Rekeying Locks: Enhancing Home Security with New Keys
Rekeying is a process where the internal components, specifically the pins, of an existing lock are adjusted to work with a brand-new set of keys. This renders all previous keys obsolete, providing an immediate security upgrade without the need for full lock replacement. Lock replacement, conversely, involves removing the old hardware entirely and installing a completely new lock. This is typically recommended when existing locks are old, damaged, or when an upgrade to more advanced security technology or a different style is desired.
Rekeying should be considered in several key situations to maintain optimal home security. Upon moving into a new residence, rekeying is essential to ensure that previous tenants, homeowners, or anyone who might have had access to old keys can no longer enter the new sanctuary. If keys are lost or stolen, rekeying immediately prevents unauthorized access, safeguarding the property and its occupants. Changes in occupancy, such as a roommate moving out or the cessation of services from contractors, babysitters, or cleaning personnel who were provided keys, also necessitate rekeying as a responsible and affordable way to regain full control over a home's access. Furthermore, if existing locks complement a home's decor, rekeying allows for the maintenance of their appearance while upgrading security.
The benefits of rekeying are substantial. It is generally less expensive than purchasing and installing all-new locks, offering significant savings. It immediately invalidates old keys, providing instant peace of mind and preventing unauthorized entry. For added convenience, multiple locks in a home can be rekeyed to operate with a single key, simplifying key management for the household. This process also preserves the aesthetics of existing door hardware, maintaining the consistent look and feel of a home's design.
Lock Repair: Restoring Functionality and Security
Common residential lock issues include stiff or slow locks, often caused by an accumulation of dirt, debris, or a lack of proper lubrication. A misaligned strike plate, where the plate on the door frame is out of alignment, can prevent the latch bolt from engaging properly, compromising security. Jammed locks can result from a broken key lodged inside, foreign objects obstructing the mechanism, or a misaligned strike plate. If a deadbolt does not turn, it often indicates a worn-out cylinder or a faulty latch mechanism. A worn-out key can also cause the lock to become stuck or jammed. Loose locks or handles, due to loose screws or a damaged strike plate, can lead to instability and compromise security. During colder months, moisture can freeze inside the lock, preventing it from turning. Faulty electronic locks, including keypad or smart locks, often stem from low battery life, faulty wiring, or internal electronic malfunctions.
Attempting do-it-yourself repairs on complex lock mechanisms can often worsen the problem, leading to further damage or even rendering the lock irreparable. Professional locksmiths possess the specialized tools, extensive knowledge, and experience to accurately diagnose the root cause of the problem and provide efficient, effective repairs without causing additional damage.
To maintain locks, regular cleaning and lubrication with appropriate synthetic products are recommended to ensure smooth operation. Avoiding excessive force when turning keys or closing doors can prevent premature wear and damage. Periodically checking and tightening any loose screws on lock hardware is also beneficial. Considering an upgrade for older locks to newer, more secure models, especially if they show significant wear, can enhance day to day operations.
Lock Installation or Replacement: Tailored Security for Every Door
Professional locksmiths install and replace a wide array of residential locks, each suited for specific security needs. Deadbolt locks are the cornerstone of home security, offering superior resistance to physical attacks like picking and brute force. They are essential for all exterior doors and are often combined with a keyed-entry lockset for maximum security. Both single-cylinder (key outside, thumb turn inside) and double-cylinder (key on both sides) options are available, with adherence to building codes that often prioritize single-cylinder for emergency egress. Knob locks, frequently found on interior doors, provide basic privacy but are not recommended for exterior security due to their lower resistance to forced entry. Lever handle locks are popular for interior doors in high-traffic areas due to their ease of use, operating by a simple push-down motion. Mortise locks are known for their exceptional durability and strength, installed within a pocket cut into the door's edge, providing robust security. Euro cylinder locks feature a cylinder mechanism that allows for quick and easy cylinder changes without altering the main lock hardware. Smart locks and keypad locks offer modern keyless entry, customizable codes, and remote control capabilities, gaining popularity for their convenience and advanced features. Specialty locks include cabinet locks for securing valuables, padlocks for sheds and gates, and window locks for an added layer of protection.
