Your locks are the first line of defence for your home or business. But like any hardware, they have a lifespan — and there are specific situations where changing or rekeying them is not just a good idea, it is necessary. As a certified Journeyman Locksmith serving Fort McMurray, I get this question regularly. Here is a straight answer on when to change your locks, when rekeying is enough, and what to look for when the time comes.
Fort McMurray Locksmith is a proud member of the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce, serving this community for over two generations.
Rekeying vs. Changing the Locks — Which One Do You Need?
Before diving into specific situations, it is worth understanding the difference between rekeying and a full lock change — because in many cases, rekeying is faster, less expensive, and achieves the same result.
Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration of the existing lock so that the old key no longer works and a new key is cut to match. The lock hardware stays in the door. This is the right choice when your hardware is in good condition and you simply need to change who has access.
Changing the locks means replacing the entire lock — cylinder, hardware, and all. This is the right choice when the hardware itself is worn, damaged, low quality, or you want to upgrade to a higher security grade.
For more detail on rekeying see our rekey services page. For full lock replacement see our lock change services page.
8 Signs It Is Time to Change or Rekey Your Locks
1. You Just Moved Into a New Home
This is the most important one. When you take possession of a new home in Fort McMurray — whether it is a brand new build, a resale, or a rental — you do not know how many keys exist or who has them. Previous owners, real estate agents, contractors, cleaners, and neighbours may all have copies.
Rekeying all exterior locks on the day you move in is one of the smartest things a new homeowner can do. It is fast, inexpensive, and gives you complete confidence in who has access to your home from day one.
2. Your Keys Were Lost or Stolen
Lost keys are a security risk that most people underestimate. You do not know where they are or who found them. If your keys had any identifying information — a tag with your address, a fob registered to your vehicle — the risk is higher.
If your keys are lost, rekey your locks as soon as possible. If they were stolen — treat it as urgent and rekey immediately. The cost of a rekey is a fraction of what a break-in costs.
3. After a Break-In or Attempted Break-In
If your home was broken into or someone attempted to force a door, change the locks — not just rekey them. A forced entry often damages the lock cylinder, weakens the strike plate, or compromises the door frame. All of these need to be assessed and repaired before the locks are replaced.
Fort McMurray Locksmith handles post break-in security assessments and can repair door frames, replace strike plates, and upgrade to higher security hardware on the same visit.
4. A Relationship or Roommate Change
When a partner, roommate, or tenant moves out — especially on difficult terms — rekeying your locks is basic security. You cannot be certain all copies of the key have been returned, and requesting keys back from someone you are in conflict with is not always effective.
Rekeying is the clean solution. Old keys stop working, new keys are cut, and the situation is resolved without replacing any hardware.
5. Your Locks Are Old or Worn Out
Locks do not last forever. Signs that your locks need replacing include:
- Key sticking or requiring unusual force to turn
- Lock feels loose or wobbly in the door
- Difficulty locking or unlocking consistently
- Visible rust, corrosion, or physical damage
- Lock is more than 10-15 years old on an exterior door
Worn locks are not just annoying — they are a security vulnerability. A lock that is difficult to operate is also easier to bypass with basic tools.
6. Your Current Locks Are Low Security Grade
Many homes — particularly older properties in Fort McMurray — have builder-grade locks installed during construction. These are Grade 3 residential locks designed to meet minimum code requirements, not to provide serious security. Upgrading to Grade 1 deadbolts on all exterior doors is one of the most cost-effective security improvements you can make.
7. After Hiring Contractors or Service Workers
If you have given a key to a contractor, cleaning service, dog walker, or any other service provider and the relationship has ended — rekey your locks. It is not about distrust, it is about key control. You should always know exactly who has a working key to your home.
8. You Are Installing a New Door or Upgrading Security
If you are installing a new door, upgrading to a smart lock, or adding a master key system — new locks are part of the process. This is also a good opportunity to assess your full perimeter and ensure all entry points have consistent, appropriate security hardware.
What to Look for in a Replacement Lock
When changing locks on exterior doors, look for:
- ANSI Grade 1 — the highest residential and light commercial security rating
- Solid brass or steel construction — resists drilling and physical attacks
- Anti-pick pins — security pin configurations that resist picking
- Anti-bump protection — resistance to bump key attacks
- Hardened steel bolt — at least a 1-inch throw on deadbolts
Fort McMurray Locksmith carries and installs quality residential hardware. We can recommend the right lock for your door type and security needs before doing any work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to change locks in Fort McMurray?
Cost depends on the number of locks, the hardware selected, and whether you need rekeying or full replacement. We quote the full price before starting any work — call 780-588-5383 for a quote specific to your situation.
Can you rekey locks to all use the same key?
Yes — this is called keying alike and it is one of the most common requests we handle. All your exterior locks are rekeyed so one key operates all of them, eliminating the need for multiple keys on your ring.
How long does a lock change take?
A standard residential lock change takes 20 to 40 minutes per lock. Rekeying is faster — most single locks can be rekeyed in 15 to 20 minutes. We carry equipment for both on every service call.
Fort McMurray Locksmith — residential lock changes and rekeying across Fort McMurray and the Wood Buffalo region.
Call 780-588-5383 or Book a Locksmith in Fort McMurray.