A lot of people don’t go over what they should if they end up in a crisis. You probably know that 911 is the number for emergencies, but what about if you’re locked out? Get the best locksmith around by applying the following tips.
A locksmith who insists on replacing your lock when locked out is not reliable. A well-qualified locksmith should have the ability to open almost all doors without needing to replace the entire lock. Replacing locks can cost you money that you don’t want to spend.
When you are painting your house, protect the locks by covering them up. If you accidentally get paint on your lock, your key may no longer work. It might take some extra time, but you will lose even more time and money if you end up having to call a locksmith to come fix your locks.
Research a locksmith before you hire one. You have to make sure you are hiring someone you can trust. There are a lot of people out there that will try to scam you by making duplicates that aren’t authorized, so take your time.
Get a receipt after locksmith services are paid. The majority of locksmiths are trustworthy, but there are some scammers out there. So make sure that you have a receipt that says you have paid in full. Keep the receipt in case there is any question with regard to payment later.
Business Hours
One good way to save money with a locksmith is to hire them during business hours. After business hours, locksmith rates can vary greatly. If you were to lock yourself out of the car, a basic service can cost you about $50, but you can expect to pay twice that after hours.
Check with the BBB to make sure that a locksmith is reliable. This will allow you to know if you’re dealing with someone who will scam you. You will also need to look at ALOA.org because that can help you figure out how trustworthy the locksmith is.
If the locksmith gives you a price that is higher than their quotes, look elsewhere for your services. It is best to hire a locksmith that is honest and upfront.
Try getting a locksmith who stays up to date with the locksmith community. It’s not a must, but being a part of trade organizations keeps him current on changes to the field. It also helps to tell you he is not some fly by night operation that will leave you high and dry!
Prior to hiring any locksmith, be sure to check their history. The longer it has been, the more reliable they are. Although a new locksmith shouldn’t automatically be viewed as untrustworthy, caution should be taken.
Look out for any locksmith that says they need to drill out the lock and put in a replacement in order to solve a lockout. This is not always needed.
If a locksmith charges you for just coming to your house, do not use him. This is not common practice, so you’re most likely dealing with a scam artist. Should you ask them to leave, for whatever reason, contact the police should they demand payment.
You should always be aware that you are allowing a person who can pick locks into your home. If your gut tells you not to hire them, follow your instincts. This is why you should meet with them at their location.
Being prepared can help you avoid any issues. If your keys go missing, you should no longer have much of a problem ahead of you. In fact, your inconvenience will be minimal.