It’s inevitable: A moment will come up at some point when things go wrong with locks and keys. Despite the fact that a talented locksmith will be available even if it’s after hours, it’s still better to be pro-active instead, so that you will prevent most mishaps.
Obviously, safeguarding your place of residence is vitally important. We all want our home to be a sanctuary, a safe space to feel comfortable and secure. Accordingly, it’s essential to keep your locks in tiptop shape. Make sure that your front-door locks ~ and any other exterior locks ~ are always properly working, with exceptional durability. You’ll keep your loved ones and valuables well protected when your locks are solid and resilient.
Points to Consider
a new home
Of course, if you move into a new home, you must replace your locks immediately. You never know which former residents may still be in possession of any of their old keys to your place, it’s critical that you change your locks.
new roommates or new tenants
If you rent out space in your house or apartment, or if you have any rental properties, the same rules apply. You must replace the locks, each time you switch occupants. Even if the last residents returned their keys to you, you cannot be completely positive that they didn’t keep some of their spare keys. If a break-in ever were to happen, you don’t want to harbor any doubts about former tenants.
lost keys
It may take awhile until you admit it, but if you know that your keys really are permanently lost, then you have to change your locks as soon as possible. All your outdoor locks, which could allow an intruder access, should be replaced. After these locks are completely secured, then replace any indoor locks in the order of your personal security preferences.
deadbolts
Depending on your living circumstances, if you feel vulnerable to an intruder for whatever reason, and you want to augment your home’s security, any locksmith experts worth their salt will advise you to put in deadbolts. Keep your property well fortified with the most durable locks.
rusty locks
You and your family go in and out your doors countless times a day, all day long. As time passes, locks will eventually wear out or even become rusty, which means they can easily break. If you notice any signs of rust, you’ll see that it’s difficult to get the key into the lock mechanism, or perhaps you can’t even turn the key at all. If this occurs, then replace the lock.
normal wear and tear
Rusted or worn-out locks are a huge weakness in your home’s security. They get increasingly hard to open as time goes by. They’re easier for a crook to break or pick. If any of your locks has bad tarnish or rust, or if you observe any other signs of wear, it’s probably time to replace it. If your lock is growing harder to open with your key day by day, especially in cold weather, then you ought to replace it.
combination locks
Are you always losing your keys? Then you might want to consider replacing your standard lock with a combination lock. A combination door lock can be opened using a code that you choose. If the combination input ever fails, or if you ever misplace or forget your code, don’t despair, because most combination locks also have a keyed lock. Change the combination if you ever think that its access could have been compromised, just as you would replace a regular lock if you lost your keys.
stuck keys
Your key can get stuck, or even break off, inside a lock mechanism. If there is any problem with an internal lock mechanism, a key will not slide into the lock as effortlessly as it ought to. If there’s any resistance when you turn the key, take it as a sign: It’s time to replace the lock.
damaged locks
If your locks are ever tampered with, vandalized, or in any way damaged, then new locks are required. Don’t take any risks with your security! Replace your locks now. Don’t keep a damaged lock for any significant length of time, because it will make you susceptible to additional problems, and also make it easier for a thief to get in.
break-ins
If the worst happens, and you are robbed, it’s imperative that you instantly replace your locks. The force involved in the process of a break-in will compromise the integrity of the lock mechanism. A damaged lock will also put you at a greater risk of another theft. Furthermore, mechanical failure can easily leave you locked out. You never know if your keys might have fallen into the wrong hands. Replace all your locks as soon as you can.
peace of mind
Your locks don’t necessarily have to display any visible signs of damage for you to have to replace them. Over time, you may not be able to recall how many neighbors, friends, and family have been given spare keys. Thus, to expand your level of security, it’s a good idea to periodically replace the locks to maintain your home. You’ll have peace of mind, knowing that you’re keeping your possessions and loved ones perfectly safe.
going digital
Have you been thinking about going high-tech? Then replace all your traditional locks with digital door locks. It’s an ideal way to secure your home, without needing to have keys at all. Keyless locks have opened new horizons in home security technology. They work with remotes or smart devices; alarm systems with remote codes; biometrics; keypads; and so forth. Once you get accustomed to it, keyless locks are relatively easy to use. Most include an attractive array of features that provide additional convenience and safety.
If you’re anywhere in Chesapeake, Virginia, and you need to find a trusty professional locksmith, you ought to consider hiring a staff mobile expert locksmith of Chesapeake Secure Locksmith.
Aricle source here: WHEN IS IT TIME TO REPLACE YOUR LOCKS?
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