Great locksmiths are essential, but not enough people know how to choose one. Waiting for an emergency is foolish. Read the following article that explains how to screen locksmiths and make sure you’ve always got one on hand when you need it.
Locked outside the house? Don’t agree to replace that lock right away. Locksmiths are able to unlock most doors without replacing any locks. There will always be additional cost involved if locks must be replaced unnecessarily.
When you paint your home, always cover the locks before painting the door. If you seal up the hole by accident, a locksmith will be required. While covering your locks before painting may be a time-consuming task, it’s can prevent the need for a costly locksmith fee later on.
Business Hours
It is possible to get around additional costs by using a locksmith only during regular business hours. Calling a locksmith after normal business hours can cost extra. For example, if you get locked out of your car, the standard cost for the service is about $50; however, after hours this fee can double.
Look at the Better Business Bureau website to find out about a locksmith’s reputation. This will help you to feel more confident with your choice.
Do not use a locksmith who charges more than you expected. There are many other options, and you are never stuck with someone that is being dishonest with you.
Call local locksmiths and identify the one’s that are well established, long-term businesses because these tend to be more stable and trustworthy. You will also want to know how long they have been working in their present location. A company with five or more years of experience servicing a given area is probably a good bet.
Although saving money is always a goal, do not hire a locksmith whose price seems to good to be true. Too low of a price may indicate that they are unskilled. Request quotes from multiple locksmiths and hire one in the middle.
Before hiring locksmiths, be sure to find out how long they’ve been in the business. If it’s been quite a while, they are likely reliable. Many new locksmiths aren’t trustworthy, but too little experience should make you wary.
Never hire a locksmith after only considering one. Call at least three locksmiths before settling on one. This will maximize the quality that you get. After you have determined the going rate, you will be able to make a better decision in hiring a locksmith.
Avoid any locksmith who says it will be necessary to drill your lock out or replace it with a new one. A good locksmith should have the ability to get into your home without damaging the lock, and they should also be able to make you a new key.
Never use locksmiths who charge simply for coming to your home or business. Most locksmiths won’t do that, so it indicates this person is not on the up and up. If they insist on payment when you don’t hire them, call the cops.
A reputable locksmith will be able to offer you a number of services above and beyond changing the lock on your main door. If you’ve been burglarized, for example, ask them to secure the windows. Sometimes, they may be able to assist with the alarm system.
If there is a problem with the work being performed, it is important that you let the company know right away. If you wait, you may not get the customer service that you were hoping for. Speak with consumer protection if the company will not work to fix issues.
Find locksmiths that have been around for long periods of time. If they’re new, try to ask for references from previous customers. Do an Internet search for them to see if online reviews exist.
Complaints Filed
Speak with the police department if you can to see if the locksmith company has had any complaints filed against them. They may be provided to you for free or you may need to pay for a police search. If they do have complaints filed, it’s best to choose a different locksmith.
Determine what they keep once the job is finished. For instance, are they keeping a duplicate of your key? This can be a big security breach if the wrong person got a hold of it! Ask the locksmith before he starts the job; you’ll feel more secure.
Having a qualified locksmith available will help you in lockout situations. You can avoid having to wait for hours and spend a lot. Either way, you know the best characteristics for a locksmith and have his number in your phone. Use these tips to keep yourself from being locked outside.
