We all have to deal with door locks every day. They are so mundane that we don’t often think about them that much. They’re simple metal tools we use to secure our personal belongings and other important items. Some locks can be more intricate and advanced, having a variety of stronger safety features or electronic mechanisms.
However, sometimes, we have to deal with errors and problems associated with locks. That’s where a locksmith comes in to help us out. They are professionals who can solve problems related to door locks and keys. They’re more than just for replacing locks or duplicating keys. From home lockout services to 24/7 emergencies, here are some of the common types of locksmithing services:
Residential Locksmithing
The most common type of locksmith would probably be the residential locksmith. They deal with home keys and locks. They can install new door locks and upgrade your security for better protection. They can help homeowners identify the upgrades they need for their home security systems.
Commercial Locksmithing
Unlike residential locksmiths, commercial locksmiths are more focused on door locks and security systems of buildings for industrial or business purposes. From warehouses, factories, and offices, to hotels, schools, and more, commercial locksmiths are on the job.
They can duplicate keys, replace or rekey door locks, and improve safety measures in buildings. Because industrial buildings hold more value than residential ones, commercial locksmiths tend to work on more complex locks intended to protect sensitive and private information. However, their job doesn’t end there. Besides dealing with complex locks, they can also handle roller shutters, filing cabinets, and safes.
Automotive or Mobile Locksmithing
When we talk about locksmiths, we often associate them with home or commercial locks. But, there are other specialized locksmiths out there. As the name implies, automotive or mobile locksmiths specialize in car locks and ignition.
There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing your car keys broken and stuck in your door lock or ignition. Automotive locksmiths have the right tools and skill set needed to remove the key without damaging the internal mechanisms.
They can also open your car if you ever accidentally leave your keys inside the vehicle and get yourself locked outside. They can do this by “jimmying” the car lock open using a thin piece of metal. This thin metal is slid between the window and weather stripping on a car door.
For modern keyless vehicles with more advanced security systems, getting locked out is not an issue. Automotive locksmiths can unlock the vehicle by reprogramming the code using a VATS passcode detector. They can even reprogram a transponder key at a more reasonable price compared to a dealership.
Besides dealing with your car’s door lock, mobile locksmiths can also do some repair work on car ignitions. If there’s an issue with your ignition, an automotive locksmith can check on it to see the issue. After that, the locksmith will either do some repairs or replace the ignition altogether.
Emergency Locksmithing
Not all locksmithing companies are readily available 24/7. Some may only be available for a certain period of time. This is where emergency locksmiths come in. These locksmiths are readily available to help you whenever and wherever you need them. Some can even offer residential, commercial, and even automotive at the same time.
Home lockout services are a major part of an emergency locksmith’s trade. Whether you lost your keys and couldn’t get inside your home or you forgot them inside, they’ll be ready to help you. They may cost anywhere from $30 to $60, but if you’re in a pinch, a professional locksmith may be your best option.
Certain emergency locksmith companies can even offer roadside automotive assistance. If you ever get yourself locked out of your car in the dead of night, just give them a call, and they will be ready to help you. They can even make a replacement key for you on the spot in case you can’t find your car keys.
These are some of the most common locksmith services. By knowing what kind of locksmith service you need at the moment, you’ll have a better idea of what company you should go to.