Who should do electronic access control? An IT company, a fire company, a security company, a locksmith, a general contractor? Short answer is someone who is qualified, licensed, and insured. But who is typically qualified? Who can install the required physical hardware, run wires, manage a WiFi network, and program everything in? Our answer, an alchemist.
I’m actively involved in many online forums and Facebook groups dedicated to security, locksmithing, computer networks, access control, alarm systems, and surveillance cameras. Yes, it’s a lot to keep up with. The gaps between what different groups of folks know, what they think, and how they complete their installations vary widely. In access control groups, I’m amazed by the basic questions people ask about lock and door hardware. In locksmith groups, I’m surprised by some peoples’ total lack of interest in electronic access control.
One of my friends said it best, “I think it’s easier to teach locksmiths how to wire things than teach IT people how to deal with locks.”
Our core belief is that the physical infrastructure has to be on point. Be that the locks, doors, frames, wiring, connectors etc. I’ve heard a statistic, that I kind of doubt the validity of, but that 80% of networking issues are rooted in physical problems: wiring, failed components, walls obstructing WiFi etc.
I’ve always had a passion for IT. I ran my first Cat5 cable when I was 12. I did and still do computer programming. I love Linux. However, when I started Lock Alchemy in Cleveland, I wanted to just to physical lock and door hardware. The Ring door bells and wireless locks came around every once in a while. Often times requiring door and lock knowledge to work properly. Then I met someone in access control and security that changed everything. He subbed all his lock work out. Everything to do with the physical door – the barrier protecting businesses and homes. The only obstacle physically stopping someone. The point of electronic access control is to “control the opening.” Perhaps we should focus a little on the physical opening.
Many access control companies actually sub out their lock and door work. Door closers, physical locks, cutting door strikes, hinges. In order for an electronic access system to work – the lock and door hardware have to be at least functional. A system can easily be compromised by a failure in the physical infrastructure. IT people don’t know how to diagnose hinge issues, problems with a door closer, or strike alignment. These can cause a door not to latch. An unlatched door is not a secure door.
Understanding why they do this is two fold. 1) There’s a lot of expensive equipment someone needs to purchase to be a real locksmith. 2) There’s a lot to know to be a good locksmith. I’ve invested thousands of dollars in key machines, keys, door hinge tools, jigs for cutting doors and strikes, and have a massive inventory of different style locks. The monetary barrier to entry to be a locksmith is high. Getting into access control, alarms, and cameras is much less. A few thousand dollars in cable, tools, and a ladder and you’re in. Most security professionals don’t carry an inventory and rightfully so. There’s no telling what a customer might need and there are too many products. Aside from some standard latches and maybe a spare camera, even larger operations carry a small inventory. Point two, knowledge. There’s a lot to being a locksmith. It can be hard dirty work. And a lot of people can’t or don’t want to do it. People that recognize their limitations and don’t do it should be commended. People who do sub-standard work should be reprimanded.
Technology is great but it’s not a panacea for security problems. After a door is functional with a closer, strike, and sensors it still needs a key. A think electronic access controls dirty secret is that locks still have keys. They still have keys for many reasons. They’re a pretty failure resistant backup, they allow emergency personal to gain access, and systems do experience problems. Often times these can be fixed quickly but in the meantime you want a viable solution – like a traditional physical key. The problem is that people don’t keep track of these keys. They get used to fobs and their system. They don’t think about their keys and their access control people don’t either.
Adams Rite Paddle for Storefront Door
BlogThe Adams Rite 4590 Deadlatch Paddle is a common piece of door hardware on commercial glass storefront doors. Pushing this paddle retracts the latch on the side of the door allowing someone to exit. While Adams Rite is the company that originally designed this hardware there are several companies that produce aftermarket versions including: General Lock, International Door Closers, LSDA, and others.
Here is an example of one installed on a deadlatch. These need to be installed correctly and have tight tolerances. Everything must be aligned properly in order for the lock to function correctly. In this article I’d like to provide several photos of this type of push paddle. The one in the pictures happens to be from General Lock. There are some small variations between different brands but the general principles remain the same.
I highly advice anyone working on one of these push paddles to make sure they do not lose the springs. It’s best to have a replacement on hand just in case. It’s preferable to contact a locksmith near you or a company that specializes in aluminum glass storefront doors.
This is what the inside of the paddle body looks like. You’ll notice the disk inside the lock body and a bar running up and down the lock
How to properly clean and disinfect door hardware
BlogDoor hardware, including handles, knobs, and locks, are among the most frequently touched surfaces in a home or office. Which is why they one of the most important things to regularly to prevent the spread of germs and viruses, including COVID-19. In this article, we will discuss how to properly clean and disinfect door hardware, and why it is important to avoid using incorrect cleaning methods on smart locks.
