Choosing the right locksmith

Did you lose your key? Is your door jammed? Are you having trouble opening your safe? Regardless of the problem, there’s no shortage of choices when it comes to locksmiths.

What should you base your decision on? Word of mouth? Price? Availability? In fact, you should consider all of the above and more!

The most important things? A relationship based on trust, a reputable professional, precise work, high quality and no unpleasant surprises!

Criteria: recommendations, guarantees and needs

If you want to get the facts, a quick conversation with the people around you—neighbors, friends, family and workmates—can set you on the right path to finding a good professional. The first time you meet with a locksmith, it’s also a great idea to ask about certifications and references.

Insurance companies and hardware stores are also good places to ask for recommendations. They offer the additional advantage of knowing what type of equipment you should choose to avoid break-ins and burglaries, as well as which specialists can provide it.

Pinpointing your needs is another excellent way of narrowing down your search. Do you want to install new locks or change your old ones? Is there anyone you can rely on in the event of a problem? Are you shopping for a safe? If you have several projects in mind, you may find it more advantageous to call on the services of a versatile professional who works for a company. However, if you just need the name of someone who can help you out quickly with small-scale jobs, an independent local professional would be ideal.

Availability, speed and respect: the human criteria of a good locksmith

Of course, you won’t really know how wise a choice you’ve made until you actually need to call on your locksmith. First, you’ll be able to ascertain the locksmith’s availability—ideally 24/7—as well as the locksmith’s promptness, especially in the classic case of lost or forgotten keys. This also refers to the locksmith’s ability to give you a realistic ETA.
It’s easier to explain a lock-related problem by telephone than it is to explain, for example, a plumbing problem. So pay attention to the questions the locksmith asks you: a competent professional will ask about the brand of the lock, the locking mechanism and the extent of the damage.
For less urgent jobs, an estimate should include at least the labor cost, cost of materials, travel expenses and estimated time of completion. Take the time to get several different estimates. This way, you’ll have an overall view of the going rates so you can tell which professionals appear to have the most reasonable ones. You should also distrust those who say you should just “change everything.” Analyzing a particular situation requires more than just a quick glance, and the best solution isn’t always necessarily the most expensive one. Once an estimate has been established, it goes without saying that the final price should be as close as possible to that estimate.
Last but not least, a good locksmith should have on hand everything that’s necessary to perform the repairs, especially if they asked you for all the details before coming out. Even if it’s necessary to order a part, a good locksmith should be able to install a temporary system that’s solid and secure enough to keep you and your property safe while you’re waiting for the part to arrive.

Locksmiths in Montreal and Laval since 1974

For the professionals at Serruriers Amherst Inc., locksmithing is a passion. That’s why they make it a point to abide by their work code, respond efficiently to their clients’ questions and needs and demonstrate exemplary courtesy and support. Because behind every door, there’s a person.

Sources :
Mesdépanneurs.fr. Comment choisir son serrurier en 10 points (10 points for choosing a locksmith). 2014.
Journal de Chambly. Comment choisir un serrurier ? (How to choose a locksmith). 2020.