Category: Blog

Ensuring the security of our homes and offices is of utmost importance. When it comes to maintaining the integrity of our locks, there are two primary options: rekeying and changing locks. But how do we know which approach is the most appropriate for our specific situation? In this article, we will explore the differences between rekeying and changing locks, and discuss the signs that may indicate the need for one over the other. We will also delve into the process of both rekeying and changing locks, providing insight into what to expect. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the circumstances that warrant rekeying or changing locks, enabling you to make an informed decision to protect your space.

Understanding the Difference: Rekeying vs. Changing Locks

Rekeying: Definition and Purpose

Rekeying is like giving your lock a makeover. It involves altering the lock mechanism so that it works with a new set of keys. The old keys will no longer work, rendering any previous copies useless. The purpose of rekeying is to maintain the same lock but change the key, providing security and peace of mind.

Changing Locks: Definition and Purpose

Changing locks, on the other hand, is like starting fresh. It involves removing the existing lock and replacing it with a completely new one. The purpose of changing locks is to enhance security by installing a brand-new lock that offers different features or higher levels of protection.

Signs That Rekeying May Be Necessary

Lost or Stolen Keys

If you’ve lost your keys or suspect that they may have been stolen, rekeying is a smart move. By rekeying your locks, you eliminate the risk of someone finding your keys and gaining unauthorized access to your home or workplace. It’s a simple precautionary measure that ensures your security remains intact.

Moving into a New Home or Office

Moving into a new place is an exciting time, but it’s important not to overlook the security aspect. You never know who might have copies of the existing keys. Rekeying the locks when you move in ensures that you are the only person with access to your new space, giving you peace of mind.

Employee Turnover

In a business setting, employee turnover is a common occurrence. When employees leave, it’s crucial to rekey the locks to prevent any disgruntled former employees from gaining entry. By rekeying, you maintain control over who has access to your premises, safeguarding your company’s assets.

Malfunctioning Locks

If your locks are starting to act up, constantly getting jammed, or becoming difficult to open, rekeying could be a cost-effective solution. Sometimes, the problem lies within the lock mechanism itself. Rekeying addresses this issue without having to replace the entire lock, saving you time and money.

Situations Where Changing Locks is Recommended

Security Breach or Break-In

If you’ve experienced a security breach or break-in, it’s crucial to reassess the integrity of your locks. Changing locks is recommended in such scenarios to ensure any vulnerabilities are eliminated. It allows you to upgrade to more robust locks that better protect your home or office from future incidents.

Outdated or Compromised Locks

Lock technology continues to evolve, and older locks may lack the security features necessary to deter modern-day threats. If you have outdated locks, it’s wise to consider changing them. Additionally, if you suspect your locks have been compromised or tampered with, changing them guarantees a fresh start and renewed security.

Upgrading to High-Security Locks

Sometimes, you may simply want to take your security to the next level. Whether it’s due to a recent increase in crime in your area or just a desire for enhanced peace of mind, changing locks to high-security options is an excellent choice. High-security locks often have advanced features that provide added protection against forced entry.

In conclusion, knowing when to rekey and when to change locks is crucial for maintaining the security of our homes and offices. By recognizing the signs that indicate the need for rekeying or changing locks, considering the various factors involved, and seeking the help of the nearest locksmith, we can make the right choice to enhance our security. Remember to regularly maintain and update your locks to ensure ongoing protection. Whether you opt for rekeying or changing locks, prioritizing security is a proactive step towards safeguarding your space and providing peace of mind.

FAQ

1. When should I consider rekeying my locks instead of changing them?

Rekeying is a viable option if you want to maintain the same locks but render existing keys useless. It is recommended when you move into a new home or office, experience a lost or stolen key, or need to revoke access for former employees.

2. What situations warrant changing locks instead of rekeying?

Changing locks is usually recommended if there has been a security breach, such as a break-in or if your current locks are outdated or compromised. It is also a suitable choice if you wish to upgrade to high-security locks for added protection.

3. Can I rekey or change locks myself, or should I hire a professional?

While it is possible to attempt rekeying or changing locks yourself, it is highly recommended to hire a professional locksmith. They possess the necessary expertise and experience to ensure the task is performed correctly, guaranteeing the security of your space.

