Your front door lock is something you use every single day without thinking about it. But locks do not last forever, and there are clear warning signs that yours need to be changed. Ignoring these signs can leave your home vulnerable. Here are five situations where changing your locks should be a priority.

1. You Just Moved Into a New Home

This is the most important time to change or rekey your locks, and it is also the most commonly overlooked. When you buy or rent a new home, you have no way of knowing how many copies of the existing keys are out there.

Previous owners, their family members, neighbors with spare keys, former housekeepers, dog walkers, contractors, and real estate agents may all have copies. Even if the previous owner hands you their keys at closing, there is no guarantee those are the only copies that exist.

Changing or rekeying every exterior lock should be one of the first things you do after moving in. It is a small investment that gives you complete control over who can enter your home.

2. After a Break-In or Attempted Break-In

If someone has broken into your home or tried to force entry, your locks have been compromised. Even if the lock still appears to work, the internal mechanism may be damaged in ways that are not visible. A weakened lock is easier to pick, bump, or force open the next time.

After a break-in, replace your locks entirely rather than rekeying them. This is also a good opportunity to upgrade to higher-security hardware, such as Grade 1 deadbolts, reinforced strike plates, or smart locks that alert you when someone enters.

File a police report and document the damage before replacing anything. Your homeowner’s insurance may cover the cost of new locks as part of your claim.

3. Your Keys Are Worn or Difficult to Use

Keys wear down over time. If you notice that your key sticks, requires jiggling, or only works when inserted at a specific angle, the key teeth have worn enough that the lock is not engaging properly. This means the lock pins are also likely worn.

A worn key is more than an inconvenience. It can break off inside the lock cylinder, leaving you locked out and potentially requiring a more expensive repair. If your key bends easily or looks visibly smoother than it did when new, it is time for attention.

Sometimes a new key copy solves the problem. But if a fresh key still sticks, the lock cylinder itself is worn and needs replacement.

4. You Lost Your Keys or They Were Stolen

Lost keys are a security risk, period. You do not know where they ended up or who might find them. If your keys were stolen along with anything that identifies your address, such as a wallet, purse, or mail, the risk is even higher.

Many people put off changing locks after losing keys because the odds of someone finding and using them seem low. But peace of mind has real value, and the cost of rekeying a few locks is far less than dealing with the aftermath of a burglary.

At minimum, rekey your locks so the lost keys no longer work. If the keys were stolen and your address is known, changing the locks entirely is the safer choice.

5. Your Locks Are Outdated or Low Quality

Lock technology has improved significantly in the last decade. If your home still has the same locks that were installed when it was built 15 or 20 years ago, they likely do not meet current security standards.

Builder-grade locks, which are the cheapest locks installed during new construction, are particularly vulnerable. They are typically ANSI Grade 3, the lowest security rating, and can be defeated quickly with basic tools.

Signs your locks are outdated include:

• Single-cylinder doorknob without a deadbolt. A doorknob lock alone provides almost no security. Every exterior door should have a deadbolt.
• Loose or wobbly hardware. If the lock moves when you grab it, the mounting screws or internal components are failing.
• No bump or pick resistance. Older lock designs lack the anti-bump and anti-pick features found in modern hardware.
• Key-in-knob only locks. These are the easiest residential locks to defeat and should be supplemented or replaced with deadbolts.

How Much Does It Cost to Change Locks?

Lock replacement costs vary based on the hardware you choose. A standard Kwikset or Schlage deadbolt runs $75 to $150 installed. High-security locks from brands like Medeco cost more but offer significantly better protection. Check our full locksmith pricing guide for detailed cost breakdowns.

Rekeying is more affordable at $15 to $30 per lock cylinder, but it only makes sense if the existing hardware is in good condition.

Get Your Locks Assessed

BBN Locksmith provides lock assessments and replacement services throughout Austell, GA, and the surrounding area. Whether you need a single deadbolt replaced or every lock in your home upgraded, we will recommend the most effective and affordable solution.

Call (470) 280-6544 today to schedule service or get an immediate quote. We are available 24/7.