If someone just broke into your home — or tried to — you’re probably wondering whether you need to completely replace your locks or if there’s a cheaper fix. The short answer: it depends on how they got in and what got damaged.
Here’s what I’ve learned from years of responding to break-ins across McKinney and surrounding areas, and what you actually need to do to secure your home again.
When You Need to Change the Locks Completely
You need full lock replacement in these situations:
- The lock is physically damaged — pry marks, bent mechanisms, broken cylinders, or forced entry damage means the lock won’t function properly even if you rekey it
- The door frame is compromised — if the intruder kicked in the door and the strike plate ripped out of the frame, you’re replacing more than just the lock
- You had cheap builder-grade locks to begin with — if this was your wake-up call that your locks weren’t adequate, upgrade to Grade 1 deadbolts now
- The intruder used a key — whether stolen, copied, or given to someone who shouldn’t have it anymore, you need new hardware with new keys
Typical cost for full residential lock replacement in McKinney runs $150-$300 per door, depending on the lock quality you choose.
When Rekeying Is Enough
If the break-in attempt failed — they tried to pick the lock, tried to bump it, or gave up before forcing entry — and the lock itself still works smoothly, you can rekey instead of replace.
Rekeying changes the internal pins so old keys won’t work anymore. It’s faster and costs about $75-$150 for a whole house. But here’s the catch: rekeying only works if the lock mechanism wasn’t damaged.
I’ll be honest — if someone tried hard enough to leave marks or damage, rekeying won’t give you the peace of mind you need. You’ll wonder every night if it’ll hold next time. In that case, spend the extra money and replace them.
What Else to Check After a Break-In
Sliding Doors and Windows
Most people focus on the front door and forget about the back. Check every sliding door, window latch, and secondary entry point. Intruders often test multiple spots before committing.
Garage Door Access
If your garage connects to your house, make sure that interior door has a solid deadbolt. A lot of break-ins happen through an unlocked or poorly secured garage.
Door Frame Reinforcement
New locks won’t help if the door frame splits open with one kick. We install strike plates with 3-inch screws that anchor into the wall stud — not just the trim. It’s a small upgrade that makes a huge difference.
When NOT to Call a Locksmith Right Away
If the police are still processing the scene, wait. Don’t touch the locks or door until they’ve documented everything. Once they clear you to make repairs, then call us.
Also, if you have renters insurance or homeowners insurance, call them first. Some policies cover lock replacement after a break-in, but they may require documentation or approval before you proceed.
How Fast Can We Respond in McKinney?
We’re a mobile service, so we come to you. Most residential locksmith calls in McKinney, Prosper, Allen, and Frisco get a same-day or next-day response. If it’s an emergency and your home isn’t secure, we prioritize it.
We carry Grade 1 deadbolts, strike plate reinforcements, and high-security cylinders on every truck. You don’t wait days for parts to arrive — we handle it on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I change all the locks in my house or just the one they broke?
Change the one they broke, obviously. But also rekey or replace any lock that uses the same key — especially if you’re not sure whether they got a copy. Most McKinney homes have a single key for all exterior doors, so if one’s compromised, treat them all as compromised.
Will my insurance cover the cost of new locks?
Sometimes. Homeowners insurance usually covers break-in damage, including locks, under your dwelling coverage. Check your deductible first — if it’s $1,000 and the locks cost $300, filing a claim doesn’t make sense.
How long does it take to change locks after a break-in?
Replacing locks on 2-3 exterior doors takes about an hour. Rekeying the whole house takes 30-45 minutes. If we’re also reinforcing frames or upgrading hardware, add another 30 minutes per door.
Can I just install a smart lock instead of replacing the deadbolt?
Smart locks are great for convenience, but most of them still rely on the same deadbolt mechanism. If that mechanism is damaged or low-quality, adding electronics won’t make it more secure. Upgrade the deadbolt first, then add smart features if you want them.
Ready to Secure Your McKinney Home After a Break-In?
We know how unsettling it is to have someone violate your space. Local Runners Locksmith responds quickly to break-in lock repairs and upgrades across McKinney and surrounding areas. We’ll assess the damage, explain your options honestly, and get your home secure again — today if needed.
Call (469) 905-9092 or visit Local Runners Locksmith to schedule your appointment and change locks after break in concerns are addressed properly.
