Frequently Asked Questions | Locksmith Royal Oak, MI

Lockouts & Emergencies

I’m locked out right now. What should I do first? 

Call us with your exact location and a description of what’s locked (front door, car, office). If it’s a vehicle and you have roadside assistance through your auto insurance, it’s worth a quick check on whether that’s covered separately, since some policies include lockout service. [Response time and hours: pending business details.]

Is it dangerous to try to get in myself?

It depends on the entry point. Prying at a door frame or window with makeshift tools often causes more damage than the lockout itself, sometimes hundreds of dollars more in repair. For vehicles, tools sold as DIY “slim jims” can damage window seals or airbag sensors on newer cars. A locksmith’s tools are chosen to avoid that kind of collateral damage.

Can you get into my car without damaging it?

 In almost every case, yes. Modern lockout tools are designed to work around the lock and window mechanism, not through it. Damage is more likely with older, non-standard tools or with someone inexperienced attempting entry.

What if I’m locked out after hours?

 [Hours and after-hours availability: pending business details.]

Pricing & Payment

How much does a locksmith actually cost?

 Nationally, locksmith visits typically run $85 to $250 for a standard lockout, according to cost-tracking data from Angi and comparable sources. Rekeying usually runs $20 to $160 per cylinder, and full lock replacement runs $80 to $300 per door. These are national reference points, not a Royal Oak quote. [Local pricing: pending business details.]

Why do some locksmiths quote one price on the phone and charge more in person?

This is a documented problem, not just a rumor. The Federal Trade Commission has published consumer warnings specifically about locksmiths who advertise a low flat rate, then add charges once they’re on-site, sometimes citing a lock as “harder than expected” with no way for the customer to verify that. Getting a firm price before any work begins is the best protection against this.

Do you charge extra for evenings or weekends?

[After-hours pricing: pending business details.] Nationally, after-hours or emergency calls commonly add $50 to $100 on top of the standard rate.

What payment methods do you accept?

[Payment methods: pending business details.]

Residential Locks & Rekeying

What’s the difference between rekeying and replacing a lock?

Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration of your existing lock so old keys stop working and new ones do; the lock hardware itself stays on the door. Replacement removes the entire unit and installs a new one. Kwikset, one of the major U.S. lock manufacturers, documents rekeying as a standard, supported process for its pin-and-tumbler locks. Rekeying is almost always the cheaper option when the lock itself is in good working condition.

Should I rekey after buying a house?

Most people do, and for good reason: there’s no way to know how many keys exist for a house you didn’t build. Contractors, past tenants, real estate agents, and previous owners’ friends or family could all have copies with no record of it. Rekeying resets that to zero. It isn’t legally required in Michigan, but it closes a real, unverifiable gap for a relatively small one-time cost.

Is my landlord required to rekey between tenants in Michigan?

No. Michigan law does not require landlords to rekey rental units between tenants, unlike some other states. Many landlords choose to anyway as standard practice, but it isn’t a legal obligation here.

Can a landlord change my locks without notice?

Generally no; Michigan law prohibits landlords from using lock changes as a form of “self-help” eviction against a legitimate tenant. One specific exception exists under state law: a property owner may change locks against a squatter with no lease.

Why does my lock stick, especially in winter? 

Usually one of three things: the lock needs lubrication, the key is worn down from years of use, or the internal pins or wafers are worn. Lock manufacturers, including Allegion (Schlage’s parent company), recommend a dry graphite lubricant applied directly into the keyway rather than a wet oil-based spray, since oil-based products tend to attract dust and grime over time, which makes sticking worse, not better. If lubrication doesn’t fix it, the key or the internal pins likely need attention.

Can you match new hardware to what I already have?

In most cases, yes, especially for common residential brands. If you’re trying to keep every door on the same key, tell us that upfront so it can be planned into the job rather than solved after the fact.

Automotive & Car Keys

I lost my only car key. Can you still make one?

Yes, in most cases. A locksmith can decode the lock cylinder on-site, cut a new key to match, and program the transponder chip so it communicates with the car’s immobilizer. This typically doesn’t require a tow or a trip to the dealership.

What’s a transponder key, and why does it matter?

Most vehicles built from roughly the mid-2000s onward use a key with a small embedded chip that communicates with the car’s ignition system. The physical key shape alone won’t start the car; the chip has to be programmed to match the vehicle. This is why a generic hardware-store key duplicate sometimes cuts fine but doesn’t start the car.

Is it safe to buy a replacement key fob online myself?

It carries more risk than most people expect. Locksmith trade discussions consistently note that generic online fobs sometimes ship with the wrong blade, the wrong chip, or a dead chip, none of which is obvious until it’s already been programmed and doesn’t work. Buying through a locksmith costs more upfront but includes accountability if the part is wrong.

Do you work on all car makes and models?

[Specific makes/models serviced: pending business details.]

Commercial & Business

What’s a master key system, and do I need one?

A master key system lets one key (usually held by an owner or manager) open every door in a building, while individual staff keys only open the doors relevant to their role. It’s most useful for offices, retail spaces, or multi-tenant buildings where different people need different levels of access.

Do you install panic bars and exit devices?

Yes. Panic bars (also called crash bars) are often required by fire code on commercial exit doors, and installation needs to meet that code, not just function.

How fast can you respond to a business lockout?

[Commercial response time: pending business details.] Commercial lockouts are generally treated as high priority, since every hour a business can’t open its doors is lost revenue, not just inconvenience.

Should we rekey after an employee leaves?

It’s worth considering, especially if that employee had keys to sensitive areas (a register, a storage room, a server closet) rather than just the front door. The same logic applies here as with residential rekeying: it’s a low-cost way to close a gap you can’t otherwise track.

Choosing a Locksmith Safely

How do I know if a locksmith is legitimate?

A few concrete things to check: does the company answer the phone with an actual business name, will they give you a price before starting work, and will the technician confirm the company name or show identification on arrival. The Federal Trade Commission specifically flags the absence of these basics as a warning sign, based on a pattern of complaints against locksmiths who operate under fake local listings.

Does Michigan license locksmiths?

No. Unlike some states, Michigan does not require a state-issued locksmith license. What Michigan locksmiths can hold instead is voluntary certification through the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), a real industry association with tiered credentials (Registered, Certified, Certified Professional, and Certified Master Locksmith). [This business’s specific certifications: pending business details.]

Why do you ask for ID before letting me into my own house or car?

Because a legitimate locksmith should. It’s standard practice to confirm you actually live at the property or own the vehicle before providing entry, not an inconvenience added on top of the job. Its absence, not its presence, is what consumer protection agencies warn about.

What should I do if I think I’ve been overcharged by a locksmith?

Michigan residents can file a complaint with the Michigan Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team. Documenting the original quote versus the final charge helps if a dispute needs to be raised.

Still Have a Question?

[Internal link: Contact page] or call us directly at [phone number: pending business details].