However, when it comes to certain elements of security, owners may have questions. One of those is how often they should rekey their business. That’s the topic of today’s post.

Understanding Rekeying

Wait, rekeying? Is that even important? Before we get into the ideal frequency, you should first be aware of what rekeying entails. Basically, it involves the altering of internal components of a lock so that it can only be operated by a new key. This is different from replacing the entire lock mechanism and allows you to maintain existing hardware while upping your security level. 

Factors Influencing Rekeying Frequency

Each business situation is different, with factors like location and employee turnover having a big impact on the ideal rekeying frequency. Here are a few of the most common factors that you should consider when it comes to rekeying frequency:

• Employee turnover: does your business have an unusually high turnover rate? Many fast-food restaurants, and retail establishments fall into this category. If employees come, and go frequently at your business, you need to maintain control over who has access to your premises. Rekeying after a certain number of employees have moved on will ensure they can’t gain unauthorized entry to their former place of employment.
• Lost or stolen keys: if an employee loses their key or if a key is stolen, this is another time when it’s ideal to rekey, as it poses a significant security risk. Even if the key is recovered, there’s no way to guarantee that it hasn’t been duplicated during the time it was missing. 
• Security breaches: having a location in an area of town with higher crime rates is another reason to rekey more consistently. This is especially true if your business has had security breaches in the past. It’s important to reassess your security measures regularly, and rekey often in these cases.
• Routine maintenance: you might also notice the need for rekeying during regular maintenance inspections. Even if you don’t have high employee turnover, lost keys or security breaches, there should still be a consistent schedule for rekeying.

Recommended Rekeying Schedule

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should rekey your business, a proactive approach to security is vital. Consider performing an annual assessment of your security protocols, and include proactive measures for whenever there are employee changes or security incidents. As a rule of thumb, we recommend you rekey your business at least once or twice a year to prevent unwanted security issues.

Again, the frequency of rekeying your business depends on varying factors such as employee turnover, security incidents, and routine maintenance. But if you stay proactive, and vigilant, you can ensure that your business remains secure, and protected. If you’re ready to have us assess your security situation or need for rekeying, contact A-1 Locksmith today.

If you own a business, however, it can be extremely beneficial to learn more terms related to commercial lock repair. What is a lock cylinder, for example? What are bump-proof locks all about? What does it really mean to “rekey” a building? Here are five common commercial lock repair terms that you might not know, along with their definitions.

1. Lock Cylinder

This is a pretty basic term that describes the entry point for the key in any lock — well, any lock that takes keys, of course. Lock cylinders have pins, which, when aligned by inserting the key, work to secure the lock and open it. The lock cylinder is housed in something called “lock housing.” But, basically, the lock cylinder is the main component of any key lock.

2. Rekeying

You might already know that rekeying involves making new keys for a lock. More specifically, rekeying is the process of making the lock cylinder (as mentioned above) work with a new key. How does this work, exactly? It’s all about the pins. A commercial rekeying locksmith will replace old pins with new pins that featuring a different length and go with different keys. The old key will no longer work with a rekeyed lock because the pins have been changed.

3. Bump-Proof Locks

We’ve written on the topic of “bump-proof locks” before, but in case you didn’t know, “bumping” is a technique that thieves use to bypass a lock without the need for advanced tools. It’s becoming more, and more popular, which is why experts in the locksmithing industry developed bump-proof locks to combat it. These locks feature a high-security design that cannot be picked or bumped open.

4. Keyway

The “keyway” is basically how your key is cut — specifically, how the shaft of the key is cut. The keyway determines whether a key is compatible with a lock. Keyways can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and from lock to lock. There are interchangeable keyways, and those that are not. It’s best to consult with a commercial locksmith if you’re having trouble with finding out which keys are compatible with which locks at your facility.

5. DND

Here’s an easy one: DND means “do not duplicate.” If this is on a key, it means the owner did not want someone to make another copy of the key. Although, this is mostly a warning for locksmiths, and doesn’t guarantee the key won’t be duplicated. You can, however, design certain keys with today’s technology so that it’s not possible to duplicate them.

If you’re in need of commercial lock services, give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at 972-284-7500.

Today, we’re going to cover the latter scenario. By having a commercial rekeying company install “bump-proof” locks, you can avoid becoming the latest victim of this technique.

What Is ‘Bumping?’

First, a little more about what “bumping” is exactly, and how burglars use it. They say that bumping is so easy, a child could do it — about 9 out of every 10 locks in American houses are susceptible to it. But it wasn’t always that way. Bumping originated as a technique that allowed locksmiths to access locks when they didn’t have a key. It involves taking a specially cut “bump key,” inserting it into the keyhole, and using a screwdriver or other similar object to “bump” or tap the key until the pins align and the lock opens. There’s a little technique involved, but thanks to the Internet, more, and more thieves are learning about it and using it.

What Are ‘Bump-Proof’ Locks?

Fortunately, just as bumping has increased, so has the rise of “bump-proof” locks. These types of locks prevent the bumping process by adding a secondary locking system on the side of the key that prevents access from a single “bump key.” To get specific, while bumping aligns the pins in a keyhole by the key user jumping the shear line, and using a little torque, bump-proof locks involves lifting and rotating additional pins that a bump key can’t open. Put simply, these locks go a long way toward increasing the safety of your home.

Installing ‘Bump-Proof’ Locks

As with many household projects, you can try to find a YouTube video and install bump-proof locks yourself. Or, you could trust a local locksmithing company to do it right the first time. We’re talking about your home’s security, however. Do you really want to trust the safety of your family, and belongings to a DIY project? Professional locksmiths like the team at A-1 Locksmith have years of experience changing out locks, safes, security systems, and more. Furthermore, they’re licensed to operate as professional locksmiths, and take customer satisfaction very seriously.

We’re here to help you better understand bumping and your options for avoiding it. Call us today at 972-284-7500 to discuss installing high-security locks in your home.