When Should I Replace My Door Locks?

Why should you change your door locks?

Changing your door locks protects your home while enhancing your safety and security. This section will cover the risks of outdated or compromised locks, as well as the benefits of high-security options and technological advancements. These factors should be carefully considered before deciding against replacing your locks.

Outdated and worn-out locks

Outdated and worn-out locks can be a security risk. Older locks are likely to be less effective and reliable, lacking modern security features and experiencing wear and tear over time. You should check the condition of your locks, ensuring they’re able to effectively secure your home and prevent break-ins.

Upgrading to a higher security lock

Upgrading to a higher security lock adds an extra layer of protection to your home, making it more challenging for intruders to gain access. More advanced locks can resist forced entry, picking, and drilling, resulting in burglars moving on to an easier target. These locks are designed to be heavy-duty, offering increased security for your property.

Latest technology

The latest advancements in technology can also improve your security and maximise both comfort and convenience. Smart locks allow you to monitor your control access remotely and keep an eye on who is entering and leaving your property. This gives you full control of your home, ensuring it stays protected even while you’re away.

Key situations that require door lock replacement

Changing the locks on your door is dependent on several factors. Here we will discuss some of the main situations that require you to make this decision, such as lost keys and moving house. By considering these you’ll significantly reduce the risk of security breaches.

Better insurance premiums 

Installing a British Standard (BS) Certified door lock not only provides better protection for you and your home but can also reduce insurance premiums. High-quality door locks are reflected in insurance premiums for homes and businesses, allowing you to potentially save on insurance while enhancing your security.

Lost keys

Replacement door locks are the best course of action if you or anyone who has access to your property loses a set of keys. Failing to do so leaves your home vulnerable, as the lost keys could end up in someone else’s possession. By replacing the lock, you regain full control over your home’s security and eliminate the risk of unauthorised access.

After a break-in or attempted break-in

If your home has been broken into or experienced an attempted break-in, your top priority should be to install replacement door locks. Damaged or compromised locks can leave you vulnerable to further security breaches. It’s also advised to invest in a higher security model of locks for greater protection. If you currently have a 3-lever lock, replacing it with a 5-lever lock reduces the risk of key duplication.

Moving into a new home

When moving into a new home, there’s a possibility that the previous owners still have a set of keys. Replacing door locks ensures you have complete control over your property. By installing new locks, you’ll have full knowledge of the locks installed in your home as well as complete control over who has access, enhancing your security and peace of mind.

Faults and damage

Faulty or damaged door locks are less reliable and can be more prone to jamming. Therefore, you must get them replaced for both security and convenience. Failing to do so can make it easier for people who shouldn’t have access to your property to gain it. Changing these locks eliminates any hassle and frustration when entering and exiting your home while making the lock more secure.

When to rekey vs replace

While replacing door locks is often necessary for enhanced security, this is not always the case. If it’s not imperative to make this change, you can rekey instead. This involves changing the internal components of a lock while keeping the external hardware, so you do not have to make a full replacement. While only the key is changed in a rekey, making it more cost-effective, a replacement door lock may be the better option depending on your situation. Read on below to help you decide if you need to rekey or replace:

When you should rekey

When you should replace the door lock

Maintain your locks with IronmongeryDirect

Now you’re aware of when your door locks need to be replaced, you must ensure you’re properly maintaining them. Proper maintenance will improve your lock's lifespan and functionality. Locks, safety, and security solutions can be found at IronmongeryDirect, with a wide range of high-performance options available.

FAQs

How often should you change your locks?

It’s recommended to change your door locks every 7 years, even if there have not been any issues. This is standard practice and failing to do so risks your security being compromised. Door locks should also be changed if they have any wear and tear as well as to comply with security standards.

How long does it take to change a lock?

It usually takes 30 minutes to an hour to change a door lock, depending on the lock you’re changing it to. More complex locks, such as high-security locks, can take longer and should only be fitted by a professional to ensure they’re installed properly for maximum security.

Should you change the locks when buying a house?

It’s highly recommended to change door locks when buying a new house. This prioritises safety in case the previous owners still have spare keys, ensuring only you and those you chose to have access to your property.

What are the signs that my locks need replacing?

There are multiple signs to look out for when deciding whether to replace your door locks, including difficulty turning a key and any faults or damage. If you experience these issues, replacing your door lock will make entering and leaving your property easier, while enhancing your security and protection.

Can I rekey my locks instead of replacing them?

Depending on the condition of the hardware, you can rekey your locks instead of replacing them. If there are no security threats or difficulty with the key or lock itself, then it’s advisable to just rekey. However, if your locks are faulty or damaged and you have security concerns, it’s recommended to replace the entire door lock.

Are high-security locks worth it?

High-security locks add an extra layer of protection to your home that you can’t get elsewhere. While they can be more expensive compared to regular door locks, they’re more robust, making them harder to break into. Investing in high-security locks is worth it for those looking for enhanced safety in their home.

How much does it cost to change a door lock?

The cost to change a door lock can vary depending on the lock you purchase, typically ranging between £50-£300. Technologically advanced and high-security locks often come with a higher price point. The price of a locksmith can also vary, so it’s best to shop around and compare prices to find the right option for you.

Is it cheaper to rekey or change the locks?

Rekeying your door locks is a cheaper alternative to replacing them as it involves changing the inside mechanism, rather than changing the entire lock. However, just because it’s more cost-effective, this doesn’t mean it’s the correct choice. If your door lock is damaged or you’ve had a security threat, you must replace it. Changing your locks enhances security and provides greater peace of mind.