A locksmith is a highly trained and educated security professional. This is not a term that should be tossed around lightly, there are far too many companies and technicians that call themselves locksmiths, when in fact they neither have the training or the professional ethics to do so. According to the Department of Criminal Justice in Virginia, the term “Locksmith” means any individual that performs locksmith services or advertises or represents to the general public that the individual is a locksmith even if the specific term locksmith is substituted with any other term by which a reasonable person could construe that the individual possesses special skills relating to locks or locking devices, including use of the words, lock technician, lockman, safe technician, safe man, boxman, unlocking technician, lock installer, lock opener, physical security technician or similar descriptions. Source: www.dcjs.virginia.gov/faq/locksmith.

First of all, it is important for consumers to be aware that there are fake locksmiths out there. The 1800unlocks directory has its roots in the real locksmith industry and we essentially peer-reviewing our fellow locksmiths. It’s not a large community, so we know who you, as a consumer, can trust. Our goal is to help you find a local professional for your car key, car remote, or car unlock problems. A car locksmith can do many things but must be trained to service your remotes, key fobs, ignition, door locks, and more. You don’t want to hire someone that has no training, education, or professional association ties. Fortunately, our locksmiths are capable of unlock car doors, programming key fobs, cutting high security car keys at their lock shop or on the road. Our technicians use state of the art equipment and OEM car keys to get the job done right, at a fair price. Locksmith prices can vary from City to City, so always ask for a quote over the phone, and confirm in person. As long as you provide the tech with the Make, Model, and Year of your car, we can provide you with upfront pricing to remove any doubts or concerns you may have.

Car Unlocking Service: Our locksmiths are pros when it comes to unlocking cars. Whether you need your glove box, trunk or door opened. We have the training to do it quickly and without damage.

Car Key Replacement: Buying car keys is easy. Finding a locksmith that can cut and program your laser cut key is difficult. 1-800-Unlocks makes it easy!

Key Fob Programming: Key Fobs work with cars that are push-to-start. 1800-Unlocks excels at finding you a real local locksmith that is trained to use car key programming equipment.

A verified residential locksmith, otherwise known as a home locksmith or apartment locksmith, is a professionally trained and insured technician that’s able to work on your home door, home locks, home safe, home keys, and possibly even home cameras.  Most locksmiths are highly trustworthy and honest people who care about your safety and protection.

Typically, residential locksmith customers are in need of a lock rekey.  A lock rekey is one of the most common services a local locksmith can provide because it is cost effective when compared to completely replacing your locking hardware.  Rekeying locks is sometimes referred to as changing locks but it is best to clarify which service is needed when scheduling the appointment with your local locksmith.
Two of the more common reasons for having your home locks rekeyed are: you’ve moved into a new home, or you realize you’ve given copies of your keys to too many people.  A quick and simple service call to a local locksmith can fix both these situations and make sure your home is completely secure.

So what exactly is a lock rekey? It’s the process of removing your lock from the door, disassembling it, removing all the bottom pin tumblers and replacing them with new pin tumblers of different heights so that a new key will create a totally different shear line.  This means your old key will no longer work your lock. In fact, after taking apart your lock, many locksmiths will check the entire inside of your lock cylinder to ensure it has all top pins and springs.  They’ll then lubricate the lock before putting it back together. Locksmiths are very familiar with the multitude of different residential locks and keyways out there and they’ll make sure your lock is as secure as possible.

Key Duplication: Need a key in a minute? It takes just 5-20 seconds to cut a standard house key. Find a locksmith locally and visit their office or have a technician visit your house. Most locksmiths have key duplicating machines right in their truck.

Lock Repair & Lock Rekeying: Save time and money and let our trained techs repair, rekey, or install your locks. Whether you want a smart lock, push button lock, or a standard deadbolt we have the door hardware you need.

Smart Lock Installation: Home Security, Surveillance, and Automation is the next frontier. Our locksmiths are ready with the latest products and tools to keep your family safe. Gain the convenience of controlling your lights, cameras, doorbell, and lock with your smart phone today!

