new locks

Who Actually Uses Locksmiths?

We use locks for a variety of reasons. We use them to keep our homes and vehicles secured from theft. We use them to make ourselves feel more secure. Businesses, schools and other community buildings use them to prevent not only theft but unauthorized entry and mischief. And while they generally work well for all these purposes, there are times when they work TOO well and they wind up keeping us out of our home, vehicle or office. Time to call a locksmith.

Lockouts, however, aren’t the only reason to call a locksmith. There are other circumstances when we would want the services of a professional locksmith. These include:

·  To install locks.

If you have a shed, garage, barn, outbuilding or other building that is currently unsecured, consider having locks installed on it. It may lower your insurance rates, and it will prevent theft or damage from unwanted intruders (of the two-legged and four-legged variety).

· To replace locks.

If you believe that too many unauthorized people have access to your existing locks – such as your home’s former owners, ex-employees or even Airbnb guests – you may wish to have the locks changed. It’s a great way to ensure you can control who has access to your property.

·  To repair locks.

Even if you’re confident in your existing locks, they may not be working well anymore. If the lock is still and you find it’s hard to turn the key, it may be time for repair. After all, you want to avoid a scenario in which the key breaks in the lock. Bringing in a professional locksmith service will allow you to determine whether the lock can be repaired, or it needs to be replaced.

·  To determine your needs.

If you’re not sure what type of lock you need, a locksmith service can advise you on the best choices for your circumstances and your property. Not all locks require physical keys anymore, and you may find that your needs have evolved to a more high-tech solution, such as a keypad that keeps a log of who has entered and exited the property. A professional locksmith can provide you with the understanding you need for each type of lock, ensuring that you choose the right type for your home or business.

Call a Professional Locksmith Service

In Connecticut and Westchester County, New York, All American Locksmiths provides residential, commercial and automotive services for customers of all types, as well as emergency lockout services. We are a family-owned and operated locksmith business; we care about every job and offer professional, reliable, fast, and affordable service to the community. For more information, visit our web site or call us at 203-752-1464.

location

Why You Should Look for a Locksmith Near You

Needing a locksmith isn’t something you typically plan for.

You’re out at an event, and when it’s time to go, you suddenly realize you’ve misplaced your keys. It’s late at night and there’s no one close by to bring you the spare.

Maybe you’re home already and planning to head out the door when you realize the lock isn’t working. Every time you turn the latch it won’t click into place leaving your home completely open for intruders.

This is usually how locksmith necessities creep up – when you least suspect it. The lesson is either have a locksmith you already know and trust in your phonebook (for some of us getting locked out is a regular occurrence – nothing wrong with that) Or, you could turn to Google for some help.

While a search for “locksmith” is going to pull up a ton of results, it’s important to choose a provider who’s reliable and more importantly – nearby. Here’s why you should look for a locksmith near you.

Quick Response Time

This is the most obvious reason you want to choose someone close by. When it’s late at night, or you’re in a rush and need to tend to your other to-do’s for the day, you need someone who is going to be there quickly to help. Many locksmiths provide professionals canvassed around the local area and ready to help should someone need it. Be sure you’re locating a locksmith near you if time is the priority.

Credible Reviews

You might be able to also see reviews from people in your local community if they’ve used the locksmith before. Most local social media groups for local are set-up to recommend and assist neighbors on services. Chances are if the locksmith serves the community, they’re going to know about it and give you some honest feedback.

Fair Pricing

Unfortunately, there are companies out there that operate from distant call centers to try and get locksmith business and some that don’t even have skilled repairmen out on-call. In addition to locksmith impostors and scammers, there are also companies that significantly overcharge people. If you know for sure who the locksmith near you is you’ll reap the benefit of cost savings and peace of mind.

All American Locksmiths offers prompt lockout services, new locks, and more throughout Connecticut towns including: Bethel , Greenwich, Trumbull ,  Ridgefield as well as Westchester County. Call on us today!

3 door lock problems

3 Most Common Door Lock Problems

You expect the locks at your home to function properly and likely take them for granted. If a lock doesn’t work for some reason, it can be an inconvenience or can even be a source of panic that can ruin your day. These are a few of the most common problems homeowners encounter with door locks and ways to handle them.

1.   Key Turns Slowly in the Lock

A lock that is slow to turn is most likely just dirty. Dust and grime can accumulate inside a lock and build up over time, which can eventually make it difficult to turn a key. You might be able to handle this problem yourself. Insert a cotton swab carefully into the lock to attract and remove dirt, then try to turn the key again. If that doesn’t take care of the problem, the lock may need to be lubricated with graphite or silicone spray. Never use oil in a door lock because that can make the problem worse.

2.   Key Won’t Turn in the Lock

If you are able to insert a key into a lock but it won’t turn at all, the lock has seized. Spraying graphite inside the keyhole might help, but if it doesn’t, you should call a locksmith. Whatever you do, don’t try to force the key to turn. That could damage the lock further and could even cause the key to break and part of it to get stuck in the lock. If that happens, you will need to replace the entire lock and have new keys made, which can be expensive.

3.   Lock Doesn’t Work

If the bolt is stuck or the lock is not functioning at all, there is most likely some type of mechanical problem with the lock. A locksmith may be able to remove the lock, take it apart, find the source of the issue, and fix it, or it might be easier to simply replace the lock. If a lock is not working at all, you won’t be able to repair it without formal training. This is a job that requires the services of a locksmith.

Ask a Pro for Help

A problem with a door lock is often frustrating, but responding in the wrong way can make things even worse. If a lock isn’t functioning correctly, take a deep breath and assess the situation. There might be a simple DIY solution that can quickly take care of the problem, or you might have to call a locksmith.

Whatever you do, don’t attempt a difficult or complicated repair if you don’t know what you are doing or if you are not even sure of the source of the problem. That would most likely make matters worse and lead to more expensive repair bills, as well as wasted time.

The professionals at All American Locksmiths are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help with lock-related emergencies throughout Connecticut and Westchester New York. Hiring us is like hiring your neighbor to help you out. Why? Because we love Connecticut and the people who live in it.

Whether you need help near Yale University in New Haven, Eli’s Tavern in Milford, or J’s Crab Shack in Hartford, we’ll be there to lend you a hand. Nothing is “too far” for us in Connecticut. We enjoy traveling up and down I-95, I-91, and the Merit Parkway. We do it for the feeling of fulfillment we get when we help people with their lock issues. As an added bonus, we may just visit some of our favorite restaurants on the way back. If you’re in New Haven, then we will gladly visit Louis’ lunch for their famous hamburgers; if you’re in Bridgeport, then we’ll stop by Ralph ‘n’ Rich’s for some authentic Italian food, and if you’re locked out in Westport, then Bar Taco…here we come!