A locksmith service can go a long way when ensuring your safety. From emergency lockout services to security upgrades, locksmith services are absolutely essential. Two of the most important services provided by these professionals are key duplication and rekeying. But how do you know whether to see key duplication or rekeying services? What are the benefits and drawbacks of key duplication vs. rekeying? Luckily, if you keep reading this blog, you can learn all about the pros and cons of key duplication vs. rekeying.
Key Duplication vs. Rekeying: Pros & Cons
Before diving into their respective ups and downs, it’s important to first define what key duplication and rekeying entail. In the world of locksmithing, key duplication is the process of making a copy of a key with the use of a key-cutting machine. Rekeying involves changing the pins inside a lock so they recognize a new key.
Both services can be used to accommodate the need for multiple keys. While key duplication makes multiple copies of a single key, rekeying can be used to change as many locks as you need to recognize a single key. Now it’s time to explore the respective pros and cons of key duplication vs. rekeying.
Key Duplication Pros
First, we will start by going over the pros and cons of the key duplication process. Here are the main pros of this service when looking at key duplication vs. rekeying:
Cost-Efficient
Because key duplication simply involves making a copy of an original key, you don’t have to pay too much money. In fact, key duplication services for traditional keys can cost as little as $10. If you need to save money, then key duplication is a worthwhile investment.
Time-Saving
In addition to being inexpensive, key duplication for traditional keys also doesn’t take very long, requiring anywhere from five minutes to half an hour. This service is especially useful if you’re facing a time crunch.
Access To Backups
Finally, by taking advantage of key duplication, you can already have easy access to backup copies in case of an emergency. Whether you’re locked out of your car or workplace, or a family member needs to come back inside the house, these backup copies will reduce stress and save time.
Key Duplication Cons
For this next part in key duplication vs. rekeying, it’s important to be mindful of the risks involved in key duplication as described below:
More Keys To Manage
As great as it can be to have backup copies of keys, it also means you’ll need to keep track of more keys. Too many copies can increase the risk of someone gaining unauthorized access if any of the copies are lost or stolen. Be mindful of just how many copies you are making and implement a system that’ll allow you to know where they are at any given time.
Quality Can Vary
Sometimes the quality of the copies might be questionable and lead to problems like a broken or damaged lock. If you use a kiosk, you might not have a very reliable copy. For this reason, you’re better off finding a reliable locksmith to ensure the best quality.
Rekeying Pros
Now it’s time to explore the rekeying side of key duplication vs. rekeying. Here are the most notable advantages of using this service:
Increased Security
If you’re getting new keys and don’t want to go through the trouble of changing your locks, rekeying is a great way to ensure your security is in excellent condition. All a locksmith has to do is change the pins in the lock cylinder so they recognize a different key. You can easily keep someone who no longer has the authorization to access a place from getting back in without making any drastic changes to your locks.
Simplified Key Management
You can also make your life easier by rekeying your locks to recognize fewer keys. Now you’ll no longer need to worry about keeping track of multiple copies of many different keys by allowing more of your locks to recognize one key.
More Access Control
Rekeying is also a good way to maintain access control to your home, workplace, or vehicle. You will be able to reclaim your safety and security with this additional access control provided by rekeying.
Rekeying Cons
Even rekeying has its drawbacks. Here are two of the main disadvantages of this service:
More Expensive
Because rekeying involves a very specific skill set and can take time to complete, using this service will be more expensive than key duplication. Be mindful of how much money you can spare for this particular service when it comes to key duplication vs. rekeying.
Not DIY-Friendly
Unless you have past experience or training in this process, you shouldn’t attempt to rekey your locks yourself. Attempting to rekey your own locks can lead to them being damaged, so you’re better off hiring a professional, even if it is more expensive.
We Provide The Best Locksmith Services In New Orleans!
We hope this overview of key duplication vs. rekeying has been helpful to your understanding of the types of locksmith services you can seek. Whether you need to have a backup copy or you want to keep someone from being able to enter your home with an old key, you can rely on ASAP Locksmith to be at your service. Contact us today, and we will provide the best locksmithing services you can imagine.