Residential locksmiths specialize in helping homeowners secure their homes. They install new locks on doors and windows, rekey existing locks and even set up safes and vaults.
High security locks are bump proof and drill resistant. They are more expensive than standard locks, but offer superior protection. Always check a locksmith’s phone number and vehicle license plate before hiring them.
Lockouts
Many people find themselves locked out of their home at some point in their lives. Whether it was the result of an incredibly hectic day, forgetting to grab their keys before running out the door, or a broken key that broke off in the lock, these situations can be very stressful and frustrating to deal with.
A professional locksmith can open your home quickly and easily, saving you the stress of dealing with an unforeseen problem. They can also help you prevent future house lockouts by rekeying or replacing your locks.
The most common way to prevent a lockout is to keep a spare key with someone that knows where it is. If you are a renter, this could be your landlord or a close friend who can let you in. For homeowners, this could mean leaving a spare key in one of the covert outdoor key holders available, or even hidden inside a planter box.
Lock Changes
Door locks aren’t just functional – they are important to the security of your home and property. If your locks aren’t working properly or you want to change your lock style, a professional locksmith can help.
Rekeying is a much less expensive option than changing the locks entirely. The total cost will depend on the number of locks that need to be rekeyed and what type of lock you choose.
Many states have laws that require landlords to rekey or replace locks between tenants to ensure that any copies of the previous tenant’s keys cannot work. Landlords should also include a specific lock policy in the lease agreement that explains when tenants can and cannot change their locks. It’s important to note that it is illegal to lock a tenant out of their rental property without proper eviction procedures. This is called self-help eviction and can be grounds for legal action against the landlord. The tenant can also file a claim for damage to the property.
Rekeying
Rekeying is a process done by a professional locksmith that changes the internal workings of a lock so that an old key will no longer work. It is a more affordable option than replacing the entire lock and can be used in a variety of scenarios.
Many homeowners choose to change their locks after moving into a new home to prevent previous tenants or roommates from accessing the property. This is a sensible move for anyone who wants to feel secure in their new home.
Business owners may also want to rekey their locks after a staff member leaves the company. This can help protect the company from a former employee who may hold a grudge against the organization and use their keys to steal or cause damage.
Rekeying is a relatively simple procedure that can be completed quickly and requires little to no door modification. The locksmith simply removes the lock cylinder and replaces the pins/tumblers to change the pairing, making the old key no longer work.
Key Replacement
Having a spare key can prevent the need for locksmith services such as rekeying or lock replacement. However, it can be costly if you’ve lost your key or locked it inside your home. It’s a good idea to keep a locksmith’s number handy and have a spare key hidden somewhere so you can call for help if needed.
Keys can break inside a lock when they’re old or have been wiggled in and out of a lock too many times. A locksmith can usually extract a broken key without needing to replace the lock. However, some people try to fix this issue themselves by using super glue, which could cause more damage to the key and lock cylinder.
If you move into a new house, it’s a good idea to have the locks rekeyed or replaced. This ensures that you’re the only one with a copy of your key and prevents previous tenants or roommates from being able to gain access to your home.
