Residential Locksmith service FAQ

Residential Locksmith - we open doors for you

1. What services do residential locksmiths provide?

   • Residential locksmiths offer a range of services including lock installation, repair, and replacement, key duplication, rekeying, emergency lockout assistance, security system installation, and maintenance.

2. How do I know if I need to change my locks?

   • You may need to change your locks if they are old, damaged, or if you've experienced a security breach such as a break-in, lost keys, or a change in occupancy. It's also advisable to change locks when moving into a new home for added security. Basically, if you're ever not sure how many keys are unaccounted for, rekeying your locks would be a good idea.

3. What should I do if I'm locked out of my house?

   • If you're locked out of your house, it's best to call a reputable residential locksmith for assistance. They have the tools and expertise to safely and efficiently gain entry to your home without causing damage to the locks or door. It is always a god idea to get a quote over the phone, and quotes can vary greatly, so its a god idea to shop around. Make sure you get a firm quote which any honest locskmith should have no problem providing.

4. Can a locksmith help with broken or jammed locks?

   • Of course, thats what I do! Locksmiths are trained to repair broken or jammed locks. They can assess the issue and either repair the existing lock or replace it if necessary.

5. How can I improve the security of my home's locks?

   • You can improve the security of your home by installing high-quality locks, upgrading to smart locks with advanced features, reinforcing door frames and hinges, installing deadbolts, and ensuring proper key management.

6. What's the difference between rekeying and replacing locks?

   • Rekeying involves changing the internal mechanism of the lock so that it works with a new key, while keeping the existing lock hardware. Replacing locks involves removing the entire lock and installing a new one. As far as key management goes and eliminating the existance of unaccounted keys, there is no difference betwen the two. Rekeying locks is the more economical way to go.

7. How do I choose the right type of lock for my home?

   • The right type of lock depends on factors such as your security needs, budget, and door type. A locksmith can assess your requirements and recommend the most suitable lock, whether it's a traditional deadbolt, smart lock, or a combination of both. Contach or call and I;d be happy to advise.

8. Can a locksmith make spare keys for all types of locks?

   • For the most part, yes, an experienced locksmiths can make spare keys for a wide range of locks, including traditional pin-tumbler locks, high-security locks, and smart locks. There are restrictred keyways that might be restricted to the locksmith who installed the locks. As well as inventory limitations on older keys and locks which might make it easier replacing the lock alltogether.

9. What should I do if I've lost my house keys?

   • If you've lost your house keys, it's advisable to have your locks rekeyed or replaced to prevent unauthorized access to your home. Contact a locksmith as soon as possible to address the issue. If you're locked out, I would be able to both open your house and rekey your locks on the same call.

10. Are smart locks a good option for residential properties?

    • Smart locks offer convenience and enhanced security features such as remote access, activity logs, and integration with home automation systems. However, it's essential to choose a reputable brand and ensure proper installation to maximize security. Personally I love the smart locks on my airbnb unit which allow me to program codes in for tenants remotely, as well as erase them once there stay is over. Not having to carry around keys with you is also a nice bonus IMHO.

11. How often should I have my home's locks inspected or serviced?

    • It's recommended to have your home's locks inspected and serviced annually by a qualified locksmith to ensure they are in good working condition and provide adequate security. Or at least spray a little lubricant in the key hole and on the bolt and latch 1-2 a year. I carry Tri-Flow and Houdini lubricants, which are widely accepted in the industry as the standard.

12. What steps can I take to prevent lockouts in the future?

    • To prevent lockouts, consider installing a keyless entry system, keeping spare keys in a secure location, practicing good key management habits, and scheduling regular maintenance for your locks. I offer locksboxes which are fairly small but very secure, especially when they're screwed on to an out of sight part of exterior wall or fence.

13. Do locksmiths offer emergency services outside of regular business hours?

    • In Buffalo there seems to be a lack of locksmiths offering 24/7 emergency services to assist with lockouts, break-ins, and other urgent lock-related issues. As a one man show, I can't always be available but more often than not, I will be available no matter the time of night.

14. Can a locksmith help with securing windows and other entry points?

    • Yes, locksmiths can install window locks, patio door locks, and other security devices to secure additional entry points in your home, enhancing overall security.

15. What should I do if I suspect someone has unauthorized access to my home?

    • If you suspect unauthorized access to your home, contact a locksmith to assess your locks and security system. Consider changing your locks and enhancing security measures to prevent future breaches. Additionally, you may want to notify local authorities if you believe your home security has been compromised.   

16. Can I get all my locks rekeyed to the same key? Should I?​​​​

    1. For locks be rekeyed to the same key, they need to have the same keyway. The keyway is the shape of whole the key enters. So if you can take the same key and simply slide it into all the locks, the can all be keyed to the same key. If you can't then some locks would have to be replaced if you'll want them all on the same key. Now, the way I see it, the only reason to have different keys is if you forsee occurances where you want a person to have access one area but not the other. So, if the door all lead to the same area, one key would be the most convenient. If teh doors go to separate areas, then it depends on your situation. In some owner occupied double family houses, I've installed a simple and economical master key system where both the owner and tenant had one key, but the owner's key worked both his unit, the exterior door and the tenant's unit. The tenant's key however worked all door but the owner's. There are a lot of possibilties as far as keying locks and master key systmes.     ​​

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