Why Clean and Disinfect Door Hardware?
As mentioned earlier, door hardware is frequently touched, making it a prime breeding ground for germs and viruses. By cleaning and disinfecting door hardware, you can help reduce the spread of infectious diseases and keep your family, employees, or customers healthy.
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting
It is important to understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt, grime, and other debris from a surface, while disinfecting involves killing germs and viruses that may be present on the surface.
To properly clean and disinfect door hardware, you will need the following supplies:
Steps to Clean and Disinfect Door Hardware
Why You Shouldn’t use Abrasive Cleaners on Smart Locks
Smart locks are a popular choice for many homeowners and businesses because they provide an added layer of security and convenience. However, it is important to be careful when cleaning and disinfecting smart locks, as they can be damaged by abrasive cleaners and cleaning methods.
Smart locks typically have a protective coating that can be scratched or damaged by abrasive cleaners. This can lead to corrosion or other issues that can compromise the integrity of the lock. Smart locks can malfunction if they are exposed to the harsh elements or moisture.
Instead of using abrasive cleaners, it’s best to use a mild dish soap and warm water to clean smart locks. It’s very important to have as little moisture on the cloth as possible. Excess water can seep into the lock keypad and make contact with electrical components. You can also use a disinfectant spray or wipe to disinfect the surface of the lock, but be sure to avoid getting any moisture inside the lock mechanism.
Crash Bars & Exit Devices
BlogPanic Bar – Crash Bar – Exit Devices
People call these devices many different things: push bars, panic bars, crash bars, or the more technical term exit devices. These are devices that go across the door and unlock the door when the bar is depressed. The 2009 edition of the International Building Code requires panic hardware on buildings that are classified as Education (E), High Hazard (H), and Assembly (A) Occupancies along with an occupant load of 50 or more. The latter, is the most common reason you’ll see panic bars – the building is rated to have 50 or more occupants at a time.
The first panic exit device in the US made by Von Duprin. In fact, if you visit many schools in the University Heights Cleveland Heights school district you’ll find Von Durpin devices installed in the 1950’s / 19060’s that are still functioning!
The main reason for these devices is that they aid in a mass exit event. If many people are trying to exit a single door at a time people may push up against others. If a standard lever handle or knob were to be used, the person closest to the door might not be able to use their hand to depress the lever or turn the handle. Panic bars will work as intended when people are pushed up against a door.
That is the basic reasons for installing a panic bar and how it functions. In practice, there are additional features and considerations when it comes to selecting and installing a panic device.
Features
Dogging
Dogging means the bar has the ability to be retracted/depressed and held down by some means. Most common is using a hex key. A person can depress the bar, insert a hex key, then turn the hex key. This keeps the panic bar depressed. This is typically referred to as “hex dogging” or “hex key dogging.” Another method of dogging a door is by using a key. The same steps are taken to dog the door except that the user inserts a key in a cylinder. This is typically referred to as “cylinder dogging” or “keyed dogging.”
Hex dogging is the most common because it’s a pretty straightforward method. If the hex key becomes lost someone can easily buy a replacement at a hardware store or order it online. Keyed dogging might be preferable if they don’t want to risk having unauthorized persons dogging and undogging a door. E.g. the building owners are worried someone will dog a back door, then enter after closing for some nefarious purpose (most commonly theft).
Another dogging method is “electro-mechanical.” When voltage is supplied to an electrified dogging device, the selenoid will fire, causing the bar to depress. This method is very useful when the panic bar is integrated into a more sophisticated access control system. Typically, people don’t have a switch on the side of the door to dog/undog the door. If someone is using a panic bar with electromechanical dogging, they typically have a more involved access control system or intercom/buzzer system.
Fire Rated
Fire rated panic devices do NOT have a dogging feature. In order to provide the best fire protection, these doors must always latch.
Narrow Stile Exit Devices
Narrow stile doors are most common on aluminum storefront glass doors. These doors are typically found on, well, glass storefronts. The “stile” refers to the part of the door that surrounds the glass and where an exit device or other lock would be installed on to. There are standardized sizes for narrow stile doors. So when selecting an appropriate panic bar for a narrow stile door one typically needs to take an actual measurement of the stile width instead of just ordering any random “narrow stile panic device.”
Bedroom Door Lock with Key
BlogWe often get requests to upgrade bedroom door locks. To understand why someone would do this let’s first discuss the different types of locks commonly found in a home.
1) Passage aka hall and closet – this is the easiest to understand. It’s simple a door knob that turns and opens the door regardless of what side of the door you are on
2) Entry – this type of lock has a key. It can be locked or unlocked from the inside without a key. This type of lock is typically found on a front door of a house
3) Privacy – this type of lock is lockable from the outside. There are typically emergency overrides on the exterior of the door. There is either a hole for a “poke” tool to be inserted and unlock the lock or there is a slot than can be turned with a fingernail or coin.
