When you lock your key fob inside your car, break your house key in the lock, or can't access your vault of important documents, what do you do? Call a local locksmith to let you in, of course.
However, not all locksmiths you find online are legitimate. How can you be sure that you're hiring someone with the right skills and experience?
If you need to hire a good locksmith in Edmonton, here are the most important characteristics to look for.
They're Insured, Bonded, and Certified
A credible locksmith in Alberta must be insured, bonded, and certified to legally practice their trade. This involves going through years of school as well as on-the-job apprenticeship training.
Unfortunately, there are "Local Locksmith Scammers" out there—people with ill intent who take advantage of those in an emergency. They pose as a legitimate Edmonton locksmith online but have little to no real-life training. When they show up (if they show up), they charge exorbitant prices to drill out and destroy a lock that could have been easily picked.
The easiest way to tell if a locksmith is legitimate is to ask for their license. They should be able to provide official evidence that they're a licensed journeyman under the Security Services and Investigators Act.
They're Punctual
When you attempt to open your locked house, business, car, or safe, you aren't expecting to wait 4-5 hours—you need to get in now.
As such, a good Canadian locksmith will make punctuality their top priority. They'll get there within minutes, not hours, and their experience in the trade will help them work quickly once they arrive.
Their Prices Are Affordable
No one plans for lockout emergencies to happen, and when they pop up, many people can't afford to pay high service fees. That's why excellent locksmiths work hard to keep their prices affordable.
There is some truth to the idea that you get what you pay for. If a locksmith is advertising their services for $10, it's unlikely that they're a legitimate journeyman. Even so, real Edmonton locksmiths will always strive to keep costs low and give you the best value for your money.
They Offer 24-hour Emergency Services
Lockout emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time.
Reputable locksmiths understand this fact and are available day or night, no matter the hour. And, because they're committed to punctuality, you won't have to wait long for them to arrive.
They Have Mechanical Skill, Knowledge, and Patience
A great Canadian locksmith provides service based on more than mechanical skill—though they have plenty of that. They also bring years of experience-based knowledge and a patient attitude.
Does your locksmith arrive without the right tools, spend five minutes (or fewer) trying to pick open the door, and then immediately give up and drill out the lock? This approach is far from professional. Not only does it cause unneeded damage, but it also forces the customer to pay for a new lock and replacement fees.
A well-trained locksmith, in contrast, has the proper skills and knowledge to pick each brand of lock. They also have the patience to the time needed to pick it open with the correct tools. This approach can raise their effectiveness from an average of 65% all the way up to 99.8%.
Are You In Need of a Great Locksmith in Edmonton?
When you hire a locksmith, you need to know that they're licensed, punctual, and will offer great service that you can afford. If you're wondering where to find a locksmith in Edmonton who ticks all these boxes, start by giving Aegis Locksmiths a call.
Our team of five journeymen is accredited by the BBB, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, and the Alberta Locksmith Association. We can help you with any type of lockout, from your house or car to a commercial building or safe. We're standing by 24/7 to help, so contact Aegis Locksmiths online or by phone whenever you need assistance.