Locks are rated by ANSI/BHMA (American National Standards Institute/Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) for their performance and durability. Grade 1 signifies the highest security, typically used in commercial settings but providing excellent protection for residential exterior doors. Grade 2 indicates high security, commonly found on many residential exterior doors. Grade 3 offers basic security, generally suitable for interior doors where privacy is the primary concern. Higher-quality locks often feature hardened steel pins for increased durability and pick resistance, and six-pin systems are more challenging to pick than five-pin systems.
New lock installations are ideal for new construction projects, adding a new layer of security (e.g., a deadbolt to an existing knob lock), or securing new access points. Lock replacement is necessary when existing locks are old, worn out, damaged, or if an upgrade to a stronger, more secure, or technologically advanced locking solution is desired.
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The following table provides a summary of common residential lock types and their recommended security grades:
Lock Type | Primary Uses | Key Features | ANSI/BHMA Security Grade | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Deadbolt | Exterior / Suite doors | High resistance to attacks, single/double cylinder | 1 and 2 | Exterior, High / Medium Security Areas |
Knob Lock | Common-areas, Interior doors, Privacy | Lock cylinder in knob, Self-latching | 1, 2, and 3 | Interior, Medium / Low Security Areas |
Lever Handle Lock | Interior doors, Medium-traffic Exit-doors | Ease-of-use handle, Lock cylinder in lever, Self-latching | 1, 2, and 3 | Interior, Medium / Low Security Areas, Convenience of use |
Smart/Keypad Lock | Exterior / Interior doors, modern convenience | Keyless entry, customizable codes, remote control, access logs | 1 and 2 | Modern Security, Convenience |
Mortise Lock | Exterior / Interior doors requiring high durability | Installed within door pocket, Mortise cylinder installed in door, High strength | 1 | High-Security, Durability |
Euro Cylinder Lock | Specific Multipoint lock doors | Cylinder easily changeable, depending on door thickness | Varies | Flexibility, Cylinder Swapping |
Mailbox Locks: Securing Important Deliveries
A mailbox is a critical access point for sensitive information and valuables. A full range of services is offered to ensure mail security and identity protection. Mailbox lock changes are ideal if a new residence has been acquired, keys have been lost, or extra keys are needed, with services covering all types of mailbox locks and keys. For privately owned mailboxes that have been vandalized or feel insecure, repair services can assess damage, provide quotes, and recommend replacement options if necessary. (Note: Canada Post-owned units are maintained by Canada Post, and should not have locks replaced by residents/locksmiths). With extensive experience, full mailbox replacement services are provided for private individuals, strata organizations/HOA's, and builders, ensuring seamless mail transfer and security. Furthermore, installation services possess in-depth knowledge of Canada Post regulations, including concrete pad sizes, locations, diagramming, labeling, and installation heights, to ensure proper installation.
Key Extraction: Expert Removal of Broken Keys
Keys can break off in a lock due to wear and tear, poor quality materials, applying excessive force when turning, or issues with the lock itself such as damage or misalignment. This frustrating scenario is more common than generally perceived. Often, the key breaks off flush with the lock, leaving no part to grip.
Attempting to extract a broken key with do-it-yourself methods (like tweezers, super glue, or a saw blade) can often push the key further into the mechanism, damage the lock, or make professional extraction more challenging and costly. Professional locksmiths possess specialized tools, such as extractors and lubricants, specifically designed to safely and efficiently remove broken keys without causing any further damage to the lock or door. Professional extraction is particularly vital when the key is broken off flush, the lock is in a sensitive or high-security area, or when a quick, guaranteed solution is needed to regain access.
Key Duplication: Precision Leads to Reliable Access
While seemingly simple, duplicating a key requires precision. Inaccurate cuts or rough edges can lead to keys that are difficult to use, cause strain on the lock's internal components, or even damage the lock over time. Professional locksmiths utilize specialized, regularly calibrated machines that trace the original key's pattern with extreme accuracy. This ensures the new key functions smoothly and reliably, extending the life of both the key and the lock. Technicians possess the expertise to handle various key types, including high-security designs with unique grooves and cuts, ensuring accurate duplication where inexperienced attempts might fail.
