How Often Should a Business Rekey Its Locks?
When you run a business, your locks are the first line of defense against unauthorized access. But over time, keys get copied, employees come and go, and situations change. That’s where rekeying comes in—a cost-effective, fast, and secure way to reset access without replacing entire locks.
But here’s the real question: how often should a business rekey its locks?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on several factors—from staff turnover to security breaches. In this guide, we’ll walk you through when, why, and how often you should consider rekeying your business locks.
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What Does “Rekeying” Mean Exactly?
Before we dive into frequency, let’s clear up what rekeying actually involves.
Rekeying a lock means changing the internal mechanism (called the “pinning”) so that old keys no longer work. You keep the same hardware on your doors, but you use a brand-new key. It’s cheaper than full replacement and just as effective for eliminating unauthorized access.
When Should You Rekey Your Business Locks?
There are a few critical situations when rekeying becomes not just necessary—but urgent.
1. After an Employee Leaves (Especially If Keys Were Issued)
Every time an employee quits, retires, or is terminated, your security system takes a hit. Even if they returned their key, you can’t always be sure they didn’t make a copy.
If the employee had access to sensitive areas like server rooms, cash drawers, or product storage, rekeying is highly recommended—immediately.
2. Lost or Stolen Keys
If a master key or primary access key is lost or stolen, rekeying should happen the same day. A single lost key in the wrong hands can compromise your entire business. Don’t take the risk.
3. Break-Ins or Attempted Break-Ins
Even if nothing was stolen, a burglary attempt suggests your location was a target—and your current lock system might be compromised. Rekeying the locks gives you back control and shows you’re proactive about protection.
4. Vendor or Contractor Access
If you’ve provided temporary access to outside parties, such as cleaning services, contractors, or delivery drivers, and they no longer work with you, it’s wise to rekey—especially if you can’t verify they returned the key.
5. Routine Security Upgrades
Even if nothing dramatic has happened, it’s good practice to schedule a security refresh. Just like you update antivirus software, rekeying should be part of your business’s long-term safety plan.
So, How Often Should You Rekey?
Here’s the general rule of thumb:
Every 1 to 2 years for routine security upkeep
Immediately after any key security incident (like employee termination or lost keys)
For high-risk industries—like medical offices, data centers, banks, or retail stores with valuable inventory—you might want to rekey every 6–12 months, depending on turnover and access levels.
The Risks of Not Rekeying
Think it’s fine to skip it? Here’s what you’re risking:
Unauthorized access: A former employee or vendor might still have access
Increased theft potential: Especially if sensitive areas aren’t monitored
Legal liability: Especially in industries dealing with personal data
Lost trust: If clients or staff learn about lax security policies
You wouldn’t hand out spare keys to strangers—so why leave old keys in circulation?
How Rekeying Works (Step-by-Step)
If you’ve never rekeyed your locks before, here’s what the process usually looks like:
Step 1: Call a Professional Locksmith
They’ll assess your existing lock systems and determine if rekeying is possible (most commercial locks can be rekeyed unless damaged).
Step 2: Lock Disassembly and Repinning
The locksmith removes the internal cylinder and changes the pins inside to match a new key combination.
Step 3: New Keys Are Cut
You’ll get a fresh set of keys that match the reconfigured locks.
Step 4: Old Keys Are Retired
The old keys won’t work anymore—simple as that.
This whole process is typically fast, efficient, and affordable, especially when compared to a full hardware replacement.
Can I Rekey Myself?
DIY rekeying kits exist, but they’re risky—especially for businesses. A single error could leave a lock malfunctioning or insecure. For best results and legal peace of mind, always hire a certified commercial locksmith.
Conclusion:
Security isn’t a one-time investment—it’s an ongoing process. Rekeying your business locks regularly ensures that only the right people have access at the right time. It’s simple, smart, and saves you from bigger headaches down the line.
Whether you do it annually or after every major staffing change, rekeying is one of the easiest ways to keep your business protected without breaking the bank.
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