Find out more about professional locksmiths and their services in this short article. If you have any types of locks, there is a high likelihood you will need professional locksmith services at some point. Whether you need to replace your locks and keys, upgrade your lock and key system, or need assistance with getting back into your home or car when locked out, a locksmith can assist you. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about locksmith services including types of locksmiths, common locksmith services, locksmith salaries and extra fees, costs of doing the work yourself, and how to find an excellent locksmith near you.
Types of Locksmiths
There are many locksmiths who can handle a large array of responsibilities and tasks, although there are also locksmiths who specialize areas. When you contact your local locksmith, it is always a good idea to ensure they have the expertise and experience for your specific job.
The most common types of locksmiths are:
- Residential: A residential locksmith provides installation, maintenance, and repair for residential locks and keys. They can also perform lock and key replacement or rekeying lockout response, key duplication, and cutting, and safe installation and repair.
- Commercial: A commercial locksmith handles locks and keys for offices, retail stores, factories, hotels, and more. They can handle everything a residential locksmith can, simply on a larger and more complex scale.
- Auto: An auto locksmith installs, maintains, and repairs locks and keys for your motor vehicle. They have the knowledge and skill to provide efficient service without damaging your car, truck, or motorcycle.
- Emergency: If you lock your keys in your car, home, or office, you may need immediate help. An emergency or 24/7 locksmith can assist you quickly.
Professional Locksmith Services
Before locating and contacting a locksmith, you may wonder what services a locksmith provides. While most people may only think of a locksmith when they are in an emergency lockout situation, they can provide many expert services such as:
- Lock Installation: If you have a new build and need to install primary locks, or simply wish to install extra locks such as deadbolts, a professional locksmith can pick the correct one for your door and install it.
- Electronic Lock Installation: Are you easy for advanced, modern locks and keys? A locksmith can help you pick out and install new keyless systems. Whether you would like a keypad, fingerprint reader, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi control, you can enjoy these locks for residential, commercial, or auto.
- Rekeying: Uninterested in replacing your locks and keys completely? Consider rekeying as an alternative. A locksmith can make sure your locks work with another key and even create a master key.
- Lock Repair: In the rare event that your lock breaks or your key breaks inside a lock, a locksmith can fix your lock and extract broken keys.
- Key Cutting: Locksmiths can cut keys or make duplicate keys for all types of locks. They can also program keys that work with keyless entries.
- Access Control: High-security locks are crucial for commercial establishments. A locksmith can help you choose the best one for your business and integrate codes, fingerprints, or key cards for efficient access.
- Safes: Do you need an excellent safe? A locksmith has access to state-of-the-art options for any valuables you need to stow away.
- Lockout Services: Locked out? An emergency locksmith can help you regain entry to your car, home, or business.
How Much Does a Locksmith Cost?
If you are interested in hiring a locksmith, you may wonder how much they can cost. Typically, locksmiths work on hourly wages and charge extra fees for parts or materials. You can expect to pay between $14.10 and $33.56 per hour, on average.
If your job is particularly easy or short, locksmiths may only charge according to the type of work rather than a standard hourly rate. For instance, if you simply need a residential key cut or duplicated, it may only cost a few dollars.
For more extensive jobs, such as installing a lock and key system, you pay up to $300 for the service depending on the type of lock you wish to install. If the locksmith is working on motor vehicles, the prices do increase slightly.
Likewise, when you have an emergency, your locksmith may charge you more to show up quickly. Typically, a quick lockout response may cost between $100 and $200 no matter how long the service ends up taking.
Costs of Installing Locks and Keys Yourself
You may wish to perform locksmith services on your own to save on costs. There is some work you can do on your own, such as installing locks, upgrading locks, or rekeying locks. For these jobs, you must consider the cost of the parts, the time you will spend researching how to perform the job properly, and the risks of running into problems. You may end up paying more in the long run if you make a mistake. Additionally, many people enjoy the peace of mind that comes with hiring a professional. They can rest assured their locks and keys are safely and securely installed and working properly.
If you are creating a key, regaining entry into a locked home or car, or working on locks and keys for motor vehicles, it is better to hire a locksmith right away. There is a high chance of doing damage to your property if you do not have the tools, knowledge, or precise skill to complete the work.
How to Find a Locksmith Near You
Now that you have a great understanding of what locksmiths do and how they can help you, you now need to know how to find an exceptional, professional locksmith near you.
One of the best ways to find a locksmith is to use an online locator. A couple of the most popular options are Find A Locksmith or Auto Locksmith Finder.
Alternatively, you can hire from one of the most popular locksmith companies in the United States:
Additionally, you may consider asking friends or family in the area who have a locksmith to recommend. Your local hardware store may also have great references for professionals. No matter how you hear of your locksmith, it is always important to ensure they have the proper credentials and excellent ratings.