checklist

Avoid Locksmith Scams: Follow This Locksmith Hiring Checklist

Most people only think about locksmiths during emergency situations. When you’re locked out of your car, house, apartment, or office, you’re often only thinking about the end point: gaining access.  It’s during these desperate moments, though, when it pays to exercise caution.

Instead of hiring the 1st locksmith who answers your call, take a minute to compose yourself: accept the situation you’re in, and remember that you will gain access in time. In recent years, there has been quite a few instances where locksmith impostors and scammers got away with significantly overcharging people. If you’re thinking about calling an emergency locksmith, then please read this first. Ask these important questions when screening prospective locksmiths

Are They Licensed, Insured, & Appropriately Branded?

Anyone who delivers a service to your home or business should be insured, period. If a prospective locksmith cannot produce proof of insurance, then they should not be trusted. If they damage something while making repairs, can they assure you that they will cover those costs?

In addition, if you do meet them in person, check to see if their vehicle is branded. If they’re driving an unmarked van that displays no marketing material whatsoever, then please use caution. Finally, a reputable locksmith will ask for your identification, but in case they don’t, remember to always ask for their identification before letting anyone into your home or office. Locksmiths must be licensed in Connecticut, so if they cannot show you a valid license, do not give them your business.

What’s Their Process For Lockouts?

If you’re told that your lock must be drilled or replaced, be sure to get a second opinion. A legitimate locksmith will know how to unlock almost any door without replacing it. This does not mean that replacements are never necessary. An experienced, honest locksmith should still be able to give you access. If lock replacement is ideal, a good locksmith will give you that option after solving your lockout emergency.

Do They Have Concrete Prices?

A reputable locksmith’s prices are typically set in stone. Rarely will an honest locksmith “surprise” you with additional fees.

Need Emergency Locksmith Services? All American Locksmith Can Help!

All American Locksmith is the definition of legitimacy. We are licensed and insured, we have a list of predefined prices, and our company vehicles are properly marked. Our mission is to serve our fellow Connecticut neighbors. Why? Because we love this state and the people who live in it. Connecticut is our home, and we take pride in helping our place of residence grow and prosper. In order to make this happen, we must ensure that the people around us are safe, secure, and stress-free. We don’t want you worrying about what your boss is going to say when you tell him you’re going to be 5 hours late because you locked your keys in your car; nor do we want you to have to break into your own house because your door lock broke. 

We don’t want you thinking that it’s too late, or that you’re too far for us, either. When we say we serve all of Connecticut, we mean it. Greenwich, Stamford, Bridgeport, Fairfield, Trumbull, New Haven, Hartford, and anywhere in between– If you’re in a tough spot, we’ll come to your aid day, night, rain, or shine.

searching in snow

Lost Your Keys in the Snow? Here’s How to Get them Back

If you lost your keys in the snow, then don’t panic. It doesn’t matter whether you were shoveling, hiking, running, or snowboarding: if you are certain that your keys are buried under winter’s white blanket, then just remember that  it is possible to find them again. Here’s 2 tips you can use to help you reunite with your missing set of keys.

1. Use a Metal Detector

Before you start frantically shoveling your way to the center of the earth, do yourself a favor: get a metal detector. If you can retrace your steps, chances are that the metal detector will be able to pinpoint the general location of your keys.

How to Use a Metal Detector

If you’ve never used a metal detector before, then don’t worry: they are very easy to operate. While available settings can vary depending on the type of metal detector you get, there are a few universal buttons worth getting familiar with:

  • Detection Mode / Discrimination – These buttons allow you to exclude certain objects from being found. If your keys are made of brass, for example, you can use these settings to exclude iron objects from your search. If you’re not sure what kind of material your keys are made of, then don’t bother adjusting this setting.
  • Sensitivity – This button helps to define how precise you want the detector to be. Before playing around with this setting, use the metal detector as-is. If you’re stumbling upon lots of other objects, then try lowering the sensitivity.

To use your metal detector effectively, execute a sweeping motion while searching.  Keep the device about 6” above the ground Walk slowly and keep the detector roughly two feet in front of you. If you hear it beep, move the detector in small circles until you can pinpoint the exact spot.

2. Melt & Shovel The Snow

Ideally, you should wait for the snow to melt naturally; however, if you live in Connecticut, then you know how long snow piles can linger. If you don’t have a spare key, then you will have to dig to find the ones that are missing. If you’re faced with mounds of packed snow, then a blowtorch can be used to loosen it.

Need New Locks? All American Locksmith Can Help!

If you still can’t find your keys, then don’t worry. All American Locksmith offers 24/7 emergency locksmith services. If you’re locked out of your house, car, or business, then call us right now. Day, night, rain, or shine–we’ll be there to help you in your time of need.

 

man driving in a new car

New Car? Lost Keys? This Locksmith Has a Fix!

As automobile technologies progress, the cars we drive today have far more capabilities than those people used to get around in the decades past. From better audio technologies to wireless capabilities in the car and even sensors to keep you safer on the road, there’s something for everyone to love when it comes to newer cars.

If you’re lucky enough to own a car that was manufactured in the last two decades or so, then you probably are familiar with how different your car key is from those of long ago.

New Transponder Keys

Instead of a regular nickel key that resembles what you’d open your front door with, they have evolved into transponders that communicate with your car’s internals using an rf transmitter. These keys can send a signal to the car to start it, open and lock it and even disable the engine.

While these keys offer a multitude of benefits, your salesman might have also advised you that if you lose the key, it also costs significantly more to replace. That’s because each key is programmed to work with specifically manufacturer programmed components within the car.

How a Locksmith Helps with Lost Keys

A locksmith might be the first person you think to call as soon as you realize you’ve lost your car keys. Deepening on the issue they could help you rekey the locks or the ignition in hopes of getting you back into your car and driving.

When it comes to newer transponder keys, there is another tactic an experienced locksmith can use to help you gain access to your car without putting you at risk of theft.  And the best part: You can get back into your car without having to go through an entire ignition swap!

This process involves cutting the same key but with a different transponder code so that the old key can turn the ignition but it cannot start the car.

If you’re having trouble with your car keys?  Get in touch with All American Locksmiths. We go above and beyond to get you back into your vehicle. We also offer prompt lockout services, new locks and more throughout Connecticut and Westchester County, NY.

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