Misplaced keys are a common source of frustration and panic for homeowners. If you’re locked out and don’t have access to a spare key, your best bet is to contact a locksmith for help. Then you will have to figure out if your home’s security is at risk to decide how to proceed.
Why You Should Call a Locksmith
If you don’t have a key, don’t try to break into your home. Attempting to pick a lock if you don’t know what you’re doing and/or don’t have the right tools would likely cause damage. Then you would have to hire a locksmith to let you into your home and to repair or replace the lock.
Likewise, don’t try to pry open a locked window or climb to enter through an open second-story window. You could damage the window, hurt yourself, or attract the attention of the police.
When You Should Change or Rekey the Locks
If you’re confident that you left your house key at a friend’s home or somewhere else where a stranger can’t get it and that you will be able to reclaim it, then you probably don’t have anything to worry about. If you think you misplaced your key in a location where there is little or no chance of anyone figuring out whom the key belongs to, you most likely don’t need to change or rekey the locks. If, on the other hand, you had an ID badge attached to your keyring, someone could find out where you live and enter your home without permission.
If you think your keys might have been stolen, you should be concerned, especially if you suspect that they were stolen by someone who knows your name and/or where you live. If your hunch is correct, that person could gain access to your house.
Options to Keep Your Home Secure
Replacing locks is generally more expensive than rekeying them. In many cases, it’s not necessary to replace an entire lockset. Locks can be rekeyed by changing the alignment of the pins inside so the old keys will no longer work.
If you have older locks and you have been thinking about upgrading to high-security locks, now would be a great time to do so. If you or other family members frequently misplace keys, you might want to consider installing a keyless entry system so you will be able to eliminate keys altogether and open doors using an access code, card, or key fob.
Hire a Professional Locksmith
All American Locksmiths is a full-service company serving customers in Connecticut and New York. We’re available around the clock to help with emergency lockouts. We can also change or rekey your locks or install keyless entry to avoid the possibility of misplacing keys in the future. Contact us if you need assistance.
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