What Factors Influence the Cost of Locksmith Services?

Sooner or later, you'll likely need a locksmith. While it may not be a service you count on regularly if you get locked out of your home or car, you need to replace or rekey a lock, or you need a safe installed, you'll likely call a locksmith.

When the time comes for you to call a Chicago locksmith, it's a good idea to understand what factors will influence the cost of locksmith services. Here are a few factors that will be taken into consideration when determining the cost.

The Actual Service

You may only think of locksmiths helping you get into your car or home when you've been locked out. However, a locksmith provides many other services, such as rekeying locks, replacing doors, key duplication, safe installation, and more.

When you hire a locksmith, the type of service you require will be the starting point for determining the cost. The same amount won't be charged for opening a jammed lock compared to installing a new door or safe in your home. The skills needed, along with the time necessary for the service will help to determine the cost you will pay.

Type of Lock

One of the biggest factors in the cost of locksmith services is the type of lock. A complex lock will take longer to access and may cost more than a simple lock. With the massive selection of locks on the market today, it's necessary for locksmiths to determine the cost of their services based on the time and skill they will need to invest.

Mortise locks, high-security locks, and interchangeable core cylinder locks won't come in at the same cost, as they are all a bit different. Your locksmith will need to know the type of lock they are dealing with before they can provide an estimate of the cost.

Location

When a locksmith comes to your home, your car, or your office, they will charge a specific fee based on how far they have to drive. Some locksmiths have a flat, built-in fee for a specific service area and will charge extra for any job outside of their service area. Hiring a local Chicago locksmith will help keep the cost lower if they don't have to travel as far to get to you.

Time of Day, Day of the Week

Some locksmiths charge an additional fee depending on the time of the day or the day of the week. Usually, this will apply to any emergency services, as simply having a lock installed or rekeyed may be a service you can schedule during regular business hours.

The cost of locksmith services will likely be higher on weekends, holidays, and after business hours. Make sure you ask if there's a fee for requesting services during these times.

Demand or Availability

Locksmiths work on a first-come, first-serve basis. Even though they may set appointments for non-emergency jobs, they won't leave a job because you have an emergency. Choosing a company offering locksmith services compared to an individual locksmith is a good idea.

Not only will you avoid paying extra due to an individual locksmith being in high demand, but you may also receive a faster response. Most locksmith companies have a team of locksmiths, which means if one isn't available, another will likely be available to help you.

When it comes to the cost of locksmith services, it really comes down to the location of the job, the complexity of the job, the skills necessary, the time of day/week, and the availability of the locksmith. Make sure you ask what fees you can expect up-front before you hire a locksmith or you may be surprised by something you didn't expect.

How can a locksmith improve my home security?

Typically people think to call the locksmith only when they need out of a jam. You can actually call a locksmith to help you with improving your home security. Just like when you see the doctor for preventative care, you can have a locksmith come help with preventative security threats to your home.

While a locksmith is the one to call when you’ve lost your keys or need to change the locks to your home, you can also call them to replace your window locks, to reinforce the door, and to get a security system installed. Take a look at these reasons and more your locksmith is going to help you improve your home security.

Reinforce your door

One thing that your locksmith can do to start off your efforts of improved home security is to reinforce your door. It’s possible that an intruder could kick in your door and it’s how many people end up with an intrusion. Don’t allow a criminal to kick in the door by reinforcing it with a professional locksmith.

Installing a deadbolt and high-security lock

Now that your doors are more secure like when the house was first built, you could install a deadbolt that will ensure it’s extremely difficult to break-in. just the presence of a deadbolt will convince a criminal to go elsewhere. Deadbolts will decrease the chances of a thief gaining entry, along with your reinforced door. They also can’t be pried open with a card.

You could also use this as a chance to install high-security locks. Getting locks on the door that can’t be picked at or drilled will give you peace of mind and decrease the threat of a break-in. Make sure to have a professional locksmith help with you both of these services.

Smart locks and cameras

Use the latest technology to your advantage. Smart locks are a great way to improve your home security. These are great for homes and offices and will come with a motion sensor camera that will detect the tiniest movements and alert you. Get a smart lock with a camera on the front door.

