Finding a Trustworthy Locksmith in Raleigh
Your security is at stake when you find yourself hiring an untrustworthy or inept locksmith to work on your locks. To ensure you hire a trustworthy locksmith to solve your locked-out problem, follow these tips.
1. Research Locksmiths Before You Need One
Instead of waiting until you get locked out of your house or another emergency, be proactive about finding a locksmith you can trust. Spend time researching locksmiths, and add their contact information to your phone so that you have it with you when you need it.
2. Look for Family-Owned and Operated Locksmith Companies
There are certainly some corporate locksmith companies that are reputable with excellent customer service, but choosing a family-owned and operated locksmith offers a few distinct benefits.
First, working with a family-owned business means you receive services from a professional who makes your security their top priority. Additionally, supporting family-owned businesses means you contribute to and strengthen your local economy.
3. Ask For Recommendations
Read reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and contact friends, family members, and neighbors for recommendations in your area. Your community can provide valuable insight when it comes to determining which locksmiths are reputable and which should be avoided.
4. Visit Credible Locksmith Organization Websites
Professional locksmiths spend a long time practicing their craft before going into business, so they’re motivated to be active members of industry associations. Ask your prospective locksmith if they are affiliated with any of these organizations.
Several credible locksmith organizations also provide searchable member databases online, so you can ensure you’re choosing a trustworthy locksmith. If you’re searching for a reliable locksmith in North Carolina, you can search the North Carolina Locksmith Association for verified members.
5. Ask Questions
Ask these questions before hiring a locksmith. If a business can’t provide detailed answers, don’t hire them.
- Where are you located?
- How will you get into the house? Can you tell me the exact process?
- Do you need a picture of the lock?
- Can you give me an estimate? What factors will cause this price to change?
- Do you require cash, or can I pay with a check or credit card?
- What’s the name of the locksmith who will be coming?
6. Check Your Locksmith’s ID and License
When your locksmith arrives, ask for their identification, including a locksmith license. North Carolina is one of only 15 states that require locksmith licensing, making it a crime to advertise or work as a locksmith without proper credentials.
Also, look at the vehicle that they are driving. Ideally, trustworthy locksmiths will be in a company truck or van that has the company name printed on the side, supporting the legitimacy of the business. A legitimate locksmith will also ask you for identification to verify that they are unlocking property that belongs to you.
7. Get A Written Invoice
Make sure the locksmith you hire is willing to provide you with a written invoice. With an invoice, you will have proof of what you paid, and the contact information for the locksmith company. Additionally, it should itemize the cost of the service and any parts needed, so you know exactly how much you paid for each.
Whether it’s a planned home improvement, or an emergency lock-out situation, using a trustworthy locksmith is essential. Do your research before hiring a locksmith for non-emergency situations and have a locksmith’s contact information handy for any emergencies.
I like how you mentioned that you can read reviews online! My brother lost his car keys a couple of days ago and he is needing to get new keys as soon as possible so that he can start using his car to get to work instead of his wife’s car. I’ll make sure to pass this information along to him so he can know how to find a good locksmith to help him!
It was helpful when you said to look at reviews online. My brother lost his car keys a couple of weeks ago, and he’s wanting to get new ones soon so that he doesn’t need to keep taking his wife’s car to work all of the time. I’ll make sure to pass this information along to him so he can know how to find a good locksmith to replace his car keys.
Your advice to research locksmiths before an emergency so that you can have one you trust at the ready for when you need them would be important. This would give you time to research them online and by talking to people you know. It might also give you the chance to try out their services before you have an emergency, such as through getting locks changed when you first move in or help them upgrade your system to make it more secure. Meeting with them would give you the chance to ask questions and to get to know them in order to determine if they’re trustworthy and will be able to help you in case of an emergency.
I like your suggestion to research potential locksmiths before we need one so we already have their information in case of an emergency. My husband will be starting a job in a new city next month, and I and our two kids will be following after the school year’s over. Thanks for helping me understand why it’d be valuable to start researching locksmiths in the new city now instead of waiting!
I have been considering getting new locks put on my front and back door at the start of March. It is good to know that I will want to ask the locksmith to give me a detailed estimate. That is good to know because I would like to know how much everything costs.
You made a great point that I should ask a locksmith for price estimates. I think being able to give prices on the fly is a sign of expertise and experience. I’d only want the best services in giving me the best locks to make my house feel as secure as possible.
Thank you so much for your advice to ask questions like what influences the cost of their services. About a week ago, I moved into a new home, where there is only one key. I am really good at losing things so I am worried I am going to get locked out at some point. Maybe I should look for trustworthy locksmiths now so that I know who to call when it does happen!
I like your suggestion to ask about the exact process the locksmith will use to gain access to our house. My husband and I want to hire a locksmith service to come upgrade the hardware on our front and back doors for extra security and peace of mind. Asking your suggested questions should simplify the process of finding a trustworthy locksmith, so thanks for sharing the idea here.
I like what you said about asking your community about which locksmith you should use. My sister has been telling me about how she locked herself out of her house recently. I’ll share this information with her so that she can look into her options for professionals who can help her with this.
It’s interesting to know that there are only 15 states that require locksmiths to have a license. I’ll make sure to remember your tips to double check the identification documents of a locksmith once they go to my house. I would like to get some of my doors’ locks to be updated in order to be less susceptible from lock picking. There have been rumors that the crime rate in my town has been steadily rising up the past two months.
