There are a lot of locksmiths practicing all over the United States. No matter where you live, there is probably at least one in your area. After all, everybody is in need of locksmith services once in a while. But despite how common it is to stumble across one of these professionals on your daily commute or shopping trips, so many people do not know much about locksmiths. In fact, despite how important locksmiths are, very few individuals ever give them much thought. But we are hoping to change that with our educational blogs. Check out our guide to locksmith services and locksmiths in general below!
What Is a Locksmith, Anyway?
A locksmith is a professional who specializes in security and safety. They work with many types of locks, including car locks and house locks. In addition, they also offer services related to keys and security systems. There are several subcategories of locksmiths. Emergency locksmiths are there to help when you have an after-business-hours crisis. Commercial locksmiths assist businesses. Residential locksmiths do things around your home. And finally, car locksmiths provide services for automobiles.
Common Locksmith Services
Some locksmith services are less common than others. Transponder key reprogramming, security system installation, master key creation, and car lock rekeying are more specialized. But the following services are offered by nearly every locksmith:
1. Lock Installation
At some point or another, a home needs new locks. Perhaps the old hardware broke, or it is outdated. Or, as is often the case, a homeowner experienced a burglary and would like to add enhanced security measures to their dwelling. Locksmiths specialize in lock installation and replacement to ensure everyone can feel safe inside of their homes.
2. Lockout Assistance
Have you ever locked yourself out of your home? That is a terrible feeling when you reach into your pocket and realize that your key isn’t there. If you are stuck outside of your home, a locksmith can help. These professionals travel to your location and use special tools to unlock your door without harming the lock.
3. Broken Key Extraction
Many people do not realize that keys do not last forever. Old keys are at a high risk of breaking while in use. Maybe you are turning the car key in the ignition. Or perhaps you are trying to unlock the door after a long day of work. In the middle of these actions, a worn key could easily snap and lodge itself into a lock, rendering it useless. Thankfully, locksmiths have special key extraction tools that they can use to remove broken hardware.
4. Broken Lock Repair
Depending on how old your hardware is, sometimes it is possible to repair a broken lock rather than replace it. If that’s the case, a locksmith will be able to do so. This is sometimes more cost-effective than replacing the lock.
5. Lock Rekeying
Say that you just kicked an ex or family member out of your home, and you aren’t sure whether they made copies of your keys. Or maybe you lost a key or had one stolen. In situations like these, it is not always necessary to replace your locks. A locksmith can rekey them instead. This service involves replacing cylinders or pins inside your existing locks, then creating new keys to fit the pattern. This is usually a cheaper option because you do not have to pay for new hardware.
6. Key Duplication
Keys are hard to keep track of. They are small, and thus they can slip into obscure hiding spaces, never to be seen again. If you’re always losing keys, don’t worry. Locksmiths can make perfect replicas of nearly any key! That means you’ll always have one when you need it.
How Much Do Locksmith Services Cost?
Now you know about common locksmith services. But that’s not all you need to know! Let’s also address the costs of hiring a locksmith. Locksmiths generally charge between $75 and $250 for their services. Prices may go up if you call their business for an emergency that does not fall within their business hours.
Get the Best Locksmith Services In Cali!
Now that you have read through this blog, you should have a good understanding of what a locksmith is and how these professionals can assist you. When you find yourself in need, you’ll know who to call. If you are located in San Diego and surrounding areas, you can rely on the team at Pro Locksmith. Contact our team today for the best services in Cali!