Residential keys, including deadbolt keys, knob and lever lock keys, padlock keys, and mailbox keys, are expertly duplicated. Specialty keys, such as furniture keys and certain unique designs like Abloy keys, Tubular keys, and Four-sided keys, are also handled. Even keys stamped with "Do Not Duplicate" (DND) can often be copied; while this stamp is a suggestion rather than a legal restriction, licensed locksmiths can provide copies using specialized equipment, adhering to ethical guidelines and ensuring proper authorization.
The selection of professional key duplication services offers several advantages. It ensures accuracy and precision, leading to a perfect fit and smooth operation, thereby preventing lock damage. High-quality materials and precise cutting result in keys that are built to last, minimizing the need for frequent replacements. This also guarantees consistent and dependable access to a property over time. Furthermore, professional duplication maintains the integrity of a lock system, preventing vulnerabilities that can arise from poorly cut keys.
Residential Automatic Door Operators: Enhancing Accessibility and Convenience
Automatic door operators are transforming residential living by significantly improving accessibility, convenience, and safety, particularly for seniors and individuals with disabilities. These systems eliminate physical barriers, allowing effortless, hands-free entry and exit for wheelchair users, those with mobility aids (canes, walkers), or individuals with limited hand strength or dexterity. This promotes greater independence and dignity within one's own home.
The convenience offered is unmatched, as doors open and close automatically without requiring physical effort, simplifying daily tasks, especially when carrying groceries or managing multiple items. Safety is also significantly increased, as these systems reduce the risk of accidents and strain. Many systems include motion sensors to prevent doors from closing on obstructions and can integrate with smoke detectors for rapid, safe evacuation in emergencies. Low-energy mechanisms ensure gentle, controlled movement. ​​​​
Various sizes and types of low-energy operators are available, including surface-mounted and concealed variants for swing doors and sliding doors. Activation can be customized on the interior and exterior to meet specific needs. Some examples include wireless remote controls (handheld or wheelchair-mounted), standard buttons, full length buttons, key-switches, keypads, motion sensors, touchless wave-sensors, and even other relays that can be integrated with your home automations. Ditec certified technicians ensure proper installation and adherence to accessibility regulations, including ADA compliance. Regular inspections and maintenance, recommended annually, are vital to keep automatic doors in optimal working order and to identify any potential issues before they become costly repairs. Many residential automatic door operators can be seamlessly connected to existing smart home devices and platforms. This allows for door control via smartphone apps, voice commands, or remote controls, creating a truly connected and convenient living environment.
Call Lunar Lock Solutions to book a consultation and find out what options would be available for your home today!
Emergency Lockout Services: Immediate Access When Needed Most
Getting locked out of a home or vehicle is an incredibly frustrating and stressful experience, especially when time is of the essence or in an unfamiliar area. Whether due to misplaced keys, keys left inside, or a malfunctioning lock, 24/7 emergency lockout services exist to provide assistance during this event. Prompt, efficient, and affordable emergency locksmith services are offered for home lockouts, and Lunar Locks is equipped with the latest tools and techniques to safely open locks without causing any damage to the door or existing hardware.
** We do not make keys to vehicles, however! **
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The scope of residential locksmith services extends far beyond immediate emergency responses, encompassing a crucial dimension of proactive security and enhanced living convenience. While prompt lockout assistance remains vital, services such as rekeying, lock upgrades, and the installation of residential automatic door operators, represent strategic investments in a home owner's long-term safety and quality of life. Automatic door systems, for instance, are not merely security devices; they fundamentally transform accessibility for seniors and individuals with disabilities, fostering greater independence and ease of movement in and out of the home. This broader perspective positions locksmith services as an integral part of home improvement and lifestyle enhancement, encouraging property owners to view Lunar Lock Solutions as valuable partner that contributes to comfort, safety, and property value, rather than just a necessary expenditure during a crisis.