Are you more interested in doing your own security work instead of using a qualified locksmith? Think about the value of the property you want secure. Do you think it is worth risking? Use the following advice to find the right locksmith for the job.
Cover locks before you paint a door. If you accidentally get paint on your lock, your key may no longer work. It can take time to cover every lock, but that takes less time than having them change every one.
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.
Try to call the same locksmith every time you are having a problem. It may seem embarrassing, but this is something they are used to. You don’t want to trust too many people with this kind of job, so once you find someone reliable you should give them all of your business.
When a locksmith arrives to help you, ask them if you can see a photo ID. You want to make sure that this person is who they say they are. Some states require locksmiths to have a license. If you are in one of those states, you should ask to see that as well.
Make sure the locksmith you hire is properly licensed and insured. While this may not impact his ability to fix you up a new set of keys, it offers a lot in terms of credibility and trust. Make sure anyone you use is up to date on all the paperwork and as professional as possible.
Before you hire a local locksmith, check your local laws. Many states have regulations in place to protect consumers from fraud and sub-par work. For instance, California mandates licensing. Know how the laws in your area are set up to protect you and make sure that they do! You’ve got too mcuh at stake not to.
Find a locksmith who has current credentials and stays active in learning more about his trade. A locksmith who is up-to-date on technological advances will offer you the best service. This will also help ensure that he isn’t some moonlighter who isn’t concerned about the job.
You can avoid hefty fees by finding a locksmith while they are open for regular business hours. The “after hours” costs of locksmiths varies wildly. In an emergency you’ll have little choice, of course.
It is a bit scary to be locked out of your vehicle in an empty parking lot, but don’t allow a situation like this to cloud your judgement. If you call a locksmith and someone shady shows up, you should let them know that you will not be needing their services after all. Bad signs include lack of licensing, unmarked vehicles and a refusal to hand over an ID.
Always ask a locksmith to show you a copy of his license before he starts working. Legally, locksmiths are required to have a pocket copy of their license with them at all times. If they refuse, call a different locksmith. If they try to charge you just for showing up, contact the police.
Be suspicious of any locksmith who tells you that it is necessary to replace or drill out a lock if you find yourself locked out. Skilled locksmiths will be able to let you in without damaging the lock at all.
It is a good idea to drive over to a locksmith’s place of business before hiring him to do any work on your home. This will give you a good idea of what type of person you are dealing with. Many scammers will give you an address that does not exist, so this can help you weed them out.
Locksmith service calls are more costly after hours. Some locksmiths may charge outrageous fees. You can avoid this scene if you get a quote from multiple locksmiths.
Steer clear of any locksmith who simply uses a generic name for his or her services. Look for a reputable company with a brand name attached. Those generic companies are more likely to be scams, so its best to avoid them all together. Plus, it helps you narrow down the best choice in your area.
Know that you’re going to give someone access to your things and they know how to get into locks. If your instincts tell you no then call a different locksmith. That’s why you need to visit them at their business ahead of time.
DO your research via the Better Business Bureau prior to hiring any locksmith. Your local BBB will likely have the scoop on a lot of community services, especially which ones rank very well with their neighborhoods. This is an excellent place to begin in terms of your locksmith search.
Find out if the company you want to hire has done business under any other names. If they refuse to answer or hedge the question, strike them off your list. If they do give you other names, be wary as they may be changing their name to avoid bad reviews.
Ask what they keep after they do the job. Do they file a copy of your keys with your address? This could cause problems if it is accessible to the wrong people. Determine if this is the case before you hire them.
Once you have a list of possible locksmiths ready, start contacting them. You could begin with an email sent to each with questions you would like answered. Once you choose the answers you prefer, you can meet with them in person to get a feeling for who they are and what they know.
Knowledge is truly power, even when it comes to hiring a locksmith. Even if you only know what is contained in this article, you should no longer struggle with finding a trustworthy professional. That said, turn tips into action and start searching for your new partner in security right away.