Brooklyn FAQs

A typical price range for a local locksmith in Brooklyn is about $70 to $850. This is a huge price range because it depends largely on the service you’re after. A simple lockout, for example for a car or a low-security lock, will be closer to the $70 end of the scale. A complex installation of a commercial-level, high-security lock, such as a panic bar, would be more like $850.

If you come across a locksmith advertising price much lower than this, always read the fine print diligently. Check if the price listed is the final price, or a minimum calculated before hardware, labor or service fees. It’s not uncommon for a locksmith to list deliberately low prices, hoping that you’ll skim over the text and be invited in by the small numbers. Always, always get a final quote on the phone, including all fees and services. It helps to know the type of lock you have to help the locksmith calculate costs and prevent unpleasant surprises (e.g, Schlage Tubular Deadlock, Grade 2).

Remember that the total cost will also vary according to whether you’re calling out of hours or not. A 2 am installation will cost more than a 2 pm one, to make up for the locksmith’s free time.

The response time for a lockout ranges from immediate, to about 30 or 40 minutes. It will largely depend on when you call – a locksmith out of hours can’t constantly be on standby, and it may take them a few minutes to get ready, collect their tools and leave the house. A locksmith during typical opening hours will most likely already be ready to go, and perhaps even already on the road when they get your call.

Yes. Commercial locks are a different business to residential ones. For starters, locks need to be fitted to specialized doors, whether they’re storefront doors, sliding doors, or regular doors designed to be heavier and more secure.

Your place of business needs to keep the results you’ve earned from hard work and investment as safe as possible. That’s why it’s also wise to consult a commercial locksmith and explore your options – extra layers of safety, from magnetic-assisted locks to doorstops, can keep your space safe. Depending on your business and policy, you may also need to take some of these extra precautions as part of your insurance plan.

Many locksmiths in Brooklyn perform both residential and commercial services. Always check directly with the locksmith to understand what commercial services they perform, and whether they are an appropriate choice for you.

Consider your doors, windows, and perimeter. Your doors should have at least one lock, which will be of a high standard, and with anti picking and ramming devices to maintain its integrity. Ideally, you’ll also have an extra device – a chain or latch that can be operated from inside, or perhaps an extra, simpler lock to dissuade thieves. Windows must also be lockable. Your perimeter is less important, unless you’re storing valuables in your hard, or your windows are large enough to climb through if broken. However, you may still wish to consider installing a lock or keypad on your gate. If you live in an apartment, your perimeter will be the front entrance to your building – make sure it’s secured.

Yes. We recommend that you switch keys every time there’s a tenant switch, so you don’t run the risk of your home being accessible by others.  If you’re renting, you may need to check with your landlord or relevant authority before you do so. They may also require a copy of the new key – make sure you know this ahead of time so that we can cut you an extra one.

It is extremely rare for a locksmith to damage a lock that’s in good condition. Locksmiths have the necessary tools and knowledge to bypass a lock with no damage.

There is no price regulation when it comes to locksmithing, so the prices vary from locksmith to locksmith. The way that different locksmiths calculate their emergency fees as opposed to regular fees may also vary – some will have a standardized call out fee for out-of-hours calls, while others might charge different amounts according to what time of the day it is (evening, night, early morning, etc).

No, we don’t damage locks. We come equipped with the right tools and products to effectively unlock a door while keeping the lock intact. Only in extremely rare cases will a good-quality lock need drilling, and should this happen, you certainly will not be left to financially absorb the issue.

How we conduct a lockout will depend on the lock in question. Mostly, we use drills or bump keys on traditional locks. For specialized security elements, such as car locks, the technology is different, and therefore the lockout will require a different technique.

Yes, emergency locksmith services can assist you if you’ve lost your keys and require a replacement. We have the expertise and tools necessary to create new keys for various types of locks, including residential, commercial, and automotive locks. We can also rekey your locks, which involves changing the internal pins and tumblers to render old keys useless. This ensures that only the newly created keys will work with your locks, providing you with a secure solution and peace of mind.

 If you’re locked out of your car in Brooklyn, the first step is to remain calm. Then, contact a reputable emergency locksmith in the area who is qualified to handle automotive lockout situations and will respond promptly to assist you. They can both perform a lockout and cut you a new key using specialized equipment. Typically, car lockouts are considered an emergency service, meaning you can get help at any hour in the day. It’s important not to attempt forced entry or use DIY methods, as this can cause damage to your car or lock mechanism.