5 Times You Should Always Call a Locksmith and 2 Times You Shouldn’t

There are moments when losing your keys or getting locked out isn’t just frustrating. It’s a genuine emergency. That’s when calling a locksmith can save the day. But not every lock-related problem needs a professional right away. Sometimes, with a little patience or the right tools, you can safely handle it yourself. Knowing when to call and when to wait can save you both time and money.

Here’s a closer look at five times you should always call a locksmith, and two times when you probably shouldn’t.

1. When You’re Locked Out of Your Home or Car

This is the most obvious reason to call a locksmith. Whether you’ve locked your keys inside your car or your house door has slammed shut behind you, a professional can help you regain access without damaging your property. Modern locks, especially smart locks and high-security deadbolts, can be tricky to open without the right tools. A locksmith has the training and equipment to do it safely and efficiently.

Attempting to force the door open yourself can make the situation worse, often causing expensive damage to the lock, door frame, or handle. In many cases, a skilled locksmith can open the door in minutes with no harm done.

2. When You’ve Moved into a New Home

After moving into a new home, one of the first things you should do is change or rekey the locks. You never truly know how many copies of your house keys are floating around from the previous owners, contractors, or real estate agents. A locksmith can rekey the locks quickly so that only your new keys will work.

This is also a good time to consider upgrading your home’s security. Many locksmiths can recommend stronger locks, digital entry systems, or smart lock installations to help you feel more secure. It’s a small investment that gives you peace of mind from day one.

3. When Your Keys Are Lost or Stolen

If your keys are missing and you’re unsure where they went, calling a locksmith is the safest move. Even if they turn up later, there’s no guarantee someone hasn’t made a copy. A professional can change or rekey your locks immediately to prevent anyone from using your old keys.

For vehicles, many locksmiths can also cut and program replacement car keys, including transponder and keyless entry types. That can often be done faster and cheaper than going through a dealership.

4. When a Lock Is Damaged or Worn Out

Locks wear down over time, especially if exposed to weather or frequent use. Keys may start sticking, or the lock might refuse to turn properly. These are early warning signs that the mechanism is failing. Rather than waiting for it to completely jam or break, a locksmith can repair or replace the lock before it causes bigger problems.

In commercial settings, where security is essential, regular maintenance from a locksmith can ensure all entry points stay reliable. Ignoring a failing lock could leave your home or business vulnerable to break-ins.

5. After a Break-In or Security Breach

If you’ve experienced a break-in or even an attempted one, you should always call a locksmith right away. Damaged locks or compromised keys can’t provide proper protection. A professional can assess the damage, replace the locks, and recommend better security measures to help prevent future incidents.

They might suggest options like deadbolts, reinforced strike plates, or smart locks with real-time alerts. Strengthening your entry points not only restores your sense of safety but also deters potential intruders in the future.

Now that we’ve covered the times when a locksmith is absolutely worth calling, let’s look at two situations where you might not need professional help.

1. When It’s Just a Sticky Key

If your key doesn’t turn smoothly, it might not be a serious problem. Try cleaning the lock with compressed air to remove dust or debris. You can also apply a small amount of graphite or dry lubricant to the key and work it gently in the lock.

Many people mistakenly call a locksmith for this, only to find out the lock simply needed a little maintenance. However, if the key still feels tight or gets stuck regularly, that’s when it’s time to call in a professional.

2. When You Have a Simple DIY Fix

Not every lock problem needs a professional touch. Replacing an interior door knob, installing a basic padlock, or changing a mailbox lock can often be done safely with a screwdriver.

There are plenty of tutorials online that walk you through these simple fixes step by step. Just be sure to avoid tampering with external doors or high-security locks. Those are better left to an experienced locksmith to avoid accidental damage or weakened security.

When in Doubt, Ask a Professional

While a few situations can be handled on your own, most issues involving security, lost keys, or damaged locks are best left to a trained locksmith. They can provide fast, reliable solutions that keep your home, car, or business safe.

If you ever find yourself unsure whether to call, consider the value of your time and the potential cost of damage from a DIY attempt gone wrong. A locksmith doesn’t just fix locks. They provide peace of mind. And that’s worth every call.