4. Are there any additional measures I can take to maintain home security after rekeying or changing locks?

Absolutely! In addition to rekeying or changing locks, you can enhance security by installing security cameras, motion sensor lights, and a home security system. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your locks, as well as practicing smart key management, also contribute to maintaining home security.

Security doors are available in a variety of kinds and sizes. However, they all have strong locking mechanisms in common. Each installation works differently, but they are essential to the overall effectiveness and security of the door.

When your door lock begins to fail or you are simply concerned that your locks aren’t offering you the necessary security, there is a need to replace them.

Security door locks, whether hinged or sliding, keep houses safe. Replacing security door locks may appear to be a simple task. Although, getting it properly the first time is important for maintaining the safety of your home or workplace.

That is why it is always more beneficial to get expert assistance with the replacement of door locks. That said, we would be pleased to tell you more about the security door lock replacement process at Citywest Locksmiths and what to expect with the security of your home or workplace.

Reasons to Replace Your Security Door Lock

Security doors play an important role in the protection of your home or place of work. If you are living in Melbourne or any neighboring suburbs and thinking of replacing your home door locks, get professional help.

Hiring a professional locksmith like Citywest Locksmiths will ensure that the locks are in good working condition. So, what should you look for while thinking about replacing your security door locks? Apart from a malfunction, what are the other visible signs that you should replace your security door locks? 

The following reasons for replacing your security door locks are the most common:

 

• New House Purchase: You should get the locks changed so that previous owners of the house or others with access cannot enter the property.

• Tenant Changes: If someone moves in or out of the shared living space, you should think about replacing the security door locks.

• Lost Keys: If you forget your keys, you should replace the locks immediately since someone may simply create a copy or get an entrance to your main door.

• Break-in: While the door may have done its job of keeping intruders out, a broken lock should be replaced as soon as possible.

• General Wear: Door keys can wear out over time, making it difficult to obtain an appropriate entrance to a residence.

Rekeying v/s Replacing Locks

Rekeying a security door lock rather than replacing it is a very regular practice. For starters, because the hardware isn’t replaced, rekeying a lock might be less expensive. Instead, a locksmith may rearrange the pins in the lock. Then, he can issue you with a new key that can open both the lock and the door.

While rekeying is helpful there are situations when a new lock is far superior. If your Melbourne residence has been victimized by a break-in or a burglary attempt, the lock components may have been damaged as a result. In such instances, replacing the lock completely is far safer than trying to rekey it.

Furthermore, if your locks and door systems are quite outdated and worn, replacing them with higher-quality locks is a far more safe alternative.

Why Should You Leave Security Door Lock Replacement to the Professionals?

It may be possible for the handiest of handymen and homeowners to experiment with and change their own door locks. However, there are several reasons why this should be left to the professionals, all of which affect your safety and the security of your house.

A professional locksmith in Melbourne will be able to offer the correct new locking mechanisms for your specific security door. Remember that not all locks are made equal, and the proper locks are needed for a high-grade security door.

The professionals will also be familiar with and stick to all Australian Standards for complete door lock security for your home or place of work. This involves ensuring that both the mechanisms and the installation are fully compliant. They will also be capable of passing a variety of security checks in installing a security door lock.

Replacement of a Security Door Lock is a 4-Step Process

We have broken down the process for you here to assist you to understand what happens during a lock replacement activity. 

 

• Take Out the Old Lock

 

The present lock mechanism is secured in place by a set of screws pushed into the door frame’s side. To remove the mechanism, we enter the key into the lock and spin it to an open or unlocked position. We then remove the screws on the door. The screws are what keep the lock in place. When they are removed, the current lock may easily slide out of the door framework.

 

• Select the New Right Kind of Lock

 

It must be ensured that while changing the lock, the new hardware has the same form and depth as the old. This ensures that the lock will work with the current door frame and that no further adjustments are required.

