Rekeying a lock is a procedure in which a locksmith changes the combination of your existing locks. The hardware is removed from the door and changes are made to the the pins inside the lock to match a new key. This is normally less expensive than purchasing new hardware.When this procedure is completed by a locksmith you will have a new set of keys for your home which will lock out any old existing keys.
You should rekey your locks anytime you move into a new property, lose a key to a property, or feel that someone you are not aware of may have keys to the property. Remember our slogen... "WHO HAS KEYS TO YOUR HOME?". If you can not answer that question, it's time to rekey!
3. When should I re-key my locks?
2. Can I re-key my own locks?
Some "do it yourself stores" do offer re-keying kits. We do not advocate anyone other than a certified locksmith to rekey their own locks. There are many small parts such as springs,pins, and clips that can get lost or misplaced easily and are not always supplied in these kits many times resulting in extra costs and possibly having to replace the entire lock and calling a locksmith !
5.How many locks do I have ?
In order to determine how many locks you have use this rule of thumb....."A lock is anywhere a key is inserted".Deadbolts and door knobs are seperate locks. Some homes and businesses have DOUBLE CYLINDAR DEADBOLTS------>
these would be concidered 2 locks.
The standard Single Cylindar Deadbolt lock has a thumb turn on the inside like this---->
7. Does installing 2 deadbolts on my front door increase the security of my home?
The answer to this question No... WHY SPEND THE EXTRA MONEY? Although many of our competitors will talk you into this unecessary expense we always advise our customers against this unless there are special circumstances. Most people believe they can get more security in there front door buy adding more locks...THIS IS A OLD WIFE'S TALE! Think about it....if you have more locks on your front door than your neighbors home maybe you have some really good valuables that you are trying to lock up....This can be a double edged sword!
LOCKS ARE THERE TO KEEP HONEST PEOPLE HONEST! Remember a good thief will find the path of least resistance into your home or business. So to add more security not more locks....ensure you have all windows locked with track locks and get a good alarm system installed in your home. This way they may get in ....BUT NOT FOR LONG!
6. What is master-keying? (Pro's & Con's)
Master-keying a lock is when ther are one or more keys that open a specifc lock or locks. The is mostly done on commercial buildings however, this can be a useful tool for residencial properties as well. In order to acomplish this all locks that are to be mastered must work on the same type of key. As an example; a property manager may want to have all of their properties mastered to one key and an individual key for each property that is used by the tennant. This way the property manager can access any property at anytime without having multiple keys. The Pro is that master keying adds convenience and the Con is that it does not add security! It actually decreases the security in a lock as it allows multiple keys to accomidate the cylinder.
8. EVICTION POLICY & CHARGES
We have completed thousands of evictions over the years and work hand in hand with law inforcment in completing this process. In order to make the eviction process work for our customers we have posted this information to assist you in understanding the expectations and your roll on the date of the eviction.:.
1. Please inform us of the scheduled eviction time only...as a curtosy we will arrive 15 minutes prior to this time. The first 30 minutes of wait time is included in the initial trip fee however, if law inforcement is delayed or there are other underlying circumstances and you wish to have us wait beyond this time frame, there will be a $25.00 fee for every 30 minutes of wait time beyond the first 30 minutes. The locksmith will advise you when the 30 minutes has expired and it will be at the customers descretion to hold the locksmith for additional time and incure the wait time fees.
2.DO NOT PARK IN FRONT OF THE PROPERTY OR APPROACH THE PROPERTY ON OR BEFORE THE DAY OF THE EVICTION.. You should already know that if you are going through the eviction process there is already a possible hostile issue between you and the tennant. Law Enforcement has notified them that they are coming on this date to evict them from your property. 99% of all evictions go very smoothly and more often then not the tennat has moved out prior to this date..However if they have not there is every chance that this can create a hostile situation! Regardless if the tennants have moved out....For everyones safety do not approach the property or park where the tennants can see you on or before this date? If you do approach the property law enforcement may choose to decline carrying out the eviction and you will only delay this process.
3. If for any reason the eviction can not be completed the customer will be responcible for the trip charge and any and all wait time fees.
4.Normal Fees / Charges:
TRIP FEE- The trip fee is charged to the customer in order to have our mobile locksmith arrive at the property in question and the first 30 minutes of wait time. It is the minimum charge you are respocible for once we arrive at the property.. this fee is $50.00 during normal business hours( 9am-5pm mon -fri)
PICK FEE-More often then not the tennant has rekeyed your property and your keys will no longer work Law enforcment will require the locksmith to pick open the door and the cost for doing this is a one time fee of $25.00.
REKEY FEE- this is the fee per lock cylinder for rekeying your existing locks. $15.00 per cylinder
