"Nice kid. Not sure that he’s a true locksmith but he is learning!! He left all of his mess from drilling holes in my door. That’s why I called him a nice kid. The work seems to be fine but he showed up in a random unmarked car, didn’t appear neat or professional. I think he will figure it out. He has the skills."
"Great customer service was willing to do extra work within the time given and was able to get my two keys done and helped get my car running again I’m thankful for this young man’s service and will continue to use for further locksmith problems or needs!!"
"One of the most efficient, professional and no nonsense expert I have hired in Northern VA. Pricing fair and honest, work timely and complete. Outstanding. I will hire him again, you should to."
"I would like to recognize employee Doug A at SafeStreet/ADT. We’ve had an old security system sitting in our house for over 15 years without service or functionality. He took the time to explain the differences between how the old systems work and how the new systems work. He was patient with us, and we are happy customers."
"Jim the Handyman is fantastic! We recently had several small repairs done (we waited to bundle them into one job to make it easier for everyone). The crew they sent out did all of them in less time than I expected, and for less than half of what I expected to pay. The work was top notch (something we've seen in the other things they've done for us) and we are very pleased. In fact, I have to call them to schedule some other work. Jim the Handyman should be your go-to provider for anything you need done."
"I put in a request through Angi. They contacted me and sent some pictures. They provided an estimate to repair folding closet doors that were not staying up and on their track. The estimate wasn't cheap but since they had to go to Home Depot while on the job to get hardware I think it ended up a good deal for both of us. I would hire them again."
First thing first: Make sure you’re using the right key. If it’s the correct key for your lock, there are a few reasons why it may not be working, like the key is worn out or the lock is jammed. Try lubricating the lock and pushing the door closed to ensure the mechanisms work correctly. If you’re still locked out, call in for help.
Yes, with better technology now available, it’s possible to add a smart lock on your sliding glass door. Smart locks can be easy for almost everyone in the family to operate and can connect to other safety features in the home, like smart lights. Plus, they’re harder for would-be criminals to pick. However, keep in mind that smart locks can potentially be hacked, and some completely rely on phones or Wi-Fi, which can be an issue if the power goes out.
Rekeying a lock changes the internal mechanism so that a new key works, while replacing a lock involves swapping out the entire hardware. Rekeying is a good, cost-effective option when you want to ensure old keys no longer work, such as after moving into a new home or losing a key. It's also ideal if you want to keep your existing lock hardware. You should opt to replace the locks entirely if you want to upgrade to a more secure or different style of lock, if the current lock is old or damaged, after a break-in, or if too many copies of the old key exist.
Keyless locks are great for convenience, letting you unlock doors with a code or your phone so you don't need to carry keys around. They also often come with helpful features like temporary codes for guests. On the downside, they can be more costly up front and do require batteries that will eventually need replacing. If you value ease of use and additional security features, keyless locks are worth the investment.
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.
The Fair Oaks, VA 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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