Frequently Asked Questions - Locksmith Atlanta
Got questions about locks, keys, fobs, or getting locked out in the middle of a Georgia thunderstorm? We get it. At Locksmith Atlanta, we've heard it all - and fixed it all. This page covers the most common (and uncommon) things people in Atlanta ask us before, during, or after they call. Whether you're panicking at 2 a.m. or just curious about how much a spare key should cost, we've got you covered.
Emergency Locksmith Questions
How fast can an emergency locksmith get to me in Atlanta?
In most areas of Atlanta, we usually arrive within 20-30 minutes. We keep our emergency locksmith teams mobile and distributed across the city, from Midtown to Jonesboro. Even during heavy traffic hours, we can usually get to you faster than a pizza delivery.
What should I do if I'm locked out of my house at night?
Call us. Don't try to climb in through a window or use a credit card on the lock - it's never worth the risk. Our locksmiths are on-call 24/7 and trained to get you back in safely and damage-free. We recently helped a woman in Tucker who locked herself out barefoot at 1 a.m. We had her back inside in under 15 minutes.
Car & Automotive Locksmith Questions
Can you unlock my car without damaging it?
Absolutely. Our car locksmith specialists use precision tools that open most vehicles with zero damage. We regularly unlock Fords, Hondas, BMWs, and even Mercedes-Benz models across Atlanta.
What if my key is stuck in the ignition?
Happens more than you'd think. If your key is jammed, turning roughly, or won't come out, turn off the car and don't force it. We handle key stuck in ignition issues all the time - especially in older vehicles. Our mobile team can extract it and rekey or repair the cylinder on site.
Can you make a replacement car key without the original?
Yes. Whether you've lost your only key or your dog chewed it (true story from a client in Decatur), we can generate and program new keys or key fobs for most vehicles. This includes high-end models like Lexus and Audi.
Residential Locksmith Questions
Should I rekey or replace my home locks?
That depends. If the locks are in good condition and you just want to change who has access, rekeying is faster and more affordable. If the locks are outdated or you want a different style or added security, replacement might be better. We helped a family in Lithonia rekey their home after buying it, and they kept all the original fixtures with new keys.
Can a residential locksmith install smart locks?
Yes, and we recommend it for certain homes. Our residential locksmith team installs and configures smart deadbolts, keypad systems, and WiFi-enabled locks that work with your phone. Perfect for Airbnb hosts, rentals, or just extra convenience.
How secure are the locks in Atlanta rental homes?
Honestly? It varies. If you've just moved into a rental, always ask your landlord when the locks were last changed. If you're unsure, call us. We'll check the locks and rekey if needed. Don't take chances with past tenants or unreturned keys.
Commercial Locksmith Questions
What kinds of businesses do you work with?
Everything from restaurants and offices to schools and churches. Our commercial locksmith services include master key systems, push bar repair, high-security lock upgrades, and rekeying multiple units. We recently did access control work for a logistics warehouse in Norcross that needed new credential locks on every dock door.
Can you install keypad or fob entry systems for my office?
Absolutely. We install standalone and networked systems that give you full control over who enters your business. Great for property managers, co-working spaces, and anyone needing to manage access without cutting new keys every week.
Lock Types, Rekeying, and Pricing
What are the most common types of door locks in Atlanta?
Deadbolts are still the gold standard, but we also see plenty of smart locks, lever sets, mortise locks, and keypad entry systems. In older areas like Lawrenceville or Stone Mountain, we often find vintage-style locks that require special parts or custom solutions.
How much does a locksmith cost in Atlanta?
It depends on the job, time of day, and complexity. A simple rekey might be around $60-$90 per lock. Lockouts average $70-$120. Car key replacement or programming varies more. If you're wondering how much does a locksmith cost, call us with your situation - we'll give you a clear answer with no surprises.
Can you rekey multiple locks to one key?
Yes, we do that all the time. If you're tired of juggling a janitor-style key ring, we can rekey your locks so one key opens everything. One of our customers in McDonough did this for a four-door house with separate garage access - now they've got one key to rule them all.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're locked out in Roswell, need new locks in Brookhaven, or want to upgrade your commercial building's security in Sandy Springs, Locksmith Atlanta is here with honest answers, skilled techs, and fast response times. We're your neighbors, not a national call center. You ask, we answer - and then we show up with the tools to fix the problem for good.
Still got questions? Don't be shy. Give us a call, send a message, or flag us down if you see the van in your neighborhood.
Phone: 404-806-6886
Dispatch: Clairemont Ave, Decatur, GA 30030