Residential locksmiths are vetted professionals who work on homes and keys. They can rekey doors to a single key or replace them altogether. Criminals often case a home before they attempt to break in and the quality of locks is one of their first considerations.
It’s never a good idea to try to gain entry into your home without the help of an expert. Here are a few situations in which you might need to call a residential locksmith:
Losing Your Keys
If you lose your keys, a locksmith can replace them quickly and inexpensively. It’s best to call them as soon as you realise your keys are missing, though, because if you wait too long, someone may have found them and used them to break into your home.
A residential locksmith can also help you prevent losing your keys in the first place. They can install electronic locks and deadbolts, which you can access with a keypad or enter a code. These are perfect for busy homeowners, and they’re typically more secure than regular door knobs or locks.
To keep your keys safe, consider giving a spare to a trusted neighbour, family member or house sitter. If you regularly forget where you put your keys, try to tidy up more often or check places you wouldn’t normally look, such as under couch cushions or in a pile of mail. You could even ask your local locksmith to give you a set of electronic keys that work with your phone to make it harder to misplace them.
Moving Into an Apartment or Existing Home
If you’ve recently moved into an apartment or bought a house, it’s important to make sure that your locks are up to date. Your locksmith can install new locks or rekey old ones to match your keys. They can also advise you on the best security options for your home.
It’s important to hire a certified locksmith. Look for a professional who is registered with a national organization such as the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA). These certifications signify a high level of professionalism and expertise in various types of locks.
If you’re tired of losing your keys or getting locked out of the house, consider upgrading to electronic locks. These operate with a code or fingerprint, making them more secure than traditional locks. Your locksmith can install these for you and give you advice on the best ones to suit your needs. They can also help you choose a keyless door entry system, which uses a card swipe or key pin to open the door.
Damaged Door Locks
Over time, door locks can wear down from regular use. This can lead to problems such as becoming difficult to open or become misaligned. Environmental factors can also contribute to deterioration of metal components and other parts within the lock mechanism. Taking preventative measures and seeking professional help can help to protect your home security and avoid lockouts.
A residential locksmith can provide you with a variety of services, including installing new locks and repair existing ones. They can also perform routine maintenance on your door hardware to keep it functioning properly.
If you notice that your door handle or lock is loose, it’s important to call a residential locksmith right away. The longer you let the problem linger, the worse it will get and the more expensive it will be to fix. You may be able to tighten your door locks by yourself, but if you aren’t a handyman or don’t have the proper tools, it is recommended that you call a locksmith to help.
Broken Keys
Residential locksmiths handle broken keys on a daily basis. The first thing to remember is that excessive twisting and prying at a broken key can break it even more inside the lock. It can also cause damage to the door or window. A good rule of thumb is to always squirt the keyway with lubricant or spray graphite before trying anything else, especially pliers. If the pliers don’t work, it may be time to run to the hardware store and pick up a kit designed just for this type of situation.
It’s also a good idea to replace your key right away if you notice any tiny cracks or breaks on the key. It’s possible these small flaws can allow someone to create a duplicate key. This is particularly important if you live in an apartment or condo building where previous tenants may have access to your home or unit. Taking this precaution is the only way to prevent them from making copies of your key and accessing your property.