Home Door & Lock Basics

• Use a deadbolt on every exterior door, not just the locking knob.
• Check that the deadbolt fully extends into the strike plate and isn’t hitting wood.
• Upgrade strike plates with longer screws (into the framing, not just the trim).
• Consider a peephole or door viewer so you don’t have to open the door to see who’s there.
• Use a simple door chain or secondary latch on hotel-style doors in garages or back entries.

When to Rekey Your Locks

• After moving into a new home or rental.
• After a roommate moves out or a relationship change.
• When keys are lost, stolen, or not returned.
• After contractors, cleaners, or sitters had temporary access.
• When you can’t remember who might still have a copy of an old key.

Rekeying lets you keep your existing locks while changing the key that operates them.

Small Business & Shop Tips

• Limit keys to staff who truly need access and keep a simple key log.
• Rekey after employee turnover, especially if keys aren’t turned in.
• Use a different key for front doors, office/records, and inventory rooms.
• Make sure back doors close and latch properly — adjust closers that slam or don’t latch.
• Check that exit devices (panic bars) work smoothly and are not blocked.

Rentals & Tenant Turnover

• Rekey between every tenant, not just when locks “seem old.”
• Match keys so each rental has one main key for all exterior doors where possible.
• Label keys by unit number, not by tenant name.
• Keep at least one clearly marked “management only” key for emergencies.
• Use strong, easy-to-see numbering on unit doors and mailboxes for first responders.

Simple Nightly Lock-Up Routine

• Walk the perimeter once: front, back, and any side doors or gates.
• Check that all deadbolts are engaged, not just knobs locked.
• Make sure garage doors are down and interior garage door is locked.
• Turn on front/back porch or entry lighting, or set them on timers.
• At businesses, confirm alarms are set the same way each night.

Lost Keys & Lockouts

• If you lose a key with your address on it, treat it as a security issue, not just an inconvenience.
• Rekey affected locks, especially main entries and garage doors.
• Store one spare key with a trusted person, not under a mat or flowerpot.
• During a lockout, verify the locksmith’s company name and phone number before they start work.
• For any situation that feels unsafe or like a break-in, contact law enforcement first.