Get Quotes from Top Locksmiths in Mesa, AZ

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lock Smith or Pop a Lock in Mesa

About six percent of Americans lose their keys yearly. Losing your keys and failing to replace them quickly can turn into a nightmarish scenario with real-life consequences like theft and burglaries. Thankfully, Mesa locksmiths are on hand to help. These locksmiths are equipped to upgrade your locks and security systems, make extra copies of your keys, fix damaged locks, retrieve broken keys, and crack open faulty safes.

However, it is crucial to research before hiring any locksmiths in Mesa to ensure that you don't engage a shady character who might do more harm than good. One way you can ascertain a locksmith's suitability for the job is by asking the following questions:

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring a Locksmith in Mesa?

There are no local or state-level regulatory requirements for locksmithing in Mesa. However, locksmiths in the city undergo voluntary certification to stand out from the competition. Hiring a certified locksmith is a good idea, as they are more professional, experienced, and competent than their non-certified counterparts. You should ensure the locksmith has the right specialization for the job. You have to hire an auto locksmith for situations involving vehicles (as opposed to traditional locksmiths, who are better suited for situations involving buildings).

Other criteria to consider before hiring locksmiths in Mesa include:

  • The locksmith's availability and current location
  • The urgency of the situation
  • The locksmith's rates

Are You Licensed as a Locksmith in Mesa?

Locksmiths do not need an occupational license to operate in Mesa; however, they must obtain a locally-issued general business license before conducting business within city limits.

To ensure you receive quality services, we recommend hiring locksmiths who have been trained and certified by reputable local trade schools and globally-renowned organizations like

  • The Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA)
  • The Society of Professional Locksmiths (SOPL)
  • The Institutional Locksmiths Association
  • The Safe and Vault Technicians Association (SAVTA)

These voluntarily-obtained certifications typically signify competence and expertise on the locksmith's part. Certified locksmiths also usually undergo background checks, receive continuous training, and are held to high ethical standards for professional service. This gives you peace of mind that you will deal with a qualified and trustworthy individual.

You should always request proof of certifications your prospective locksmith claims to have and validate it with the relevant certifying organization.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Locksmith Services in Mesa?

Locksmiths in Mesa charge average hourly fees of $25 - $50 (labor only), with the overall cost of their services ranging from $80 - $250. These overall fees are determined by factors like:

  • The nature, complexity, and urgency of the job
  • The time of day
  • Your location
  • Trip fees
  • The cost of required materials

Consider getting and comparing cost estimates from several locksmiths to gauge their rates. This is an excellent way to spot dishonest locksmiths who overcharge their services. However, avoid locksmiths with significantly low rates, as this is a tactic scammers often use to lure unsuspecting consumers.

What Kind of Locksmith Services Do You Offer?

Professional locksmiths in Mesa provide a wide range of services to interested city residents. Nevertheless, always confirm your intended locksmith's area of expertise and the kinds of services they are equipped to offer and ensure these align with your specific needs. You should also discuss and agree on the locksmith's rates before work starts to avoid misunderstandings and disputes.

Listed below are some common services Mesa locksmiths offer and estimated price ranges for these services:

Key duplication:
$10 - $25
House/building lockout:
$50 - $200
Door lock repair:
$50 - $200
Door lock installation:
$100 - $325
Deadbolt installation:
$80 - $300
Electronic lock installation:
$200 - $530
Smart lock installation:
$100 - $650
Key extraction:
$50 - $200
Key replacement:
$70 - $120
Rekeying house locks:
$70 - $160
Safe opening:
$150 - $450
Changing locks:
$150 - $555
Filing cabinet lock replacement:
$50 - $85
Mailbox key replacement:
$50 - $80
Auto locksmith services:
$20 - $350
Emergency services (in addition to regular charges):
$100 - $250

Do You Provide Auto Locksmith Services in Mesa?

Auto locksmiths specialize in automotive-related locksmith services, like

  • Unlocking car doors
  • Repairing and replacing faulty car and motorcycle locks
  • Reopening locked trunks
  • Replacing or duplicating vehicle keys
  • Programming key fobs
  • Extracting broken keys
  • Repairing faulty ignitions
  • Replacing door actuators

Always confirm that your intended auto locksmith has prior experience with your vehicle's make and model, especially if your required services involve cutting new keys for a motorcycle (motorcycle keys often utilize unique coding, and making new copies requires specialized tools and expertise).

