1. Your lock has been tampered with or forced
Signs include scratches around the keyhole, a loose or wobbly lock, or a latch that no longer lines up with the strike plate. If you suspect a break-in, stay outside and call the police first. Once it's safe, a locksmith can repair or replace the damaged hardware, rekey the locks and suggest stronger deadbolts or reinforced strike plates.
2. Your smart lock has failed
Dead batteries, software glitches and connection problems can all leave a smart lock unresponsive. Try fresh batteries and the manufacturer's emergency power option first. If that fails, a locksmith who works with electronic locks can troubleshoot it, use the mechanical override where one exists, reset the system or fit a standard lock as a stopgap.
3. You've lost your keys and have no spare
If keys are lost, getting back in is only half the job. If there's any chance they were stolen with something showing your address, rekey the locks so the missing keys no longer work. A locksmith can usually do both in one visit.
4. You're locked out of a safe or filing cabinet
Forgotten combinations and failed keypads happen at home and at work. Locksmiths open many mechanical and electronic safes and cabinets using non-destructive methods, and can reset or change the combination afterwards.
5. A key has snapped in the lock
Resist the urge to dig the broken piece out with a pin or glue. Pushing it further in can damage the pins. A locksmith uses extraction tools to remove the fragment and can cut a new key on the spot.
6. You're locked out of your car
Keys locked in the car or a dead fob in a parking lot is one of the most common calls we get. If a child or pet is inside on a warm day, call 911 first. Otherwise, a locksmith can open most vehicles with tools designed not to harm the door or wiring. Our automotive page has details.
7. Your business is locked or unsecured
A storefront that won't lock at closing time, or an office you can't get into in the morning, costs money by the hour. A commercial locksmith can open the door, fix or replace the lock, and rekey if keys are missing. See commercial services.
Why local helps
A locksmith based nearby has a shorter drive to you and knows the area. Ask for an arrival estimate and a price before anyone sets off, and expect clear answers to both.
Need help now?
Call Villa Park Locksmith Store at 714-933-1063 or visit our emergency locksmith page.