"Very well, the locksmith arrived n time and got to work right away in replacing the locking system. He then took the time to show me how to adjust the door in the future so it would not stick as the house moved. An absolute must if you need a locksmith."
"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 needed a front door replaced. The technician Robert Bysina was extremely hardworking and did an AMAZING JOB! Hire this company and technician, you won't go wrong!"
"Our dealings with Protect Your Home/ADT were delightful. We received a call back very fast after requesting a quote through Angie's List. We were able to complete everything on the phone; there was no paperwork or downtime. I had to call Customer Service with a question about the keypad, and they ended up telling me other helpful details on top of my original question."
Security experts recommend deadbolt locks as the most secure option for a house's exterior or entry doors. Deadbolts provide the best security because they can prevent most types of forced entry and are harder to lockpick. Common types include the standard single-cylinder deadbolt, which is often found on front doors. For enhanced security, you can opt for a double-cylinder deadbolt, which requires a key to operate from both the inside and the outside.
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.
Door locks should be changed roughly every seven years. The average lifespan of a door lock is seven to 10 years, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and change them early, especially if they are showing signs of wear and tear. Examples of deterioration include visible rust and difficulty opening or closing the door. Some locks can work safely beyond 10 years, but it depends on how often they are used and whether they are exposed to damaging environmental conditions like precipitation or extreme temperatures.
When the temps drop, sometimes you need to thaw a lock to regain access. Options include warming the key with warm water, applying a de-icing spray, or using a hair dryer on low heat. Avoid using boiling water to prevent damage. To prevent future freezing, consider installing a cover or shield over the lock to keep water and ice out. Remember to be patient and gentle during thawing to avoid damaging the lock or key. If all else fails, consult a professional locksmith.
Yes, it’s possible a burglar can get through a deadbolt. Some types of deadbolts are harder for an intruder to get through, though. For example, a single-cylinder lock only requires breaking a window nearby and simply turning it. While other locks, such as a double-cylinder lock, may offer greater protection and make it harder for an intruder, no deadbolt is 100 percent effective.
The Somerset, NJ homeowners’ guide to locksmith services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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