While you are getting security cameras, make sure you put a sign up to show criminals they will be filmed if they attempt anything. If something were to happen, you’d have video evidence and you would be able to watch a smart device from inside the home or another location as long as you have an internet connection.

Replace your window locks

While you’re reinforcing the doors, installing new locks, and setting up your security cameras, you should also keep in mind that windows can be a vulnerable place for an intruder. Your window locks can wear down over time so it’s important to replace them as needed. If there is a damaged window lock, an intruder may find it as they are attempting any way to get into your home. A locksmith can get these installed for you once you’ve chosen the option you want.

Minimalize your keyring

Lastly, having so many keys can feel overwhelming, especially on your keychain that you use all day. Getting one key to fit all is a great way to simplify your life and have everything you need on you. A locksmith can do a rekeying of all of your locks to have it so that it only requires one key to get inside the home. You won’t have to worry about forgetting a certain key and you’ll have a lighter keychain too. One key could open your front door, your shed, and more.

Call a professional locksmith today to get some of these preventative measures done on your home and you’ll have peace of mind like never before.

Does Every Locksmith Provide the Same Type of Service?

When you think of a locksmith in Chicago, you probably think of someone to help you get into your house or car when you're locked out. While a locksmith can certainly provide emergency lockout services, they provide much more.

Are all locksmiths created equal? No.

Do they all provide the same services? No.

Can any locksmith get you into your car or home when you're locked out? Yes.

You're not wrong to think a locksmith is there to help in an emergency. However, it's a good idea to understand the many other services provides by a professional locksmith.

Basic Services Locksmiths Provide:

Along with helping you get into your car, home, or office when you're locked out, a locksmith will also:

• Duplicate Keys

• Install Locks

• Replace Locks

• Install Lock Accessories, such as a Latch Guard

• Rekey a Lock

Most locksmiths will provide all of these basic services, along with any other service having to do with a key or a lock.

Additional Services Some Locksmiths Provide

Not all locksmiths provide more than basic services. However, when you choose a locksmith, such as The Professional Locksmith, you can use them for much more than just emergency locksmith services.

Along with the basic services, a good locksmith will also provide:

• Safe Installation

• Security Camera Services

• Intercom Installation and Intercom Repair

• Iron Gate Repair & Security

• Building Management Services

• And More!

Some of these more specialized services allow your locksmith to do more for you. Whether you need a locksmith for commercial or residential needs, the right locksmith will do more for you than just help you get into your car, home or office when you're locked out.

Locksmiths that Specialize

While some locksmiths only work on automobiles, homes, or buildings, others cover everything. There's nothing wrong with a locksmith specializing in providing emergency lockout services or rekeying services. However, you gain many benefits by choosing a locksmith with the ability to do more for you than just help in an emergency.

When you choose a locksmith with the ability to provide multiple services, some of which don't even include a lock, you'll be able to get more done from someone you trust.

It's best to choose a locksmith that knows how to do everything you need. Some locksmiths don't deal with specific types of keys, and they cannot make security recommendations for you. Whether you're running a business or just need help with a lock at home, choosing the right locksmith will make a difference.

Not Sure, Just Ask

When it comes to finding the right locksmith for your needs, even if you don't see the service listed on their website, ask if they provide it. Locksmiths, such as The Professional Locksmith, have the ability to provide several services other locksmiths may not provide. If you ask, you might just find exactly what you're after.

When it comes down to it, the answer to the question, does every locksmith provide the same services, is simply, No! Some locksmiths do more than others and it's a good idea to know what a locksmith can provide before hiring them, especially if you think you'll need more than just a simple service.

Top 3 Benefits of Using a Mobile Locksmith Service

It's not uncommon for people to never think about a locksmith until they need one. Usually, this happens when you're stranded on the side of the road or in a parking long and your keys are dangling in the ignition of your car, but the doors are locked. This is the time when you start thinking about your locksmith needs.

When there's an emergency and you cannot get into your car, home or office, you need the best mobile locksmith service in Chicago. There are several significant benefits to a mobile locksmith service that you gain. Not only will they be able to help you any time of the day, but they also tend to respond very fast when you need them the most.

