Employee Fired? Do You Need to Change Locks or Just Rekey?

It’s the call no business owner wants to make, but I get it every week.

"Michael, I just had to fire a manager. He has keys to the front door, the back office, and the stockroom. I need new locks ASAP."

My first question is always: "Why do you want new locks?"

Most people think if a key is compromised, the whole lock is trash. That is false.

Rekeying vs. Replacing: The Difference

If your commercial levers or deadbolts are in good condition (not rusting, not sticking), do not replace them.

Rekeying is the answer.

• What we do: I take the cylinder out of your lock. I dump out the old pins. I put in new pins that match a completely different key.
• The Result: The old key (the one your ex-employee has) is now useless. It won't even turn.
• The Cost: A new commercial grade lever can cost $150 - $300. Rekeying that same lever? Usually $25 - $45.

If you have 5 doors, replacing them could cost $1,000+. Rekeying them might cost $200.

"But the key says DO NOT DUPLICATE"

Do not trust that stamp.

If you gave your employee a standard key (SC1 or KW1 keyway) stamped "DO NOT DUPLICATE," they can still copy it. Most automated kiosks at grocery stores don't read the text. They just scan the shape and cut a copy.

Unless you have a Restricted Keyway (like a Primus or Medeco system where I have to verify a signature card to cut a key), assume there are copies floating around.

When Should You Act?

Immediately.

Disgruntled employees are the biggest security threat to local businesses. I have seen shops in The Woodlands get cleaned out overnight because the owner waited "until Monday" to rekey the locks.

My Advice for Houston Business Owners

1. Rekey immediately upon termination.
2. Start a Restricted Key System. It costs a bit more upfront, but you have 100% control. No one can copy a key without your permission.
3. Master Key Systems. Give employees keys that only open the front door, not your office.

Don't throw away good hardware. Call us. We’ll come out, rekey your cylinders, and hand you a new set of keys in an hour.