Emergency
Call an emergency locksmith when you are locked out, a key breaks in a lock, your home or business has been broken into, keys are stolen, or a door will not lock at night. These problems should not wait until morning.
Not every lock issue needs an urgent visit. A stiff key that still works can usually wait for a scheduled appointment.
A lock problem becomes urgent when it affects your safety, leaves property unsecured, or keeps you from getting where you need to be. If you are unsure, call and describe the situation. A good dispatcher will tell you honestly whether it can wait.
Remember that a locksmith handles access, not danger. If anyone is hurt, trapped in a dangerous spot or at risk, call 911 first.
A lockout is the most common reason people call. Being stuck outside in the evening, with a child, groceries or a pet waiting inside, is stressful and sometimes unsafe.
Try your spare key options first, such as a roommate, a neighbor or a building manager. If none are available, a locksmith can open the door with careful non-destructive methods where the lock allows. Our guide to apartment lockout first steps walks through the process.
A snapped key can leave the door unable to lock, unlock or both. In a car, a broken key in the ignition can leave you stranded.
Resist the urge to dig the piece out with tweezers or glue. You risk pushing it further in and damaging the pins. A locksmith can extract the broken piece and usually cut a new key on the spot. For vehicles, our automotive locksmith service handles ignition and door extractions.
Once police have been called and the scene is safe, securing the property becomes the priority. A damaged lock or kicked-in door may not close properly, leaving your home or business exposed.
A locksmith can repair or replace damaged locks, reinforce the strike plate and help make the door secure for the night. If the door itself is badly damaged, our entry door service can help with repair or replacement.
Take photos of the damage before any repair work for your insurance records. Keep the invoice from the locksmith as well, since insurers often ask for a record of repairs and their cost.
If your keys disappeared along with a wallet or bag that shows your address, someone may be able to walk right in. That risk does not wait until a convenient time.
Emergency rekeying changes the pins in your locks so the missing keys stop working, without replacing the hardware. For a car, new keys can be programmed and the old ones removed from the vehicle's memory on many models.
Businesses face the same risk when a manager's key ring goes missing. Rekeying the affected doors the same day closes the gap before anyone can take advantage of it.
A front door or business entrance that will not lock at closing time is an open invitation. You should not have to choose between leaving it unsecured and staying up all night.
Before calling, try the simple checks: pull the door snug while turning the key, and replace keypad batteries if you have them. Sometimes that is all it takes.
Common causes include a misaligned bolt, a failed latch or a dead keypad battery. A locksmith can often fix the problem on the spot or install a temporary solution until a permanent repair is done.
Stay somewhere safe and visible, keep your phone charged, and have your ID ready to show proof of residence or ownership. Clear the way to the door if you can.
Write down any questions you want to ask the technician, such as whether the lock should be rekeyed or replaced afterward. In a stressful moment it is easy to forget, and a short list keeps the visit focused.
We quote each job before touching the lock, and paying by major credit card is fine. Call our emergency locksmith line at 310-819-3002 to check availability.
When you call about a lock emergency, a professional asks a few questions, gives a quote, checks your ID on arrival, does the work carefully and leaves you with a plan. Here is what each step looks like from your side.
Read the articleLockouts happen late at night, on weekends and on holidays, so having a locksmith who works outside normal business hours matters. Knowing who to call ahead of time keeps a stressful night manageable.
Read the article
Saving a trusted locksmith's number before you need it means you skip frantic searching during a lockout. It also lets you vet the company when you are calm, not standing in the cold.
Read the articleUsually not, if it still locks and unlocks. Book a repair soon to avoid a failure. Our residential team can schedule a visit.
Call police first, then a locksmith to secure the door once it is safe. We can repair locks and help with emergency rekeying.
Call 310-819-3002 to check today's availability in your part of Los Angeles.