 

• Set Up the New Lock

 

After selecting the right lock, we then insert the newly installed locking mechanism into the hole 

in the door. We do it while the screws in the door frame are still removed. It should get into place evenly on both sides of the door. The locking mechanism should then be set to the locked position. You need to note that the lock remains fixed. You may now reinsert and tighten the screws in the door frame, securing the lock against removal by attackers.

 

• Repairing Further Damage

 

We inspect your door for further indications of damage, wear, or tear when installing a new lock. This includes door latches, screens, metalwork, and hinges, which could risk the door’s integrity and reduce the efficiency of the new lock.

Replace Your Security Door Locks With Expert Locksmiths Melbourne

Security door locks are an important part of effectively functioning doors, so ensuring you have the correct locks in place is essential. There are many reasons why you might wish to change your locks, but there is only one genuine solution: hiring an expert.

For experienced and high-quality security door lock replacement, contact Citywest Locksmiths today. All of our professionals are licensed and insured, so you can be sure that the job will be done correctly and in the shortest possible time.

Have you ever had a car lockout situation? If so, you already understand how annoying it can be. Your car locks surprisingly when you are driving, stuck in traffic, or simply out going for a while, and you realise you don’t know how to unlock it.

That can be a major issue sometimes.  Not only is it a problem, but you also feel helpless as you stop there and stare at your locked car since there is no way for you to get inside.

If you face this situation, Citywest Locksmiths Melbourne is here to provide you with some advice on what to do in such a scenario.

How Do You Unlock Your Car While Your Keys Are Locked Inside?

We have all had the experience of locking our keys in the car. That happens while we shut the door in a hurry; other times, it happens because we are distracted and forget to lock the doors in the first place. Whatever the reason, it may be a real discomfort in the buttocks.

But don’t worry: There are several ways to retrieve those keys back—and we will go through them all here!

• Keep Your Calm and Prioritise Your Options

First considerations: Avoid panicking and try to remain calm. It never helps in problem-solving and only makes matters worse.

You need to analyze your options and the possible wait time for a person who may be able to help you open your car door to come along. Once you have calmed down, it’s a good idea to evaluate the circumstances.

• Is this situation urgent?
• Willing to wait for assistance?
• Can you recall where you kept the extra key?

Check your pockets and purse yet again. Do your best to search for any unlocked car doors as well.

• Try to Open the Door Yourself

If your automobile has power windows or doors, you may unlock them from within by poking the lock with just a coat hanger or any other thin metal strand of wire. You will need to have something thin and durable enough to go between the door and the frame, yet not sufficiently thick that it scratches the door when placed.

Press hard until you hear a click—this indicates that it has broken through the door lock and unlocked itself! If neither of these methods works or you do not possess power windows or doors, use a coat hanger to reach through an open window or roof and slide down on the door handle till it unlocks itself.

• Check If You Have Roadside Assistance

If your insurance coverage covers roadside assistance, getting locked out of your vehicle is not an issue. All you have to do is dial the emergency number. You must provide your name, address, licence plate number, as well as phone number so that they may contact you as soon as possible. They will come to unlock your car to help you get back on the road.

It should be noted that certain automobile insurance providers do not provide roadside assistance. Check about the specifics of your coverage and keep the roadside help number on your phone.

• Contact a Professional Locksmith

If you are fortunate enough to live near a dealer, you may be able to seek assistance from them. They are often preoccupied with new and used car sales and servicing appointments, so they may be unable to help with locked doors or windows. If there isn’t a dealer nearby, or if the dealer becomes too busy to help you right away, you should contact a professional locksmith instead.

Fortunately, there are trusted and affordable locksmiths at Automotive Locksmiths, which offers a wide range of auto locksmith services in Melbourne and nearby suburbs. We provide a wide range of Automotive Locksmith Services that will help you to get your car unlocked easily!

We can help you with:

• Key replacements
• Transponder keys (replacements and repair)
• Vehicle security systems (repair and or access to your car)
• Repairing car locks

Our auto locksmiths have the necessary equipment, training, and experience needed to safely perform automotive lockout services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can come to your rescue in an emergency and get you back in your car. Also, our charges are really affordable, and our services are much faster.

