Would you change you locks?

[fernweh]

H and I got locked out today. We have a key lockbox in the backyard with a combo lock. It’s mounted on the lowest level of the deck near the back, so it’s visible and obvious what it is but low enough that unless you are looking for it probably wouldn’t notice it. Additionally we have a 6ft privacy fence around our yard.

When we went to get the key out today 3 of the buttons were broken off (they protrude about 1/2 inch) and had to find a pointed stick to push the combo. When we opened it there was no key.

Probably a year and a half ago FIL lost his key when dog sitting and had to grab the key. I have another one to H to replace and he swears he put it back.

I’m torn between H just didn’t put key back like he thinks and the buttons broke from something hitting it (a rock when mowing etc) and it was tampered with at some point and someone has a key and we should change locks.

Would you change the locks? Or assume it was just a string of bad lock and leave it be?

[cricketwife]

I wouldn’t. I’m lazy and I also subscribe to the idea that locks are to keep honest people out.

Of course, if it brings you peace of mind, go for it. I’m all for peace of mind.

[momin2013]

I probably would for peace of mind, but I also have pretty severe anxiety.

[statgirl]

I would but if you didn’t, I wouldn’t fault you. I subscribe to the idea that if someone took your key, they would have already used it.

[livinitup]

I would not but I also used to leave a key outside without too much worry. And using that key almost always meant it was not replaced. And in my old apartment (first floor), I would leave a bathroom window open so I could drag over a lawn chair, hike myself up, and slide into the apartment bathroom when I got locked out. I may not be the best judge of what to do/not do for home security.

Can you re-key the locks instead of changing them? We did that when we bought the house and it was not hard at all. It required new keys but that was not nearly as expensive as new locks.

[pixy0stix]

I'd leave the locks since I'm guessing the key was never replaced. It does sound like someone tried to force the lockbox, though.

[mrsukyankee]

I probably would change the locks, but mainly because I'm in a city where break-ins occur all the time and having lost the key would make it more likely.

[TR]

Well, after reading Nightwatching I’d change the locks lol

[georgeglass]

I'd switch it to one of the programmable keypads. I have been in my house for nearly a decade and have never had a key, just the keypads. It's amazing - never locked out, can make a unique code for a housesitter or contractor and then delete it, etc.

[ssmjlm]

I wouldn't, but my sister was famous for locking herself out, taking the hideakey and never putting it back. That's how we ended up with garage door keypads since we didn't lock the door from the garage to the house growing up.

I also agree with PP, a keypad is a lot easier.

[bex1973]

I agree with the keypad suggestion, makes life so much easier. We have one on front door and garage and I honestly don't know if I have a key. It is nice, especially because we don't have to worry about kid losing a key. A couple weeks ago the front door one wouldn't work but kid just went in through the garage. But she had called H and he also could have opened the garage door through the app we have.

[bbdoll]

I would, yes.  I'm very paranoid about things like that, even though we live in a low crime area.

[hermione]

We have the kind of locks where you can buy a new key and set all the locks to it. So, yes, I would change the locks since it would only take a 5 minute stop at Home Depot.

[Pilsy]

I would say, "I'm going to change the locks," put it on my to-do list, and then never do it.

[snowflurry]

I would. When exH moved out, I called a locksmith and he came out and charged me $15/lock to re-key the locks. And he was done in less than an hour. Our front door does have the digital keypad but the other doors still are traditional lock and key.

[bugandbibs]

Apr 30, 2024 7:44:23 GMT -5 hermione said:

We have the kind of locks where you can buy a new key and set all the locks to it. So, yes, I would change the locks since it would only take a 5 minute stop at Home Depot.

We have this with a keypad entry.  Seriously the best ever.  We just keep a spare key in a lock box incase of battery failure, although you can enter from another door if needed.  We are overly cautious people who have each keypad set to a different code, but all the same back up key.

[UMaineTeach]

I wouldn’t

[Aloe Vera]

I would just for piece of mind. Just buy a new set at the Home Depot. All you need is a screwdriver to remove the old one and install the new one. Maybe get a keyless one that way you never have to worry about losing/forgetting your keys.

[fumbalina]

I wouldn't but I often forget to lock the door, so I suspect your tolerance is not the same as mine. My 170 lbs worth of dogs would inform me if someone unexpected entered.