Get matched with top locksmiths in Duncanville, AL

The easiest way to pick a lock is by using a titanium rake pick. This type of lock pick comes in a variety of shapes used to simulate different key configurations but generally has a tip with a bent design. Rake picks are the most beginner-friendly lockpicks and the simplest to learn how to use.

When it comes to how to get a stuck key out of a lock, the simplest way is to use some kind of lubricating substance. One option is to apply graphite powder while wiggling the key gently. As the graphite fills the lock, jiggling should loosen the key enough to allow you to pull it out.

The best type of deadbolt depends on your specific needs. If accessibility is your primary concern, a single-cylinder deadbolt is the easiest to operate. Mortise locks are likely the most secure type of deadbolt you can install, but single-cylinders combined with secondary locking mechanisms like vertical locks are also a great option. Smart locks will give you the most flexibility to open and close your locks whenever and wherever you need to. 

Expect to pay between $50 to $200 if you hire a locksmith to change your locks. That figure includes labor and the cost of basic hardware. The cost will naturally be higher if you plan to install more expensive locks, like smart locks, and if you need a lot of them.

Homeowners can save money by replacing locks themselves. A typical rekeying kit costs about $10 to $25. The only additional cost is purchasing new house keys, and those are no more than a few dollars per key. If you want to replace the locks on your own completely, the main cost is the price of the locks themselves. A standard knob-style lock starts around $25, while electronic locks and smart locks will run in the hundreds of dollars. The only additional tools you should need are a tape measure, screwdriver, and screws if they are not already provided.