Home door locks need to be replaced immediately after moving into a new home, after burglaries and break-in attempts, when the locks are severely damaged, and in situations where keys are lost or stolen. Lock repair can be planned when there are minor issues with the locking/unlocking, or when the keys get stuck while turning. In situations where the locks are in mint condition but over 10 years old, they should be replaced and upgraded to newer, more advanced models.
When to Replace Home Door Locks?
01. After Moving Into a New Home
Changing locks when moving into a new home is a must. Previous owners or contractors still might hold a spare copy of your new home’s keys, so changing all the locks is a preventive measure. This can also be the perfect time to evaluate the condition of the locks and upgrade them to newer types, and even switch to more modern, smart, and digital locks.
02. After Security Breach
Replacing home locks after a security breach is considered to be a normal procedure. Attempted burglaries most often result in damaged locks and hardware, which requires the necessary change. Also, replacing the locks after security breaches is a way of restoring security, since the mechanisms can be compromised. This is also the time when you should consider upgrading your home security, installing deadbolts or advanced security systems.
03. Lost or Stolen Keys
Replacing or rekeying your locks must be done when keys are lost or stolen. Since you can never know who has the keys, the access to your house and the security are compromised in such situations. Changing the locks is a preventive measure just to keep peace of mind.
04. Visible Damage
Just like any other hardware, the locks are also prone to rust and corrosion. Since most of the locks are exposed to outside weather conditions, constant changes in temperature, moisture, and water are causing damage over time. Also, when there is a visible sign of a forced entry, the locks need to be replaced. Any visible sign of damage is a signal that the locks can’t provide a satisfactory level of security any longer and should be replaced.
05. Age
Locks are built to last, but even the best ones have expiration dates. The locks are prone to wear and tear, and most models are designed to last from 7 to 10 years. For security reasons, they should be replaced after this time, even if they are not showing any visible signs of damage. Over time, they become less reliable, so regular maintenance and planned upgrades should be organized accordingly.
06. Functional Failure
Whenever there is a functional failure with the lock, it should be replaced. Usually,y physical damage to the internal locking mechanism is what’s causing the key to be stuck or a loose knob. In such situations, fixing and repairing the locks doesn’t make much sense, and the best is to replace them. Such damages and failures come from regular wear and tear or due to age, and are a signal for a complete replacement.
07. Security Upgrade
The market is changing very fast, and lock models quickly become outdated. With this in mind, it is important to regularly plan to update and replace the outdated locks with newer, more advanced locking systems. This is also a good time to consider switching to modern, high-quality smart and digital locks.
When to Repair Home Door Locks?
01. Key Sticks in the Lock
If your key turns with difficulty or is sticking inside the lock, that is most probably due to debris and grease buildup inside the locking mechanism or due to some minor misalignment. These are common issues since locks are not prone to dirt, and those are easily solvable with lock repair services. In most situations, these problems can be successfully solved. Only extreme damage might require changing the entire mechanism.
02. Minor Issues
In situations when locks are experiencing some minor, non-structural issues, the lock can be repaired. Sometimes the lock might be relatively new, but if it’s not operating smoothly, it probably needs some minor adjustments and small repairs.
03. Loose Handle
If the door handle or lever is loose, that is most commonly not a sign for replacement, but for repair. The loose door handle issue is easily fixable with just tightening some internal screws. Even though this sounds like a simple job, in fact, it should be done by a locksmith who can correctly recognize the type of lock and door handle and locate the screws without causing any damage.
Key Differences Between Repair and Replacement
It is good to know the difference between lock repair and replacement, even though the locksmith will evaluate the situation and decide which service is needed. Lock replacement means completely removing the old hardware and installing a new one, while lock repair or rekeying keeps the existing hardware, but changes the internal pins or mechanism that are broken. Lock replacement is advised when the locks are heavily damaged, while repair is for locks that are still in good condition.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need lock replacement or lock repair, one thing is for sure – you should not delay it. Professional locksmith services are designed to assess the situation, evaluate the condition of the locks, and suggest the proper next steps. Either way, locksmiths will provide the best possible solution that fits your needs and keeps the security levels at a maximum.
Do You Need Home Lock Repair or Replacement Anywhere in Hillsborough County, FL? We Are Here to Help You!
Whether you need home lock repair or replacement, with transparent and upfront pricing, we at A1 Locksmith Service LLC make sure that all our customers get only the best possible service for their money. Trustworthy, reliable, and affordable locksmith service is just one call away – ring us at +1 (813) 817-5576 to schedule your locksmith service.
