At the end of a project, check your invoice against the estimate. Ask about any additional charges that were added on but not approved by you.

For larger projects, verify all installed devices against the invoice to be certain they are the correct brand and model.

Test your new keys by trying them in all of the locks. Let your locksmith know right away if a key doesn't work or if you're having trouble working a new lock.

You may or may not receive warranties depending on what your project involved. When you are working with your locksmith to decide which devices to install, consider what the warranties include before you make a final choice. For more sophisticated devices such as access card readers or biometric devices, understand what the available warranties cover and what your locksmith guarantees vs. what the manufacturer covers. Be sure to get all applicable warranties before the project ends.

Locksmiths provide a surprisingly large array of services and consider themselves security professionals. Below are some of the most common service requests locksmiths receive.

Construction Site Security
Locksmiths can offer specific lock systems for construction sites. One common system uses a group of keys that give access across the site during construction. Once construction ends, a new key is used that triggers a change in the locks. After this new key is used, the keys used during the construction no longer work.

Duplicate Vehicle Key Cutting
Locksmiths can provide duplicate keys for vehicles, even vehicles with sophisticated electronics or other high-security keys. By supplying your locksmith with your vehicle manufacturer – BMW, GM, etc – and your car model, you can give your locksmith the information he or she needs to know if he or she can duplicate your key. Locksmiths have specialized, highly sophisticated machines to duplicate such keys. These machines include specifications directly from the car manufacturers for duplicating the keys.

Building Security Access
Locksmiths provide building security from access control to exits. Access control can include devices such as access card readers or biometric devices used to monitor and control ingress. Locksmiths can also provide automatic door closers, to ensure that commercial-grade exit doors close.

Store Security
Stores often use locksmiths to provide security devices including annunciation devices that signal customers crossing thresholds, strategically placed mirrors, and security domes in the ceiling.

Safe or Vault Installation
Locksmiths install safes or vaults in the home or in commercial buildings. Be sure your locksmith advises on the best type of safe for your valuables. Other installation considerations include where the safe will be installed, any additional support required for the safe, and considerations of electronic vs. dial locks.

Master Key Systems
For commercial or construction projects, locksmiths provide master key systems, in which different keys provide varying levels of access across the site or building. As the name implies, one key or group of keys will give access to everything, while other keys or groups of keys can be limited in the access they provide.

Handicapped Access
Round door knobs are not easily used by many handicapped persons. Locksmiths can replace round door knobs or other less user-friendly door openers in commercial or residential buildings with lever systems that are more readily accessible.

Home Security Systems
Locksmiths can provide complete home security designs, recommending appropriate locks for different kinds of access points, such as wooden doors, metal doors, windows, and sliding doors.

Duplicate House Keys
Locksmiths can duplicate house/apartment keys for you. It's often better to work with a locksmith to make duplicate keys. Locksmiths bring consistent training to key duplication, which is often better than service you get in other stores, where clerks generally have little experience with key cutting and may rotate often. Locksmiths also have better machines that make cleaner cuts over the long term. Locksmiths invest in key cutting machinery of all kinds and find it easier to duplicate unusual key types.

Lockouts
Lockouts occur when someone locks themselves out of their home or vehicle. When no duplicate key is on hand or no roadside assistance program is available, you often must fall back on a locksmith to let you back in. Emergency locksmiths and 24/7 locksmiths are available but be sure that they are licensed. A reputable locksmith will quote an estimate over the phone before coming out.

The world of locks and keys can be full of unfamiliar terms. The best idea is to ask your locksmith to explain thoroughly, but you may find the words below useful.

Americans with Disabilities Act
Legislation requiring access for persons with disabilities. Relevant to locksmiths because traditional door knobs may not be considered compliant and would then need to be replaced.

Also known as: ADA

American National Standards Institute
Agency that sets the standards for lock design. Also provides a ratings systems for locks.

Also known as: ANSI

access control
Regulating who can or cannot gain entrance to a specific area. Locksmiths provide devices that determine access control.

Also known as: card access, key card access, badge readers

barrel key
A kind of key often used for furniture that is antique or antique in style. The barrel refers to the hole drilled in the key’s bottom. It’s a myth that all barrel keys are interchangeable.

biometric device
A system that uses recognition of some part of the anatomy or being to control access. For example, a biometric device may scan a fingerprint or your retina to determine if you are allowed access.

bit key
A kind of key used for door locks that are antique or antique style. May be found on interior doors of older homes. It differs from the barrel key because the bit key has a little post on the end of the key that protrudes. It’s a myth that all bit keys are interchangeable.

