Urgent situations require a locksmith with professionalism. This means you should already have a locksmith in mind that is not only professional, but has a good reputation. Below, you will find some great tips to help you find the perfect locksmith for your needs.


In the event that you have a high-security lock and there is a problem, it is best to call the lock company before calling a locksmith. Since this type of lock was designed to be difficult, a locksmith may have a hard tome getting into it. You may end up paying a bundle for them to try with no success.

When you call a locksmith company, pay attention to how they answer the phone. You want to hear the company’s name. If they do not provide one, ask them for it. If you get the run around, and the name is not given, move on to someone else. They could be running a scam.

If you call a locksmith and they answer the phone with a generic phrase, you should definitely be a bit wary. Opening the call with “locksmith” or “locksmith services” means that they may be avoiding giving you a legal name. This is not acceptable for anyone that has the ability to access your home.

If you are looking for a good locksmith, you should ask friends, family and co-workers for recommendations. This is a service that many people use, so it is likely that someone can lead you to the right place. If not, you can try finding someone on a legitimate review site.

If you are trying to find a good locksmith, think about contacting a security company in the area. A construction company is also a good choice. Many times, these companies have a locksmith that they turn to when they need work done, so they can provide you with a good recommendation.

Try to find a locksmith that is in a community of professional locksmiths. Though it isn’t necessary, it helps to know that they are current with the trade and any new advances in locksmithing. Choose this type of locksmith to ensure that you are safe.

When you initially call a locksmith, make sure you question them about the type of services they perform. You do not want to have them come out to your location, only to find out that they do not service cars or they do not have what they need to take care of your situation. Chances are, you are going to be in a hurry to get the situation resolved, and you do not want to waste time.

When moving to a new town, try to locate a good locksmith because, chances are, you will eventually need one. Doing your homework first could save you money and grief later on. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations or referrals to reputable locksmiths in the community. If you don’t know anyone to ask then call local locksmiths and find out which one’s are long-term members of the Chamber of Commerce or other trade organizations.

The law states that all locksmiths are required to carry a pocket-sized version of their license on them. If you ask the locksmith who comes to help you for theirs and they don’t have it, send them away. You cannot trust the quality of their work if they are unlicensed.

When you are locked out of your home, a good locksmith should be able to unlock virtually any door. If a locksmith insists on drilling into your door or tells you that the lock needs to be replaced, be wary of the service. Most locks can be opened without damaging your door.

When getting a quote, ask about what factors can change the quote. Are you including tax with this price? Do they give discounts if they handle multiple lock issues for you or if you’re a senior citizen? Are there other hidden fees? Know the real total before you sign anything.

Be sure to get an invoice which is itemized once the work is done. It should include parts, labor, additional fees, taxes and anything else charged to you, such as mileage. The more detailed it is, the better, especially if you end up disputing charges after the call is over.

Ask if the locksmith has an invoice on them which they plan to fill out once the work is done BEFORE they start. Look at it to see if it appears professional. Is it on letterhead? Does it include their company name and address? Or do they plan to create a handwritten invoice? If so, send them on their way.

DO your research via the Better Business Bureau prior to hiring any locksmith. Your local BBB will likely have the scoop on a lot of community services, especially which ones rank very well with their neighborhoods. This is an excellent place to begin in terms of your locksmith search.

Check out local consumer protection agencies when you are creating your list of potential companies to hire. They will provide you with information on both good companies and those which have many complaints against them. This extra step is worth it in helping you to narrow down your list.

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.

Remember that your search for a locksmith likely led you online to check out reviews, so once you do find a locksmith you trust, leave him a positive review online. Do the same if you have a bad experience. The more information available to others, the better their own search will be.

It is customary to give a tip to the locksmith if he did a good job, so give him a tip if you think he deserves it. This is certainly the case if you are dealing with an emergency call. 15% is something for a regular locksmith to get, and you should tip 20% if they did the job after hours.

Make sure that you hire a professional to get the job done. How do you find the right professional for the job? Use the tips here to help you. These will help you find a great locksmith.