Locksmith blog
Guides for homeowners, drivers and small businesses
Emergency LockoutsLocked out at night: what to do first (and what to skip)
A late-night lockout feels urgent, but a few calm minutes of checking save money and damage. Here's the order to work through it.
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House LockoutsLocked out of your house? Your options, and the proof of residence you'll needNov 02, 2026 -
Car LockoutsKeys locked in the car: safe ways in and what to avoidOct 25, 2026 -
Car KeysTransponder key vs. smart key vs. key fob: what you have and why it mattersOct 17, 2026 -
RekeyingJust moved in? Rekey or replace your locksOct 09, 2026
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- Emergency Lockouts
Locked out at night: what to do first (and what to skip)
A late-night lockout feels urgent, but a few calm minutes of checking save money and damage. Here's the order to work through it.
Read article - House Lockouts
Locked out of your house? Your options, and the proof of residence you'll need
Spare keys, landlords, locksmiths: how each house lockout option works, plus the documents a locksmith asks for before opening your door.
Read article - Car Lockouts
Keys locked in the car: safe ways in and what to avoid
Coat hangers and pry bars cause more damage than the lockout. Here are the safer options, in order, and when a car locksmith makes sense.
Read article - Car Keys
Transponder key vs. smart key vs. key fob: what you have and why it matters
Car keys now range from plain metal blades to fobs that never leave your pocket. Knowing which one you carry tells you what a replacement involves.
Read article - Rekeying
Just moved in? Rekey or replace your locks
New keys are a must after a move. Rekeying the existing locks or replacing them comes down to on their condition and what you want them to do.
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Lock ChangesWhen to change your locks: lost keys, a roommate moving out, or after a break-in
Some events call for new keys right away. Here's how to judge the situations that come up most, and whether a rekey or a full lock change fits.
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Deadbolts & Smart LocksDeadbolt grades explained, plus smart lock basics
What ANSI/BHMA grades on a deadbolt box actually measure, what the cycle numbers mean, and what to check before you buy a smart lock.
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Commercial LocksMaster key systems for small businesses: how they work and how to plan one
One key for the owner, limited keys for staff. How master keying works, the levels involved, and the habits that stop it falling apart.
Read article - Key Duplication
Why some keys can't be copied: "Do Not Duplicate" stamps and restricted keyways
California law blocks copies of certain marked and restricted keys. Here's what the stamps mean, what the law says, and how to get a legitimate copy.
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SafesForgot your safe combination? What to do next
Before anyone drills, there are a few steps worth trying: the manufacturer's combination recovery, lockout timers on keypads and simple battery fixes.
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