Locksmiths offer services for homes, businesses and vehicles. Their expertise in gaining entry without damaging locks is invaluable in emergency situations.
Locksmith service technicians must be patient when interacting with customers. They must explain technical processes clearly, and they should listen to customer concerns without judgement.
If you live in a new home, you might need locksmiths to rekey the locks. Plumbers, electricians and drywall contractors all accessed the house during construction, and they may have copies of your keys.
Rekeying or Replacing Your Locks
Rekeying your locks is an excellent way to upgrade your home’s security without breaking the bank. This is because rekeying does not change the lock cylinders, but simply replaces the key pins inside. This means that if a previous homeowner or anyone else has a copy of the key, it will no longer work in the lock. This is a common practice in new homes and can help give you an immediate sense of peace of mind.
The locksmith service will open the doorjamb, remove the existing lock’s pins and springs, and then put in new ones with a different unlock pattern. They will then duplicate a key that will work with the new pins and reinstall the lock.
When deciding on a locksmith, always look for customer reviews and a warranty. You should also ask about the locksmith’s experience and credentials. Finally, always pay for services after they are rendered and never pay in advance.
Lockouts
When you’re locked out of your home, car or business, you need a locksmith service that will respond quickly to help. Locksmiths work 24/7 to provide emergency lockout assistance. They are trained to safely gain entry to a locked property without causing damage.
Some locksmiths offer specialized services for safes and vaults. These specialists know how to install a variety of security options for these types of items and can also assist with combination changes or safe lock repairs.
If you’re a tenant, it’s important to understand your rights when your landlord locks you out of your home. If you believe your landlord has illegally locked you out, you can call 311 or the Tenant Helpline to learn more about your rights. Then, you can file a legal complaint against your landlord. This is a last resort option, but it’s one that can have positive results. A judge may award you compensation if your landlord violates your rights.
Newly Built Homes
Newly built homes have a few key security advantages over resale properties. For one thing, the homeowner and building contractor have the opportunity to include security precautions that may not have been possible with a resale property. A locksmith can advise you on various security options including door frame reinforcement and high-security locks that make manipulation and tool insertion difficult.
Choosing the Right Locksmith
You should always hire a professional locksmith to ensure that your job is done correctly and professionally. Check the locksmith’s credentials, which normally include a certification from the Associated Locksmiths of America or ALOA.
Avoid companies that advertise super low prices like “$14 and up.” These types of advertisements are often scams. It’s also a good idea to schedule the service in advance. This can help the locksmith come prepared with the proper tools and products. This saves you money and time. Also, it gives the locksmith the opportunity to review your security needs and provide recommendations and quotes before beginning any work.