If you're in need of a locksmith, or you're just planning for the possibility of needing one in the future, it's important to understand the benefits of a mobile locksmith service. Here are three of the best benefits.

24/7 Availability

Emergencies happen at the wrong time of day. Maybe you don't normally stay out late, but you decided to one night. Of course, this would be the once in a blue moon time that you locked your keys in your car and you can't get home.

Mobile locksmith services in Chicago are available 24/7 making it possible to get the help you need, no matter the time of day or day of the week. You get the immediate help you need without any need to panic.

Fast Response Time

One of the biggest benefits of a mobile locksmith service is the fast response time. Since they are mobile, they are usually out and about on other jobs. This means they can quickly get to you without any issue. In fact, you may get lucky and they could be right down the road from you when you call.

A mobile locksmith can respond very quickly when you have an issue with your office keys, home keys or car keys. They will arrive as fast as possible to get your life back to normal.

Service All Locations

Since these locksmiths are mobile, they can service any location in Chicago. It doesn't matter where you're stranded, a mobile locksmith can help. With the ability to go wherever they are needed, these locksmiths are a bit like superheroes.

Along with these three major benefits, mobile locksmiths come with the right tools and they provide incredible professionalism. They have every tool they need to help you right in the vehicle they are driving. This means they don't have to go back to an office to make a key or to get the right part or tool.

When you call the right mobile locksmith service, you'll get a trained professional ready to handle your issue immediately. These are just a few of the many benefits you gain from a mobile locksmith. With the fast response times, 24/7 availability and ability to service all locations, you'll be back to normal in no time.

Essential Locksmith Tools - What the Pros Use

Are you thinking about setting up your own locksmith’s kit for the next time you accidentally lock yourself out of the house or car? You’ve probably tried some of the classic techniques like opening a lock with a credit card or hairpin, but now you’re ready to get some actual locksmith supplies.

Having your own locksmith tools can help you the next time you’re in a jam or you don’t have access to a phone to call a professional locksmith. Take a look at what the professionals use so you can pick up a few of the essentials for your collection.

A hook

A hook is a handy tool to have next time you need to pick your lock and don’t want to rely on a paperclip. It has many uses, allowing you to use it upside down or use it for a “bitch” pick. It offers a great deal of diversity for single pin picking and other uses.

Scope

Be sure to pick up a hand-held scope to help you when working in tight spaces or handling tiny parts. The scope helps you when you’re adjusting something tiny to make sure you’ve done it right. Keep one at home and in your car.

The Rake

Whether you go with a City rake or a Bogata rake, these are handy locksmith’s tools that are the most popular for a personal collection. The City rake or an L rake looks like a saw blade, giving the look of a city skyline. Since the blade works like a saw, it can be used in a rocking motion in the keyway to act like the bitting on the key.

Many beginners choose the Bogota rake because it’s used the standard way where you’d move the tool in and out of the keyhole quickly. Sometimes the keyhole can’t accommodate a rake, but it’s good to at least have a Bogota on hand.  

Key Extractor

If you end up with a broken piece in your key slot, a key extractor is going to help you get the jammed key out smoothly. You’ll need this to remove a foreign object stuck in your key slot. This can happen by accident or from an attempted theft, but locksmiths always keep this tool on hand.

Installation Templates

When it comes to installing a new lock system, an installation template is the way to go. They help you get the holes for the drilled done correctly instead of trying to guess where to drill. It will save you time and the potential of damage.

Tension Wrench

 A tension wrench is a biggie for locksmiths. While you can technically pick a lock without one, it makes it much easier and faster with a tension wrench. You won’t find yourself worrying about staying steady when doing work or having to start over again, just use the tension wrench to stop any unwanted movement. Much of a locksmith’s work requires a tool that will make things a bit easier to do. The tension wrench is the locksmith’s favorite tool.

Lock Pick Guns

A lock pick gun is another winner that you’ll want in your essentials kit. It goes much faster than manually picking the lock and it’s safe for the lock if you are trained in using it properly. You’ll find them today with features like externally powered electronics parts too.

