Common Home Security Mistakes Homeowners Make

July 15, 2026

Protecting your home begins with more than simply locking the front door. While most homeowners take basic precautions, many unknowingly leave vulnerabilities that could make their property easier to access. The good news is that improving home security often involves simple, practical steps rather than major renovations.

At King’s Mobile Lock, we have been helping homeowners throughout Kitsap County protect their homes since 1972. Our experience has shown that avoiding a few common mistakes can significantly improve the security of your property and provide greater peace of mind.

Relying on Old or Worn Locks

Locks are mechanical devices that experience wear over time.

Years of daily use, exposure to the elements, and normal aging can affect how well a lock operates. Older locks may become more difficult to use or provide a lower level of security than modern alternatives.

If your locks are sticking, loose, or showing signs of wear, it may be time to have them professionally inspected. Upgrading to newer, high-quality lock systems can improve both security and reliability.

Keys hanging in a front door lock with the door slightly open

Forgetting to Rekey After Moving

One of the most overlooked security steps is rekeying the locks after purchasing a home.

Previous owners may have provided every key they possessed, but there is no way to know how many copies were made over the years or who may still have access. Contractors, former tenants, neighbors, or service providers could potentially have working keys.

Rekeying ensures that only your new keys operate the locks, giving you confidence that you control access to your home.

Hiding Spare Keys Outside

It may seem convenient to hide a spare key under a doormat, flowerpot, or decorative rock, but these are among the first places someone might check.

Instead of leaving a key outside, consider giving a spare to a trusted family member or close friend. If additional access is needed, a professionally installed lock system with modern security features may provide a safer alternative.

Hand holding a small silver key pendant against a blue shirt background

Ignoring Damaged Locks

Small problems often become larger ones when left unaddressed.

A lock that occasionally sticks or requires extra effort to turn may indicate internal wear. Waiting until the lock fails completely could leave you locked out of your own home or compromise your security.

Routine inspections and timely repairs help keep your locks functioning properly and may prevent more costly issues later.

Overlooking Garage and Side Entrances

Many homeowners focus on the front door while paying less attention to other entry points.

Garage entry doors, side doors, sliding glass doors, and gates should receive the same level of attention as the main entrance. A home’s security is only as strong as its least secure access point.

Taking a whole-property approach helps create more consistent protection.

Close-up of a door latch and strike plate on a wooden door, with a bedroom visible in the background

Waiting Until an Emergency Happens

Many people do not think about a locksmith until they are locked out or lose their keys.

Planning ahead can save time and reduce stress when unexpected situations arise. Establishing a relationship with a trusted local locksmith before you need emergency service means you already know who to call if a problem occurs.

Preventive maintenance and security evaluations can also identify opportunities to strengthen your home’s protection before an emergency develops.

Hand holding keys near a front door lock

Trust King’s Mobile Lock to Help Protect Your Home

Home security is about more than locks—it is about protecting your family, your belongings, and your peace of mind. By avoiding common mistakes and maintaining your home’s locking systems, you can reduce potential vulnerabilities and feel more confident in your property’s security.

For more than 50 years, King’s Mobile Lock has proudly served homeowners throughout Kitsap County with professional residential locksmith services. Whether you need your home rekeyed, new locks installed, high-security lock upgrades, lock repairs, or 24/7 emergency locksmith assistance, our experienced mobile technicians are ready to help. We are committed to providing honest recommendations, quality workmanship, and prompt, dependable service every step of the way.

If you would like to improve your home’s security or have questions about your existing locks, contact King’s Mobile Lock today. Our team is here to help you protect what matters most with professional locksmith solutions you can trust.

Close-up of a silver door lock with a key inserted, hanging from a beige door.

Close-up of a teal door with a brass knob and key in the lock

Close-up of brass keys in a lock on a dark wooden door

Hand opening a brass doorknob on a partially open door

Close-up of a door lock with a key inserted and keys hanging from the latch

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Why the Back Door Often Deserves More Security Attention Than the Front

October 15, 2026

Homeowners naturally think about the front door first when they think about security. It is the main entrance, the most visible access point, and usually the door with the best hardware. But the back door can be just as important, and sometimes more vulnerable. Rear entries are often less visible from the street, used more casually by family members, and connected to patios, garages, decks, or fenced yards where activity attracts less attention. That makes the back door worth evaluating as part of the home’s overall security plan. Visibility Changes the Risk A front door usually faces the street, neighboring homes, delivery traffic, or pedestrians. A back door may sit behind a fence, landscaping, or another structure. That difference in visibility matters. A person tampering with a rear entry may have more privacy than someone standing on the front porch. Homeowners should not assume that a hidden door is automatically safer simply because fewer people can see it. In many cases, the opposite may be true.

Why Non-Destructive Entry Should Be the First Goal

October 13, 2026

Getting locked out is stressful enough without turning the problem into a damaged door, broken lock, or expensive replacement. That is why non-destructive entry should be the first goal whenever possible. A professional locksmith will typically look for the safest and least damaging way to regain access before resorting to drilling, forcing, or replacing hardware. For homeowners and businesses in Kitsap County , that approach can save time, reduce repair costs, and help preserve existing locks and doors. Forced Entry Can Create a Much Bigger Problem When someone is locked out, it can be tempting to pry a door, force the lock, or try improvised tools. Those methods can damage more than the lock itself. A forced entry attempt may bend the strike plate, split the door frame, scratch finishes, damage weather stripping, or break internal lock components. What started as a simple lockout can quickly become a door-repair project. Professional locksmiths are trained to evaluate the lock before deciding how to proceed.

When a Sticky Lock Needs Repair Instead of Lubrication

September 29, 2026

A lock that becomes difficult to turn does not always need to be replaced. Sometimes the problem is simple. Dirt, minor corrosion, or a dry internal mechanism may make the key feel rough or resistant. In those cases, the right lubricant may help restore smoother operation. But lubrication is not a cure for every sticky lock. If the real problem involves worn parts, door alignment, a damaged key, or internal lock failure, adding lubricant may only hide the issue temporarily. Knowing when a lock needs professional repair can help prevent a complete lockout later. Start With the Key Before assuming the lock itself is failing, inspect the key. A bent, worn, cracked, or poorly duplicated key can make an otherwise functional lock difficult to operate. If one key sticks but another works normally, the key may be the problem. Repeatedly forcing a damaged key can make matters worse. In some cases, the key can break inside the cylinder and turn a minor inconvenience into an emergency service call.