Lost Keys and Lock Out Service
Choosing a good locksmith when locked out can save the day. Shopping around for a good price in these situations is a little tricky. When a customer gets locked out, they often panic. You then need to find a locksmith close by to get a good fast service. You should carefully gather as much information about them. You should rely on licensed locksmith for lost keys and lockout service to provide fast, inexpensive and convenient services.
10 Things To Do Before Hiring a Locksmith
- Find out if they have a physical address. This is imperative. It is estimated that about 92% of the locksmiths that appear on search engine maps don’t actually exist. In fact, the chances of finding a legitimate locksmith in your town are extremely slim. Call around and ask for their retail location, if they can’t give you one, don’t give them your business.
- Ask if they are a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America. This association is the closest way for a locksmith to become licensed. The locksmith should be able to give you their rating and provide some kind of accreditation.
- Ask for a quote over the phone. Legitimate locksmiths should be able to give you a very accurate price over the phone. The locksmith trade is usually very standard and prices do not vary often. If the price over the phone sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Find out if they are driving a company vehicle. Locksmiths require a lot of different tools and parts to do their job properly, so for the most part they will drive something big enough to accommodate all of it. If they show up in a small car, holding a drill, ask them to leave, because chances are they are just going drill your locks and make you break the bank.
- Do not let anyone convince you that your locks are high security. Very few households have ACTUAL high security locks on their doors. If the locksmith claims that your locks are high security and he has to drill them, he is likely not telling the truth. Drilling your locks is a last resort, a legitimate locksmith will try picking and bumping before he drills.
- Inquire about company identification. A professional locksmith should have a uniform, a commercial vehicle and some sort of I.D or business card. If they can’t provide any of these things, watch out!
- Looking for something “bump proof?” Get all the facts first. Yes “bumping” does exist and it most certainly can be prevented, ask about primus cylinders. Don’t be fooled by someone claiming that a lock is bump proof, ask how it works and why it’s bump proof. Most locksmiths are more than happy to explain how it works and it’s not as complicated as you might think!
- Inquire about Master Key Systems. If you are looking to change the keys that operate your business or even your home, a master key system can save a lot of hassle and it’s not expensive. Instead of having multiple keys for multiple doors, it is very possible to have one key fit everything, while each door has its own individual key.
- Pay attention to how your phone call is answered. If your call is answered with a monotonous “locksmith” and nothing more, hang up! They should at least specify the company name when answering the phone.
- Get informed. Scrupulous locksmiths are a nationwide problem and thousands of people just like you have been taken advantage off. This is a large scale problem and it’s not going away any time soon. When it comes to the security of you business or home you need an actual professional who will make sure you are truly secure. Don’t under estimate how important your locks are.