Safeguarding your family and your possessions against burglars requires that you secure your house. If you live alone, it is even more important to take basic precautions to secure your house. Changing the locks of your home is a crucial step towards achieving that. Here is a thorough explanation of when to replace a house’s locks and why, but, before you even think about doing so.

When Should A Home’s Lock Be Change?

There are several situations where it becomes urgently required to alter your home’s locks. You should think about replacing the locks right away in the following situations:

• Shifting to a different location
• If your keys are missing
• Robbery or break-in
• Divorce
• Faulty locks
• Removing a challenging tenant

While the terms of these circumstances should be sufficient to explain why changing your home’s locks is necessary, let’s go through each one in more depth to help you understand the potential repercussions.

• In Case You Are Moving to a New Home

It is generally advised that you replace the locks of your residence after you have shifted in, regardless of the fact that you just purchased a new house or have recently leased a new residence. There are numerous reasons to do this. The main justification for locks changing is to increase home security while keeping costs down. You shouldn’t take your protection for granted, even though your landlord may have convinced you that they replaced the locks after the prior renter went out.

It is important to set new locks and ensure that your tenant and family individuals are the sole ones with access to the new locks because the former owner or a tenant may have a spare set of keys to the current locks. Be careful you replace the locks on all of the home’s entrances. The main entrance to your home that provides access to the yard or garden is also included in this, as are the backdoor and your garage door.

• If You Have Lost Your Keys

Among the most frequent justifications for changing the locks is misplacing your keys. As soon as you notice you have misplaced your keys, it’s crucial to put in new locks. Although if you do expect to discover them someday, it is advisable to prevent a wait and put the safety of your house and family by simply making a new set of keys for your personal usage using the spare.

• In the Event of Intrusion or Burglary

Even if it weren’t the norm for criminals to target houses with lax security, you must put in new locks right away following a crime. When your pocketbook is stolen or taken with your house keys and CNIC (which contains your address) inside, it is imperative to change the locks. Or if you are robbed inside, outdoors, or close to your house by a burglar who also steals your possessions, especially your house keys. Or when somebody tries to get into the house but actually breaks the lock. Whether the effort was accomplished or not, the lock may have been broken, thus it is necessary to replace it to improve house security.

• After You Had A Divorce

It’s difficult for a couple to decide to seek a divorce since they could no more be happily married, but it’s even harder if the divorce is unpleasant, with conflicts over property ownership and acrimonious disagreements. Change the locks around the main gates as soon as you become the legal owner of the residence when you wish your ex to keep out of your house and avoid surprise visits.

This guideline also holds true for strained relationships with housemates from rentals. The best course of action is to speak with your owner and get the locks changed so that your roommate cannot transgress, even if you may have worked carefully to select the ideal rental roommate.

• When Your Locks Have Been Damaged

With time, locking mechanisms experience wear and strain and finally fail. Some locks will have obvious damage, which is simple to identify. Others, though, will surprise you. The result is that the lock becomes damaged on the interior and won’t open or close with no external indications. This implies that if you haven’t replaced your locks in a while, you may find yourself locked in your home one day and in need of a locksmith to help you escape.

Getting Rid of a Crazy Tenant

This one is for all landlords. Avoid the error of retaining the same locks on your rental properties if you have had trouble evicting a renter. Change them right away to prevent another unauthorized possession of the apartment or home from using a key that the cunning tenant has duplicated.

Now you are aware of the proper time and reason for changing a home’s locks. Additionally, it’s crucial to only give your home key to people you can trust and will always get it back from anyone you’ve lent it to, especially if they are somebody you can trust. Be careful!

If you need to change your locks for the aforementioned reasons, look no beyond than Citywest Locksmiths! We can help you to change your locks in no time! Contact us now!

More often than not, rekeying of locks takes place in situations of buying of new homes, and sometimes, when selling. It depends. But either way, if you are living in Melbourne, you need locksmiths for this purpose. There is no doubt that the locksmith will charge an amount for that, but on a brighter side, being aware will help you determine how hefty a cost you might have to pay.

People think of rekeying as an additional cost. However, it saves more than it costs and much more valuable things. When rekeying is you precisely saving costs of changing the lock, hiring a guard, and even cost incurred by potential threat.

