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Rekeying door locks yourself costs a fraction of what you would expect to pay a locksmith. On average, it costs between $50 to $100 to hire a local locksmith to rekey your house, though labor costs may vary based on where you live. For a DIY solution, you can expect to spend $11 to $25 on a rekeying kit.

Smart deadbolts are a worthwhile investment for homeowners seeking more convenience, flexibility, and advanced features than a traditional deadbolt can provide. While a strong conventional deadbolt offers sufficient security for most, smart deadbolts provide significant upgrades.

Key benefits include keyless entry via smartphone, keypads, or biometric sensors, and the ability to lock or unlock your door remotely. You can also manage access for guests by creating temporary codes, eliminating the need for physical keys and the risk of them being lost or duplicated. Many models integrate with smart home systems and offer features like automatic locking, entry-exit monitoring, and tamper alerts with encryption for enhanced security.

However, there are downsides to consider. Smart deadbolts are more expensive than their traditional counterparts and rely on batteries and wireless networks to function. This dependency introduces potential vulnerabilities, such as hacking by skilled intruders and privacy concerns. Installation can also be more complex. Despite these drawbacks, the added layer of convenience and protection makes them a compelling option for many.

If your key breaks in a lock, first remain calm and avoid forcing the broken piece further in. You may be able to remove it yourself if a portion of the key is still protruding from the lock. To aid removal, lubricate the keyhole with a graphite-based spray. Then, try using tools like pliers, tweezers, a bobby pin, or even a jigsaw blade to gently grasp and pull the broken piece out. If these methods don't work, you can't reach the key, or you're concerned about damaging the lock, it's best to call a professional locksmith for assistance.

You can cut a door knob off using a sawzall, but you risk causing additional damage to the door itself. You’ll also need to completely replace the door knob, costing you extra money and another trip to the hardware store.