What Locksmith Services Are Available?

Have you ever wondered what services locksmiths offer? While the name may seem self-explanatory, they actually do a lot more than just open locks that are missing keys. If you have any sort of issue with your doors, vehicular or in a home, you will need to contact a local locksmith to help.

Common Locksmith Services

Many locksmiths have different specialties, but the vast majority will offer the following services:

Key Cutting

If you have only a single key for something, you will need to get an extra key cut. Key cutting requires precision and care to ensure the end result will work. You should take the new key and try it in the lock. If it doesn’t work, you can go back to the locksmith and they’ll adjust the key to ensure it works.

Extra keys are essential, particularly when it comes to door locks or car locks. You’ll want to have a spare in case you lose the first one or if you have more than one person accessing the lock. Each person will need a key.

Car Lockout Services

Have you locked yourself out of your car? If you left your keys inside the vehicle, it can be very frustrating. It’s far worse if you lost them completely, however! In most cases, a local locksmith can help you out by opening your vehicle for you and replacing lost keys. No one wants to deal with this hassle, but you should have contact info for a locksmith in case you ever need them.

Depending on the locksmith, they may also offer key fob repair and may also program remote keys for you.

Changing Locks

Do you need to change the locks on your house or business? This is something that is best left to a professional, as it can be a little more complicated than it seems. There are several reasons you may need to change locks, including:

Losing the keys: If you don’t have access to spares, you will need to replace the locks so you can use new keys. Even if you do have a spare, someone may find your keys and break into your home.

Someone moved out: Previous renters, an ex-partner, etc. may have a spare key even if they returned the originals to you. This means they could come and go as they like, so you may wish to change the locks.

You moved into a new place: Your new home will need new locks, as the previous owners may still have copies of the keys. Again, this can put you in the position of having someone enter your home at any point without permission.

Your locks are old: Even metal wears down over time and if your locks are not working as well as they once did, it may be time to update them. There are also many newer options available to you. It’s recommended that you replace your locks every seven years.

Installation of Digital Locks

Digital locks use electricity to function and don’t need a physical key to open. Instead, you’ll use a keypad or fingerprint, facial recognition, or even an app on your smartphone. These can add extra security to your home and may even be opened remotely, allowing you to let visitors into the house even when you aren’t there.

Electronic locks may be connected to the grid or they may run off of batteries for those times when the power is out.

Rekeying Locks

In some cases, you may wish to keep your original lock but use a different key with it. Your locksmith may offer rekeying services. This means they will replace the key pins inside the lock to make it fit another key. This may be cheaper than replacing the lock, but if you have a lock that is over four or five years old, it’s simpler to just replace it.

Repairing Locks

In the case of simple locks, it’s rarely worth it to repair them. You should just replace these. However, if you have high security or a commercial or digital lock, you can call the locksmith to come to repair it. These are worth repairing as they are more complex and cost much more to install. Talk to your locksmith about whether you should repair or replace a lock if you’re not certain.

Fitting Locks on Doors and Windows

Security is important and it’s a good reason to look into locksmiths. London and other large cities tend to have more crime, but wherever you live you should focus on ensuring your home is secure. A locksmith can fit locks to your door, of course, but also to your windows. If you don’t currently have locks on your windows, it’s essential to add these. Burglars tend to avoid homes and businesses that require more work to get into, so adding locks will deter them.

Installation of Access Control Systems

An access control system is commonly found in commercial settings, including banks, laboratories, and more. They are electronic locks that require access codes or key cards to open. In many cases, the locks are individually unlocked and the person accessing the space is recorded.

These systems have a central system that controls everything and is used to monitor everything. It may be connected to a dedicated network or an existing network and you may be able to access and control it with a smartphone app. Since it can be complicated to install, you want someone who is well accustomed to how the systems work and how to connect them, particularly if you have multiple doors connected to the system.

Commercial Lock Installation

Do you have a commercial space that you need to protect? It’s a good idea to hire a locksmith to recommend a good lock system for your business. They can provide you with a good, solid system.

Commercial locks may be electronic or they may be manual, but they should be sturdy and resistant to anyone breaking through them. Again, your local locksmith will let you know what your best option is for the specific situation you have.

Safe Opening and Repair

Safes are usually used to keep your belongings or valuables secure. However, if you’ve lost the code to get into the safe or inherited an old safe that no one knows the combination to, you’ll want the help of a locksmith. They can help you get into the safe and retrieve the valuables.

If your safe is not working correctly, a locksmith is also helpful to have. They can repair the safe lock and ensure that it is still secure. They will be able to repair both an old-fashioned safe and the more modern options.

How to Find a Good Locksmith

There are many locksmiths available, so how do you pick the right one? The simplest method is to ask for recommendations. You can ask friends and family for their favourite locksmith, or you can search “locksmiths near me” and check the reviews. In most cases, you’ll find one or two who stand out above the rest.

It’s also important to find a locksmith who offers the services you need. If you are having issues with your car locks, for example, you definitely want a professional with experience in this area. Ask if they have the experience and the equipment to handle the job you have.

Ideally, you’ll find a locksmith before you have an emergency, such as not being able to get into your home or vehicle. Searching for someone qualified at the last minute can be a challenge. You’ll be better off making the contact ahead of time. It’s also helpful to choose a locksmith that provides emergency locksmith services in your area.

Whatever your need, if it involves keys or security locks and access systems, you’ll want a locksmith by your side. They have the experience to turn a bad situation into something much better.

Need a local locksmith? Contact William Channon to book your locksmith services today.