A locksmith can rekey your gun safe lock to ensure that only you have access to it. Rather than replace the lock with new hardware, this option can be cheaper and more effective.
A locksmith rekeys locks by changing the pins inside the lock so that they require a different key to open them. Read on to learn more about rekeying a gun safe.
Rekeying a Safe
A safe lock is a strong deterrent against burglary and offers some peace of mind for homeowners. However, if you have lost a key or given it to someone to whom you no longer want to have access, you need to consider Lock Replacement Services.
Bee Safe and Lock offers both rekeying and full replacement lock services. The process of rekeying allows you to keep your existing locks but change the working key. This is accomplished by replacing the internal parts of the lock cylinder to match a new key.
Rekeying is a much less expensive option than replacing the entire lockset, and it also takes less time to complete. This makes rekeying a great choice for those who need to make changes quickly and don’t have the budget to replace the entire lock. However, there are times when it is better to completely replace the lock and give yourself a fresh start. Some of these reasons include:
Rekeying a Gun Safe
Rekeying your gun safe is a great way to increase security. It is a process that involves changing the key that operates your safe’s lock cylinder. A locksmith will remove the old cylinder, and install a new one that works with your existing key or combination.
The first step is to identify the type of lock you have on your safe. This will help the locksmith give you accurate price quotes and prepare for working on your safe correctly.
Many gun owners also have backup keys made or hidden somewhere in case they are ever locked out of their safe. In this situation, a locksmith can open your safe without damaging its internal mechanisms or electronics. However, the locksmith will need to contact the manufacturer first and verify that you own the safe, and live in the residence that it is secured in. This is mandated by law to prevent safe thefts. To avoid this, most safe manufacturers will only allow a locksmith to work on a safe after they have verified ownership.
Rekeying a Combination Lock
Rekeying your locks makes sense if you want to lighten the load on your key ring or make it easier for household members to unlock the door. Rekeying also improves security by limiting the number of keys that can open each lock.
You can rekey combination locks, as well as single-cylinder locks, but you need to know what brand of lock you have. If you have multiple locks of different brands, you will need to replace all of them with the same brand so they can all be opened with the same key.
If you don’t already have a rekeying kit, you can buy one online or at a hardware store. It will include a tool to remove the clip, a device to separate the upper and lower lock pins and a set of replacements for both parts.
You will also need a key gauge, which measures the biting of a key by the depth of its cuts. You can find these at hardware stores and on Amazon.
Rekeying an Electronic Lock
Changing locks is an obvious way to prevent former occupants or lost keys from having access to your home. However, many homeowners are not aware that they can also simply rekey their existing locks rather than replace them completely.
Safes Rekey Service Berkeley is a much simpler and less expensive solution. It’s a process that targets the lock cylinder and rearranges key pins within it so that a new key will work with your current lock.
This is especially helpful for those who want to lighten their key ring or match multiple locks with one key, assuming they are of the same brand and have the same type of keyholes. It can also be used to add a level of security to your home by making it more resistant to jimmying.
Keep in mind that rekeying is not a substitute for replacing your locks altogether, especially if the lock cylinder itself is damaged. In this case, it’s probably time to consider replacing your locks.