The major difference between a locksmith and DIY is that a locksmith is a professional with expertise and do it yourself-ers are taking a major risk.
Locks are important safety features of the home and/or business. When a lock is broken, some people choose to do it themselves, or you hire a locksmith to do it. Doing it yourself can save you money but might not be the best idea. Your assets are at risk.
Benefits of DIY Locksmith
- Save money
- Trying out a new skill
- It may seem fun/interesting
The Downside of DIY Locksmith
- Takes more time than previously expected
- Can be extremely frustrating
- Taking a major risk
There are several risks associated with picking a lock yourself:
You might damage the lock — or even break it. This is especially true for older locks or those that haven't been maintained properly. In addition to being less effective as a security measure, damaged locks can also be difficult to replace without professional help. You may not get the job done — and end up having to call out a professional anyway. This is especially true if you try to pick an unfamiliar type of lock, like a mailbox lock replacement, or one that's more complicated than usual.
Looking for more? Learn about Emergency Locksmith Service
Hiring A Locksmith
The obvious advantage of hiring a locksmith service is that the job gets done right the first time. A professional will have the tools and training necessary to install your lock quickly and correctly, making it much stronger against forced entry. There's no risk of damage to your door or frame, and if there's an issue with the lock, you'll have recourse through the warranty and your money back guarantee.
Do It Yourself
You might be tempted to save money by installing a lock yourself, but this has some risks. If you don't know what you're doing, it could take hours for one lock and you might still not get it right. You could damage your door or frame if you don't install the strike plate properly, weakening the door joint and increasing the risk of burglary. Your warranty may not apply if you installed the lock yourself rather than having it installed by a professional.
How Much Is A Locksmith?
It depends on what you need. If you just have a regular lock and key that needs to be re-keyed, then it could be as little as $40 for an average residential door. However, if you have a high security lock that needs to be installed, or if you have a deadbolt installed, then the cost could be anywhere from $200 to $400.
Looking at this wide range of costs, we can see that the exact price of hiring a locksmith will depend on a number of factors. In this article, we will discuss some of these factors in order to help you make the right decision.
As with most services, there are a number of factors that go into determining the price of your locksmith work. For example, if you're looking for someone to install a deadbolt on your front door, then the price will depend on how big your house is and how many doors and windows you have. Also, if you call a locksmith when there are high call volumes that could increase the rates.
Can a locksmith be trusted?
Locksmiths are generally considered to be trustworthy professionals. However, as with any other service provider, there are always a few bad apples out there who may try to scam you.
To protect yourself, it's important to do your research before hiring a locksmith.
Look for online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have used a locksmith in the past.
Major red flag: does your locksmith not have a license?
Once you've found a locksmith you can trust, be sure to ask for an estimate in writing before work begins. This will help you avoid being overcharged for the job.
The best way to do some research on locksmiths is by reading their reviews online.
How Much Does It Cost To Unlock A Door?
The average cost to unlock a door is $65, but most people pay between $50 and $75 to have their locksmith unlock a door. Cost factors include the type of lock on your door, the brand of door lock, and how many locks need to be unlocked.
Most locksmiths charge by the job, not by the hour. To provide you with an accurate estimate, a professional will need to see what kind of lock you have. They may also need to see how many locks you want unlocked and if there are any signs of damage.
Conclusion
If you consider the DIY solutions to high risk, please call a professional. They'll get the job done. While it's more affordable to DIY, you'll be assured that your valuables are safe.
Call us at 702-336-2423. Access Lock and Safe help!