Locksmiths are a necessary part of modern life. They help us keep our possessions safe and secure. However, not all locksmiths are created equal. As with any other service, it’s important to do your homework before choosing one. Here are 10 things you need to know before hiring a locksmith.
10 Things you need to know before hiring a locksmith:
1: Locksmiths may charge a high price for emergency services
If you find yourself locked out of your car or home, it’s important to call a locksmith right away. Locksmiths often charge more for emergency services than non-emergency ones, so if you wait too long, you could end up paying dearly to get back inside your house or vehicle.
To avoid an emergency in the first place, keep keys on your person and not in places such as under doormats or hidden outside doors. Locking yourself out of your house is much less expensive than calling a locksmith and it can turn into a major issue very quickly.
2: Locksmiths require that their technicians have state-issued locksmith licenses
Locksmithing is a licensed trade in many states, and those who work as locksmiths must be registered under that license. Locksmith companies should be able to provide you with proof of their company’s licensing status, and the license number for any individual technicians they employ.
3: Locksmith companies offer different types of services for customers
Locksmiths don’t just make keys; they also service and repair locks and can assist you if your lock or key becomes damaged or broken. Some even offer security assessments and consultations where they come to your home and inspect your current locks and suggest ways to improve your safety. Be sure you know what type of services each locksmith offers before choosing one over another.
4: Locksmiths should be able to get to you quickly (within 30 minutes)
If it’s going to take more than 30 minutes for a professional locksmith to make it out to your location, chances are good they won’t show up at all. Locking yourself out of your house is bad enough; waiting two hours for someone who doesn’t even know if they’ll show is just adding insult to injury. Locksmiths should be able to reach you quickly, even if they have to drive a long way.
5: The price of the Locksmith service should be reasonable.
While services from professional locksmiths can vary based on factors such as time of day and location, you shouldn’t have to pay through the nose to get someone to unlock your car or house door. Regardless of these factors though, you shouldn’t be paying more than $100 for basic lock-out services. Locksmiths can also provide an estimate of how much a job will cost, and then bill you only for the time they spent on the job.
6: Locksmith services available at all hours
Locksmithing is a trade that serves every hour of the day and night, so locksmith companies should be able to offer services at any time. Locksmiths might charge a higher price for after-hours work or providing emergent assistance outside normal business hours, but they should still be able to get someone there quickly when needed. Check with each company’s policy before hiring one.
7: Locksmith companies must be consistent in providing quality services
Locksmiths are called upon for a variety of tasks, ranging from simple lock installation to complete door replacement. Locksmithing is a skilled profession that requires attention to detail and an understanding of how locks work, so you should never hire a locksmith company that isn’t willing to put in the necessary effort into all the jobs they do. Locksmiths should always make sure their customers are satisfied with their services before leaving your home.
8: Locksmith companies might charge more for mobile emergency services
Because most locksmith companies use mobile technicians rather than larger vehicles or vans, they may have higher overhead expenses when it comes to making emergency house calls. Locksmiths who make house calls may charge slightly more for their services, but that should be disclosed to you during the initial house call. Locksmith companies are usually willing to offer a discount or sale to existing customers for this type of service, so ask about any available promotions before signing anything permanent.
9: Locksmith companies have different policies when it comes to making keys
Locksmiths often come across strange locks they don’t have parts for or aren’t familiar with, so they might require additional fees to research the model and find the right key blank for your key. Locksmiths also have policies related to cutting all types of keys, so you should ask them about what’s required before handing over money.
Locksmiths typically charge a nominal fee for cutting keys, and this price should be disclosed to you before the work is started. Locksmith companies also have policies related to duplicating key blanks or taking your keys so they can copy them at their shop. Locksmiths may take original keys with them when they leave, but usually, within 24-48 hours you’ll get replacement keys.
10: Locksmith companies requiring upfront payments might be scams
Any locksmith company that asks for an upfront payment in full before providing any services probably isn’t legitimate and could be scamming people looking to hire professional locksmith services.
Locksmith companies should always bill you after the work is completed, and some might even offer discounts if you pay upfront. Locksmith companies should never require payment in full before providing you with a service or estimate, so be wary of any that do this.
FAQs about locksmiths
Locksmiths – what are they?
A locksmith is a professional who specializes in lock and security system services. Locksmiths study the science of locking, unlocking, and picking locks to gain access to places that may be difficult for unauthorized personnel.
Locksmithing is a highly technical field that requires a comprehensive knowledge of how a wide range of different locks systems works. Locksmith companies often employ mobile technicians rather than larger vehicles too, so they can offer increased flexibility when it comes to house calls or emergency service dispatch.
Locksmith companies should always make sure their customers are satisfied with their services before leaving any home or business after completing work there.
Are all locksmiths licensed?
Not all locksmiths are licensed, but to provide services in most states, locksmiths must be licensed. Locksmith licensing laws vary from state to state.
