Did you know nearly four million home burglaries occur each year? Many of these are through forced entry, which means someone broke windows or picked locks to get inside.
The locks on your door are your first line of defense against theft and home invasion. The same is true of the locks on your car or home. This is where a locksmith comes in.
Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about the different types of locksmith services. Also, learn about how you can find the right local locksmith for your project.
Locksmiths Do More Than Pick Locks
Did you know locksmiths do much more than just pick locks? If you didn’t, you’re not alone. Many people are unaware of the wide range of services offered by their local locksmiths.
Locksmiths are lock and key experts. From repairs and installations to helping you in lockout situations, a locksmith has you covered.
But what falls under each of the different types of locksmith services? We discuss the answer in detail below.
Automotive Locksmith Services
An automotive locksmith works with the locks and keys of your vehicles. If you accidentally locked your keys inside the cab or trunk of your car, you would need to call this type of locksmith.
- A few of the things an automotive locksmith might do include:
- Assist in vehicle lockout situations
- Replace or repair your vehicle’s ignition cylinder
- Create space car keys
- Program key fobs
- Fix or repair the locks on your car’s door
Some automotive locksmiths can help with other car-related lock and key tasks, too. If you have a special request, the best thing to do is call your local locksmith and ask if they can assist you. For example, if you wanted to install a keyless door entry in place of a traditional keyed lock on your vehicle.
Residential Locksmith Services
A residential locksmith works with the locks and keys on your home. This is the kind of locksmith you would need if you locked yourself out of your house. When people think of a locksmith, residential services are often the first thing that comes to mind.
A few examples of what a residential locksmith might do include:
- Assist in home lockouts
- Repair or replace your home’s basic locks
- Repair or replace your home’s deadbolts
- Offer suggestions on additional locks for home security purposes
- Install a peephole in your door
- Create a spare set of keys for your home
- Rekey your home’s locks
A residential locksmith may do other things related to your home’s locks, and each company may offer different services.
Commercial Locksmith Services
A commercial locksmith may perform many of the same services as a residential locksmith. The difference is that “commercial” refers to businesses, while “residential” relates to homes. If you need help with your business’s security or have locked yourself out of the office, you would call a commercial locksmith.
Some of the services a commercial locksmith might offer include:
- Helping you regain entry to your commercial building if locked out
- Repairing or replacing the locks on your business
- Helping you choose more secure locks
- Installing panic bars
- Installing access control systems
- Offering suggestions on how to increase your company’s security measures
If you need other commercial services, it’s best to contact your lock locksmith company. Let them know what you need, and they can tell you if they offer those services. Since each commercial locksmith company may offer slightly different services, call a few different ones if the first can’t do what you need.
Emergency Locksmith Services
Emergency locksmith services can fall under any of the above categories. Any company that offers emergency services has someone on hand around-the-clock.
If you have a lock or key-related emergency after regular business hours, you would need to call an emergency locksmith. You may also require emergency services if the problem you’re having can’t wait, such as in a home or car lockout.
Some Locksmiths Provide Additional Security Services
Some locksmith companies offer additional security services for homes or businesses. Generally, these services are provided for commercial properties.
Since locksmiths focus primarily on security, some companies have decided to include CCTV security systems in their offerings. This means a locksmith company may be able to help you choose, install, repair, or replace the security units at your place of business.
Frequently Asked Questions About Locksmith Services
There are a few questions many people have about the different types of locksmith services. Knowing the answers to these common questions should help you understand what to expect when you need locksmith services.
Can All Locksmith Companies Do All Lock-Related Jobs?
Locksmith companies usually do all four primary services, but that isn’t always the case. It’s essential to verify a locksmith company works in the service area you need. For example, one company may only work with vehicles, while another may only work on commercial projects.
Why Do Emergency Locksmith Services Usually Cost More?
Most locksmith companies charge a small to moderate additional fee on emergency services. Many customers wonder why that is.
The fees associated with emergency services go towards keeping a locksmith on staff around the clock. The convenience offered by emergency services can often cost the company considerably, so they charge a little extra.
What’s the Difference Between Residential and Commercial Locksmiths?
Residential locksmiths work on homes, while commercial locksmiths work on office buildings or similar. The primary difference is that commercial locks tend to be more durable and require additional knowledge.
Why Shouldn’t I Pick My Own Car or Home Lock?
When you attempt to pick a lock yourself, there’s a high risk of damaging the internal mechanisms that make your locks work. Once damaged, the locks may not prevent entry and theft properly. This places your belongings (and possibly your family) at risk.
Why Would I Want to Rekey My Home’s Locks?
There are many reasons you may want to rekey your home’s locks. The term “rekeying your locks” means to change the locks so that new keys can be used with them. The keys that were used initially with your locks will no longer work.
It’s highly suggested you rekey your home’s locks when you first purchase the home. Other times you might want to rekey them include when someone moves out of the house, after a break-in attempt, or if you wish to have one key for all your locks.
How Can You Find the Best Locksmith for Your Project?
Knowing you need a locksmith is only the first step in the process. How can you find the best one for your lock-related project?
Start With a Local Search or Referrals
To find locksmith companies that work in your area, you can use your favorite search engine or ask people you trust for referrals. If you’re using a search engine, type “locksmiths near me” into the query bar.
If you allow Google or another search engine to use your location, you should find a list of locksmith companies that work in your area. Depending on your location, there may be one or a dozen different locksmiths who work in your area.
Cross-Reference Review Sites Online
After you’ve gotten together a list of locksmith companies who work in your area, you should cross-reference them with online review sites. These websites allow previous customers to leave ratings and written reviews of companies they’ve previously used.
Even if you’re in a hurry and need emergency locksmith services, it’s highly recommended you do a quick check of a company’s online reputation. If a company has mostly negative reviews, you don’t want to use them. If a company has mostly positive reviews, you can feel secure in hiring them for your lock-related project.
Check They Provide the Services You Need
You’ll want to check that the company you hope to hire offers the locksmith services you need. This information should be readily available on their website.
Call at Least Two Companies
Although many people choose the company with the lowest prices automatically, checking costs should be one of the last things you do. It doesn’t help to hire a cheaper company if they provide poor service. Once you’ve found companies with positive online reputations, call at least two to get quotes.
Set up an Appointment
Once you’ve found the locksmith company you want to use, call, and set up an appointment. If you need emergency services, make sure to mention that on the phone so the associate you speak with can send some out as soon as possible.
Do You Have More Questions About the Different Types of Locksmith Services?
Locksmiths do much more than picking locks. They provide a range of lock and key-related services for cars, homes, and businesses. Some companies also offer emergency services 24-hours for their customers.
Do you have more questions about the different types of locksmith services? Or do you need to hire a reliable locksmith for your project?
Contact us today. One of our associates would be happy to answer any questions you still have. They can also help you set up an appointment if desired.