Also known as: skeleton key

blade
Portion of the key inserted into the lock.

blank
Key that has not yet been cut. You need to have duplicate or replacement keys cut on the correct blanks, or they will not work. Hardware or other non-specialist stores stock some key blanks, while locksmiths stock thousands of different kinds.

bow
Handle portion of the key.

case ward
When you insert a key into a lock, case wards are guards that protrude on each side of the keyway that prevent the key from entering if the wrong key blank is used to create the key.

cam lock
A kind of small lock used for tool boxes, cabinets, and similar things. The cam is the arm on the rear of the lock that moves along with the key to lock or unlock the cabinet.

change key
A change key is part of a master lock system. The change key is the most specific key in the system and would typically open a single door. When dealing with safes or with a push-button lock, a change key could also mean a device used to change the combination.

composite safe
A safe designed to resist both fire and burglars. Look for labels that indicate both a burglary and fire rating to ensure your safe is a composite.

Also known as: fire resistive, burglar resistive

control key
A specific type of key that works to install or remove an interchangeable core.

Also known as: core key

cylinder
The part of the lock where the key is actually put in. When a door knob has one keyhole, there is one cylinder. Most locksmiths charge per cylinder to re-key locks. You can get the most accurate estimate of costs and time by knowing how many cylinders you have.

A deadbolt can be a single or double cylinder type. For a single cylinder deadbolt, you’ll see a keyhole on the outside and a thumb-turn knob inside. A double-cylinder deadbolt has keyholes on both sides. A door that has both a door knob with a lock and a double-cylinder deadbolt would count as having three cylinders.

cylindrical lock
The lockset most typically seen today. To install a cylindrical lock, the locksmith creates a large hole that goes all the way through the door. The deadbolt, key-in-knob, or key-in-lever lock can then be installed.

deadbolt
A device that is part or all of a lock. Once the device is extended, it cannot be retracted except using the key or other method to operate the lock.

door prep
Many new doors have the hole pattern pre-cut. Many of these are standard configurations and have an ANSI number. If you provide your locksmith with the ANSI number, he or she will be able to determine much of the information needed to provide the correct hardware.

exit alarm
A device that makes a noise when a specifically-equipped door is opened. Typically, an exit alarm is used when the business must leave the door unlocked to comply with the fire code but also does not want unlimited access to the area.

Also known as: emergency exit

fire-resistive
Refers to how long a safe or other device protects against fire. It’s important to know what you are going to store. For example, papers require at least a minimum of 1 hour, 350 degree protection. Computer storage devices or photographs will be destroyed by the time the temperature is 350 degrees. Ask for advice about the best containers for what you want to store. Labels should show ratings from Underwriter’s Laboratories or the manufacturer.

fit
A general term used to refer to making a key for a lock by any method other than duplicating the key. Required when all keys for a specific lock are lost.

function
Locks may be designed in different ways to provide specific attributes, or functions. For example, A privacy lock typically appears on bathroom or bedroom doors. A storeroom lock always locks from the outside but is free from the inside. Knowing what you need to secure will help your locksmith make the best recommendations.

grade
A ranking set by ANSI for defining the security and durability of a device. Grade1 are the most secure and durable. Grade 2 could be considered commercial strength and used for moderately trafficked areas. Grade 3 locks are typically installed for residential use. Locksmiths can help you decide which grade to use.

Also known as: grade 1, grade 2, grade 3

high-security
A high-security lock is one that uses atypical, unconventional, or patented attributes to try to deter the most common kinds of lock attacks – which are drilling and picking. High-security locks are also used by some car manufacturers.

impression
A way to create a key for a lock without taking the lock apart. A blank key is put into the lock over and over again, with the locksmith filing the key to over many tries to fit the lock. Not all types of locks can have keys created by impression.

interchangeable core
An interchangeable core refers to a part of a lock that can be removed or replaced without taking the lock apart. The interchangeable core is also called a cylinder. A control key allows the locksmith to take out one core and put another one in. A typical use of this lock system would be in college dorm rooms where residents change often.

