Locksmith advises on home security; Is it time to change your locks?

Since you’ve lived in your home, how many times have you changed the locks on your doors? 

With 246,000 Google searches in the past month for ‘’Home security’’ and a further 49,100 posts on TikTok, experts at Magnet Trade have teamed up with locksmith and DIY expert Aidan Fields ​to uncover exactly how often you should be changing your locks, and useful tips for improving your home security. 

Most sources will say that at a minimum, you should have your locks changed every seven years* to keep your property safe, but with increasing concerns about home security, Aidan has said that, ‘“you should be monitoring your locks regularly. You usually find when a lock is on its way out it will start grinding when turning the key and getting stuck. If this is happening, then you need to have your locks changed immediately’’.

Expert advises investing in a top-quality lock

Aidan continues: ‘’You should always look to invest in a top-quality lock as they can last for years and years! If you have cheaper locks installed in your doors, these are more prone to breaking sooner meaning you should be replacing them at least every two years, instead of seven.’’

5 expert-approved tips for improving home security 

Paul Strong, Store Operations Manager at Magnet Trade comments: 

1. Change locks in you’ve recently moved into a new property

’If you have just moved into a new property, it’s best to change your locks as soon as you move in. As you won’t be sure who still may have a key to the property, it reassures you that you are the only one with access to your property. If you are in a rented property, make sure you have permission from your landlord first before’’. 

2. Invest in high-quality locks 

‘’For maximum home security, investing in high-quality deadbolts and locks is worthwhile as these locks are more resistant to picking, drilling, and forced entry and will reassure you that your property is safe’’. 

3. Carry out regular maintenance 

‘’As Aidan said, make sure you regularly check all locks in your home and maintain them to ensure they aren’t worn out or need replacing. Rarely checking the quality of your locks could mean they could be broken’’. 

4. Make sure your keys are kept safe

‘’Regardless of the quality of your locks, key safety is also really important. It can be easy to leave keys under plant pots or mats for convenience but experienced burglars will always know the common spots to find keys’’. 

5. Always replace locks if you lose a key

‘’If you ever lose a house key or suddenly cannot find it, it’s always recommended to change the locks to your house. Even though you may think it will be hard for people to track down your home, you should never risk it and changing your locks is the best option for maximum security’’. 

Cost effective ways to upgrade garden security this summer