What is Lock Rekeying, and Why is there a need?

Lock rekeying is the method to make sure that old keys do not work in the same locks. This is done when a house is bought or sold to ensure safety of the new tenant. Moreover, rekeying is done instead of changing existing locks as cost of change in locks is relatively much higher.

All the existing pins and wafers in a lock are changed up into a new combination altogether. This can only be matched with new keys, turning all the existing ones useless. Rekeying is a very useful method as it not only saves time and makes a significant contribution towards cost-cutting.

How Much Does Rekeying Cost in Melbourne?

The choice is pretty obvious when it comes to choose between rekeying and changing a lock. If a particular lock is taken to the locksmith for the process of rekeying the charges by the locksmith can range from $20 to $30. However, if you would like the locksmith to come to your door like most people (for convenience), you can expect to be charged anywhere from $35 to $60 per lock. This would include servicing and repairing costs is necessary. It is generally preferred to bring the specialist to your door to guarantee fitting installation of the locks with proper finishing.

All is all rekeying locks saves a good amount of money and offers a great deal especially if you are to change multiple locks in your house.

Other Options: Do I have any Alternative?

If you are not a fan of rekeying or are simply sceptical, then there is also the option to replace the existing lock with a brand new one. This will ensure confident security of your home. Generally, people tend to opt of rekeying of their locks and if the locks are damaged and beyond repair then the locksmith himself would advise you to get it replaced instead.

After cases of theft, it is pretty common that people go for change instead of rekeying because of their existing fears. But otherwise, if you live in Melbourne and are thinking of changing the locks for the purpose of added safety just to be sure, then rekeying is not a bad option at all. It offers needed safety and security at reasonable prices too. So even if you are someone who cannot afford to change the locks, it is advisable to rekey them. Thus, ensuring safety of yourself and your family.

As we all know, you’ll want to safeguard your valuables, your home, and the individuals that live in that region. Professional assistance is essential when it comes to selecting the correct locking system for your house or business. Your primary job is to ensure that your home’s security system is operational. Assure all of your home’s combination locks are in good repair. Confirm to verify whether your locking system, regardless of how modern it is, has any issues. You can call a residential locksmith services provider to update your lock & keys, which is one of the many factors why you should engage expert residential locksmith services.

Why is it necessary to use the Locking system?

For smaller companies and residential buildings, a locking system or multiple locking options is also very advantageous and efficient. A lock system for your bedroom protects you and your loved ones from robbers and other attackers while also providing you with privacy when you need it.

Types of Long-Lasting Bedroom Door Locks

Hallways & Indoor Lockset

• It comes with two non-locking knobs on each side of the door.
• It’s an Interior lockset that you can use in hallways and indoors between rooms where privacy is not important.
• Available in different colors and a variety of styles.

Special Privacy Lockset

• This internal lockset is specially designed for privacy rather than security.
• There is a lock button on the inner knob, no key device on the outer knob so that no one can open it and disturb your privacy. The outside can be either a knob or a lever.
• In any emergency situation, the lock can be opened by inserting a narrow object through a small hole in the outer knob, but this depends on the structure of the lock.
• It is available in different colors and a variety of styles.

Electronic Door Knob

• An electronic door locking mechanism features a universal design that will allow you to replace most of the existing door knobs for better privacy.
• it fits perfectly on both the right-handed and left-handed doors. The design that it has allows it to match with most of the door types.
• The installation process is quite easy, which is basically essential for bedroom door security.
• It comes with all the necessary parts and is reasonably very flexible.
• You can configure it in five different codes and can give access to different family members or people you trust. Also, you can use Master Code to rearrange and delete all codes.
• The mechanism works pretty quickly too. It locks and unlocks within two seconds.
• In case of a low battery level, a built-in battery warning mechanism will give you a heads up.

Entryways Lockset

• It comes with two doorknobs that can be locked from both the inside and the outside.
• Some models of its type can be locked with a key on both the inside and outside.
• One type locks from the inside by twisting or pressing a small button, while one key must open the knob on the outside.
• In other models, only the inner knob can lock or unlock both sides of the set.
• Medium security door lock.
• A quality feature on the entry lockset is dead leach.

