Just Moved to Eugene or Springfield? 7 Things to Do With Your Home Locks
Moving into a new home is exciting. Whether you've purchased your first house, moved into a rental, or relocated to a new neighborhood in Lane County, there's one important detail you shouldn't overlook: your home's locks.
You may have received keys from the previous owner or landlord, but do you know how many copies exist? Previous occupants, contractors, property managers, or other people may have had access to spare keys.
At McKenzie River Locksmith, we believe home security starts with knowing who has access to your property. If you're settling into a home in Eugene, Springfield, or the surrounding Oregon communities, here are seven practical steps to help you get started.
1. Consider Rekeying Your Locks After Moving In
One of the first things to consider after moving is having your home's locks rekeyed.
What is rekeying? Rekeying changes the internal configuration of a compatible lock cylinder so that the old keys no longer operate it. Your existing lock hardware can often stay in place, and new keys are provided. (See our previous blog on when to Re-Key vs. Replace.)
This can be a practical option if your locks are in good condition but you aren't sure who still has copies of the old keys.
Rekeying may be worth considering when:
- You've purchased a home.
- You've moved into a rental and the property owner authorizes the work.
- Previous occupants haven't returned every key.
- You've lost a key and are concerned someone could find it.
- You want multiple compatible locks to operate with one key.
A locksmith can assess your existing hardware and help determine whether rekeying is appropriate.
2. Check Your Exterior Door Deadbolts
Your exterior doors are important entry points, so take time to inspect their locks.
Check the front door, back door, garage entry door, and any other exterior doors that use keyed locks.
Look for loose hardware, difficulty turning the key, a deadbolt that doesn't extend fully, or a door that doesn't close properly.
A deadbolt is only as effective as its installation and the door and frame supporting it. If something feels loose, damaged, or misaligned, a locksmith can inspect the hardware and recommend repairs or replacement when needed.
3. Don't Forget the Garage and Side Doors
Homeowners often focus on the front door and overlook other entrances.
If your home has an attached garage, side entrance, patio door, or secondary exterior door, check those areas as well.
Make sure each door closes securely, its locking hardware works correctly, and any entry between the garage and the house is properly secured.
If you're unsure whether your existing locks provide adequate security, consider having a professional assess them.
4. Be Careful With Spare Keys
Spare keys are convenient, but it's important to know where they are and who has them.
Before placing a spare key outside your home, think carefully about whether that location is genuinely secure. Obvious hiding places can make a spare easier for someone else to find.
If you share keys with relatives, neighbors, contractors, or other trusted people, keep track of who has a copy and collect keys when access is no longer needed.
If you cannot account for your keys, rekeying may be a sensible way to regain control over access to your home.
Rekeying and replacing locks are two different services, and the right choice depends on your situation.
Rekeying is often a good option when your current locks are compatible, functional, and in good condition. It changes which keys operate the locks without replacing all the hardware.
Lock replacement may be the better choice when hardware is damaged, excessively worn, outdated, or when you want to upgrade your door's locking system.
For example, if you've moved into a home with functional locks but don't know who has the old keys, rekeying may be sufficient. If a deadbolt is damaged or you want a new keypad lock, replacement or an upgrade may make more sense.
A locksmith can help you compare the options before deciding which service your home needs.
6. Pay Attention to Sticky or Difficult Locks
A lock that suddenly becomes difficult to operate shouldn't be ignored.
If your key is hard to turn, the deadbolt doesn't line up with the strike plate, or the door needs to be pushed or pulled to lock, the issue may involve the door alignment, worn hardware, or the lock mechanism itself.
Avoid forcing the key, because it could break inside the lock.
A locksmith can inspect the problem and determine whether the lock needs adjustment, repair, or replacement. Addressing the issue early may help prevent a frustrating lockout later.
7. Keep Your Home Security Up to Date
Your home's security needs can change over time.
You may want to consider keypad entry, upgraded deadbolts, replacement hardware, or a more convenient key arrangement for your household.
If several exterior doors have compatible locks, a locksmith may also be able to configure them to work with the same key. This can reduce the number of keys you need to carry.
The best option depends on your existing hardware, budget, and how you use your home. You don't necessarily need to replace every lock to improve your security.
When Should You Call a Locksmith for Residential Services?
If you're moving into a new home, dealing with missing keys, experiencing a stubborn deadbolt, or considering a lock upgrade, a professional locksmith can help you understand your options.
A locksmith can assess compatible locks, rekey existing hardware, install replacement locks, and help address common home lock problems.
For homeowners and renters in Eugene, Springfield, and nearby Lane County communities, working with a local mobile locksmith can make it easier to get help at your property.
Need Residential Locksmith Services in Eugene or Springfield, Oregon?
Your home should be a place where you feel comfortable and secure. Knowing who has access to your doors is a practical first step toward that peace of mind.
McKenzie River Locksmith provides mobile residential locksmith services for homes throughout Eugene, Springfield, and surrounding Lane County communities.
Whether you need residential rekeying, lock installation, help with a home lockout, or advice about your existing door hardware, we're here to help you explore the right solution.
Call or text McKenzie River Locksmith at 541-329-3911 to discuss your residential locksmith needs or request service.
Visit "McKenzie River Locksmith" (https://www.mckenzieriverlocksmith.com/services-2) to learn more about our services offered in Lane County.
McKenzie River Locksmith — Serving Eugene, Springfield, and surrounding Lane County communities.
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