If you have ever found yourself locked out of your home, business, or car, you know that it can be panic inducing. You might even be able to see your keys, but if you can’t reach them, what can you possibly do?
You will need help getting out of that situation, and if you can’t call someone with an extra key to assist, your next best bet is to call a locksmith. Keep reading to find out the top 16 reasons people end up making that call.
The Most Common Reasons People Need a Locksmith
1. They Have Lost Their Keys
Probably the most common reason that people call a locksmith is because they have lost a key. It doesn’t matter if it’s the key to your car, your home, or your office, it’s a stressful situation. A locksmith can save the day, however, and they can rekey the lock or do an on-the-spot key cutting. In some cases, it’s even possible to reprogram a car key fob, which will save you a lot of time and money when compared to the dealership.
2. Their Keys Were Stolen
Another common reason that people call a locksmith is because their keys were stolen. When this happens, it is of the utmost importance to get your locks changed or reprogrammed to protect your property. If a “bad guy” gets access to your keys, they can easily access your home, your business, or your vehicle, and once that happens, they can take what they want.
3. They Move into a New Home
One of the best things to do when you move into a new home is to replace your locks or have them rekeyed. Many homeowners or tenants share keys to their homes with family or friends, but they don’t always collect them back when they leave the property. This means that someone moving into the home doesn’t have any idea about who else can get into their new place. By hiring a locksmith, you can secure your property and make sure only you and the people you choose can enter.
4. They Have a Broken Key
Over time, a key can break, wear down, or become damaged. This is especially the case if they are old or if they are used several times a day. Even though most keys are made of metal, it is possible that they can break off in the lock or get worn down so much that they don’t work properly. When this happens, you will need to call a locksmith to first get the key out, and then make a new one. If you try to get a broken key out yourself, it can damage the lock or make matters worse.
5. They Require a Lock Repair
A lock is the most important part of keeping your property safe, so when it starts to jam, stick, or no longer work, a locksmith can repair it or replace it. If you suspect that a lock is starting to fail, or if it is several years old, it’s probably a good idea to call a locksmith and have them evaluate the situation.
6. They Want to Change Access to an Area
People also call locksmiths because they need either a master-key or single-key access. For instance, in an apartment building, all of the tenants will have a master key to get into the building, but they will require a single key to get into their individual apartment. Any time an old tenant moves out and a new tenant moves in, it’s best to rekey the single-key lock. If there is a dangerous situation, such as a disgruntled former tenant making threats, master-key rekeying or installation is the best practice.
7. They Locked Themselves Out
Those who have locked themselves out of their home, vehicle, or business also often call on locksmiths to help. Most of us have done this at some point, and we know that it’s stressful. Thankfully, a locksmith can be dispatched quickly and help get the lock open with no damage.
8. They Want to Update Their Home or Company Security
If someone wants to update old locks or security systems to the latest technology, they often reach out to a locksmith for assistance. A locksmith is usually happy to take a look at your current setup, and then recommend improvements, such as smart locks, new deadbolts, or even full security alarm systems. Updating the current security system in your home or office can literally be a lifesaver!
9. They Forgot a Combination or Access Code
If you have a safe, a locker, or even a locked area of your home or business with a combination or access code, you won’t be able to access those unless you have that code. What happens if you forget the code, or you never had the code in the first place? You will need to hire a professional to help. A locksmith has the experience and tools needed to reset or bypass the combination, which means you will have access once again.
10. They Were a Victim of Burglary
When a home or business is burglarized, it’s important to reach out to a locksmith ASAP. Not only can the locksmith repair or replace damaged locks, but they can also audit the area and make suggestions on how you can prevent similar incidents in the future.
11. They Want New Technology
For the technophiles out there, when new technology in security hits, they want it. This is another common reason for home and business owners to call a locksmith. Many homes and businesses have smart locks, but there are even more technologically advanced security products on the horizon, including better and more accessible biometric security. When you want to modernize with the latest and greatest security options, a locksmith can certainly help!
12. They Want Guaranteed Work
There are so many people out there who see the value in work that is done with skill and knowledge, plus work that is backed with a guarantee. A good locksmith will always guarantee their work, and furthermore, they will stand behind the work they have done. If something does happen after a locksmith installs a new lock or rekeys an entry-way, with a guarantee, you will know that it will be taken care of as soon as possible.
13. They Want Insured Work
Many home and business owners don’t realize that if a service provider is injured on their property, or if something becomes damaged during a repair, and that worker doesn’t have insurance, the owner may end up paying the bills for injuries or accidents. This is why it’s always a good idea to skip the local handyman, and instead rely on a professional locksmith who carries an insurance policy that covers both damage and injuries.
14. They Don’t Know How to Fix it Themselves
Though there are certainly people out there who can change a lock, most people don’t, and they rely on the expertise of a locksmith to do the work for them. Someone with little or no knowledge about installing a new lock, for instance, can do major damage to the lock, itself, or the structure around it. All of this can be avoided, however, by hiring a locksmith.
15. They Have a Broken Safe
Many people have safes to store valuable documents, but if the safe is locked, broken, or malfunctioning, it can be a major problem. A locksmith will be able to get into the safe, most of the time without damaging it, and help you retrieve the valuables inside.
16. They Want to Work with a Professional
Finally, we have the simple fact that it’s always best to work with a professional. A locksmith must go through a lot of training to become certified, and in Hillsborough County, the locksmith must also be licensed and insured. All of these are hallmarks of a locksmith who not only knows what they are doing, but also can be trusted to get the job done right, the first time.
The Three Steps to Hiring a Locksmith
There are three easy steps that you can take to hire a locksmith:
Step #1 – Find a professional locksmith that you can count on. Check out reviews, word of mouth, or do a Google search for one in the Tampa Bay area.
Step #2 – Make a call! If it’s an emergency situation, you should call a 24/7 mobile locksmith who can get to you quickly, day or night. If not, you can schedule an appointment that works for you.
Step #3 – See the great benefits that come when working with a pro.
Call Today to Reach a Locksmith, 24/7
Pros Onsite Locksmith is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer a wide range of services to master any situation. The professionals here understand that things happen, such as an emergency lockout situation, or that someone might call to get a full review of their current security set up.
The training, expertise, and ability to hand these situations is what makes Pros Onsite Locksmith stand out from the crowd throughout the Tampa Bay area. Call today to make an appointment at +1 (813) 565-2230. You can also get 24/7 emergency services at the same number.