For the Car

Be sure to stock the car with a few essentials that will help you when you need it with your vehicle. One of the worst things that can happen to a vehicle owner is to lock their keys inside the car, and if you aren’t able to reach a locksmith, it can be a lifesaver to have a few tools on hand to be able to help yourself. 

Locksmiths are going to use tools like Slim Jims, wedges, automotive lock picks, long reach tools, and auto jigglers to help with a variety of vehicles and issues. Be sure to have these on hand to help you get back into your vehicle in an emergency.

What tools does a locksmith use? These are some of the things the pro’s use that you may want to have in your essentials kit. What better way to feel more secure than to buy your own professional locksmith tools and to have on hand the same supplies the professionals use?

When to Call a Professional Locksmith

If you’ve ever been locked out of the house or left your keys in the car, you’ve probably scrambled to call a friend or loved one that you’ve left a spare key with. Did you know that in those situations, you can easily call for help?

There are times when you really should call a professional, especially when you find yourself in an emergency. Sometimes keys break, locks break, or keys get lost. It’s times like these when a professional locksmith can be there to help you out of a stressful situation. 

Call when you’re in an emergency

The most important time to call is if you have a locksmith emergency. You need to pick up the phone right away if you find yourself locked out of your home, car, or office. Other emergencies could be that your key broke in the lock, your lock isn’t working right, or there has been a break-in and you need to change the locks. In the event of an emergency, call a locksmith to help you get back to safety, whether that’s back into your home at night or back into your car on the way to work in the morning.

Call if you’ve just moved in

When you buy a new home or other property, you’re handed over the keys to the new-to-you place. After this exciting moment, it’s time to call the locksmith to get those locks updated and to get you a brand new, shiny key. That’s because the last owner could still have access to your home or vehicle, or other people who have been given a key for any reason could as well.

If you were to move out of an apartment, your landlord would have the locks changed after you, so why shouldn’t you do the same when you take ownership of something? In addition to the last owner having a copy, anyone from a friend to the person who performed an inspection of the property before selling could have been given a copy. Make sure you have new locks and keys, and that only you and anyone you choose can have a copy and access to the property.

For a change of locks, duplicate keys needed or wearing locks

The other times when you’ll definitely want to call a locksmith would be when you simply need a change of locks for any reason, you need to have duplicate keys made, or if you’ve seen signs that your lock is getting old.

For example, couples that split up in divorce or if you’ve left a key at a friend’s house are good examples of times when you may simply need to change your lock, and a professional locksmith can have it done in no time.

If you’ve added to your family and need extra keys made, your locksmith can handle this as well. And after years of wear and tear on your locks, you should update the locks when you notice signs of wear and tear. These are more examples of times to call your locksmith.

Don’t hesitate to call a professional locksmith thinking that your situation isn’t severe enough to call or that you should just rely on a friend; call in situations like these or with any questions that a professional locksmith can answer for you. Your family’s safety is their top priority.

How to Avoid Locksmith Scams

Do you worry about running into a locksmith scam next time you need to call one? You should be worried if you don’t know what to look for. Many people don’t realize that locksmith scams are common and they are easily avoidable by being informed.

This year, it’s important to know what types of scams someone may try on you so that you can notice when something doesn’t feel right. Use these tips, like looking for a licensed locksmith company and inquiring about pricing, to make sure you avoid common locksmith scams next time you need one.

Get a quote and watch for extra charges

One of the ways to avoid a scam is to make sure a company can give you a quote and be transparent about when extra charges may come up.  If possible, compare a few quotes so that you can see which ones are too high and which ones are reasonable.

If a quote does seem a bit high, it could be due to the job. The reason for the high prices is getting a service at your home rather than getting help from a store. You’re paying for the tools, the time, the transportation, the licensing costs, the continued training, and the skill of that professional.

Extra charges may come in to play and it’s important that a locksmith is transparent about that possibility. It’s common to pay for after-hours assistance, extra mileage, or service call minimums. Be sure to ask for a quote and what extras may come into play, since a professional locksmith would be happy to answer your questions about the intended repair.

