Residential locksmith services are the people you call when you need help with your home’s locking mechanisms. These professionals are trained to work on these types of systems and have a wealth of knowledge about their function and use.
Door locks aren’t immune to metal fatigue and wear, and sometimes a key can break inside the lock. A residential locksmith can rekey the lock or replace it completely to prevent unwanted access into your home.
Lockouts
Lockouts are one of the most common reasons people call residential locksmith services. Getting locked out of the house can be an embarrassing situation, but it’s also dangerous if you have small children or are alone.
The best way to prevent this problem is to make a habit of checking for your keys before leaving the house. Creating this habit will take time, but it will eventually become a part of your routine.
If you have a spare key, give it to a trusted friend or neighbor and keep it somewhere convenient. This will prevent you from having to hire a locksmith to unlock your door. Alternatively, you can also try reaching out to your landlord. They usually have a copy of your key and will be able to let you in.
Broken Keys
A broken key in a lock is a nightmare scenario, but one that can often be prevented. If you have a spare key, try using tweezers or needle nose pliers to grab the broken piece. Just be careful not to push the key further into the lock, as this will only cause additional problems.
Over time, use and metal fatigue can cause your keys to break off inside the lock or even worse, snap in two. If this happens, a residential locksmith can rekey the lock or replace it altogether. The best way to prevent this is to ensure your locks are adequately lubricated with a Teflon, silicone or graphite based lubricant (not WD-40). This will keep the locks from becoming stuck and jammed.
Apartment Living
Apartment security doesn’t just include keeping windows closed. It also involves ensuring windows and doors can be easily opened in the event of an emergency. This is why it’s important to talk about apartment security rules with roommates before moving in.
Burglaries in apartments occur more often than they do in single-family homes, but residents can take steps to prevent them. For example, report any broken door or window locks to the landlord and consider installing a smart lock to replace the standard door latch.
Many apartment complexes have intercom systems, which help prevent unwanted visitors from entering the building. However, residents should make sure to follow safety protocol such as listing their apartment as “occupied” on the directory and not giving delivery workers keys unless they’re expecting someone.
Existing Homes
Homeowners often think of locksmiths only when they’re locked out of their home, but these professionals can also help ensure that your property is secure. They can install and repair locks and other security devices, rekey your lock so that it works with a new key (less expensive than replacing the entire lock), and create master key systems to make it easier to unlock multiple doors in your house.
It’s important to choose a professional residential locksmith who is insured, licensed and bonded. It’s also a good idea to check whether they offer a warranty on their work, as this will give you peace of mind that the job will be done correctly. You should also consider whether the company has a good reputation in your area.
