Residential locksmiths keep homes safe by installing, repairing, or replacing locks on doors and windows. They also work with security safes.
Criminals often case a property looking for points of entry and vulnerabilities; broken or malfunctioning locks are an invitation to intruders. This makes it crucial for homeowners to work with a residential locksmith.
Losing or Stolen Keys
A residential locksmith can help you choose the right safe for your home. They can also install it and provide maintenance services for it. This is a great way to keep important items secure and away from prying eyes.
Sometimes, we accidentally lock ourselves out of our homes. This can happen if we rush out to get the mail or grab something out of the car without checking the lock. It could also occur if a child locks themselves in the bathroom or if a key breaks inside the lock.
Residential locksmiths can help you gain entry into your home without causing damage to the door or lock. They can also create new keys for you if you lost yours or they were stolen.
Locked Out
When you’re locked out of your house, a residential locksmith can help. They can unlock the door without damaging your lock or door frame. They can also provide new locks or key duplicates.
One of the best ways to prevent getting locked out is to give a spare key to a friend or family member who is available to let you in when needed. It’s also a good idea to pre-program important numbers into a mobile phone in case of an emergency.
If your landlord keeps you out of the apartment, you can get a court order that allows you back into the property. File this request at the Justice Court, and state your reasons under oath. This is called a Writ of Re-Entry.
Broken Key
When a key breaks inside the lock, it can be difficult to remove without damaging the locking mechanism. Often, the best solution is to have a professional locksmith copy your broken key.
Residential locksmith companies are able to use the full key cut and copy it so that you can open your door using a new key. They may also be able to rekey the lock to make sure that it only works with the new key.
If the break is such that only a small portion of the key sticks out of the lock, try using needle-nose pliers or a magnet to pull it out. If this doesn’t work, there are special tools called “key extractors” or hook extractors that can be inserted into the lock to grab the edge of the broken part.
Moving into an Existing Home
It’s a good idea for brand-new homeowners to consider getting their house locks changed right away. After all, you have no idea who might have a copy of the previous owner’s keys. You should also consider putting in keyless entry systems so that you don’t have to carry around a bunch of keys.
A locksmith who works on residential security systems will be able to install these types of products in your home and help you select the best ones for your situation. In addition, they can advise you on the latest and greatest in home security technology. Many of these products, such as burglar alarms, are highly effective deterrents against intruders. They also offer other residential services such as rekeying and lock repair.
Single-Key Access
Many people are unaware that a locksmith can help them upgrade their home’s security. A professional can advise on a variety of options, such as adding deadbolts and installing security cameras.
Residential locksmiths also can help you install a master key system. This allows top-level maintenance and security staff to access your property with a single key, while keeping lower-ranking personnel from having that level of access.
When choosing a locksmith, find out how long they’ve been in business and ask for references from previous customers. If they’re hesitant to provide these details, move on to another company. Besides having a good reputation, an experienced locksmith should be able to answer all your questions clearly and concisely. Getting your locks changed is important, and you want to work with an expert who can do it quickly and without causing damage.