A scammer would refuse to answer questions or may try to charge you for things unfairly after the job was done without quoting you for it in advance. Scammers also like to tell you the entire lock system needs to be replaced, charging you for a replacement part that is low-quality and unnecessary.

Scammers aren’t local and aren’t licensed

You’ll want to make sure you’re hiring a legitimate locksmith with proper licensing and identification. Look out for companies that are vague on the phone, don’t offer details like the name of the company, their local address, or a website, and use an 800 number rather than a local number that could actually be a call center.

A legitimate locksmith would answer the phone with identification, and be able to provide proof of their licensure and ID in person or online. In many states, it’s illegal to advertise these services without proper credentials. You can trust a locksmith that arrives in a company car rather than an unmarked car and actually asks for your ID to make sure you are unlocking a home or car that really belongs to you.

Look for these guys if you want quality, professional locksmith services!

Other Red Flags

There are certain details that you may feel uneasy about that are likely red flags to steer clear of this company. Did they answer the phone “locksmith services” instead of mentioning their company name? Are they able to provide ID or did they arrive in an unmarked car? If they insist on cash only, it’s their way of avoiding having you dispute the charge later when you realize this is a scam.

Did they insist on drilling out the lock and insisting on a replacement rather than bringing the proper tools to unlock the door? Are you struggling to find their address on their website or on google? Look for red flags such as these that may tell you to call someone else.

Use this guide to make sure you are working with legitimate locksmiths and avoiding any of the common scams that have fooled so many in recent years.

What do Avoid doing when locked out of your house

Do you know what to do when locked out of your house? Getting locked out of your home isn't fun. It's a frustrating situation and may lead you to do something you shouldn't do. There are certain things you should do when you get locked out and other things you should avoid doing. Here are five things you never want to do when you get locked out of your home.

Kick in the Door

It may be tempting to kick in your door, but it's a bad idea. First, this isn't like the movies or TV shows and you'll likely hurt yourself trying to kick in the door. There's a reason why police officer use a battering ram when they need to get in.

Second, if you do successfully kick in the door, it will probably need to be replaced. You'll likely cause damage to the door and the frame of the door. It's best to keep your anger under control and avoid trying to kick in the door. If you do, however, we also offer door installation in Chicago!

Break the Doorknob

If you want to cause yourself more headaches and more frustration, go ahead and break the doorknob. This means you'll need to replace it and it will likely cost you more than it should to get out of this jam. It's best to leave the doorknob alone so that you don't have to pay for a replacement.

In addition, if you break the doorknob, you'll probably damage the door and possibly the frame of the door. It could require an entirely new door, which will cost you far more than just calling a local locksmith in Chicago.

Pick the Lock

You're not an expert and just because others on TV can pick a lock with a paper clip doesn't mean you can. It's more likely that you'll damage the door lock and may even make it impossible to get a key into it. You may end up needing a replacement door lock due to your genius idea to pick the lock.

Break a Window

It's not necessary to break a window in order to get into your home. If you make this decision, you'll have to hire someone to replace your window. It will cost you more than you think and if it's an older window, you'll have one newer window to go with your home full of older windows.

Freak Out

There's no sense in freaking out if you've locked yourself out. Where there is a problem, there's also a solution. You don't need to freak out if you're locked out of the house. Instead, call The Professional Locksmith and let us help you get back into your home.

After you've gotten back into your home, consider having The Professional Locksmith help to keep this problem from happening again. How to prevent getting locked out again:

• Go keyless with smart locks requiring a code to get in instead of a key.

• Have a lock box hidden with a code to get in and put an extra house key in it.

• Get extra keys made and give them to close family members or friends.

Once you've been rescued, you can make one of these changes to ensure you don't have to worry about getting locked out again. Even if you do find yourself locked out again without a spare key, The Professional Locksmith is always just a phone call away!

Most Common Locksmith Scams for 2017

When you hire a locksmith, the last thing you are thinking about is if you are going to be scammed by a company. Your thoughts are all about getting the job done, getting you out of a bad situation when you’ve lost your keys, or getting set up in a new home where you are moving in. For someone that has been trying to get home from traveling and is arriving exhausted and hungry, the worst thing that can happen is to try to open the door with a suitcase in tow just to find that your keys are missing.

