Why should I hire a locksmith instead of just doing the job on my own? The fact is that a locksmith knows exactly what they’re doing, meaning they’ll get the job done right. If you do it yourself, you may end up hiring them to fix what you did wrong. For tips and tricks on hiring a locksmith, read on.

When you are painting your house, protect the locks by covering them up. You will have to get a locksmith out if the hole is sealed because you won’t get your key to fit in. It might take a while to cover each lock, but it will save time and expense because you won’t end up having to have the locks changed later.

If you have a key that says “do not duplicate” on it, you can still go to a locksmith and have them make you copies. Many people offer these keys because it encourages you to pay them to get duplicates. Most locksmiths won’t think twice before making you a spare.

Do not let the locksmith begin work until he or she has given you an estimate. Rather than simply getting a verbal estimate, insist that the locksmith write the quote down on paper. This way, you have proof of the number that you were quoted. As long as you agree with the price, work can commence at that point.

Do not use a locksmith who charges more than you expected. You don’t have to deal with a dishonest locksmith because there are many reliable ones out there.

You should prepare yourself even if you don’t really think a locksmith is necessary. Research before you need one and find someone that you can trust. Go ahead and save the locksmith’s number in your cell phone so that you have it in case of an emergency.

If you get locked out of your vehicle, make sure that the locksmith doesn’t block your car in when he gets there. Unscrupulous people will do this in order to get more money from you. Never pay them anything. The best thing to do would be to take note of their license plate and call the police.

Always ask a locksmith if you can see a photo ID before they get started. Do not be offended if they ask you for the same. Any good locksmith will ask for an ID so they know that you are someone who is authorized to enter the home or vehicle in question.

When you call a locksmith company, inquire as to how potential employees are vetted by the administration. It is always good to hear that technicians went through a criminal background check prior to being hired. This should provide you with some peace of mind that the technician that comes out to your location is only there to help you.

If you are looking for a good locksmith, you should ask friends, family and co-workers for recommendations. This is a service that many people use, so it is likely that someone can lead you to the right place. If not, you can try finding someone on a legitimate review site.

If you receive great service from a locksmith, you should keep his number on hand in case you need him again. A very good locksmith is not always easy to find, so it would not be a good idea to discard their information. You will be a lot safer if only once person handles all of your security needs.

When searching for the best locksmith for your needs, try conducting interviews. Most businesses will be happy to introduce you to their professional service people and what they have to offer. Ask questions and check all references. This way you will be certain that you’ve hired only the best when you need them the most.

When you call the locksmith, ask him for a couple of phone numbers belonging to his most recent clients. Talk to a few people to determine their experience with the locksmith. This will not take as long as you think it will, and the extra few minutes you spend will be well worth it if you are able to get someone reputable out to your location.

The next time you are in need of a new lock for your residence, buy one from your local locksmith. They may cost a little more than the ones that you can find at home improvement stores, but the quality is a lot higher. Don’t worry too much about the cost when your safety is at stake.


When you are locked out of your home, a good locksmith should be able to unlock virtually any door. If a locksmith insists on drilling into your door or tells you that the lock needs to be replaced, be wary of the service. Most locks can be opened without damaging your door.

Don’t always believe a locksmith that says they have to replace your lock. 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.

Did your locksmith ask you for identification? If not, they are not on the up and up. Imagine if some criminal called while you were on vacation and that locksmith came and let them into your home! A good locksmith will ensure that you are truly the owner of whatever is being opened.

Always remember that you are allowing entry to your private home to someone with lock picking skills. If you don’t trust them, send them on their way. It is often a good idea to meet the locksmith at their workplace prior to deciding to hire them.

It is important that you ask for recent references from your locksmith. That said, don’t just ask for them, follow up on them! If you don’t call, you’ll never know if the references are good or bad, or if they even exist. You don’t have to call them all, but at least call a few.

Ask if the locksmith has a set fee for common jobs. If so, you probably want this locksmith. If they are hard to get a hold of about all of this, another company should be contacted.


Not every locksmith is on the up and up. Some will perform their job the “easy way”, leaving you with a big mess to clean up. Others won’t have insurance, a license or any experience. Use the advice here to ensure that the professional you hire is truly an expert.