When a roommate moves out of your Calgary home, security should be your top priority. Even if the relationship ended on good terms and they returned their key, you cannot be certain that no duplicates exist. To ensure total peace of mind, you need to change the “digital footprint” of your physical locks. At Lock & Locks Locksmith Calgary, we often get asked whether it is better to buy entirely new hardware or simply change the internal workings of the existing locks. Both options have benefits depending on your budget and the condition of your current doors.
What Happens During a Rekey?
Many people assume they must buy new handles and deadbolts to stay safe. However, lock rekeying is a much more efficient process. A technician takes the lock apart and replaces the small internal pins with new ones of different sizes. This process makes the old key completely useless. You receive a brand-new set of keys, and the hardware on the door remains the same. This is the standard choice for most residential locksmith services because it is fast and cost-effective.
When Replacing the Hardware Makes Sense
There are times when a simple rekey is not enough. If your current locks are old, tarnished, or difficult to turn, it is better to replace them. You might also want to upgrade your security level. If your previous roommate complained about the door being hard to lock, the internal mechanism might be failing. If you decide to upgrade to a keyless entry system or a higher-security brand, our commercial locksmith in Calgary can show you heavy-duty options that last for years.
Cost Considerations for Homeowners
Budget usually plays a big role in the decision. Rekeying is almost always cheaper because you are not paying for the expensive metal housing of a new lock. You only pay for the labour and a few small parts. If you have five or six doors that all use the same key, rekeying them all is significantly more affordable than buying six new locksets. If you find yourself in a situation where you need emergency locksmith assistance because of a security dispute, rekeying is also the fastest way to secure the perimeter.
Checking Other Access Points
Don’t forget that security goes beyond just the front door. Did your roommate have a key to the garage? What about a gate or a storage locker? If you provided them with a spare key for your vehicle, you might need to consult automotive locksmith experts to erase old fobs from your car’s computer. Lock & Locks Locksmith Calgary provides a full security audit to ensure you haven’t missed any hidden entry points that an old key could open.
The Benefits of Matching Locks
One of the best reasons to rekey your home is to move toward a “one-key” system. Often, houses have different brands of locks on different doors, leading to a heavy keychain. While a technician is rekeying your locks after a roommate leaves, they can often set all the locks to work with the same key. This makes your daily life much more convenient. Our team at Lock & Locks Locksmith Calgary enjoys helping homeowners simplify their security while keeping it robust.
Final Steps for New Security
Once you have secured your home, keep a log of who has your new keys. Avoid hiding a spare key under a doormat or a flowerpot, as these are the first places intruders look. Instead, give a spare to a trusted family member. By taking these steps, you reclaim your space and ensure that your home remains your private sanctuary. Lock & Locks Locksmith Calgary is always here to help you navigate these transitions with professional advice and fast service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to rekey a standard house? For a standard home with three or four locks, a professional can usually complete the entire rekeying process in under an hour.
Can any lock be rekeyed? Most major brands can be rekeyed easily. However, some very cheap or specialized “un-serviceable” locks may need to be replaced instead.
Will the old key still work after a rekey? No. Once the internal pins are changed, the old key will no longer even turn the cylinder, providing you with total security.
Is rekeying as secure as getting new locks? Yes. From a security standpoint, a rekeyed lock is just as effective at keeping out the old key holder as a brand-new lock.
Do I need the original key to rekey a lock? It is much easier and faster if you have the original key, but a skilled locksmith can still rekey the cylinder even if the key is missing.