Toronto’s Best Lock Change Services

There are several situations where changing your home’s locks is a smart move for security and peace of mind. A top scenario is when you move into a new home – you simply don’t know how many old keys might be out there from previous owners, realtors, contractors, etc., so it’s wise to get new locks or at least rekey the existing locks immediately upon taking possession. Another time is if your keys have been lost or stolen and there’s any identifying info that could link them to your house (or if your purse with ID and keys was stolen). You should assume someone could find out where you live and change the locks promptly. Similarly, after a break-in or attempted break-in, even if the lock isn’t obviously broken, you might want to upgrade to a stronger lock, since the integrity might be compromised or you simply need the psychological assurance of new locks. If you’ve had a roommate or tenant move out, or ended a relationship where the other party had a key, you’ll want to change or rekey the locks (even if they return keys, you can’t be sure no copies exist). Also consider lock change if your locks are very old or malfunctioning – if you’re having difficulty turning the key or it’s frequently getting stuck, that lock might be nearing the end of its life. Sometimes folks change locks as part of a security upgrade: for instance, installing deadbolts where there were none, or changing to high-security locks because of concerns about the area or to get features like key control. In summary, anytime security is potentially compromised or you’re unsure who has keys, it’s time to change or rekey locks. And if the locks themselves are worn out or not up to current standards (say you have flimsy locks, or none on certain doors), that’s also a good reason. Remember, you don’t always have to fully replace the entire lock hardware – often a locksmith can rekey your existing locks to new keys if the hardware is still good. But if you want a fresh start or an upgrade, changing the locks (the whole fixture) makes sense. So key moments: new home, lost keys, after break-ins, after changing who should have access, or when locks degrade.

When people say “change the locks,” it can mean two things: rekeying the existing locks to new keys, or physically replacing the lock hardware with new locks. A locksmith will clarify which you need. If you’re changing (replacing) the entire lock, the locksmith will remove the old lock from the door – for a typical deadbolt, that means unscrewing the two interior screws, taking off the interior thumbturn and exterior key cylinder, then removing the latch mechanism from the door edge. Then they’ll fit the new lock: inserting the new latch into the door edge, screwing it in, and installing the new exterior and interior lock pieces, making sure the tailpiece connects through the latch properly. Finally, they’ll test that the key turns smoothly and the bolt slides into the strike plate correctly. For a knob or lever lock, it’s a similar process (removing the old knob/lever and latch, putting in the new one). A professional can swap a lock pretty quickly – about 15-30 minutes per lock on average, assuming it’s a standard installation and the new lock fits the existing holes (most do, if you purchased a compatible lock). It might take a bit longer if adjustments are needed, like chiseling a slightly larger hole for a latch faceplate or adjusting the strike plate alignment, but generally it’s not very time-consuming. If you choose rekeying (changing the internal pins of the lock to fit a new key), the locksmith doesn’t remove the whole lock from the door – usually they just remove the cylinder (the part where you insert the key). They use a special follower tool to slide out the cylinder core while keeping the driver pins and springs in place, dump out the old bottom pins, and insert new pins that correspond to the cuts of a new key. Then they reassemble the lock. Rekeying a single cylinder might take as little as 5-10 minutes, but if you have multiple locks being keyed alike, it adds a few minutes each. Either way, changing locks (be it rekey or replace) is a fairly quick service. A whole house, say 4-6 locks, could be done within an hour or so, give or take. The locksmith will then give you the new keys and test everything in front of you to ensure it’s working correctly. The advantage is you immediately regain security – old keys won’t work at all if someone tries. It’s a straightforward process for a trained locksmith, and you’ll likely be surprised how efficiently they can do it.

When changing your locks, you have a variety of options, and it’s a great time to consider if your current locks meet your security and convenience needs. Basic lock replacement would be a similar type of lock to what you had (for example, replacing a standard deadbolt with another standard deadbolt, perhaps just a new brand or finish). If you’re generally happy with your locks’ performance and security, that might be fine. However, if you’re looking to upgrade security, here are some options:

• Padlocks & Others: If you have gates or sheds, maybe consider new weather-resistant padlocks keyed alike to your house key for convenience.
• High-Security Locks: These are locks from brands like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, ASSA, Schlage Primus, etc. They offer features like pick-resistant and drill-resistant cylinders, and keys that cannot be duplicated at a hardware store (you usually must go through an authorized locksmith with an ID card). They’re more expensive, but provide a higher level of protection and key control. If you’re concerned about break-ins or unauthorized key copying, these are worth considering.
• Smart Locks / Electronic Locks: If convenience is a priority, you might switch to an electronic deadbolt or smart lock. These allow PIN code entry, or use of a smartphone app, biometric (fingerprint), or other methods. Some also still have a key backup. Smart locks free you from carrying keys and allow features like temporary codes for guests. They vary in security – reputable brands have good encryption, but any electronic device has a tiny hacking risk, albeit low for residential locks. Also, ensure any smart lock still has good physical security (solid construction, etc.).
• Keyless Mechanical Locks: These are non-electronic keypad locks (like push-button locks) – no batteries, purely mechanical (for example, some models by Lockey or Simplex). They’re very durable and you don’t need keys or power, but usually only have one code for all users (unless changed manually).

Rekeying vs. changing locks – this is a great question that confuses many. Rekeying a lock means changing the internal pins/tumblers of the existing lock cylinder so that a new key will operate it and the old key will not. The hardware (the lock on your door) remains the same, you’re just giving it a new “combination” for a different key. Changing locks means you are physically removing the old lock hardware and installing a brand new lock (which of course comes with new keys).

Which is better depends on your situation: If your existing locks are in good shape, are of decent quality, and you’re happy with them, then rekeying is usually preferable. It’s almost always cheaper – you’re paying for labor and maybe a few cents worth of new pins, but not for all new lock hardware. Rekeying is quick; a locksmith can rekey a lock in a matter of minutes, and it accomplishes the main goal of new keys without old keys working. For example, if you move into a new house, rekeying all the locks to a fresh key is an efficient solution. All your locks can even be keyed alike (one key for all doors) during the process, if the locks are the same keyway brand.