"The locksmith was terrific. He was very knowledgeable and could give his professional opinion and sound advice, which was welcomed. He was not pushy about his advice, but we accepted it and moved forward with his recommendations. I would recommend him to my family and friends and call him back for my future locksmith needs."
"First of all Overall builders was one of the best companys I have ever hired to do work at my home. Robert is one of the best there is out there. Not only did he do everything we wished for in our kitchen, he also completed the job earlier then expected. He will be back as soon as my wife gets her vision for the bathroom. I would give an A+ if I could thanks again Robert your company is truly one of the best!!!!"
"They got my sliding door and lock to work after a previous locksmith told me the door would have to come off and that the lock needed replacement. It was a matter of a few adjustments, so I think their understanding of locks and sliding doors together really helps."
"They replaced the paneling between the floor and wall very quickly a bought the part for it. They fixed my closet doors very quickly. They initially quoted me a higher price for the closet door repair of $450. They countered down to $350 and ultimately negotiated down to $180."
"I called Alarm Protection Group AFTER my office was burglarized. Now I feel SAFE. William is great to work with. He's neat and tidy, prompt, presentable - not a butt-crack type of guy, and he doesn't leave a mess in his wake. He's also knowledgeable about the equipment and only uses high-quality products."
"I hired these gentlemen to replace damaged drywall, trim and paint from a backup we experienced last September. They worked around our schedule and made the process very easy. The craftsmanship is top notch. They took suggestions and recommendations gracefully. They constantly asked questions about what I needed and made sure I was happy with their work as it progressed. They are of the highest quality and caliber."
"Jose took on a difficult task of creating two cabinet doors to match existing doors in paint and pattern. He was always on time and kept us in the loop for any delays etc. We are so happy. And Jose is a wonderful person to boot. Here are before and after photos:"
"The handyman, Paul, was punctual, professional and did quality work. He replaced the small section of my wood soffit that had water damage with new wood, painted it and caulked. He cleaned up the area when he was done. Paul also re-secured several of my window shutters that had loose screws. He spray painted the screw caps to match the color of my shutters."
Lock picking is a relatively subtle method of unauthorized access, making it hard to detect. But there are telltale signs to look for. First, look for scratches or tool marks around the keyhole or the lock's surface. Also, check for loose or misaligned components, like a wonky strike plate, which could indicate tampering. Consulting a locksmith or security professional for an assessment can provide valuable insights, too. Investing in high-quality locks and considering additional security measures, like security cameras, can help deter potential intruders and enhance your overall safety.
If you don’t have your original key, the easiest way to obtain a copy is to call a locksmith. For house keys, your locksmith has several options for configuring a new key:
They can input a lock’s identification code into a database to obtain key-cutting instructions.
They could analyze the lock cylinder to determine how to cut a new key.
They can create an impression of the lock cylinder from which to cut a new key.
Rekeying is typically cheaper than replacing locks. Professional rekeying costs between $40 and $160, sometimes with an additional fee of $15 to $40 per lock. A locksmith's hourly rate averages around $75. If you do it yourself, a rekeying kit can cost as little as $10. In contrast, replacing a lock costs between $130 and $500, with an average of around $315, depending on the hardware and lock type. Rekeying is a simpler process that changes the key for your existing lock without replacing the hardware. It is a good option if you have a quality lock that works well, you've recently moved, you've lost a key, or you need a quick security upgrade. The best choice depends on the condition of your current locks.
A keypad deadbolt, a lock requiring a code entered on a keypad entry, can be a convenient option for families with children coming in and out and needing access to the home. It can also offer an easy solution if you rent your home out, since you can easily change the code as needed. So, depending on your home entry’s needs, a keypad deadbolt may be worth the extra expense.
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.
The Highland Park, IL homeowners’ guide to locksmith services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Wondering how much a locksmith costs? Discover locksmith prices, key cost factors, and tips to save on home lockout, rekeying, and installation services.
Locked out of your house or dealing with broken hardware? Learn about locksmith costs, warning signs of failing locks, and how to hire the right local pro.
No one wants to get locked out, and locksmith scams make the situation even more unpleasant. You can find legitimate locksmiths by checking things like their phone number, car, and prices. Find out how to pick reputable locksmith companies here.
