When was the last time you were locked out of your home or car? Were you prepared? Did you have a spare key or the number to your local locksmith? If not, you will benefit from the following article. It contains very helpful information about finding a good locksmith and other useful tips.
Poking at a key that has broken off in a lock can really make things worse. It is best to call a locksmith the minute something like this happens. The further the metal piece is pushed into the whole, the longer it will take to remove it. This can end up costing you quote a lot, so avoid it.
If you cannot get into your home, do not let someone drill into the lock prior to trying any other tactics. In addition, someone that wants to immediately replace the lock is probably not legitimate. A good locksmith can get into just about any door. Therefore, the two steps mentioned above should not be necessary.
When you paint your house, be sure to cover the locks prior to painting. You will need to call a locksmith if you seal the hole off since your key will no longer be able to fit. Covering all your locks can eat some time, but it’s a lot faster and cheaper than using a locksmith to change them all.
Contact your local Better Business Bureau to ensure that there are no complaints lodged against your locksmith. The BBB will have records of any complains along with what the locksmith done to try to remedy any complaints filed. A reputable locksmith may have one or two complaints filed against him; however, if numerous complaints are recorded, look elsewhere.
You can avoid extra fees by contacting a locksmith during normal business hours. After hours, you can expect locksmith costs to vary quite a bit. The fee can be double or more the standard fee after hours.
When you are looking to have a locksmith install a new lock, ask them to use one that has high security. These cost a bit more, but they will keep you a lot safer than traditional locks. You need to show an ID card as well as a card provided by the locksmith in order to have duplicate keys made.
If your locksmith charges you more than was quoted over the phone, don’t use their services ever again. You need to hire someone who is honest.
If you are trying to find a good locksmith, think about contacting a security company in the area. A construction company is also a good choice. Many times, these companies have a locksmith that they turn to when they need work done, so they can provide you with a good recommendation.
Always ask any locksmith you hire for identification when they arrive. Many states require that locksmiths are licensed. Even you are using a locksmith in a state where licensing is not required, you should be safe and ask for some sort of identification before you let them work on your home or car.
Don’t try using locksmiths that charge you for them just appearing where you are. Most locksmiths do not do this, so if this occurs, you are probably being scammed. Should you ask them to leave, for whatever reason, contact the police should they demand payment.
Never hire a locksmith without getting a solid estimate first. When you are given a quote, ask them whether this includes parts, labor, paperwork and fuel charges. Too often low quotes end up costing a bundle once all of these extra charges are added. Asking questions can let you know what to expect.
Do a little research on locksmith costs in your area prior to making any moves to hire one. if you are not familiar with pricing, it would be easy for someone to take advantage of you. While everyone has different rates, you shouldn’t hire anyone that charges far more than the norm.
Call roadside assistance before calling a locksmith. They may offer you their own locksmithing services, or they can refer you to a trustworthy local professional. If you don’t have roadside assistance, call your insurance company as they may offer similar services or references. Regardless, they’ll know who you can call.
Beware locksmiths who answer the phone with a general phrase, such as “locksmith services”. If they don’t provide a company name or location, they may actually subcontract local locksmiths, meaning you have no control over the quality of the person who shows up. Look for a company which is local and mentions their name.
If you need to call a locksmith outside of regular business hours, it will cost a lot more. Many locksmiths can charge higher rates this way. You don’t have to go through this if you get several quotes.
There is no harm in quickly researching the name of the person who shows up to do the work. Don’t be too embarrassed to do it – protecting yourself means more than just installing additional locks! If you see something that isn’t good, you can find another company or ask the company to send a different person.
If you are in the market for a locksmith, you should always do research before hiring one. Find out about a potential locksmith’s experience, insurance, license and references. If anything about them seems off base, you should definitely look for someone else. It is a lot better to err on the side of caution in this case since your security is at risk.
Discuss your home’s security with your locksmith. Locksmiths really know their field, and home security falls into that realm. They can determine whether your home is well protected or not. They can also upgrade your home’s security if need be.
Before moving forward with a locksmith, make sure you check the person’s I.D. You want to make sure the person who arrived is the correct person you spoke with on the phone. This is for your own security. Plus, there are quite a few states that require licensing for locksmiths. You can be doubly safe and request to see that as well.
Whether you want to upgrade your door locks, add some window locks or just get inside when your keys are missing, a locksmith is the person to call. You have to rely on their expertise to ensure you can sleep soundly at night. Hire the best using the advice here and relax.