When to Replace Locks

Everyone should be familiar with locks. Whether you have them in your home, on your vehicle, your business or otherwise, locks are often installed for some form of protection. If you are familiar with locks, you should also know that there are many types of locks. The type of lock that you purchase or have installed on a device, will vary greatly.

If you do not know which lock will suit your need the best, there are professionals that you contact for advice. We can give you the advice you need when you call us at Locksmith Wilmette in Wilmette, IL. We install, repair and replace all sorts of locks too. Don’t leave the security of your valuable possessions to chance. We are here if you’re in the area, but if not, do a search for a local lock and security provider by you!

Importance of Good Locks

So, you have locks on your home, vehicle or business and you automatically think that they are secure. But, did you know that security from locks is only effective as long as the locks are working properly? A lot of people tend to think that once a lock is present and it is locked, that very little can go wrong. This is not true. Having locks is one thing. Making sure that they are effective is another.

Locks are not designed to last forever. Yes, you are often able to get many years of service from locks that are high in quality. However, at some point in time, these locks will get worn out because of the amount of wear and tear that they undergo. When this happens, it is time to replace these locks so you can continue to enjoy the security of your property.

When Should You Replace Your Locks?

Many people go years and years without replacing their locks. While some of these locks may still be effective, several of them may have been ineffective for a long period of time. Many people have damaged and ineffective locks on their home, business and vehicles. This is not a good practice. It means that you are leaving yourself very vulnerable to criminal elements.

So, when should you replace your locks? Here are a few tips.

Once there is any form of damage, get your locks replaced.

This is one of the most obvious reasons that should drive your desire to change any lock that you own. Damage to a lock will definitely make it less effective at offering protection. If you realize that you have a lock that has been damaged, make sure that you change it as soon as you can.

Sometimes, the damage may not be very significant and it may be able to be repaired. If this is the case, it really comes down to your decision as you can do either one. But, at the end of the day, it is important that you do not make yourself prey to those predators that will take advantage of the weakness in your security system.

If you are upgrading your security system, replacing your locks may be inevitable.
Generally, an upgrade in your security system is accompanied by new and more modern locks. Of course, it may mean that you will not be able to keep those old locks on your doors, windows etc. Even if it is not mentioned at the time that you request an upgrade, be prepared for this change.

Once there is rust on a lock, it is time for that lock to be replaced.

If you adequately maintain your locks, you will be able to prolong the life of your locks, However, there may come a time when those locks begin to show wear and tear in the form of rusting. Locks that are exposed to moisture are more prone to rusting than others. But most locks are susceptible to rusting at some point or another.

Although your lock may seem to work fine with all that rust on it, the best thing to do with rusting locks is to replace them. If you realize that any of your locks have rust on them, make sure you replace them as soon as possible.

It is recommended that you replace your locks once you have lost your keys

As a general rule of thumb, it is safe and wise to replace your external locks once you have lost your keys. Why? It’s quite simple. You never know whose hands your keys will end up in. We’re sure that you do not want just about anyone to have the keys to your property. As soon as you can, hire a locksmith to replace those locks for you.

Although some people may replace every lock in their home, this is not necessary. As long as you replace the ones that grant access to your property, you should be fine.

For your peace of mind, it may be necessary to replace your locks.

You do not have to have a problem with the functioning of your locks in order to replace them. If you are not comfortable with your locks, you can replace them at any time. In fact, you can replace your locks as often as you wish. The important thing is that you feel comfortable and secure with the level of protection that your locks can provide.

After a break-in, you should replace your locks.

Even though locks offer a great deal of protection, they may be damaged by criminals who try to gain access to your property. If you are the victim of a burglary and your locks have been tampered with, you should replace them immediately. Sometimes, it may seem like there is no significant damage to your locks. However, you never know what was done to the lock and if those same criminals will return.

Many locksmith companies offer emergency services that you can take advantage of. If you have just experienced a break-in or you need to have your locks changed, call on a locksmith that you can trust.