When is it Time to Replace Your Locks?
It’s a fact we can’t avoid: Sometimes, things go wrong with keys and locks. Although a good locksmith will be available even if it’s the middle of the night, it’s still better to make the effort to be pro-active instead, so that you’ll prevent most potential mishaps.
Obviously, keeping your place of residence safe is vitally important. You want your home to be a sanctuary, where you always feel comfortable and secure. Therefore, keep all your home’s locks in excellent condition. Be sure that your front-door locks ~ and all your exterior locks ~ are always working properly, with superior durability. You’ll keep your loved ones and valuables properly protected when your locks are solid and dependable.
Important points to look out for:
Deadbolts
If you feel vulnerable at your place of residence for any reason, any locksmith expert will tell you that replacing your locks with deadbolts will enhance your security.
New Tenants or New Roommates
If you rent out space in your home or apartment, or have any rental properties, you absolutely must replace the locks, each and every time you change tenants. Even if the last occupants returned their keys, you cannot be fully certain that they didn't keep copies. If a break-in ever were to occur, you certainly don’t want to have any doubts about former residents. Keep your property safeguarded with the most reputable and resilient locks.
A New Home
If you just moved into a new home, the same rules that apply to your rentals apply to your place of residence. Since you simply never know who may still have an old key to your place, it’s crucial that you get your locks changed immediately.
Lost Keys
Have you misplaced your keys? It may take some time to admit it, but if you see that your keys are lost for good, then change your locks as soon as you can. All your outdoor locks, which could give an intruder access, should be replaced right away. After your outdoor locks are completely secured, then replace any inner locks in the order of your personal security priorities.
Combination Locks
Do you lose your keys a lot? Then you might want to consider replacing your regular lock with a combination door lock. Combination door locks can be opened with a code number you choose. If the combination input ever malfunctions, or if you ever need to gain entry because you lose or forget your code, don’t worry, because most combination locks also have a keyed lock, too. Remember to change the combination if you ever think that its access may have been compromised, just as you would replace a regular lock if you lost your keys.
Normal Wear and Tear
Worn-out or rusted locks are definitely a serious weakness in your home security. They grow more difficult to open as time goes by. Old or rusted locks are easier for a thief to pick and break. If a lock has rust, bad tarnish, or is showing any other signs of wear, it’s probably time to replace it. If your lock is becoming increasingly difficult to open with the key, especially in cold weather, then you ought to replace it.
Stuck Keys
It does happen: Your key can get stuck, or even break off, in a lock mechanism. If there’s any issue with the internal lock mechanism, the keys won’t slide as effortlessly as they should into the lock. Also, if there’s any resistance when you turn the key, take it as a sign that it’s time to replace the lock.
Rusty Locks
You and your family go in and out of your door so many times each and every day. As the years go by, locks will eventually get worn-out or even rusted, which means they’ll easily break. If there are any visible signs of rust, you’ll notice that you’re encountering trouble putting the key in the lock mechanism, or getting the key to turn at all. If so, then replace the lock.
Peace of Mind
Your locks do not necessarily have to show any visible signs of damage for you to want to replace your locks. After awhile, you may forget how many family members, friends, and neighbors have been given copies of your keys. Accordingly, to augment your security, it’s a good idea to periodically replace locks to regularly maintain your home. You’ll thus have much-needed peace of mind, knowing that you’re keeping your family and possessions ultra safe.
Damaged Locks
If your locks are ever tampered with, vandalized, or otherwise damaged, it’s time to get new locks. Don’t risk it! Replace your locks. Don’t keep a damaged lock for any period of time, because it will make you susceptible to more problems, and make it easier for a burglar to get in.
Break-ins
If the worst happens, and you have experienced a robbery, it’s imperative that you instantly replace your locks. The force involved in a break-in has compromised the lock mechanism’s integrity. A damaged lock will also put you at a greater risk of another theft. Besides, mechanical malfunction could easily leave you locked out. Furthermore, you never know if your keys may have fallen into the wrong hands. Don’t take any risks! Replace all your locks as soon as possible.
Going Digital
Is it time to go high-tech? Then replace all your traditional locks with digital door locks. It’s an ideal way to secure your home, without the need for any keys at all. Keyless locks have opened new horizons in home security technology. They work with keypads; remotes or smart devices; alarm systems with remote codes; biometrics; and so forth. Once you get accustomed to it, keyless locks are simple to use. Most include an appealing selection of features providing additional convenience and safety.
If you’re anywhere in San Bernardino, California, and you realize it’s time to hire a genuine locksmith professional, you may want to choose the mobile expert locksmiths on staff at Locksmith In San Bernardino.