How do I know if a locksmith is reputable?
One way to determine if a locksmith is reputable is to ask for references from past customers. You can also check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if the locksmith has any complaints filed against them.
When should you call a locksmith?
You should contact a locksmith company if you find yourself locked out of a residence or business, if there is damage to a lock that keeps it from operating properly, or if you need the lock added to an existing system for security purposes.
Locksmith companies can also install and repair various types of locking mechanisms on windows and doors, change locks when keys have been mislaid, and make high-security copies of keys as well as locks. Locksmiths often come across strange locks they don’t have parts for or aren’t familiar with, so they might require additional fees to research the model and find the right key blank for your key.
Locksmiths also have policies related to cutting all types of keys, so you should ask them about what’s required before handing over money. Locksmiths typically charge a nominal fee for cutting keys, and this price should be disclosed to you before the work is started. Locksmith companies also have policies related to duplicating key blanks or taking your keys so they can copy them at their shop.
What should I expect if I call a locksmith?
If you need to hire a locksmith, the company should send someone out within an hour to an hour and a half. Locksmiths may charge more for after-hours service, especially if it’s an emergency. They may also charge extra fees for certain types of work, such as rekeying a lock or making duplicate keys. Locksmiths usually provide free estimates, but they should make sure you understand what the charges will be before starting any job.
How much do locksmiths charge?
Locksmith prices vary, depending on the service provided. Locksmiths typically charge a call-out fee for their services as well as an hourly rate. Locksmiths may also charge extra for after-hours service and certain types of work, such as rekeying a lock or making duplicate keys.
Locksmiths usually provide free estimates, but they should make sure you understand what the charges will be before starting any job. Locksmith fees also vary by company and location. Prices can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars per service. Most locksmith companies require payment at the time of service.
Locksmith services – what kinds of things do locksmiths fix?
Locksmith technicians don’t just make keys and service complete locking systems—they may offer a wider range of home maintenance services as well. Locksmiths can make repairs if necessary on damaged locksets or window latches, install new locksets or window hardware on doors or windows, and complete a range of other security-related tasks.
Locksmith companies that have more specialized certification may include specialized locksmithing services such as safe-cracking, high-security locks installation, and restoration of old locking systems. Locksmiths often work with a wide variety of clientele when performing their jobs—in addition to selling locks and providing key duplication services, many locksmiths travel to homes and businesses to make keys or perform repairs when needed.
Locksmith technicians work with several different kinds of locks, including deadbolts, knobs, levers, pushbuttons, and combination locks
Locksmiths can install locksets, repair them when they’re damaged or worn out, and service electronic locks too. Locksmith companies also offer additional services like key cutting for all types of keys used in homes and businesses as well as car keys. Locksmith technicians are trained to give customers advice on how to protect their personal property by recommending anti-theft devices like deadbolts and door reinforcement systems.
Locksmiths can provide inspections of customers’ places of business or residences to determine what steps need to be taken to improve security there
Locksmith technicians are usually familiar with various brand names that are available, so they can help you choose the right type of locking system for your needs. Locksmith companies offer custom services too, so if you want something other than a standard locking system for your home or business, ask them about it.
Locksmiths work on many different types of locks used in homes and businesses as well as car keys too. Locksmith technicians can install and repair locksets, handle electronic lock repairs and give advice on how to protect personal property by recommending anti-theft devices like deadbolts and door reinforcement systems.
Locksmiths should be bonded and licensed in some states.
Locksmith companies should be properly licensed and bonded. Locksmith licenses are required for locksmiths working in several states, such as California and New York. Locksmith technicians should also carry insurance to provide their customers with protection against damages or injuries that may occur during a job. Locksmithing licenses aren’t necessary everywhere though—locksmith licensing requirements vary by area.
Locksmith technicians sometimes work under the supervision of law enforcement officials when completing certain jobs, such as rekeying locks used by crime victims who have reported stolen car keys. Locksmiths are often called upon to rekey locks when police officers have confiscated a spare key during an arrest.
Locksmith companies also provide services for large corporations, so if you want to upgrade your business’s locks or make duplicates of all the keys employees use, they can help.
Did You Know?
Locksmiths are also called “bumping specialists” if they specialize in lock bumping, which is a technique used to unlock locks without using the original key.
Locked out of your house or car and don’t know who to call?
At SlimJim.Me, we understand that when you’re locked out, you need help fast. That’s why we provide 24/7 emergency service to get you back into your home or car as quickly as possible. We also offer a wide range of locksmith services so you can feel safe and secure in your own space again.
We want to make sure that you’re always able to access the things that are important to you, without having to worry about being locked out. With our locksmith services, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that your home and possessions are always protected. Feel free to contact us at dispatch@slimjim.me with any additional questions or concerns—we’re here for our customers 24/7/365!
