Change Locks (Rekey)
Changing your locks is also called rekey, or re-key.
When people need it
Usually for one of these: moving into a new or an old home, when room-mates or tenants move out, during times of domestic change or distress, when someone has passed away and the estate needs securing, when a key has been lost and someone could get unsecured access, when your business changes employees, and also when an old key is worn out and no longer works smoothly with your lock.
- How soon you need it done, and what times are best. Day, evening or weekend.
- The exact address.
- The type of lock you have. Is there a WR or SC or KW code on your key? That is Weiser, Schlage or Kwikset.
- How many key holes need to be changed.
- How many copies of keys you want. Get your spare keys now, since these are the original keys.
- Are there any locks that are missing the old key?
In Calgary we are great at rekeys because we do it so often. Old locks and new locks are no problem. We also fix locks that are stuck at the same time. We like to see locks that work smoothly and last a long time, and that are secure for you.
frequently asked
Most locks can be rekeyed, which means we remove the lock, dismantle it, remove the cylinder from its chamber, and then change the array of pins inside the lock to make it precisely match a new set of keys. We use both digital tools and old world techniques to make sure the new setup is as smooth as possible, to ensure the precise operation and longevity of your lock.
No, you should get your spare keys from us. Yes, our copies might be a dollar more than the store copies, but these are the original factory cut keys. They are all identical and can be tested against a lock. Store copies made later on will always be slightly different than the originals. That slight difference often causes a clicking in the lock, or tightness, leading either to failure of the lock due to friction, or commonly to the key not being able to open the lock.
We recommend for most installations that we try to keep the old locks in place but have them tuned up. This saves you money, and old locks fit your door the best. Older locks also usually have better metals and are heftier. We try to find replacement parts to replace any broken parts in your old lock. Yes, this is not the answer you would normally think, because new locks do cost more.
But if you do choose, yes, we gladly supply and install new locks. Our new locks will look nicer, and as Scott McGillivray of HGTV mentioned in his talk at the local home show this year, new lock hardware is one of the top ten things to do to increase the actual bottom line value of a home.
Lock sticking rather than needing changing? See Lock Repair. Want to stop carrying a key at all? See New Keypad Locks.