Also known as: interchangeable cylinder

key code
The numbers and letters that appear on some locks and sometimes on some vehicles. The code allows a locksmith to use special knowledge or tools to create a key.

keyed alike
Used to describe locks that work with the same key.

keyed different
Refers to locks that need different keys to work.

key retaining
A lock that does not release a  key until the lock is locked.

keyway
The grooves or channels on a key. Different manufacturers use different keyways so that users are forced to use their own products. For example, Schlage doorknobs have a different keyway than Kwikset door knobs.

locksmith
Maker or repairer of locks and keys. Also offers safe and vaults. Residential locksmiths and commercial locksmiths are often available out of the same shop. Security personnel who can help you design secure access and egress from your home or business.

Also known as:24/7 locksmith, 24 hour locksmith, 24 hours locksmith, 24 hr locksmith, auto locksmith, automotive locksmith, car locksmith, car key locksmith, emergency locksmith, master locksmith, mobile locksmith, professional locksmith

master key system
In a master key system, one special key (or set of keys) can open every door in the system. However, each door also has its own specific key that can only open that door. This is the simplest kind of master key system. A more complicated system might include different levels of access. A typical installation might be in an apartment building, where the owner or supervisor has a master key to enter any apartment, but each apartment dweller can only open their own door with their key.

mortise lock
A mortise lock is often considered an older kind of lock. It is characterized by having the lock installed in a cutout on the edge of the door. The cylindrical lock is now much more popular. When the keyhole is not part of the door knob or door lever itself but appears above or below the knob or lever, you are probably looking at a mortise lock.

pick
A pick is either a tool used to open a lock without the correct key, or the act of opening the lock. You should note that most states consider possessing burglary tools illegal.

rekey
When a lock is rekeyed, the lock’s internal workings are adjusted so that a new key is required to operate the lock. Sometimes when a single lock is replaced, that new lock can be rekeyed to use the same key as the other locks that are already installed.

rim lock
A type of lock in which the installation does not require that a hole be created in the door – other than the holes used for the nails or screws. Instead, the lock is a box that is attached to the door’s surface. This is in contrast to other types of locks where a hole must be bored through the door or the door’s edge, and the lock set into that hole.

safe penetration
When you have lost the keys to your safe, or forgotten the combination, or the lock fails, or the lock has been vandalized and you cannot open the safe by normal methods, you can call a locksmith to open, or penetrate the safe. The degree of complexity involved depends on the quality of the safe – the higher the quality, the more difficult the penetration. Check with your locksmith because not every locksmith can provide this specialized service.

single-motion egress
Some fire codes require certain doors to allow single-motion egress. Single-motion egress refers to the user being able to open a door with one action – for example, slamming a hand against a crash bar. A door where single-motion egress is mandatory could not have both a door knob and a deadbolt, since the user would have to perform two motions to open both of them.

skeleton key
The phrase “skeleton key” is used to refer to keys of the barrel or bit type – that is keys that open antique or antique-style furniture or door locks. It’s a myth that all skeleton keys are interchangeable.

strike
The strike is a metal plate that sits on the door frame across from the lock. When the door or lock is closed or locked, the bolt or the latch part of the lock fits into the strike. The fit must be proper for the lock to operate correctly and securely. Fixing or adjusting the strike is one of jobs that locksmiths are most frequently called on to perform.

transponder
Technology used to help prevent car theft. It consists of communication between the key and the vehicle’s computer. If the key and the computer exchange the correct information, the car can start. 

tubular
Refers to keys and locks that are circular in shape. A common example is a bicycle lock.

UL
Abbreviation for Underwriter’s Laboratory. UL provides product testing and rating. UL rates some locks – for example, for fire doors, and also provides the ratings for fire-resistive and burglar-resistive safes.

valet key
A key that allows the car to operate and opens the car’s doors but does not open the trunk, or the glove box, or the console. 

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified locksmith?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a local locksmith with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only locksmiths rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified locksmith.

Q: I’ve heard locksmiths don’t have to be licensed. Is that true?
A: In California, all locksmiths must be licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Never work with a locksmith that is not licensed.

It’s a good idea to work with good locksmiths who are insured, in case any damage occurs during the locksmith’s work. For added security, look for bonded locksmiths. These are locksmiths who, often in addition to insurance, are work with a bonding company. The bonding company will also provide money to cover damage or accident situations.

