Locksmith questions, answered
Straight answers about rekeying, smart locks, choosing a locksmith and avoiding scams.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a locksmith?
Look for a company with a real local presence: a business name that answers the phone, a marked vehicle, reviews that mention the technician by name and a price quoted before work starts. Be wary of ads with no company name and a vague "from $19" price.
How do I avoid locksmith scams?
Ask for the total price before work starts, ask what company is coming and check that the vehicle and invoice match. A legitimate locksmith will rekey or pick most residential locks rather than insist on drilling and replacing them.
Should a locksmith be bonded and insured?
Yes. Insurance covers damage to your property during the job, and bonding protects you if something goes wrong. Arizona Keys Locksmith is licensed, bonded and insured.
Do you tip a locksmith?
It's not expected. If someone went above and beyond, a good review that mentions them by name means a lot to a small local business.
Should I rekey or replace my locks?
Rekey if the locks work well and you like them; replace if they're worn, damaged, low-security or can't be rekeyed. We'll recommend one or the other for each door.
Can keyless door locks be repaired?
Often, yes. Many keypad and smart lock problems come down to batteries, alignment or settings. If a lock can't be repaired, we'll suggest a replacement that fits the door.
What's the difference between rekeying and changing locks?
Rekeying swaps the pins inside your existing lock so it works with a new key. Changing locks replaces the hardware. Both stop old keys from working.
Can you make all my locks work with one key?
Usually. If your locks share a compatible keyway, we can key them alike. If one doesn't, we can replace it with a matching lock.
Still have a question?
Call us. We're happy to talk it through, even if it turns out you don't need a visit.