Author: Robert Vallelunga
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How to Adjust a Door Closer | Locksmith Explains
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 filled with hydraulic fluid. You do not need to hire a locksmith to adjust a door closer, if the door closer…
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How to Remove a Broken Key From a Lock (Deadbolt, Knob, or Ignition)
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 it with needle-nose pliers and pull straight out. If it broke off flush, slide a broken-key extractor or a thin jigsaw…
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How to Get the Combination for a Safe that is Open
When you need the combination for an open safe, you are in the best possible lost combination scenario. If the safe is closed and locked, refer to “Lost Safe Combination, How Do I get Into My Safe.“ Getting Combination to an Open Dial Safe When the safe is open, a local locksmith can either set…
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How to Open a Safe Without the Combination
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 home safes allow this), have a locksmith recover or reset the combination by manipulation, or drill it open as a last…
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Best Door Lock Brands of 2026: A Locksmith’s Top 6 Picks
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 brands are Mul-T-Lock, Medeco, and ASSA, whose patent-protected, pick-, bump-, and drill-resistant locks are what banks and government buildings use. These…
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How to Become a Locksmith | A Complete Guide
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 becoming a licensed locksmith for your state. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to enhance your skills in the locksmith…
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How to Reinforce a Door: 6 Steps from a Locksmith
To reinforce a door against kick-ins, attack the three weak points: the frame, the door, and the lock. Replace the short strike-plate and hinge screws with 3-inch screws that bite into the wall stud, reinforce the door frame with a strike-plate or door-frame reinforcement kit, wrap the door edge on the lock and hinge sides,…
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Best Padlocks of 2026: Locksmith Recommended Picks
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 combination: Abus 190CS/60 (see our best combination padlock guide). Strongest standard-key: Abus Rock 83/80. Strongest high-security pick: Mul-T-Lock. Best for storage…
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What to Do When Your Key Won’t Turn in the Ignition
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 at the same time. If that does not free the ignition, rock the shifter in and out of park, try your…
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How to Start a Locksmith Business: Tools, Costs, and Steps
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 shop, a startup budget of about $15,000 to $20,000 for tools and equipment, and a plan to get customers. This guide…