Your commercial space requires a high level of security, and it all starts with the outer perimeter. Regardless if the property is a school, business, hospital, or government building you’ll want to deter, monitor, and secure the facility by controlling access. Your students, customers, and employees depend on you to keep them safe in and around your facility. A commercial locksmith can work on everything from the doors, hinges, pivots, to locks, cameras, and keys. Once our locksmith is at your door, they can integrate electronic locks, access control, and cameras so that everything communicates as a single security system thus protecting everyone you care about.

Access Control Systems & Electronic Locks: Most commercial properties use access control keypad readers, pin codes, and key fobs. This enables real-time security with an audit trail that doesn’t lie. If further identity verification is needed, then combine your locking system with a camera system.

Door Buzzer Systems: Many apartment complexes, gated communities, jewelry stores, and banks use gate locks with door buzzer systems. This is a great way to secure a property without giving out keys and it allows the owner to change codes at a moments notice.

Security Cameras: Digital security cameras are available in many shapes, sizes, and offer many functions such as point tilt zoom (PTZ), low light, infrared, and zoom. If you need indoor or outdoor cameras, we have the exact camera and installation experience you need.

Safes are one of those things that definitely require service from time to time. If you’re like a lot of people, you use your safe a lot to store cash and documents. Daily usage is going to cause wear and tear over time. Whether you have a combination dial safe or an electronic keypad safe, this wear and tear can eventually lead to a lock malfunction or failure.

That’s why 1-800-Unlocks works with some of the most highly decorated and trained locksmiths in the USA, certified from organizations like SAVTA (Safe & Vault Technician Association).

The verified professional safe locksmiths we work with can provide you with an honest quote to help you with safe cracking, repair, moving, and installation. Check out our video on our safe locksmith page to learn more.

Safe Cracking & Unlocking: This is a term we hear a lot and it pertains to gaining entry to your safe without damaging the safe itself. Without a professional safe cracker, you could overpay and do more damage to the safe than necessary. We’ve seen what untrained technicians can do to a safe. Most of the time, the customer ends up needing a new safe due to all the damage they cause.

Safe Drilling & Opening: When cracking the safe is not an option due to broken spindles, damaged safe locks, or lost combinations, the locksmith may choose to drill your safe. A trained pro will know exactly where to drill through the outer wall in order to hit the lock or bolt release. If you have a TL safe or safe with a re-locker – you’ll definitely need a pro. Once the safe is open, we can then repair the drill hole, replace the lock, and check for proper function.

Safe Sales & Service: Did you know that some locksmiths have walk-in locations and offer mobile road service? The family owned companies with walk-in locations often carry a variety of door hardware, key chains, keys, smart locks, and gun safes for sale. If you’re in the market for a high-quality safe with featured such as a 2-hour fire rating, Burglary rating, or EMP proof keypad lock, then call us first and shop local.

When a locksmith programs your car key it is alwasys recommended to have all working keys on-site. Once the job is complete you can then test every key to ensure proper function. The programming procedure can sometimes clear out the memory from the on-board computer. If that happens, the locksmith can easily add your old keys back into the computer.

If your car was made after 2000, there is a high liklihood that it has a chip in the key. This chip communicates with the cars on-board computer. The chip disables the anti-theft module and allows the car to start. 

Your car key stopped working. Here are the top 6 common reasons it may have stopped working:
1) Dead battery: If your car key has a transponder chip in it, the key could have a dead battery. Try changing the battery and then re-test.
2) Broken key fob: If the metal key broke apart from the plastic head or microchip, the key may be unable to communicate with the on-board computer.
3) Worn out buttons: Does your key fob have buttons for lock, unlock, panic, etc.? If those buttons appear worn out, or the plastic shell is cracking, it is time for a replacement.
4) Wet electronics: Has your key gotten wet at all? Electronic car keys should be kept dry at all times. If it gets wet it could short circuit and fail.
5) Worn out metal key: If you’ve had your key for many years, it could be worn out. The cuts on the key will wear out over time due to daily use. If the key is hard to turn in your ignition, you should consult with a local locksmith to get the key depths measured. If the key is off by even a few thousands of an inch, it will cause issues. At that point, it’s time for the locksmith to cut you a new key to factory specifications based on your unique key code.
6) Bought it Online: Based on our experience, car keys bought online have a much higher failure rate than the car keys locksmiths supply. If the key does in fact program, it may only last for about 1-2 weeks. If this sounds like your key, talk with the local locksmith and see if they can supply you with a key they will guarantee.

