When to skip the DIY and get a professional locksmith

In recent years, there’s been an uptick in quick-consumption, brightly colored, one-minute videos to help viewers tackle any project on their own. This includes lockpicking your home and car doors, and even safe cracking. While this do-it-yourself content can be helpful overall, it can ultimately, leave you in a situation that’s more trouble than it’s worth. That’s why it’s key to understand when to call in the professionals.

When To Get a Professional Locksmith

<div>Locksmiths are professional contractors who assist homeowners, property management companies, and vehicle owners with lock installations, residential and vehicle lockouts, and home security matters.</div><div> </div><div>Locksmiths are on call for emergencies to assist those locked out of their homes or vehicles after hours, and their services include rekeying home locks and auto locks, installing security systems, creating replacement keys, and opening safes.</div><div> </div>Locksmiths assist with installing brand new locks for home and building owners following break-ins, and they fix broken locks. Besides the standard lock and key systems, professional locksmiths handle the installation of keyless entry systems that include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, keypad, and biometric.

A locksmith is an individual who works with locks, offering services such as key copying, lockout assistance for homes and vehicles, new lock installations, key repair, and lock repair. Locksmiths also assist with the installation of home and business security systems.

Locksmiths are contractors who provide on-call services for homeowners, vehicle owners, and renters. Services include fixing broken locks, opening car doors when keys are locked inside or lost, creating replacement keys, and lockout assistance for individuals locked out of their homes or apartments.

Locksmiths open house and apartment doors in a variety of ways. Trip wires are curved devices utilized to open frozen tumblers, also referred to as door lock pins. Modified hex keys serve as copies of original keys that are used when trip wires don't work, and plastic bypass shims are slid between doorjambs to pop open spring-powered latch bolts.

When car doors cannot be opened due to broken keys, locksmiths first use key extractors to remove the remaining material. For cars with keyless entry systems, a locksmith can reprogram the locks without causing damage. Slim-jim tools are a common tool that locksmiths insert between the car window's weather stripping and glass to open the lock from the inside.

Locksmith charges can vary depending on specific services needed. For example, standard hourly rates typically range between $50 and $100, but specialized services, such as opening safes, can cost up to $400, and lock changing starts at $75 per hour. Trip charges, mileage, and after-hours costs can also affect final pricing.

The average cost for home key unlocking is between $100 and $200. Home lock changing costs approximately $75 per hour, and after-hours charges range between $75 and $125. If homeowners require emergency lockout services, the cost is approximately $100 to $150 per trip.

Car key unlocking charges range between $50 and $100. However, prices can fluctuate depending on vehicle and lock type. Car rekeying costs start at around $50 and can run as high as $300. New key creation costs approximately $10 to $50.

It is neither customary nor required to tip a locksmith. In the event that a homeowner or vehicle owner needs emergency services, offering a tip may be considered polite. However, it's always a good idea to inquire with the business owner or locksmith on duty to ensure tipping doesn't go against company policy.

Professional, experienced locksmiths can generally make new car keys, even when customers do not have the original keys on hand. Customers are required to provide the make, model, and VIN numbers of their vehicles as well as proof of vehicle ownership.

Many locksmiths are experienced with making push-to-start and other smart keys, but it's always a good idea to verify services offered prior to scheduling a service call. In most cases, push-to-start keys can be programmed on the spot as long as vehicle owners provide ownership documentation.

If a customer can provide the specific make, model, and VIN number along with ownership papers, most locksmiths can create keys without the original. When car keys are stolen, a locksmith can also reprogram vehicles to prevent the use of old keys.

Locksmiths carry the appropriate tools to open most types of safes. Locksmiths are trained to open both electronic and traditional safes. In the event of robberies or break-ins that leave the safe lock compromised, a locksmith may be required to replace or reprogram the lock.

In certain cases, locksmiths can rekey house locks, but it's usually recommended to change out the locks, especially if locks are damaged because of vandalism or break-ins. Lock change-outs are usually more cost-effective than rekeying if the customer requires rekeying of more than one lock.

Locksmiths can sometimes create keys from locks, however, it's not always possible due to the fact that built-in security features are in place to prevent key copying. Locksmiths with a knowledge of coding can usually create new keys from locks, but customers must provide proof of ownership of safes, houses, and vehicles before service can take place.

For vehicle locks, a locksmith can create a new key without a copy of the original, but customers must provide documentation that they own the car. Locksmiths can also cut house keys without copies as long as customers follow the same protocols and provide proof of ownership.

To become a locksmith, one must first complete a locksmith training course or work as an apprentice for at least two years, depending on specific state regulations. Certain states require potential locksmiths to take certification exams before they can provide services. Self-employed locksmiths must also obtain business licenses.

On average, locksmiths make between $46,167 and $59,993 per year. However, specific salary amounts can vary depending on factors such as experience, certifications, and the type of services rendered. For example, services such as home security system installs and safe opening cost more than car unlocking, so a locksmith may earn more or less based on their areas of focus.

Most locksmiths are experienced in programming key fobs. Fob services provided include programming, reprogramming, and replacement. Locksmiths can also assist with the repair and replacement of transponder keys. When fob replacements are needed, vehicle owners must provide proof of ownership.

Chula Vista, CA

California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services