Locksmith FAQ Answers
Straightforward answers about pricing, service areas, emergency response, car keys, rekeying, and commercial security.
Top locksmith questions
Do I need to make an appointment or can you come now?
Emergency calls are handled based on current mobile availability and urgency. Planned work like lock installation, rekeying, access control, or smart lock setup can be scheduled for an appointment window.
Are your locksmiths background checked?
Yes. Specialists are background checked before joining the field team, and Kwikey carries business insurance. Authorization is verified before access or security changes are made.
What if I'm not satisfied with the work?
Kwikey provides a 90-day workmanship commitment on eligible completed work and installed hardware. Contact us with the service request if an issue appears.
Do you bring hardware with you or do I need to purchase locks?
Our mobile units carry common lock hardware, cylinders, deadbolts, latch parts, strike plates, and key blanks. Specialty parts may need sourcing.
Are you available evenings and weekends?
Mobile service runs Monday through Thursday and Sunday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. We are closed Saturdays. Wilmington shop visits are by appointment Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Is there an extra charge for after-hours or weekend service?
After-hours work can change pricing because specialist availability, travel, and urgency are different. We review the service address, lock problem, timing, and pricing before work starts so you are not deciding under pressure at the door.
Can you help with apartment lockouts?
Yes. We verify identity and tenancy, then choose an entry method based on the apartment lock type. We work with building access systems, deadbolts, and smart locks throughout the Delaware and nearby Pennsylvania area.
My key broke off inside the lock. Can you help?
Yes. Broken key extraction is common locksmith work. We remove the fragment when possible, check whether the cylinder was damaged, and discuss whether a new key, rekey, repair, or replacement is the right next step.
Pricing FAQ
How much does a lockout service typically cost?
Cost depends on lock type, timing, and complexity. A standard home lockout is different from a high-security or automotive lockout. We inspect the lock, explain the work, and confirm the price before starting.
Is there a cancellation fee if I don't need you anymore?
No charge if you cancel before dispatch. Once a specialist is driving, a trip fee may apply. We explain that before sending anyone.
Do you offer invoicing for commercial accounts?
Yes, we work with many property managers, businesses, and fleet operators on account. After establishing a relationship, we can invoice with net-30 terms. Ask about account setup when you schedule commercial locksmith service.
Is there an extra charge for emergency or after-hours service?
Emergency and after-hours pricing depends on timing, specialist availability, travel, and the type of lock problem. We review the price before approved work starts so Delaware and nearby Pennsylvania customers can decide before service continues.
Residential FAQ
Should I rekey or replace my locks?
Rekey when the lock works but old keys should stop working, such as after moving in or losing a key. Replace damaged, loose, weak, or outdated hardware. We inspect the lock first and recommend the lower-scope option when rekeying solves it.
What are bump-proof or pick-resistant locks?
Pick-resistant and bump-resistant locks use added pin, sidebar, or key-control features to resist common attack methods. Brands like Medeco and Mul-T-Lock can be strong options for front doors and visible exterior entries.
Which lock options are safer for homes with small children?
For homes with children, interior thumb-turns help preserve quick exit, deadbolt covers can reduce curious lock use, and smart locks with auto-lock can prevent doors from staying unlocked. We can also install chain guards at adult height.
What grade of deadbolt should I use for my home?
Grade 1 and Grade 2 deadbolts are common exterior-door choices. We inspect the door, frame, and strike plate before recommending hardware.
Commercial FAQ
What's the difference between key cards and fob access?
Key cards are credit-card sized, while fobs fit on a keychain. Both can support fast credential changes when the access-control system is configured for it. Kwikey reviews door count, users, audit needs, and hardware before recommending cards, fobs, keypads, or mobile credentials.
Are your commercial lock installations ADA compliant?
Kwikey reviews the door, occupancy, hardware, and inspection notes before recommending commercial hardware. We can install ADA-aware lever and exit-hardware options, but final ADA or fire-code compliance depends on building use, local authority, and owner or inspector requirements.
Do you offer after-hours locksmith service for businesses?
Yes, when specialist availability and the job type allow it during mobile service hours. We can also schedule some business work outside customer traffic windows to reduce disruption. Call with the address, door issue, and timing constraints.
An employee left with keys. What should I do?
Rekey the doors they could access as soon as possible. Returned keys may still have copies. For multi-door businesses, we can rekey only affected areas, preserve the master system when possible, and help you deactivate electronic credentials.
Automotive FAQ
Are aftermarket car keys as good as dealer keys?
Quality aftermarket keys can work well when the blank, chip, and programming match the vehicle. We confirm compatibility, cut and program the key when supported, then test unlock and start functions before handoff.
Why should I use a locksmith instead of the dealership?
Mobile service can often avoid towing and dealership scheduling. Compatibility depends on the vehicle and key type. We confirm the year, make, model, ownership, and programming requirements before pricing the work for Delaware and nearby Pennsylvania drivers.
Do you service hybrid and electric vehicle keys?
Hybrid and electric vehicle key support depends on the year, make, model, credential type, and programming access. Share the vehicle details and whether you have a working key, card, or fob so Kwikey can confirm whether mobile programming is supported before pricing the work.
My key turns hard in the ignition. What's wrong?
A hard-turning key can point to a worn key, worn ignition cylinder, steering-column tension, debris, or another ignition issue. Share the year, make, model, symptoms, and whether the key still turns so Kwikey can review whether mobile ignition service is a fit before pricing repair or replacement.
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