WHAT LOCKSMITHS DO
Everyone knows what locksmiths do; they work with locks! Everyone knows that! But what does “work with locks” really mean? We offer some helpful tips on what locksmith service can entail. Read our post and gain some insight into some of the many valuable tasks that a lock and key professional can do on your behalf. Whether you live here in Schaumburg, IL or elsewhere, you can save money and get better service by simply knowing what to expect from your local locksmith professional.
Locksmith vs handyman
Sometimes, service jobs overlap and can be done effectively by either a locksmith OR a handyman. This obviously does not apply to all locksmith tasks as you will see. Handymen can do things like change door knobs, cut keys, add a padlock, install a peephole, deliver your safe, and maybe service your alarm. In general, handymen are not licensed, insured or bonded. They can be part time help and even be inexperienced. Generally handymen will not respond to 24-hour emergency calls or be available during holidays.
A locksmith should be fully certified, carry insurance and be bonded. They will generally arrive in mobile service vehicles stocked with locks, keys and key making equipment so that you can enjoy on location convenience as well as round the clock access to a trained and experienced professional. A locksmith will generally cost more than a handyman but many shops offer affordable, honest rates and free price quotes to go with them.
Emergency locksmiths
These are the pros you call when your situation feels urgent. Here in Schaumburg, IL you can call your favorite emergency locksmith on a 24/7 basis so that true lock and key assistance is always available to you, no matter what your situation happens to be. How can you tell if your situation is a real emergency? Simple; does it feel like one? If it does; it’s an emergency! You might be locked out of your house, car or business and need back inside as soon as possible. Your store’s panic bar might be stuck and you aren’t able to close for the night. Your luggage might be locked in your car’s trunk along with the ignition keys and the airport security is yelling for you to move your car. There are thousands of possibilities and all of them are valid emergencies if you feel in danger or stressed out because of them.
Residential locksmiths
Many people automatically think of lockouts when hearing the term “residential locksmith” but home lock and key experts do more than just let you back in after you’ve locked your keys in the home; they specialize in every part of home security and protection. A good residential locksmith can cut keys, open doors, lock garage doors, extract keys, add a safe, install a deadbolt, replace locks, change door knobs, provide security doors, repair break-in damage, lock your pool, upgrade locks, add a gun safe, install a peephole, lock your mailbox, service alarms, add intercom, and lots more!
As you’ve guessed, it pays to be choosy when selecting someone to actually work on your home locks and keys. Handymen can only do so much before you need to rely on true lock professionals with skill, training and experience. Always choose a full service residential locksmith to work with. They are a true wellspring of home security and protection that you can rely on anytime, day or night for everything from lockout assistance to security upgrades.
Automotive locksmiths
Your car only has a few locks on it. The main ones are the ignition switch and the door lock. Other locks can include the trunk, glove compartment and maybe the front seat console. That being said, these locks and their accompanying keys are all-important when it comes time to operate your vehicle. Older car keys could be duplicated by taking them to a convenience store or mail center. Not so much anymore; modern cars use transponder keys that are hard and very expensive to duplicate. That’s what makes them so good at protecting your vehicle from theft. On the downside, if your transponder key is lost or damaged, you are left with a big bill from your car dealership, not to mention the long service area wait and the accompanying tow charges. On the upside, a good Schaumburg, IL automotive locksmith can come to your vehicle’s location and service your locks and keys affordably, expertly and on your time frame! This service can INCLUDE transponder key programming and duplication, saving you tremendous time, effort and money!
Commercial locksmiths
Do you know how many businesses there are in the Schaumburg, IL and Greater Chicago metro area? Tens of thousands! Every one of them uses locks and keys and other specialized commercial hardware. A business locksmith that is skilled, knowledgeable, experienced, and up-to-date with the latest advancements in commercial lock security can be a valuable asset to have on board. Just as an attorney, financial advisor, accountant and tax professional are vital consultants that every business should have access to, a commercial locksmith fulfills an important and specialized role in keeping local firms safe, protected and secured from inside and outside threats of all kinds.
Local businesses that can benefit from a commercial locksmith include laundromats, shoe stores, apartment rentals, attorneys, gas stations, mechanics, HVAC techs, contractors, dentists, accountants, artists, bakers, dry cleaners, fast food locations, fine dining, auto repair, home improvement, electronics stores and hundreds more.
Add a locksmith to your life
We recommend that you find and work with a full service, well rounded locksmith firm that offers all four of the above specialty areas as well as 24-hour emergency care. Whether you are dealing with an emergency situation or simply want to upgrade your security, a well-established and skilled lock professional is always good to have nearby!