Articles & Product Reviews
Prefer video? Checkout our YouTube channel Locksmith Recommended. We have many product reviews, “How to” videos, and videos demonstrating security flaws that you can address on your own to greatly improve your home and business security.
Our Locksmith blog contains security articles, how to articles, and product reviews for safes, residential, automotive and commercial businesses.
If you’re looking for anything lock and/or key related and you’ll likely find that information here. Just enter your query into the search field or select the category you’re interested in.
For product reviews on safes, door hardware, locks and keys that you can purchase from Amazon, visit our Amazon Locksmith Recommended page.
We’ve been providing locksmith services for over 30 years to the Phoenix valley. We hope you find our articles, and reviews valuable.
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Car Key Replacement Cost in Phoenix, 2026: What It Costs to Replace a Car Key
Last Updated on September 9, 2026 Car key replacement cost, when all keys have been lost, runs $50 to $180 for a basic metal key, $220 to $350 for a transponder (chip) key, and $250 to $800+ for a smart…
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French Door Lock and Security Flaws in Scottsdale Homes
Last Updated on October 1, 2026 The biggest French door weakness is the passive (inactive) door, held only by flush bolts a screwdriver can pop. To secure French doors: drive a long screw through the flush bolt channel so the…
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Yale Assure Connect by August Smart Lock Review
Last Updated on June 10, 2026 Product Highlights | Detailed Review | Upgradable to WIFI | Keyless Version | Lock Control & Monitoring | What’s in the Box | Comparison to Other Locks | Video Review Overview of the Yale…
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How to Adjust a Door Closer | Locksmith Explains
Last Updated on June 10, 2026 4 Steps to Adjust Closer | Closer Adjustment Screws | Video Demonstration | FAQ A hydraulic door closer is a mechanical device that automatically closes a door using springs and a system of chambers…
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How to Remove a Broken Key From a Lock (Deadbolt, Knob, or Ignition)
Last Updated on June 10, 2026 To remove a broken key from a lock, first rotate the cylinder back to vertical (key cuts pointing up) so the pins will release the key. If part of the key sticks out, grip…
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Don’t Close That Safe. Get the Combination From a Phoenix Locksmith.
Last Updated on October 1, 2026 If you’ve purchased or found a safe, and the safe door is open, but you don’t have the combination, you are in the best possible scenario. Leave the door open and call a locksmith.…
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Lost Safe Combination Recovery in Scottsdale and the Valley
Last Updated on September 11, 2026 If you lost your safe combination, you have four routes, cheapest first: use the manufacturer’s override key if the safe has one, look up the original factory combination by serial number (many Sentry and…
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Best Door Lock Brands of 2026: A Locksmith’s Top 6 Picks
Last Updated on September 10, 2026 The best door lock brands fall into two groups. For everyday off-the-shelf locks, Schlage edges out Kwikset and Yale on strength, its Grade 1 deadbolts are best in class. For serious security, the best…
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How to Become a Locksmith | A Complete Guide
Last Updated on March 3, 2026 How Long it Takes | Background Screenings | Locksmith Training | Apprentice | Tools | State Certifications Interested in a career as a locksmith? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about…
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How to Reinforce a Door Frame in Phoenix: The 3-Inch Screw Fix
Last Updated on October 2, 2026 The easiest way to reinforce a door is to swap six of the short screws in the door hinges and strike for 3-inch screws that reach the wall studs. It takes minutes, costs a…
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Best Padlocks of 2026: Locksmith Recommended Picks
Last Updated on June 10, 2026 For most people the best overall padlock is the Abus 83/45, which a locksmith can key to your house key so one key runs your doors and padlocks. Best low-cost: Master Lock commercial. Best…
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What to Do When Your Key Won’t Turn in the Ignition
Last Updated on June 11, 2026 If your key will not turn in the ignition, the most common cause is a locked steering wheel or damaged ignition. Wiggle the wheel firmly left and right while you gently turn the key…
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How to Start a Locksmith Business: Tools, Costs, and Steps
Last Updated on June 10, 2026 To start a locksmith business you need five things: training and any required license, the core tools (key-cutting machines, key-code software, car-key programming equipment, picks, and hand tools), a decision between mobile-only or a…
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How Much Will a Phoenix Locksmith Charge You?
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 How much does a Phoenix locksmith cost? In Phoenix, $95 to $125 for the service call, plus the work completed: roughly $59 to $89 to unlock a door or car, $170 to $395 to…
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Best Sliding Glass Door Lock: Locksmith Picks
Last Updated on October 8, 2026 The best sliding glass door lock is a double bolt lock (such as the Cal Double Bolt), mounted above your existing lock. It secures the door at the top and bottom so it cannot…
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Do Locksmiths Verify Ownership
Last Updated on October 2, 2026 Though some states do not require it, all legitimate locksmiths will verify ownership before opening any property, whether it be a car, home, safe, etc… Verification of ownership can be a title, registration, photo…
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Best Deadbolt for Home Security: A Locksmith’s Solution
Last Updated on September 10, 2026 The best deadbolt for home security is a Grade 1 deadbolt. Our picks: best overall security, the Schlage B60/B80 (ANSI Grade 1); best budget, the Kwikset 663; and the best hidden, truly unpickable option,…
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Does Home Depot Make Car Keys? Yes, No, and It Depends
Last Updated on June 10, 2026 Yes, Home Depot can cut and copy a standard car key, and that is all. It cannot copy or program a transponder (chip) key, a laser-cut key, or a smart fob, which is what…
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Can Home Depot Copy My Key?
Last Updated on June 10, 2026 Yes, Home Depot copies keys. It cuts common house and business keys on standard keyways (Kwikset KW1, Schlage SC1) for about $4 to $10, while you wait. What it cannot do: program chip car…
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Cost to Duplicate a Car Key in 2026 (By Key Type)
Last Updated on September 10, 2026 Duplicating a car key in a locksmith shop, when you still have a working one, costs about $10 to $25 for a basic metal key, $60 to $190 for a transponder (chip) key, $70…