Locksmiths are security professionals that are invited into your home and business to secure your property and that is serious business. Fortunately, our verified locksmith companies do use trustworthy technicians that are employed by the Company. In most states, there is currently no Legislation or Licensing requirements. In fact, as of 2020, only 15 out of 50 States in the USA have licensing laws for locksmiths and 2 additional States have Counties that require locksmiths to have a license. The verified locksmiths in our locksmith directory have been researched about found to have a business license, insurance, and licensing where necessary. A locksmith can improve his skill and knowledge by acquiring a variety of certifications such as Certified Automotive Locksmith (CAL), General Locksmith Certification (RL), Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL), Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL), Certified Master Locksmith (CML), and Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST). Source: www.aloa.org/certification-and-testing/pdfs/CertificationInformation.pdf. These certifications indicate that the locksmith has undergone formal training and education rather than simply having on the job training. While these certifications are extremely useful if a locksmith does not possess these certifications it does not mean they are unprofessional or unskilled.

Locksmiths offer a huge array of services ranging from simple unlock services to high-end access control system installation. As you can see on our home page (https://1800unlocks.com/), locksmiths offer lock services for your car, house, business, and safes. Many people assume locksmiths are only capable of popping locks or cutting keys, but in fact, locksmiths are also great problem solvers. Every door, key, and lock is a little bit different, so locksmiths must use ingenuity and craftsmanship to get the job done properly. To go into more detail, locksmiths can perform jobs such as access control systems, electric lock installation, smart lock installation, lockout service, key duplication, lock installation, lock changes, lock repair, lock rekeying, door installation, safe combination changing, safe cracking, car key programming, and more. All of these services require the technician to be mechanically inclined, morally ethical and be able to think critically and logically. It’s one thing to replace and install hardware, it’s another thing to repair, adapt, and problem solve issues to satisfy a client at a fair price and still abide by regulations, codes, and laws.

The first thing you need to know is that there are fraudulent locksmiths out there. They are unethical and untrained. Consumers must be beware of these ‘locksmiths’ will do anything to get you to accept service including quoting rates of less than $30, for example, for services or service call fees. These rates are purposefully misleading. You will be charged with unnecessary fees for unprofessional services. Most emergency services, such as house unlocking and car unlocking, have flat rates fees of roughly $100. More complex services such as lock installation or repair can increase in cost, but a real locksmith will always charge a fair price that is typically 50% less expensive than a ‘locksmith scammer’. A 1-800-Unlocks verified locksmith will be able to quote you an upfront price and explain any price increase in detail. You will not be misled into spending more money for a less inferior product or unnecessary services. Legitimate locksmiths offer honest quotes for their services based on what they are told over the phone and do not add additional costs once they begin the work. Pricing does vary based on your geographical location. If the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. When compared, apples to apples, a 1-800-Unlocks verified locksmith is always the cheaper locksmith while maintaining a higher level of service.

The local locksmith will accept cash or credit card and possibly other money transfer apps such as Cash app, Zelle, and Venmo. For commercial clients, invoicing and check are typically offered as well, but it is best to ask the locksmith before scheduling the job.

When searching online, it can be hard to know which locksmith you can trust. Word of mouth is always helpful as well as reading reviews and checking their website for licensing and insurance information. Check their Google map listing and website for authentic pictures of their truck and previous job history. Beyond that, feel free to confirm that the locksmith you choose is also listed in 1800unlocks.com. Finally, be sure to get pricing information before the locksmith arrives.

Locksmiths can arrive as soon as 5-20 minutes after you call them. This is especially true if it’s a lockout emergency and they are nearby.

Typically, locksmiths can arrive with 1-2 hours if the job is needed same day.

However, most jobs such as car key replacement, lock rekeying, and lock repair are scheduled based on your calendar.

Yes, whether you pay with cash, check, or credit card, the locksmith can provide either a full invoice or a transaction receipt.

With mobile payment processing, locksmiths are now able to either email or text you a receipt for your records.

If you don’t get a receipt, you can contact the locksmith directly for a copy of the invoice.