One of the major duties of a business owner is security. No matter what type of business you operate: be it a retail store, an office building, a warehouse, or a commercial facility, the safety of your employees, property and other confidential information is on the line with the reliability of your lock systems.

The initial form of protection against unwarranted access includes commercial locks. Nevertheless, business enterprises are faced with the dilemma of whether to rekey their locks or to totally change their locks. Both solutions enhance the security but are used for different purposes and have various advantages and circumstances, in which they are the most appropriate.

Benefits of Rekeying Commercial Locks

Rekeying is a viable answer to most security cases. The key benefits are:

• Reduced cost than full lock replacement.

• The process is faster and comes at a minimal cost to the business operation.

• Capacity to manage the building access.

• Suited to companies having several locks and using a master key system.

• The same lock hardware is retained, and the security is enhanced.

Due to the external lock not changing, it is common that rekeying is the suggested choice to make when the hardware itself is still in good shape.

Situations When Rekeying Is the Best Choice

Rekeying is not only adequate in a number of situations but also the most feasible.

Employee Turnover

High turnover of employees is normal in most businesses. This poses a security threat whenever a staff member quits service, particularly one who possesses keys. Though that employee may hand back his key, it is always possible that he or she made duplicates. Rekeying will also make sure that the old keys are useless and management has full control to gain access to the building again.

Lost or Missing Keys

Loss of keys is more frequent than most business owners suppose. Once a key is lost, one cannot tell who is going to ultimately find the key. Rekeying can be used to invalidate the key that is lost and reissue new keys, instead of replacing all the locks in the building.

Relocating to a New Business State

Retail location, warehouse keying, or even rekeying should be one of the initial security measures that you conduct when your business has just shifted to a new office, retail place, or warehouse. The old keys might have been left with previous tenants, contractors, cleaning crews or property managers. Rekeying makes sure that the property is accessed by your team only.

Updating Key Control Systems

Other businesses would rather make it easier and establish a master key system, in which the management can open various doors using a single key and employees can have limited access.

Implementation or updating such systems commonly involve rekeying.

Security Upgrades Without Hardware Changes

In case you have good quality locks that are still in good condition, rekeying will enable you to improve access control at a cost lower than the replacement of the whole system. The locks can be reconfigured fairly fast by professional locksmiths so as to suit new security demands.

Situations When Replacing Commercial Locks Is the Better Option

Though rekeying is a good option in most scenarios, some circumstances do exist in which lock replacement is the more viable and safe decision.

Damaged or Worn-Out Locks

Commercial doors are overly used on a daily basis. With time, the locks can be worn out, loose, or hard to use.

The indications of non-functional locks also include:

• Keys protruding in the lock.

• Difficulty turning the key

• Loose or insecure lock hardware.

• Visible wear or damage

In such cases mechanical problems will not be solved by rekeying. The replacement of the lock will guarantee the correct functioning and the enhanced security.

After a Security Breach

In case of a break-in or an attempted forced entry of your business premise, it might be required to replace the locks. The internal components may be damaged or made fragile even when the locks are still working. New and stronger commercial-grade locks are installed and it will be possible to regain security and peace of mind.

Modernizing to the current Security Technology

A large number of companies are moving away with the use of traditional locks and adopting modern security systems, such as:

• Keyless entry systems

• Electronic keypad locks

These systems are deemed to be very efficient in the field of security access control. The upgrades need complete lock replacement due to the change in hardware itself.

Old Locks That No Longer Meet Security Standards

Commercial locks that were used in the past might not offer the desired level of protection as it is done currently. Methods of crime have also changed, and the old locks can be broken easily.

The benefit of substituting them with commercial grade locks of modern type is a great way to enhance the security of the building.

Changing Door Hardware or Renovations

When refurbishing offices or upgrading the building, companies tend to change the doors and hardware to enhance the appearance and functionality.

When this occurs, then it is rational to install new locks that are in keeping with the changed doors and security needs.

Replacing vs Rekeying Comparative Cost

Budget is one of the key determinants in lock rekeying and replacement decisions by most businesses.

Rekeying Costs

Rekeying is, in most cases, much cheaper, as it is simply a matter of rearranging internal lock cylinder pins. Rekeying several doors doesn’t require a business to buy new hardware that makes the cost relatively low.

Lock Replacement Costs

The replacement of locks will include new hardware, as well as installation labor. These vary depending on the type of lock being purchased, the number of doors and the presence of advanced systems. Nevertheless, the more expensive one may be characterized by better durability and enhanced protection.

How Ace 24hr Locksmith Helps Businesses Stay Secure?

Professional locksmith service is needed in businesses that need reliability and quick services. Firms like Ace 24hr Locksmith offer work related lock systems aimed at ensuring that workplaces are safe at any given time.

Some of the services offered by business people to locksmith professionals include:

• Commercial lock rekeying

• Replacement and upgrades of locks.

• Emergency door lockout services.

• Business premise security consultations.

Access to a trusted locksmith is important as it means that a business will not have to interrupt the usual functioning of the business because of security issues.

Final Thoughts

Rekeying is the most suitable option whenever keys are misplaced, employees have gone or when a company relocates to a new location. It is fast, cheap and efficient in regaining access control.

The replacement of locks is on the other hand required in cases where the hardware has been damaged, is of old age or in case the business desires to change to more powerful or advanced security systems.

FAQs

Are commercial locks rekeyed securely enough?

Yes, rekeying is a safe measure in cases where the lock hardware is still in good condition. It modifies the internal pins such that old keys do not work anymore and you are back in charge of who is allowed into your business.

What is the duration of rekeying of commercial locks?

Rekeying can be done in a very short time. An expert locksmith is able to rekey a number of locks during a single visit, and in the case of the small business, this can be done within an hour.

Is it possible to rekey all commercial locks?

The majority of typical commercial locks are rekeyable. Nonetheless, in case of a damaged lock or an old lock, a locksmith might suggest the replacement in order to ensure a higher level of security.

Would it be more affordable to rekey or replace commercial locks?

Rekeying is also cheaper since the current lock hardware remains. Replacement of the lock is also more expensive as it involves changing of hardware and installation.

How many times should the businesses replace or renovate their locks?

Companies are expected to replace or rekey locks whenever employees leave or they are lost or when there is a reason to consider security. Doing regular security checks is also a way of ensuring that the locks are also reliable and secure.