"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."
"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."
"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 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."
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.
The good news is that, yes, you can change locks yourself. Many people find it’s an easy DIY project that requires few tools and not much expense (depending on which lock you’re installing). If you have trouble with any part of an installation, you can always call a locksmith to help finish installing them.
A deadbolt differs from a regular lock in its design, construction, and security level. Regular locks are typically used for interior doors, such as for bedrooms and bathrooms, and provide minimal security. They are easy to install and use, often featuring a simple locking mechanism on the inside. In contrast, a deadbolt is one of the most secure locks you can install on an exterior door. Its internal construction is designed to withstand significant force, adding a crucial layer of security that can deter intruders. While deadbolts may be more expensive and complicated to install, they are cost-effective for the security they provide and are built to hold up to wear and tear.
Yes, keyless locks can deter burglars, mostly because they boost security and offer advanced features. Most models allow for unique codes or temporary access, making it harder for intruders to break in. Many of these smart locks even alert you if someone tries to tamper with them. However, you need to remember that while they provide an added layer of protection, no lock is completely foolproof. Pairing these locks with good security habits—like proper lighting and surveillance cameras—creates a strong defense to help stop intruders in their tracks.
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.