What Does Rekeyable Mean?

It’s happened to the best of us: after experiencing a scary store break-in, realizing you’ve lost a key, or kicking out a crazy ex, you decide that it might be time to finally change your locks.

After all, as a matter of basic safety, having secure locks on your doors is crucial. However, the process of changing or rekeying all of those locks can be time-consuming. Worse, hiring a locksmith to do the job can be expensive, costing you anywhere from $75-200, depending on where you live!

What if there were a better way?

If you’ve ever heard the term “rekeyable locks,” you might not have realized what these products might mean to the safety of your business or household. Let’s take a look at what “rekeyable” means—and why it should matter to you.

What Does “Rekeyable” Mean?

If you’re in need of a security change, there are a few options available to you.

“Changing a lock,” of course, is a straightforward process you’re likely familiar with: you simply change the old locks on your door for new ones, which in turn require new keys.

“Rekeying a lock,” on the other hand, means that you keep the lock itself but change your old key for a new one. To do this, a locksmith will need to replace some parts of your lock—the tumblers—with different versions that match a different key.

With “rekeyable locks,” however, the process is easy—and you can do it yourself with no expert help. Essentially, “rekeyable” locks allow you to change keys whenever you want, thanks to the special key cores within them.

How to Rekey a Lock Yourself

Wondering how the process works? If you have a rekeyable lock, the straightforward method might sound too good to be true, but it really is that easy. All you’ll do is what’s known as a “step change.”

Each rekeyable lock is different, but in general, you’ll use the current working key to rotate your lock according to the manufacturer’s instructions. From there, you may need a master key tool, or you may simply insert the new key as instructed, letting the lock cylinder update the tumblers to a new locking combination.

After you’ve finished the process, only the new key will work in the lock—not the old one. You can also repeat the process as many times as you need, meaning you won’t ever need to change your locks after a security scare again: you’ll simply rekey them yourself!

Enhance Your Security With a Better Lock

It’s an unfortunate fact that most of us will experience a security scare at least once in our lives, whether on our personal property or with our business. With the right rekeyable locks, however, it’s easier than ever to recover from these scares, regaining control in the few minutes it takes to change your lock. If you’re in the market for an updated lock, consider a rekeyable version today!

Looking for more ways to take care of your home or business? Be sure to check out our other guides for additional insights.