Locksmith guides
Practical answers from a licensed locksmith.
Locked out of your house in Vancouver? What to do
Getting locked out is stressful. Here is a calm checklist, what to avoid, and what to expect when you call a locksmith.
Read guide ›How to choose a locksmith in Vancouver
Most locksmiths are honest, but the industry also has companies that advertise low prices and charge far more on arrival. These checks help you choose well.
Read guide ›Rekey or replace your locks? How to decide
Both options stop old keys from working, but they suit different situations. Here is how to choose.
Read guide ›Lost all your car keys? What to do next
Losing every key to your car feels like a disaster, but there are good options and you usually do not need to tow it.
Read guide ›How much does a locksmith cost in Vancouver?
Prices vary with the job, and a fair locksmith explains them before sending anyone. Here is what moves the price and what to ask.
Read guide ›Key broke in the lock? What to do
A snapped key is common and usually fixable if you do not make it worse. Here is what to do first.
Read guide ›Fireproof vs burglary rated safes: which do you need?
Many people buy a fireproof safe and assume it also stops thieves. They are different things. Here is how to choose.
Read guide ›Master key systems for businesses and strata buildings
A master key system lets different people open different doors with different keys, while one key controls everything. Here is how it works and when it is worth it.
Read guide ›How much does car key replacement cost in Vancouver?
A replacement car key can cost very little or a lot, depending on the key type and whether you still have a working one. Here is what drives the price.
Read guide ›Locksmith scams: how to spot them and what to do instead
Most locksmiths are honest, but a few operators advertise a local name, send an unmarked car and quote one price on the phone and another at the door. Here is how to protect yourself.
Read guide ›Smart lock or regular deadbolt: which is right for your home?
A smart lock is convenient, but a good mechanical deadbolt is still the foundation of door security. Here is how to choose.
Read guide ›Strata rekeying and key control: a guide for councils and managers
Strata buildings have a lot of shared doors and a lot of keys. A little planning keeps access under control and costs predictable.
Read guide ›Moving into a new home: a lock and key checklist
You never know how many copies of the old keys are out there. Fixing the locks on move-in day is quick, affordable and gives you peace of mind.
Read guide ›After a break-in: how to secure your home
After a break-in, safety and the police report come first. Then your doors and locks need to be secured quickly.
Read guide ›Forgot your safe combination or lost the key? What to do
A locked safe is rarely a lost cause. Before you force it, try these steps, then call a locksmith who opens safes properly.
Read guide ›Car keys explained: basic, transponder, remote and smart keys
Modern car keys are small computers. Knowing which type you have helps you understand what a replacement involves.
Read guide ›How to choose a home safe: size, rating and lock type
A safe only helps if it matches what you are protecting. These are the choices that matter before you buy.
Read guide ›Where to put a safe and why you should bolt it down
A heavy safe that can be carried out of the house is not much protection. Placement and anchoring matter as much as the safe itself.
Read guide ›Deadbolt grades explained: what makes a door lock secure
A good lock on a weak door still fails. Here is what actually makes an entry door secure.
Read guide ›Access control for a small business: fobs, keypads and keys
Access control replaces keys with fobs, codes or cards so you can add or remove access without changing locks.
Read guide ›High-security locks explained: restricted keys and pick resistance
High-security locks resist picking, bumping and unauthorised key copying. They are worth it where the cost of a break-in is high.
Read guide ›Why locks stick in Vancouver's wet and cold weather
Wet weather and the occasional freeze are hard on locks and doors. Most problems start small and are cheap to fix early.
Read guide ›How to avoid getting locked out: simple habits and spare keys
Most lockouts are avoidable. A few small habits and one good spare can save an emergency call.
Read guide ›Commercial door hardware: closers, panic bars and the locks that go with them
Commercial doors work harder than home doors. The hardware has to open smoothly, close fully and meet fire and exit rules.
Read guide ›