Question 1

What does a locksmith do?

Accepted Answer

A locksmith works on locks, keys and door hardware. That covers repairing locks that have become stiff or unreliable, replacing hardware that is worn or unsuitable, installing new locks, rekeying locks so old keys no longer work, cutting additional keys, and advising on practical security improvements for homes and business premises.

Question 2

When should a lock be replaced rather than repaired?

Accepted Answer

Repair usually suits hardware that is fundamentally sound but has drifted out of alignment, become stiff or has one worn component. Replacement is the honest answer once internal wear is beyond adjustment, the lock has been damaged, corrosion has taken hold, parts are no longer available, or the hardware never suited the door. Having the lock assessed first avoids paying for the larger option unnecessarily.

Question 3

Can a locksmith rekey a lock?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Rekeying changes the internal pinning of a lock so previously issued keys no longer operate it, while the lock stays in the door. It is the usual answer after moving into a property, ending a tenancy, losing a key, or a change of staff. Restricted and building master keys need authorisation from the system holder or building manager first.

Question 4

Can you help with residential locks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Residential work covers front and rear entry locks, deadbolts, sliding and stacker door locks, screen and security door hardware, window locks, internal privacy sets, and rekeying or additional keys for the locks you already have.

Question 5

Do you provide commercial locksmith services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Commercial work includes entry and rear door hardware, glass door locks and patch fittings, office and internal door locks, keying systems so one key opens an agreed set of doors, restricted key systems, and rekeying when staff change or keys are unaccounted for.

Question 6

How can I improve the security of my property?

Accepted Answer

Start with an assessment of every external opening rather than only the front door. The improvements that repay the effort most are usually a properly rated deadbolt on each external door, a reinforced strike plate fixed into structural framing, working locks on accessible windows, secure hardware on rear and side doors, and controlling how many keys exist. No hardware makes a property impossible to enter, but good hardware removes easy opportunities.

Question 7

How do I request a locksmith quote?

Accepted Answer

Use the quote form on the contact page, or call once a phone number has been listed. Describe the door, the lock and the outcome you want. Photographs of the hardware and the edge of the door make an accurate answer much easier.

Question 8

Do you service Southbank?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Kim Locksmith Melbourne Service is based at 119 Kavanagh St, Southbank VIC 3006, so Southbank is our home suburb rather than an entry on a coverage list.

Question 9

Do you service Melbourne CBD?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Melbourne CBD is one of our main service areas and is a short trip from the Southbank base. For work on a lobby, lift, fire stair or after-hours access door, authorisation from the landlord or building manager is normally required.

Question 10

Can several locks be matched to one key?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Where existing locks are compatible and in good condition they can usually be rekeyed to a single key. Where hardware is mismatched or worn, some replacement may be needed first to make one key practical, and that will be explained before any work is agreed.

Question 11

What areas of Melbourne do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We work from our Southbank base across Melbourne CBD and the surrounding inner suburbs, including East Melbourne, South Melbourne, Docklands, Richmond, Carlton, Fitzroy, Prahran and St Kilda. If your suburb is not listed, please ask and you will get a straight answer.

Question 12

Can you match several locks to one key?

Accepted Answer

In many cases yes. Where existing locks are compatible and in good condition they can often be rekeyed to a single key. Where hardware is mismatched or worn, some replacement may be needed first to make one key practical.

Question 13

Can you work on my apartment door?

Accepted Answer

Work on your own apartment entry and internal doors is generally straightforward. If the door is common property, or the lock is part of a building master or restricted key system, approval from the owners corporation or building manager is normally required first.

Question 14

Do you fit locks to sliding and screen doors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sliding door and screen door hardware is a routine part of residential locksmith work, and it is often where a home has its weakest hardware.

Question 15

Can you rekey our premises after a staff member leaves?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Rekeying is the usual response when keys are unaccounted for. Existing keys stop operating the lock and a known set is issued, without replacing hardware that is still in good condition.

Question 16

What is a restricted key system?

Accepted Answer

A restricted key system uses a controlled key profile, so blanks are not freely available and copies cannot be cut without authorisation from the system holder. It is a practical way to keep control of keys over time.

Question 17

Can you install a lock I have already purchased?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes, provided it suits the door thickness, material and existing preparation. It is worth checking the hardware details before the visit so no time is wasted.

Question 18

Can a new lock be keyed to match my current key?

Accepted Answer

Often it can, where the new cylinder is compatible with your existing system. Mention it when you enquire so compatible hardware can be selected.

Question 19

How do I know whether to repair or replace a lock?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the cause. Stiffness from misalignment or lack of servicing is usually repairable. Internal wear, damage, corrosion or discontinued hardware generally points to replacement. Having it assessed first avoids paying for the larger option unnecessarily.

Question 20

Can you replace just the cylinder instead of the whole lock?

Accepted Answer

Frequently, yes. If the lock body is sound and well aligned, a new cylinder restores smooth operation and provides new keys at lower cost.

Question 21

Can a stiff lock be repaired rather than replaced?

Accepted Answer

Frequently, yes. Stiffness is often alignment or lack of servicing rather than a failed lock, and both are repairable.

Question 22

My door needs lifting before it will lock. Is that the lock?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. That pattern generally points to hinges, door drop or frame movement. Correcting the door or strike alignment resolves it without new hardware.

Question 23

Does rekeying mean I get new keys?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Rekeying changes the lock to match a new key, and new keys are supplied. Any previously issued key will no longer operate that lock.

Question 24

Is rekeying cheaper than replacing a lock?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes, because the existing hardware stays in the door. Replacement is only the better option when the lock itself is worn, damaged or unsuitable.

Question 25

Can you cut extra keys for my existing locks?

Accepted Answer

In most cases yes, provided the key is not a restricted or patented profile requiring authorisation from the system holder or building manager.

Question 26

Why does my new key stick when the old one works?

Accepted Answer

A copy taken from an already worn key inherits that wear. Cutting from an original key, or to the lock itself, generally produces a key that operates smoothly.

Question 27

Where should I start if I want to improve security?

Accepted Answer

Start with an assessment of every external opening rather than only the front door. Rear doors, side entries, sliding doors and accessible windows are usually where the easiest opportunity sits.

Question 28

Is a stronger lock enough on its own?

Accepted Answer

Not by itself. The frame and strike plate carry much of the load. Reinforcing the strike into structural framing is often as important as the lock you choose.

Locksmith Questions, Answered

Locksmith services and how they work

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