Deadbolt Lock

• It’s called a “deadbolt” because there are no springs involved to operate the bolt. It is only operated manually with a key or a thumb grip from the inside.
• It comes in five different colors and provides maximum security on a door.
• It is designed to fit a specific size of hole and backset.
• The bolt locks the door to the frame and helps prevent someone from opening the door.
• A single-cylinder deadbolt is operated with a turn button on the inside and with a key from the outside. It is used mostly with wood doors and solid metal doors.

Surface-Mounted Deadbolt

• It is square in shape and mounted on the inner surface of the door.
• The bolt can be turned with a key or a turn knob.
• The bolt slides into the surface-mounted strike, instead of sliding into the door frame.

Mortise Lock

• Can be used on many types of doors, from commercial doors to apartment buildings and residential doors.
• It comes with a flat, rectangular box that fits into a gap in the door from its edge. Also includes two front plates that include the knobs and keyholes.
• The cylinder has a pin tumbler locking mechanism.
• Deadbolt only operates by a turn of the inner knob.
• Latch operates from either side except when the inside knob is locked.
• A key operates both the deadbolt and latch bolt from the outside.
• Available in right or left-handed styles.

Night Latch

• Automatic locking feature.
• The door closes, the large, spring-filled latch automatically locks.
• Used for light security usually in combination with other locks.
• Can be installed on the inner surface of the door.

Keyless Entry System

• For advanced home security and convenience
• Compatible with some garage door openers
• Sound and visual signals ring an alarm after entering the wrong code more than three times in a row.
• The anti-theft system ensures the same code is never used twice.
• The homeowner only needs one code to open the door.

Handleset

• Available with both single-cylinder and double-cylinder deadbolts.
• It also comes in 8 different colors and styles.
• Typically, an entry set attaches a lockset to a deadbolt. The deadbolt is located just above the handle.
• Available in different colors and a variety of styles

Residential Locksmith in Melbourne

Without possessing the original, a competent licensed residential locksmith Melbourne can produce you a new key and cut keys to lock by hand. As we all know, having an extra set of keys is always a good option, so keeping your keys cut is a fantastic strategy. Melbourne locksmiths are a fantastic option. From changing or re-keying locks to installing very sophisticated home security systems, they employ quality-assured home security goods at fair and guaranteed pricing.

What are the benefits of calling a Residential locksmith?

Whether you’re going somewhere or not, you’ll want to make sure your house is safe. If you have any troubles with your home’s locking system, you can contact the 24 hours locksmith Melbourne service provider.

• Professionals Provide Guaranteed Services to Customers

  One of the advantages of hiring the best home locksmith Melbourne has to offer is this. You will not be accountable for any legal troubles if you hire a residential locksmith who is properly insured to work on your house. You can also stay away if any of your workers are injured while working on your property.

• You Get Professional Assistance from Experienced and Trained Experts

  You can receive assistance from knowledgeable and qualified specialists by contacting the best residential locksmith. They have a history of providing long-term service to their customers. You won’t have to worry about lock repairing or key replacement once you’ve contacted skilled locksmiths. They are the greatest at what they do and can provide you with excellent service.

• Save Yourself Some Time

  You may save a lot of time by calling the best residential locksmith. Today, you can’t wait for things to happen after a long day, and when your home’s security system is compromised, you can’t afford to wait.

What are Residential Locksmith Services?

If you’ve run into any of the security issues listed below, you can call your local residential locksmith for assistance in changing your locking systems, especially in your home.

Installation, upkeep, and repair of locks…

• Lock replacement or rekeying is two options.
• Response to a lockout.
• Repairs after a break-in.
• Duplication/cutting of keys.
• Mastering the art of keying.
• Installation, repair, and opening should all be done in a safe manner.
• No need for a key to open the door.

Bottom line

Ideally, you now understand the advantages of contacting a skilled residential locksmith in Melbourne. Check to see if the organization provides all-time 24/7 services and if they seem to be the most in the industry. If you have any minor troubles with your home’s locking system, don’t wait to call us: 0414 930 586