How Long Does a Locksmith Take to Change a Lock?
Locked out of your home or car and don’t know what to do? Don’t worry; all you need is a professional residential locksmith service. But how long will it take for them to get there and help you out? Nothing can be more disheartening than being stuck with no way in—but luckily, the answer lies just around the corner!
In the following article, we’ll explain what you can anticipate regarding a locksmith’s estimated arrival time and how long it could take to change your locks.
What is the Average Response Time for a Professional Locksmith?
Generally, you can anticipate a proficient locksmith to reach your destination within 15-30 minutes. Nonetheless, bad weather conditions such as heavy snow or rain may extend this timeframe. Furthermore, the amount of traffic in your vicinity could be another factor that causes delay – from an accident on a major road to peak hour congestion—all these can affect how quickly they arrive at your location.
Because travel distance is crucial in determining when your locksmith will arrive, it’s essential to know how far away they are. And keep in mind that once your lock technician shows up, the time it takes them to finish their job depends on what task needs completing. That’s why it’s always wise to support your local locksmiths.
How Long Does a Locksmith Take to Change a Lock?
Swapping a mechanical door latch lock or deadbolt rarely requires more than half an hour of effort by an experienced locksmith—excluding residential rekey service and maintenance tasks. In most cases, the job can be carried out in 15 to 30 minutes.
First, any existing hardware must be removed from the door and doorway. Afterward, all relevant recesses and cavities should be thoroughly inspected.
A locksmith must be vigilant in detecting issues with existing recesses and drilled cavities. If the wood shows signs of cracking or splintering, it must be filled; similarly, the security-critical wooden frame may require substitution—this can add more hours to the job.
If the lock must be tailor-fitted to a specific key, it can add another layer of complexity. Many new sets come with multiple keys for owners’ convenience. However, some may opt to keep an old one as well. For security purposes, though, most typically replace the existing one and have their locksmith make all the necessary copies that they need afterward.
Subsequently, the recently purchased lock set materials should be installed in the required direction—a seemingly evident task for external doors but may not be so straightforward for some inner rooms. These will involve two plates, any appropriate deadbolt and latching component to replace, and any functional or decorative hardware (such as ornamental trim that locks parts often mount on).
When the lock is installed, we will ensure it works correctly with each key. After we verify that the operation meets all functional and mechanical requirements, your installation will be complete.
What Factors Affect How Long It Takes to Change a Lock?
If your lock is not responding to your current key, it’s likely due to the intricate safety design or a worn-out key. In either case, this could require special attention from a qualified locksmith who can quickly identify and resolve any issues. Don’t take on such an important task alone when reliable experts are only a phone call away!
When the lock has been severely damaged, a locksmith may be unable to pick it up. In these scenarios, removing the entire lock might be necessary to access your home or business.
Even the most experienced locksmiths may require more time than usual to pick a lock they have already opened before. Despite their expertise and proficiency, it is possible that external factors or circumstances can cause delays in these situations.
Although a locksmith usually has the lock changed within 20 minutes, there will be some occasions when it may take longer. It is essential to remain patient and understanding during those times.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does a locksmith take for a residential lock change? In most cases, the answer is around 15-30 minutes. However, the time it takes can vary depending on several factors, including the distance to travel and the complexity of the task itself.
It’s important to remember that not all locks are created equal, so understanding the intricacies of a specific wave is the key to getting it serviced promptly. Additionally, it’s always wise to support your local locksmiths since they are reliable and have years of experience dealing with locks of all shapes and sizes.