Most people do not think about their door locks until something goes wrong — a lockout, a break-in, or the uneasy realization that they have no idea who has a key to their home. As a certified Journeyman Locksmith serving Fort McMurray, I have had these conversations hundreds of times. The reality is that changing or rekeying your locks at the right moments is one of the simplest and most cost-effective security decisions you can make. Here is when it matters most and why.
Fort McMurray Locksmith is a proud member of the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce, serving this community for over two generations.
Rekey vs. Lock Change — Know the Difference First
Before getting into the specific situations, it is worth clarifying the difference — because in many cases rekeying is faster and less expensive than a full lock change and achieves the same result.
Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration of the existing lock so old keys no longer work and new keys are cut to match. The hardware stays in the door. Right choice when the hardware is in good condition and you just need to change who has a working key.
Lock change replaces the entire lock — cylinder, bolt, and hardware. Right choice when the existing hardware is worn, low security grade, damaged, or you want to upgrade to a smart lock or higher security deadbolt.
See our rekey services page and lock change services page for more detail on each.
5 Situations Where Changing Your Locks Is Non-Negotiable
1. Moving Into a New Home
This is the most important one — and the most commonly skipped. When you take possession of a home in Fort McMurray, you have no idea how many key copies exist or who has them. Previous owners, real estate agents, contractors, cleaners, and neighbours may all have working keys. On a new build, construction master keys are used throughout the build process.
Rekeying all exterior locks on possession day is the single most important security action a new homeowner can take. It is fast, inexpensive, and gives you complete key control from day one. Fort McMurray Locksmith can rekey an entire home in a single visit.
2. Lost or Stolen Keys
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 — an address tag, a vehicle fob, anything that connects them to your property — the risk is higher.
Rekey immediately. The cost of a rekey is a fraction of what a break-in costs — financially and emotionally. Do not wait to see if they turn up.
3. After a Relationship or Roommate Change
When a partner, roommate, or tenant moves out — especially on difficult terms — rekey your locks. Asking for keys back is not sufficient. Copies may have been made. Rekeying is the only reliable way to ensure previous occupants no longer have access. This applies equally to landlords after each tenancy change.
4. 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. A forced entry attempt often damages the lock cylinder, weakens the strike plate, or compromises the door frame. All of these need to be assessed and repaired. Fort McMurray Locksmith handles post-break-in security assessment, frame reinforcement, and lock replacement on the same visit.
5. Your Current Locks Are Low Quality or Worn Out
Many Fort McMurray homes — particularly older properties — have builder-grade locks that were installed during construction to meet minimum code requirements. These are not designed for serious security. Signs your locks need replacing:
- Key requires unusual force or wiggling to turn
- Lock feels loose or wobbly in the door
- Visible rust, corrosion, or physical damage
- Lock is more than 10-15 years old on an exterior door
- Grade 3 or lower hardware on an exterior entry point
Upgrading to Grade 1 deadbolts on exterior doors is one of the most cost-effective security improvements you can make. The cost difference between a builder-grade lock and a quality Grade 1 deadbolt is often less than $50. The security difference is significant.
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. Rekeying is significantly less expensive than replacing hardware. Fort McMurray Locksmith quotes the full price before starting any work — call 780-588-5383 for a quote specific to your situation.
For the full range of our residential services see our residential locksmith services page.
Fort McMurray Locksmith — lock changes and rekeying for homes across Fort McMurray and the Wood Buffalo region.
Call 780-588-5383 or Book a Locksmith in Fort McMurray.