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When to Replace Your Locks

Your locks are an incredibly important part of your home or business security in Westmont, IL, and form the basic foundation for its protection. If your exterior locks are not capable of protecting your home from unwanted entry, which can happen if they’ve become worn down, are poorly made or installed, or have suffered damage from an attempted break-in or other cause, then they may be leaving your home vulnerable to attack. Before you become the victim of a crime, be proactive by considering having your locks changed. This guide can assist you in determining the times in which it may be in your best interest to have your locks changed. While these are just suggestions, it may help you make some considerations you hadn’t before.

Times to Consider Replacing Your Locks

When Someone Breaks In

When a criminal breaks in to your home, it can completely shake your sense of safety. Whether they stole from you, committed vandalism, assaulted someone in your home, or merely gained unlawful entry, you’re left wondering if you’ll ever feel safe in your own home again. In these situations, it’s imperative to not only have any damage repaired but also to completely replace your locks. That’s because your current locks have had a literal demonstration that they are not up to the task of protecting your property.

When You Lose Your Keys

Losing your keys is something that can happen to anyone. One minute you’re sure you have them in your hand or your pocket, but a few minutes later you can’t find them. You search everywhere, only to come up empty. When you lose your keys, you may be okay if you have a set of spare keys as backup. However, if you don’t have another set of keys on hand, it’s probably necessary to have your locks changed. It’s also possible for the missing keys that are now floating around to fall into the wrong hands, so it’s best to take proactive measures.

When Your Keys Have Been Stolen

Losing your keys is bad enough. But when someone steals them from you, the situation is more serious and urgent. Anyone with the keys to your home could potentially walk right in. Even if your keys find their way back to you, such as being turned in by someone, it only takes a few minutes and a low cost to duplicate a set of house keys. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and to have your locks replaced as soon as possible when your keys have been stolen.  

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When You Move to a New Home

Getting the keys to your new home, especially if it’s your first house, can be an exciting moment. However, if you’re not entirely positive that you’re the only one in possession of a set of keys to your home, it may be worth it to have the locks changed. Remember, anyone with a set of keys to your house can walk right through the door. If there’s even a remote chance that your locks were not changed after the occupation of the owners or tenants before you, or if there’s a possibility that someone else may have a copy of your house keys, it’s more than worse the small cost to have the locks replaced. You’ll sleep much more soundly in your new home knowing that you have the only keys to your locks.

When a Roommate Leaves

If your roommate was more like a stranger than a friend, or if you otherwise have cause for suspicion, it’s a good idea to change your locks once your roommate leaves. Make sure that you follow your local state laws if there is a lease involved so that you don’t run into any legal trouble during the process.

During a Divorce or Breakup

Emotions can run high during these personal situations, and people aren’t always thinking their most rationally. If you’re worried about your safety or about preventing any kind of retaliation or vandalism, it’s important to consider replacing your locks in order to protect yourself, family members, and belongings. Even if your ex is under a restraining order,

Lock Changes vs. Rekeying

One thing you should consider when having your exterior locks changed, especially if there are multiple locks that need changing, is whether you should have the locks changed or rekeyed. What’s the difference, you may be asking? Lock change refers to the process of completely removing your current door locks, including the entire handle or lever, and replacing them with a new installation. Rekeying, on the other hand, is a less expensive option that may be utilized when your current door locks are in good condition.

Rekeying involves taking your existing lock mechanism, disassembling it, and rearranging the series of pins inside. This makes it so that only a new key will fit into the lock, and the old key will no longer open the door. Any professional locksmith will be able to rekey your qualifying locks in a short period of time. If you’re interested in this service, contact a local locksmith company to discuss which option is right for your locks.


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