A residential locksmith can help keep your home and family safe. They install high-grade security systems, keep keys and locks in top working condition, and are knowledgeable about the habits of burglars and other intruders. When you move into an existing apartment, there’s no way of knowing how many previous tenants might have copies of your door keys. A professional residential locksmith can rekey your locks so that only you have access. 1. Lockouts One of the most common reasons that people call a residential locksmith is for home lockout services. It’s a frustrating situation that can be difficult to navigate without damaging your door or windows. Residential locksmiths are trained to handle these kinds of situations, so they’re able to help you get back inside without causing any damage at all. Getting locked out of your home can happen to anyone. You might have stepped outside to get the mail, take out the trash, or meet someone at the front door only to find that your key doesn’t turn in the lock. When this happens, you need to act fast to prevent further damage or burglary. One of the best ways to avoid a lockout is to get a spare key and keep it somewhere safe. It’s also a good idea to pre-program important numbers like your landlord or a residential locksmith into your phone, so you’re able to call them in an emergency. 2. Broken Keys A broken key in a lock is one of the most common residential locksmith issues. This can happen from simply using the key too much to getting impatient and pushing too hard. Over time, keys can also wear down and springs can weaken causing the pins to sag which can cause a key to break inside of the lock. There are many DIY methods to fix a broken key, however they aren’t foolproof. One method is to use a pair of paperclips to grip the key from both sides and leverage it out. Another is to use pliers to grab the key and pull it out slowly. If you have a broken key stuck in your lock, call a residential locksmith as soon as possible. Criminals case homes looking for points of entry and a poorly functioning lock can be an open invitation to them. A residential locksmith can fix or replace the lock without damaging the door or frame. 4. Key Replacement If your keys or locks show signs of wear and tear, it may be time to call a residential locksmith. They are experienced in working with a wide variety of lock brands and types, so they can provide valuable insight into the type of locking system that is best for your home. Over time, metal fatigue and regular use can cause your key to break off inside the lock. A residential locksmith can help to resolve the situation without damaging your door or window, by cutting a new key and rekeying your lock as needed. Imagine that you have a front door, back door and garage access locked with different keys. If you lose one of those keys, it will take time and effort to get back into your house. A residential locksmith can help to avoid this scenario by rekeying your doors so that a single key operates all of them. This will also prevent other people from having unauthorized access to your home.
