Things Locksmiths Do
1. Some Locksmiths open doors for the Police late at night. That is kind of fun and exciting. Helping them help us stay safe.
2. Locksmiths are suppose to your check ID, BEFORE they open anything that is locked. Sadly, most locksmiths DO NOT have a License ID, are not certified, have no insurance and are not bonded. Using a “wanna be locksmith” can be HUGE security risk. Not to mention, expensive.
3. Deadbolts are not always installed right by the handyman or contractors. If deadbolts are not installed right, they are not safe. I have seen deadbolts installed upside down, wrong screws used and not have a bolt catch extending all the way. If a deadbolt is not completely extended can result in lock failure and easily pushed back into door with a air bag and a screw driver.
4. When you have bought a new house or a older house, always have your locks rekeyed.
Often, contractors and builders have extra keys floating around they forgot about or others had copied. Which means, someone could have keys to your new home. ALWAYS re-key a house, even when a roommate or ex moves out.
5. You simply can't beat a deadbolt that is installed correctly. Deadbolts MUST have at least a one-inch “throw,” and on the “strike side,” the security plate should have screws at least three inches long! The screws need to be able to screwed into the wood FRAME. I have seen these screws as short as ½ a inch.
6. You need a double deadbolt on doors with windows!, Thumb-turn deadbolts near windows can easily be turned by breaking the window. So the deadbolt is practically useless. Have a double keyed deadbolt installed.
7. Don't buy a locked safe at a flea market or estate sales. Some safes are HARD to get into without a locksmith. Opening a safe is expensive. It can run from $100 to several hundred, depending on the type. I opened one for a lady and all that was in it was a old late payment bill.
8. When you have bought a new house or a older house, always have your locks rekeyed.
Often, contractors and builders have extra keys floating around they forgot about or others had copied. Which means, someone could have keys to your new home. ALWAYS re-key a house, even when a roommate or ex moves out.
9. “Do not duplicate”stamped keys are duplicated all the time. You can get high-security locks with keys that can’t be replicated at the hardware store. The normal keyways are SC1 or KW1 and can be duplicated at home depot or Lowe's. A SC8 or SC9 can not be duplicated at the hardware store.
10. Domestic lock-outs can be challenging, to say the least. I often get calls for those that are getting divorced or kicking a room-mate out. Some times the police are involved. The wife is kicking the husband out for having a affair, or the other way around. So, they call me out, I re-key the house. Only to have the husband/wife call me out to re-key the same house, days later. Personally, I will not re-key a domestic dispute call twice. The police would need to called and paper work os needed and must be documented. This protects you and the locksmith.
What it all boils down to is this, there are many things that can generate a locksmith call. Staying safe is the main priority. Read reviews, Use a local professional locksmith, and ALWAYS check ID. I know I will check yours.
