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Why Rekeying Your Locks Isn’t Just Smart – It’s Non-Negotiable When Moving In
Hey there, fellow new homeowner! Congrats on the new digs! We know that move-in buzz – the boxes, the paint swatches, the sheer excitement. But hold up a sec. Before you start debating curtain colors or where the sofa goes, let’s chat about something way more critical: who else has keys to your castle? Seriously, it’s the security elephant in the room. We’ve seen too many folks skip this step, only to panic later. At Arrowhead Locksmith here in Mississauga, rekeying is the very first thing we beg our neighbors to do. Trust us, it’s not paranoia if the risk is real.
What Exactly Is Rekeying? (And Why It’s Not Just Swapping Locks)
Let’s clear up the confusion right away. Rekeying means we tweak the inner pins of your existing lock so your old key becomes useless, and a shiny new key takes over. No need to rip out the whole deadbolt or handle—just a quick, surgical fix. It’s like changing the password on your Wi-Fi but for your front door. Lock replacement? That’s when we install brand-new hardware. Both boost security, but rekeying is usually faster, cheaper, and less disruptive. IMO, it’s the MVP for new homeowners.
The Uncomfortable Truth: Those “Extra” Keys Are Everywhere
Ever wonder how many copies of your house keys are floating around? Previous owners swore they handed them all over? Yeah, we’ve heard that before. Think about it:
- Their dog walker
- That one neighbor who watered plants
- The contractor who fixed the deck last summer
- Their college kid who “lost” a key years ago
We once got a call from a family in Erin Mills who found a stranger testing keys at 2 AM. Turns out, it was the old owner’s disgruntled tenant. Awkward? Absolutely. Dangerous? You bet. Rekeying slams that door shut—literally. No more surprises.
Rekeying vs. Replacement: Which One Wins for You?
Not sure whether to rekey or replace? We get it. Here’s the lowdown:
| Feature | Rekeying | Full Lock Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower (typically $15-$40 per lock) | Higher ($50-$200+ per lock) |
| Time | Faster (15-30 mins per lock) | Slower (30-60+ mins per lock) |
| Security Boost | Immediate (invalidates old keys) | Immediate + hardware upgrade |
| Best For | Existing, quality hardware | Old/damaged locks or security upgrades |
Bottom line? If your locks are sturdy (think Schlage or Kwikset), rekeying is your budget-friendly superhero. But if they’re flimsy or vintage (looking at you, 1980s brass knobs), replacement is the move. At Arrowhead Locksmith, we’ll honestly tell you which makes sense. No upsells, just straight talk.
“But I Changed the Garage Code!” – Other Spots You’re Forgetting
Rekeying isn’t just for your front door. While you’re at it, hit these sneaky spots:
- Back door/sliding doors (prime break-in targets!)
- Garage entry doors
- Sheds or garden storage
- Mailbox locks (yes, mail theft is wild in Mississauga)
- File cabinets (protect those tax documents!)
We helped a client in Port Credit who rekeyed her house but forgot the detached garage. Two weeks later, her lawnmower vanished. Oof. Don’t be that guy.
Why Arrowhead Locksmith is Your Mississauga Security Sidekick
Okay, quick humblebrag. As your local locksmith in Mississauga, we live and breathe this stuff. Why call us?
- We come to you. Yep, we’re a fully mobile locksmith team. No hauling locks to a shop.
- 24/7? Obviously. Locked out at midnight? Emergency locksmith to the rescue.
- Transparent pricing. No mystery fees. We’ll quote the price upfront—no games.
- Residential AND commercial. Whether it’s your condo or your clinic’s panic bar installation, we’ve got you.
Need a rekey today? Text Arrowhead Locksmith at [Your Phone] or book online. Seriously, we’ll make it painless.
Let’s Talk Numbers: The Real Cost of Not Rekeying
“But what’s the cost?” Fair question. Rekeying averages $100-$250 for a whole house in Mississauga. Compare that to:
- A break-in (property loss, insurance deductibles, trauma)
- Emergency lockout service ($120+ for a midnight rescue)
- Replacing stolen IDs/credit cards (hours of headache)
Rekeying is dirt-cheap peace of mind. And hey, if budget’s tight, start with exterior doors. We offer discounts for multi-lock jobs—just ask!
DIY Rekey Kits: Tempting, But… (Our Professional Sob Story)
We get it—that YouTube tutorial makes it look so easy. But here’s the tea: if you mess up those tiny pins, you’ve got a bricked lock and a frantic call to a 24 hour locksmith. We’ve “fixed” more DIY disasters than we can count. One client jammed his deadbolt so badly, we had to drill it out. Cost him triple. Unless you’re a locksmith ninja, leave it to pros.
Beyond Rekeying: Lock Upgrades We Adore
While we’re tweaking your locks, why not level up? Our faves:
- High-security locks (pick-resistant, drill-defying beasts)
- Deadbolt installation (non-negotiable for exterior doors!)
- Peephole installation (see who’s lurking)
- Master key systems (one key for everything—magic for landlords)
Pro tip: Pair rekeying with a deadbolt installation for a Fort Knox vibe.
When Things Go Sideways: Arrowhead’s Got Your Back
Life happens. Maybe you’re dealing with:
- A business lockout during lunch rush?
- An eviction locksmith situation needing urgent rekeys?
- A safe opening because you forgot the combo again?
That’s why we’re not just residential locksmith geeks. We handle commercial locksmith crises, car locksmith emergencies, and even file cabinet locks. Stuck? Call Arrowhead—we’re near me for all of Mississauga.
Wrapping It Up: Don’t Gamble With Your Sanctuary
Look, we’re all about good vibes in your new home. But skipping rekeying? That’s like leaving your password on a sticky note. It takes one sketchy keyholder to ruin everything. Don’t risk it.
So, what’s next?
📞 Call Arrowhead Locksmith for a quick, friendly chat. We’ll pop by, assess your locks, and get you rekeyed same-day. Bonus? You’ll sleep way sounder.
FAQs: Your Burning Rekey Questions, Answered
Q: Can I rekey all locks to match one key?
A: Absolutely! We call this “keying alike.” Handy if you hate juggling 5 keys.
Q: How long does rekeying take?
A: Usually 15-30 minutes per lock. A typical house? Done in under 2 hours.
Q: My locks are different brands. Can they still be rekeyed together?
A: Often yes! Brands like Kwikset and Schlage have rekeyable kits. We’ll confirm on-site.
Stay secure, Mississauga!
– Your pals at Arrowhead Locksmith 🙂