Listed below are the estimated price ranges for some common services that Mesa auto locksmiths offer:

Key duplication:
$10 - $50
Rekeying:
$40 - $110
Car lockout:
$85 - $150
Key extraction:
$50 - $200
Door lock repair:
$50 - $150
Car ignition repair:
$150 - $350
Changing locks:
$50 - $170
Transponder key reprogramming:
$50 - $220
Keyless fob replacement:
$150 - $300
Key replacement:
$75 - $265
Bike lock change:
$70 - $150
Motorcycle key replacement:
$80 - $125
Car door and truck lock repair:
$50 - $250
Motorcycle seat lock repair/replacement:
$10 - $40
Motorcycle steering/wheel lock repair/replacement:
$20 - $55
Motorcycle gas cap lock repair/replacement:
$10 - $25
Mobile services (in addition to regular charges):
$100 - $250

Do You Provide Emergency or 24-hour Locksmith Services?

Although most lock-related issues are considered urgent, there are certain instances where you need a reputable locksmith right away. Examples of these emergency scenarios include:

  • You are locked out of your home
  • You suspect a break-in or need to change your locks after a burglary
  • Your key broke inside the lock
  • You have misplaced your keys
  • You have forgotten the combination to your safe

Getting a professional and reliable locksmith who can quickly and competently resolve these emergencies is crucial. Mobile locksmiths are an excellent option for this, as they operate out of mobile workshops, which affords them certain advantages over non-mobile locksmiths, like:

  • Faster response times
  • 24/7 availability
  • Easy access to distant locations

Alternatively, you can explore self-service locksmith options like KeyMe or MinuteKey that allow you to create and store digital copies of your keys online using an app and make physical copies of these keys via self-service kiosks. This option has limitations, like the unavailability of a self-service kiosk near you and possible data breaches.

You can minimize the occurrence of lockouts and reduce the stress of dealing with these situations by taking the following preventive measures:

  • Organize your keys
  • Get spare keys
  • Use lockboxes
  • Install smart locks
  • Keep the contact details of at least two trusted nearby locksmiths on hand

Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Employees?

Working with a vetted locksmith gives you peace of mind that your required services will be provided without blackmail, theft, robbery, and other similar crimes. As such, in addition to doing your research by hiring certified locksmiths (usually vetted by their certifying organizations), confirm that your preferred locksmith conducts background checks on their employees. Professional Mesa-based locksmiths and locksmith businesses typically conduct the following background checks on their employees, especially ones who will be directly involved with clients:

  • Criminal background checks
  • Civil record checks
  • Credit checks
  • Random drug screenings
  • Driving record checks
  • Previous employment verifications

We also recommend getting the names and descriptions of the locksmiths who will do your work before they head to you and insisting that they come along with an official company ID that can be used to verify this information. Look up reviews and testimonials on the locksmith online.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Locksmith Services?

Confirming that you will be offered a warranty is a crucial step before committing to any locksmiths in Mesa – this assures you the locksmithing job will be done competently and with high-quality products. Professional Mesa-based locksmiths typically offer clients two types of warranties:

  • Manufacturer's Warranty: this covers issues with the products used for the job and is usually valid for about a year
  • Workmanship Warranty: this covers problems caused by the locksmith's workmanship

The coverage scope and conditions of these warranties vary by product and locksmith. Nevertheless, standard warranties for locksmithing jobs do not typically cover issues that result from the following:

  • Improper lock installation or unauthorized repairs
  • Misuse, negligence, vandalism, and natural disasters

Ask for written copies of your warranties so you can review their terms and conditions.

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with a Locksmith's Services in Mesa?

Some signs you may be dealing with a shady locksmith in Mesa include:

  • Cost estimates that are lower than those of other locksmiths
  • Insistence on cash payment upfront
  • Hesitance to provide a company ID or offer warranties, receipts, and other documentation.
  • A noticeable absence of official company markings
  • The use of high-pressure sales tactics and subtle threats to get you to pay for unnecessary services
  • Very little online presence and no local listings on renowned review websites like BBB and Yelp

You can file complaints concerning shady locksmiths, scams, and any other issues regarding your locksmith services in Mesa with the Arizona Attorney General's Office online or by mailing a consumer complaint form to:

Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Information and Complaints
2005 N Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004

The hard copy form can also be submitted via email or fax to (602)-542-4579.

You should also contact the Mesa Police Department if the locksmith steals from you, threatens, or commits any crimes against you.