromised during a vandalism or burglary – Any lock that has been forced open should be inspected, due to the fact that the lock was most likely weakened during the intrusion.

Locks have become weak due to age – Some locks may last a lifetime, but others may have been manufactured using cheap materials or substandard craftsmanship. This can lead to loose locking mechanisms and weak components, both of which compromise security.

Locks do not offer the desired levels of security – Some locks are very simple in nature and while they may be better suited for a bathroom door, any lock to the outside of the home that is considered to be inadequate should be changed.

When situations call for determining the need for changing or rekeying locks, Pompano Beach locksmiths advise that this task should be left to professionals due to their experience in assessing building security.

Changing vs. Rekeying Locks

Every customer wants to get the most for their money, but unfortunately this has led to many customers requesting that locksmiths simply rekey their existing locks, even after the locks have been found to be unsuitable for rekeying. Locks that have endured a certain degree of damage should always be replaced and while the more cost effective route is rekeying locks, a price can’t be placed on security.

On the other hand, some customers may believe that completely changing the locks on their home or business is their best guarantee for staying safe and secure. This is not always the case – Rekeying locks with a strong set of existing hardware may be the only necessary step to ensure that a building, it's occupants and the valuables within it are safe and secure.

When it comes to changing or rekeying locks, Accredited Lock and Hardware in Pompano Beach advises all of their customers to seek the opinion of a professional locksmith. Having a qualified professional assess the locks will undoubtedly save customers money – either by simply rekeying locks that are still in good working condition or installing brand new, quality locks that will keep homeowners and their valuables safe.