Hiring a locksmith is no laughing matter. This is someone you are trusting your security to, after all. On top of that, you want to be sure that the job is done right so you can sleep soundly at night. That means reading the advice below in order to find a great professional.

Poking at a key that has broken off in a lock can really make things worse. It is best to call a locksmith the minute something like this happens. The further the metal piece is pushed into the whole, the longer it will take to remove it. This can end up costing you quote a lot, so avoid it.

If you are locked out of your vehicle at a bar or a gentleman’s club, give the locksmith you call the impression that you work there. Many times a locksmith will give you a higher quote if they assume you have been spending money. Being a little dishonest can save you some extra cash.

If you are locked out of your vehicle at a bar or a gentleman’s club, give the locksmith you call the impression that you work there. Many times a locksmith will give you a higher quote if they assume you have been spending money. Being a little dishonest can save you some extra cash.

After the job is complete it is important that the locksmith give you a receipt for the services that were performed. While most locksmiths are honest, there are a few people out there trying to scam others. Proof of payment is a must. Store the receipt safely in the event that a question about payment pops up.

Ask for a receipt. Most locksmiths are trustable, but some are scammers. That is why you need proof that you paid them. Store the receipt safely in the event that a question about payment pops up.

The best way to find the most reliable locksmith is usually word of mouth. When you need one, start asking your friends and family who they trust. From there, check with the local BBB or other agency that will provide information about reputations. Don’t just trust anyone with the keys to your home!

When you are looking to have a locksmith install a new lock, ask them to use one that has high security. These cost a bit more, but they will keep you a lot safer than traditional locks. You need to show an ID card as well as a card provided by the locksmith in order to have duplicate keys made.


Hiring a locksmith can be expensive, but remember that it is not a job that most people can do on their own. If you try to get into your car or home without a key, you may mess up the lock. This may then necessitate that the entire lock be replaced, which is very expensive. Save yourself the hassle and just call a locksmith.

If you are looking for a goo locksmith, you should look on a site like Angie’s List to see how others feel about the service they received. While this is not a guarantee that you will have a good experience, it certainly increases your chances of dealing with a good company.

Before hiring locksmiths, be sure to find out how long they’ve been in the business. If it’s a lengthy amount of time, they are probably a good locksmith. Although lack of experience does not mean that the locksmith is untrustworthy, you should be careful if you come across one with little experience.

Always question a potential locksmith about the professional affiliations they are involved with and the certifications they hold. This just indicates whether the locksmith is current on new methods and technologies. In some cases, it may mean that he or she is more skilled than another locksmith. While there are no guarantees, this line of questioning will help you get a qualified individual.

Never hire a locksmith without getting a solid estimate first. When you are given a quote, ask them whether this includes parts, labor, paperwork and fuel charges. Too often low quotes end up costing a bundle once all of these extra charges are added. Asking questions can let you know what to expect.

Choose a locksmith who provides a physical address for their shop. Locksmiths don’t just install locks or get you inside, they also sell locks, safes, key cutting services and more. If they have a storefront, you know where to go if you have any issues down the road, meaning they’re more trustworthy.

If you live in a state where licensing is mandatory, ask your locksmith how you can verify that their license is current. If they happily give you that information, you can double check their license. On top of that, you know that they are likely a trustworthy professional as a result.

Look for a locksmith which not only offers a local phone number, but also a local address. Some unsavory companies use a local number but reroute the call to a national call center, sending out someone who may not be on the up and up. A local address means they really are in your town.


What do they keep when they finish the work? For instance, is your key and your address kept in their files? This could be a major issue if the wrong person accessed your file. It is imperative to get this information before hiring the locksmith.

Find out if the company you want to hire has done business under any other names. If they refuse to answer or hedge the question, strike them off your list. If they do give you other names, be wary as they may be changing their name to avoid bad reviews.

One easy way to determine if a locksmith is local or not is to ask how long it will take for them to get to where you are. You can pretend to be locked out if you are just doing research. If they say more than an hour or so, they’re likely not local.

You don’t have to spend all of your free time searching out locksmiths. You also don’t have to spend a chunk of your time comparing all of the options available to you. With these easy tips, finding a locksmith will not only be quick, but it will be fruitful as well.