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4 Facts about Locksmiths to Help Next Time You Lose Keys

If you get locked out of your home or need to have the locks changed, you will naturally call a locksmith. Many people don’t realize all the other services locksmiths can provide and all the skills they possess.

1. Locksmiths Are Highly Trained

Locksmiths need to go through a good deal of training to work in the field. Although a college degree is not required, some certification programs are available. Locksmiths may complete formal or on-the-job training or a combination of both. No matter which route they take, locksmiths must complete an apprenticeship that teaches them other things beyond how to install, pick, and repair locks, such as a code of ethics.

2. Locksmiths Understand More Than Just Locks

Locksmiths may encounter a wide variety of locks on the job, so they need to have a solid understanding of the mechanics of how each kind works. They also need to understand carpentry to handle problems such as doors that don’t close properly. In addition, a locksmith may be asked to assess the security needs of a home or business to help the owner make the right decisions.

3. Locksmiths Can Help You Get into Your Car

Some people don’t realize that locksmiths can help customers who find themselves locked out of a vehicle. Many locksmiths can even replace a chip key for a newer vehicle with a keyless entry system. Having a chip key replaced by a locksmith is often much less expensive than going to a dealership.

4. Locksmiths Can Make Security Easier for Business Owners

Many businesses owners install keyless entry systems to control and monitor access. Employees can be issued keycards that allow them to access the entire facility or only specific areas. These systems keep electronic records of who enters an area and when. If theft or vandalism occurs, those records can make it easier for business owners and police officers to identify the person or people responsible. If an employee quits or is fired, his or her keycard can be deactivated. A card can also be made nonfunctional if an employee loses it, which is much easier and cheaper than changing or rekeying traditional locks and issuing everyone a new key.

Call a Locksmith in a Jam

Locksmiths are professionals who offer much more than many people realize. If you lose your key and find yourself locked out of your home, vehicle, or business, All American Locksmiths is here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us if you find yourself in an emergency situation.

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Why You Should Look for a Locksmith Near You

Needing a locksmith isn’t something you typically plan for.

You’re out at an event, and when it’s time to go, you suddenly realize you’ve misplaced your keys. It’s late at night and there’s no one close by to bring you the spare.

Maybe you’re home already and planning to head out the door when you realize the lock isn’t working. Every time you turn the latch it won’t click into place leaving your home completely open for intruders.

This is usually how locksmith necessities creep up – when you least suspect it. The lesson is either have a locksmith you already know and trust in your phonebook (for some of us getting locked out is a regular occurrence – nothing wrong with that) Or, you could turn to Google for some help.

While a search for “locksmith” is going to pull up a ton of results, it’s important to choose a provider who’s reliable and more importantly – nearby. Here’s why you should look for a locksmith near you.

Quick Response Time

This is the most obvious reason you want to choose someone close by. When it’s late at night, or you’re in a rush and need to tend to your other to-do’s for the day, you need someone who is going to be there quickly to help. Many locksmiths provide professionals canvassed around the local area and ready to help should someone need it. Be sure you’re locating a locksmith near you if time is the priority.

Credible Reviews

You might be able to also see reviews from people in your local community if they’ve used the locksmith before. Most local social media groups for local are set-up to recommend and assist neighbors on services. Chances are if the locksmith serves the community, they’re going to know about it and give you some honest feedback.

Fair Pricing

Unfortunately, there are companies out there that operate from distant call centers to try and get locksmith business and some that don’t even have skilled repairmen out on-call. In addition to locksmith impostors and scammers, there are also companies that significantly overcharge people. If you know for sure who the locksmith near you is you’ll reap the benefit of cost savings and peace of mind.

All American Locksmiths offers prompt lockout services, new locks, and more throughout Connecticut towns including: Bethel , Greenwich, Trumbull ,  Ridgefield as well as Westchester County. Call on us today!

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3 Most Common Door Lock Problems

You expect the locks at your home to function properly and likely take them for granted. If a lock doesn’t work for some reason, it can be an inconvenience or can even be a source of panic that can ruin your day. These are a few of the most common problems homeowners encounter with door locks and ways to handle them.

1.   Key Turns Slowly in the Lock

A lock that is slow to turn is most likely just dirty. Dust and grime can accumulate inside a lock and build up over time, which can eventually make it difficult to turn a key. You might be able to handle this problem yourself. Insert a cotton swab carefully into the lock to attract and remove dirt, then try to turn the key again. If that doesn’t take care of the problem, the lock may need to be lubricated with graphite or silicone spray. Never use oil in a door lock because that can make the problem worse.

2.   Key Won’t Turn in the Lock

If you are able to insert a key into a lock but it won’t turn at all, the lock has seized. Spraying graphite inside the keyhole might help, but if it doesn’t, you should call a locksmith. Whatever you do, don’t try to force the key to turn. That could damage the lock further and could even cause the key to break and part of it to get stuck in the lock. If that happens, you will need to replace the entire lock and have new keys made, which can be expensive.

3.   Lock Doesn’t Work

If the bolt is stuck or the lock is not functioning at all, there is most likely some type of mechanical problem with the lock. A locksmith may be able to remove the lock, take it apart, find the source of the issue, and fix it, or it might be easier to simply replace the lock. If a lock is not working at all, you won’t be able to repair it without formal training. This is a job that requires the services of a locksmith.

Ask a Pro for Help

A problem with a door lock is often frustrating, but responding in the wrong way can make things even worse. If a lock isn’t functioning correctly, take a deep breath and assess the situation. There might be a simple DIY solution that can quickly take care of the problem, or you might have to call a locksmith.

Whatever you do, don’t attempt a difficult or complicated repair if you don’t know what you are doing or if you are not even sure of the source of the problem. That would most likely make matters worse and lead to more expensive repair bills, as well as wasted time.

The professionals at All American Locksmiths are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help with lock-related emergencies throughout Connecticut and Westchester New York. Hiring us is like hiring your neighbor to help you out. Why? Because we love Connecticut and the people who live in it.

Whether you need help near Yale University in New Haven, Eli’s Tavern in Milford, or J’s Crab Shack in Hartford, we’ll be there to lend you a hand. Nothing is “too far” for us in Connecticut. We enjoy traveling up and down I-95, I-91, and the Merit Parkway. We do it for the feeling of fulfillment we get when we help people with their lock issues. As an added bonus, we may just visit some of our favorite restaurants on the way back. If you’re in New Haven, then we will gladly visit Louis’ lunch for their famous hamburgers; if you’re in Bridgeport, then we’ll stop by Ralph ‘n’ Rich’s for some authentic Italian food, and if you’re locked out in Westport, then Bar Taco…here we come!