Rekey or Replace

[Reggiereg]

Hello all. I’m a student of Foley Belsaw and I am aiming to open a lockout specialty business in January of 2009. I have already been forewarned that even though I will be specializing in lockouts, a lot of my calls will be request for lock rekeying. This brings me to my question. It seems to me that rekeying a lock requires more time and work than it does to simply replace one. With this being the case, how come we charge less to rekey a lock (more time and work) than we do to replace a lock. (less time and work )

Thank you much.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

Parts aside, yes it's primarily because it's less time and work for whomever is involved. I can re-key a house with 30 locks in a few hours, and that includes removing and reinstalling all the locks. It'd take me at least a day, maybe two, to install 30 locks (assuming the customer would even want to pay) and that's assuming they're all retrofit installations (no crossbores, not chiseling for faceplates, etc.). Retrofits, as simple as they sound, are usually far from it. Unless you're replacing the lock with a similar model, you may or may not have to correct other certain issues including: misaligned strikes, incorrect installation measurements that may or may not require alteration to the lock - specifically the tail pieces or housings, enlargment of cross/edgebores, etc. I mean, you wouldn't want to re-key a customer's lock and not check to see if it's functioning as close to perfect as possible, right? All of this adds time to the final bill. In nearly all circumstances, it's cheaper to simply re-key locks than to replace.

Also, your inventory would be a mess if you were to stock for just total replacements instead of re-keying. Consider this, no two houses are alike and different brands (depending on the customer's preference), finishes, backsets, functions (if applicable), would require you have an IMMENSE inventory - and that's not even factoring how many are and aren't keyed alike.

So never offer complete replacements unless they're needed because in the end, doing so will not result in any less time or money for you or your customer(s).

[Reggiereg]

Thank you Confederate. Everything you said made a lot of since and really cleared things up for me. I had been trying to figure out the logistics that makes rekeying more cost effective then replacing for a long time. But now I know.
Thanks

[straightpick]

The only cylinders that I will usually replace instead of rekeying are those mortise cylinders that are in common use on aluminum doors. They are inexpensive and come keyed alike in pairs. Customer gets new cylinders, four keys and install is quick. Of course, if it is an interchangeable core of high security type of cylinder I rekey.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

The only cylinders that I will usually replace instead of rekeying are those mortise cylinders that are in common use on aluminum doors. They are inexpensive and come keyed alike in pairs. Customer gets new cylinders, four keys and install is quick. Of course, if it is an interchangeable core of high security type of cylinder I rekey.

Yeah a lot of those have the worst tolerances I have ever seen. I always try to pin according to the manufacturer's specs but I've found some that are so badly made that it actually required the next highest pin than the key bitting indicated.

[Eyes_Only]

I've seen that as well but in my case it was one increment lower than what the cuts on the key called for.

[weerwolf]

In Europe , we don't rekey often. Replacing the cylinder is much faster. Every euro cylinder fits every lock (with a few exceptions) , so there is no need for a huge stock.

[Thisguy]

Is it cost effective or profit margin?
Some locks or just the cylinders can be a bit pricey, as the cost goes up your sale gets tougher. Your pins should hardly cost you anything, mark up on new locks can be tough when competing with the big box stores, and knock off brands.That has to be one of the most frustrating things is explaining the difference in quality between a $12 lock and $80 lock.

Confederate is right on the money with the inventory, I'd have to drive a semi and trailer around to have on hand everything I come across around here. I really don't wanna figure out what it would cost for that initial stock.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

Yeah, profile cylinders swap in and out about as easy as an IC. They're easy to snap in half because of this. The convienence factors results in less security.

[Reggiereg]

Thanks everyone. Your post were very helpful and well said.