"I had the best experience with Capitol Locksmith. Erwin was professional, courteous, knowledgeable, and on time. He answered all of my questions and did exactly what he said he would do. Outstanding customer service. I highly recommend!"
"We have been using Mike & Home Remedies as our contractor/handyman for close to ten years. Time and again Mike has been the consummate professional and his works shows. The quality is tremendous and Mike (quite rightly) takes pride in his craft. We have had Mike do several large projects in our home and he just completed redoing our basement bathroom as we are having an elderly family member move in. We will continue to call on him for all and every future work. We cannot recommend him strongly enough."
"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."
"Ron was great. Very responsive and honest. Answered all my questions and was extremely patient with me. He rekeyed all my locks after moving into my new home which saved me a tons of money because I thought I was having to replace all the locks. Now I have key for every door. Would definitely recommend to anyone."
"Great people to do work with! On time, free estimates and very professional. Whatever you need done around your home, call these guys first and save yourself a lot of time/aggravation."
"He did work in my patio, painted inside house and also completed a bathroom in my basement. He is very reliable and dependable. I rarely meet a person who is honest and trustworthy. I would recommend Johnny."
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.
Lock bumping is a technique locksmiths use to quickly and quietly open a pin tumbler lock, typically found in most types of deadbolts. It involves inserting a specially crafted key, or bump key, into the lock and tapping or "bumping" it with a mallet or similar tool. The force applied causes the lock's pins to jump momentarily, allowing the lock to be turned and opened. Unfortunately, thieves also use this technique to break into homes. Luckily, products like a deadbolt strap will fortify your lock.
Several types of deadbolts are available, including single-cylinder, double-cylinder, rim, smart, and electronic deadbolt locks. The most common type found in U.S. homes is the single-cylinder deadbolt, which uses a key on the exterior and a thumb turn on the interior. A double-cylinder deadbolt features two locking mechanisms and requires a key to be operated from both the inside and the outside.
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.
Aside from the labor costs, several other factors can impact the cost of hiring a locksmith. If you can avoid services during off-hours, you can save on fees often charged for urgent requests.
Consider additional factors such as:
Type of services required
Emergency call fees
Home and lock location
Number of locks to repair or install
Peak hours
Type of locks
The Newington, VA 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.
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Need new locks or locked out? You probably have questions about finding a reliable locksmith. This guide can help you hire a professional you can trust.