Calling a locksmith is supposed to be a solution to these stressful, unexpected situations, which makes locksmith scams one of the worst feelings imaginable. Take a look at how you can protect your home, your family, and your wallet from these common locksmith scams that you may run into this year.

Identity theft

You already worry about identity theft every time you swipe your credit card or have to submit personal information, but do you also have to worry about when working with a locksmith? Watch out for this scam this year when it comes to locksmiths because now customers can be deceived into giving out personal information that can be sold or used by a criminal later.

Companies may do a great a job and charge an appropriate price, but after the service, they may sell your personal information. Look for a reputable locksmith with great reviews and verify their license before hiring them for the job.

Getting overcharged

Did you find a locksmith charging especially low prices as a one-time special? When you find a locksmith with unbelievably low rates, it’s a good sign that you may end up in a bait and switch situation. What happens is that a locksmith will attract new customers with a really low rate, and by the end of providing service, the price will have increased to 400 or 500% more than the original quote.

While the job got done and you are back in your home safe and sound, you are going to end up overpaying a company that you specifically chose for that low price. Don’t fall for a low price scam, and be willing to pay a reasonable price with a company that quotes you appropriately from the start.

New handle needed

Watch out this year for locksmiths that pull this trick on you. Some locksmiths will try to tell you that the only way to get into your home is that they will have to break the handle or wrench it off, when in fact, it wasn’t necessary. Then, you’ll end up overpaying for the services and the replacement when it wasn’t even needed.

You may fall for this trick and pay for the work and the parts that weren’t needed and not realize until later that you could have avoided the whole ordeal with the right locksmith. You should never have to deal with a locksmith that arrives with incorrect tools for the job, like a drill, rather than the standard tension wrench and lever pick. Look for a reputable locksmith that won’t suggest outlandish methods of getting back into your home.

Only accepting cash

Along with the scam of overpaying, you may run into a locksmith that demands a cash only payment. They are really scammers who arrive posing as locksmiths, do the job to “fix” the lock, and then ask for cash only rather than another form of payment. This is a good sign that it’s a scam because the scammer doesn’t have to worry about you disputing the charge later or realizing they aren’t a licensed and legit company.

Make sure to ask a locksmith a few questions before hiring them, such as a price estimate, how they plan to get into the house, where they are located, and whether they would need to use a drill or what could cause the price to vary. These questions will help you avoid being scammed this year when you need a locksmith during a stressful situation.

Call the very reputable The Professional Locksmiths for all your Chicago Locksmith needs!

The Professional Locksmith Welcomes You

Recently, we jumped feet first into a new venture and opened The Professional Locksmith. As close partners with The Professional Moving Specialists in Chicago, we have been able to instill the same customer satisfaction qualities into our team at The Pro Lock.

A founder with plenty of experience and the right qualifications only take you so far. We understand your need, as the customer, for prompt, reliable service. Our team of dedicated locksmiths will ensure you get the best service possible as we build our reputation as the most trusted locksmith in Chicago.

Our Founder

Avishay, the founder and president of The Professional Locksmith, brings over a decade of experience to the business. He has been known as one of the top choices for locksmith needs in Chicago. As a Certified Registered Locksmith and former military soldier, he understands the need for reliability and honesty.

Whether you're in need of locksmith services for your home or business, Avishay will make sure you receive prompt and reliable service.

Partnering with The Professional Moving Specialists

The Professional Locksmith is an extension of The Professional Moving Specialists with the ability to work all throughout the Chicago area. The Professional Moving Specialists have received over 600 reviews on Yelp with a 4.5 out of 5 star rating. Over 500 customers have provided a 5-star rating since 2007.

These same great reviews will be the benchmark for The Professional Locksmith. With the same type of customer service focus, you now have a great locksmith you can trust in the Chicago area.

Providing Quality Locksmith Services

Our new venture is now underway and we are ready to serve you. With an experienced founder, great principles and the goal of becoming the most trusted Chicago locksmith company, we will help you in your time of need.

Whether you're locked out of your car or home, need new locks installed or just need an old lock rekeyed, we're here to help.