Q: What’s the difference between a hardware-store key and one created by a locksmith?
A: If the key that comes from the hardware store works, then you are set. However, locksmiths invest a great deal of time in training. The key machine at a hardware store is often run by a clerk with little training and frequent rotations. Locksmiths use better machines than the hardware store machines, which means the locksmith’s machines cut clearer and better keys over the long term. Locksmiths also tend to stock many different kinds of key blanks, while hardware stores stock a limited number. 

Q: I have a very sophisticated vehicle key. Can a locksmith make me a second key?
A: This depends on the type of key or fob used to lock or unlock the vehicle. A small number of manufacturers are making devices that only a dealer can provide. However, you should be aware that locksmiths have very sophisticated machines to create sophisticated keys, including those with transponders and other electronics. It’s best to name your specific vehicle type and model and see if the locksmith can help you. Locksmiths often charge less than dealerships for this service.

Q: I’m in the middle of a lockout. What do I absolutely have to know about a locksmith?
A: Make sure that the locksmith is licensed and insured. Look for the license number on the locksmith’s vehicle or business car. Ask on the phone for an estimate including all parts and services; a reputable locksmith will not have a problem providing an estimate.

Provide as much information as possible for the locksmith about the kind lock – is it a car or house lock? Are there deadbolts? Is the key broken in the lock or ignition?

Once the locksmith arrives, look for a vehicle with lots of equipment and clear company markings – if the locksmith arrives in a private vehicle, ask why. Do not sign a blank work form – examine the estimate closely and ask about any possible additional fees.

Q: What is a sidewinder, or laser cut key?
A: On a laser cut key, the key’s cuts appear in the middle of the key blade, not on the top and bottom of the key blade. Initially, laser cut keys came with high-end cares like Mercedes and BMW. Now many manufacturers, including Audi, Saab, Honda, GM, VW, Lexus, Volvo, and Infinity use laser cut keys.

Professional locksmiths can create laser cut keys for you.

Q: How can I get a copy of a key marked “Do Not Duplicate”?
A: Ideally, when a key is marked “Do Not Copy” or “Unlawful to Copy” or “Do Not Duplicate,” a request for duplication should be accompanied by a letter from the supervisor or owner. On company letterhead, the letter should indicate which key is being copied, how many copies should be made, who will pick up the keys, and contact information for the letter writer.

Of course, you need to be aware that not all venues will honor the “Do Not Duplicate” instruction. A professional locksmith is most likely to do so.

Q: Can I give you my Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to get a key?
A: Sometimes you can give your VIN number to a car dealer and get a new key for your car. This does not work with locksmiths. The VIN number does not actually include the key code, or the information needed to create a key for the car. The dealer uses the VIN number to look up the key code in their database, typically for cars less than 10 years old. The databases are often not maintained to store more than 10 years of information.

Locksmiths can create or duplicate even sophisticated vehicle keys and often charge less than a dealership.

Q: How much does hiring a locksmith cost?
A: Of course, the answer to this question depends on what you need done and the local locksmith service that you hire, but you should always ask for estimates before any work is done, especially in lock-outs. A reputable locksmith will be upfront about costs. Be sure to ask about special charges, such as mileage or time-of-day costs. Labor and parts may be charged separately, so be sure to ask about both.

When working with a locksmith around your house or business, get a good idea of what you want to secure, any special security needs such as storerooms or fire doors, before you start the project. The more information you can provide upfront, the more accurate the estimate.

A trained locksmith can guide you in the selection of the right devices and products to work in your project.

Q: My key is sticking in my lock. What can I do?
A: As a first step, get some graphite. Spray the graphite in the keyhole and on the lock’s bolt (the part that inserts in the opening to form the lock.) Move the bolt several times to work the oil through the lock. Don’t worry about getting too much oil in the lock, but you will want to be prepared to wipe up any excess.

If the problem still persists, try working the lock with the door open. If the lock works well when open, then look to see whether the door and frame are aligned correctly. Check to see if there are obstructions or warping of the door or frame. Check to see if weather stripping is blocking the alignment.

Do not use petroleum-based oils or graphite on vehicle locks. For vehicle locks, try a Teflon or silicon-based product.