Your advice to look at reviews online seems like a great idea because one will be able to determine their services and work. My neighbor wants to replace the lock from his house, so he need to hire a good and trusty locksmith in the area. I will share with him tips so he can be aware of the factors to consider when hiring the right key master in the area. the
The best tip that you gave in this article was when you said that you should spend time researching different locksmith services and then keep their contact information in case of emergencies. This morning while I was getting out of my house to go to work my key got stuck in the lock and it broke! I had to leave for work without fixing this problem, so as soon as possible I need to contact a local expert that could fix this problem and change my locks, while also giving me new keys.
I like that you mention the importance of looking for recommendations when it comes to finding a locksmith so you can know where to start your search. My husband lost a key and we would like to have our home rekeyed. I think we should find a locksmith that can help us fix our issue.
My dad has been thinking about getting some new locks for his home and allowing him to have the only key that can open the door. He would really like to get a professional locksmith to help him out. I liked what you said about how he can choose a reputable company by getting recommendations from the family.
I have been considering getting a few spare keys made up before the summer. Thanks for explaining that I should consider getting an estimate done before choosing a locksmith. That way, at least I won’t get a surprise when I get the bill.
It is interesting that you suggested we hire a family-owned locksmith as they will have the experience and knowledge of a variety of services. My wife and I just moved to a new house and we need a locksmith to duplicate our keys. I will look for a family-owned business.
Thank you so much for your advice to get a written invoice that will say everything that was done and how much it cost. About a week ago, I lost my spare key to my house. Now, I am worried that I am going to lose this one and get locked out of my home. I wonder if I should follow your tips and look into residential locksmiths that could help me if needed.
I agree with you that supporting family-owned businesses can contribute to our local economy. I am thinking of making a new set of keys for my house since my cousin is staying over for the long term. I will definitely look for a trustworthy locksmith in my area to make the keys.
Thank you for mentioning that it is important for us to do our research prior to hiring an automotive locksmith. My son lost his spare keys. I will ask my neighbors for suggestions on which locksmith does an excellent job in duplicating a key.
I like what you said about checking your locksmith’s identification and license when they arrive. My sister needs to get a lock in her home replaced soon. I’ll share this information with her so that she can find the right locksmith to help her with this.
I like the idea of asking a locksmith for their license and identification. This will help you prove that they are legit. Otherwise, you risk having an imposter show up and try to get into your home or car.
I agree that you can ask your friend when looking for a locksmith. It is important to compare several before choosing one. Doing this can help you find someone that is reputable.
I liked what you said about how they should have a company van or truck and should verify that the property belongs to you while checking their credentials. My aunt has been having a really hard time with her locks and she would really like to make sure that they can be replaced and taken care of. Getting some help from a professional could be really useful and allow her to be a lot safer and more taken care of.
I loved that you mentioned a professional locksmith can help you to find the right locksmith if you have an emergency. My husband got locked out of his office, and we are looking for advice about what to do. I will let him know about your recommendations to choose the right locksmith to help us.
I lost my house key the other night, which is why I’m thinking of hiring a locksmith service that may help me enter my home. I agree with you that it would be best to research the locksmith service’s background before hiring them for the job. You’re also right about the importance of seeking recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
Thanks for sharing this informative article, I really learn a lot.
Thanks for the tip about checking both the ID and the license of the residential locksmith that I’m thinking about hiring. One of the doors in my house wouldn’t open because, from what I understand, something might have been lodged inside the keyhole and rendering my key useless. I hope that this can be fixed without any need for getting a new door knob.
You make an interesting point that it is important for us to know a reliable locksmith as they can help get out of a jam, such as being locked out of our home. This is a good reminder as we never know when we may lose our keys or accidentally lock ourselves out. I will surely get in touch with a reliable locksmith for emergency purposes.
One of my friends is going to start a business soon, and she told me she’s looking for advice to hire a locksmith. You made a great point when you said that it’s recommended to check the locksmith’s license. I will definitely make sure that I pass this information to her.
This is some really good information about finding a good locksmith. I liked that you pointed out that it would be smart to ask where the locksmith business is located and what their price is. I would want to also check with the BBB for good locksmiths. That does seem like it would help prevent you from hiring a bad locksmith.
I appreciate your suggestion to visit the website of any locksmith we’re considering to research their credibility. My brother is looking for a commercial locksmith to upgrade the hardware on the main doors of the warehouse building he just purchased. I’ll pass along this info so he can more easily find the best locksmith to trust with the job!
You mentioned that it is a good idea to find a locksmith before the need arises for one. In doing this, you can make sure that you aren’t rushed, and can take your time. Maybe it would be a good idea to start doing some research and see what I can find.
Thanks for the tip about how checking the license is something to always remember when looking for a locksmith service. I’m interested in hiring one soon because I’d like to have some doors in my home get upgraded locks. Improving the security of my house is a huge priority of mine after finding out that the robberies have been getting more frequent in my county these past few months.
My sister would like to hire a commercial locksmith service that will be able to upgrade her apartment building’s locks. Anyhow, thank you for clarifying here the importance of checking her prospective service’s status in the Better Business Bureau. We’ll keep in mind to consider their location too.