How do I open a locked bathroom door?
It’s very common for a bathroom door to be locked and the person to exit, locking out anyone from their bathroom. There are several ways to open a locked bathroom door.
1)
If your bathroom knob looks like this, you are in luck. You can usually use a finger nail (be careful though), coin, or butter knife to turn the slotted part to unlock the door
2)
If your bathroom knob looks like this you need a “poke tool” or more formally called a bathroom emergency key. The key is simply inserted into the hole and you’ll feel some resistance like you are pressing a button. These are typically found on Schlage brand bathroom / privacy knobs and levers. The trick is to keep the key absolutely straight. If you deviate right, left, up, or down, you’ll miss the button you need to press. When you fully depress the button, you’ll hear a loud pop and the door will unlock.
If you don’t have one of these poke tools that came with the lock you can use a similarly shaped piece of metal. The hole is small though so the biggest challenge is finding something that will fit.
3)
If the hole on the privacy lock is larger it will most likely require one of these keys to open the door. These are typically found on Kwikset brand privacy locks. These emergency keys come with the locks but are, unfortunately easy to misplace. These locks have a slot inside the exterior handle that you can rotate with the flat end of this tool. If you don’t have one of these tools you can find a small jewelers screw driver or similar tool.
4) Undo the Screws
If you notice the screws are on the exterior locked side of the door. On entry knobs the screws are on the inside so a would be thief couldn’t simply undo the screws. However, for privacy knobs they are only designed to offer a minimal amount of security. The screws are on the outside in case something happens to the lock so people can still get in. If you’re handy and confident, you can undo the screws and manually move the latch over to unlock the door. I would only attempt this if you feel comfortable and if you need to resort to undoing the screws you may want to call a locksmith near you instead.
5) Call a locksmith
Sometimes odd things happen. The latch might have failed. You might have an antique knob or something non-standard. A local locksmith will be able to assist you.
Other Privacy / Bathroom Lock Questions and Answers
Is it illegal to have a key lock on a bathroom door?
This is not legal advice, but no. Residential homes have different building codes and standards for lock and door hardware. Additionally, a locking door knob still allows for someone to leave. It would be strange to have a lock on a residential door though.
Can you buy these tools?
You can find these tools easily online. You can search “emergency bathroom key” on amazon and find a lot of different suppliers offering both types of tools? These are not restricted locksmith tools.
House Lockout – Honest & Upfront
BlogMany customer who call us to open the door to their home or business are confused by the process. Here are some answers to the most common questions we receive.
How much does it cost for a lockout?
There are a lot of different factors that go into pricing. If you google search “national rate for a locksmith service call” you will get “The minimum call out charge for a locksmith is typically $75 which usually covers the first hour. Hourly rates are $75 during regular hours and $95 during after-hours or emergencies.” is the answer provided by Google. A lockout is going to be slightly more simply because there is urgency involved. So a typical rate would be around $100 to unlock a residential door.
Anyone who says they’ll let you know when they get there or offers a $29 service call is almost certainly going to try and charge much as they can once they get to your location. If it is too good to be true it probably is.
Does the price depend on the type of locks?
It can, but in our years of experience the vast majority of home owners have standard Schlage or Kwikset locks that can easily be picked. Occasionally, we will come across an odd key on a door and need to drill and replace the lock. This is the exception not the rule. In those cases we typically offer a replacement lock at no additional cost as to not even appear like we’re trying to up the rates once we do the job – like some people do…
Why are lockouts for businesses more expensive?
Some people think that trades charge businesses more because they can. In reality, there are a lot of additional factors that go into servicing business. For a home lockout, there is typically only one person that the locksmith needs to speak with – the homeowner who is locked out. For businesses, the locksmith might need to speak with employees, managers, supervisors and other people in order to even start working. Once the work is complete there is typically more paperwork that needs to be done. Some businesses ask for certificates of insurance or W9 forms. All of that takes time to gather and email. Additionally, most businesses do not pay at the time of service. Instead, they request and invoice. All of that takes a significant amount of time than just completing the locksmith service.
How will a locksmith open your house?
There are a lot of ways to open a residential door. Typically we use standard picks, specialized picks, or other tools that we won’t get into. 98% of lockouts we complete are by picking the lock which does not damage the door. It’s true that anyone can learn to pick locks and open their door – however if you don’t have your key it’s unlikely that you would have your pick set on you. It’s easier to just carry a key.
Can a locksmith open the apartment front door?
Often times apartment entrances use higher security keys that are harder to pick and are impractical to spend the time picking. Typically, someone will eventually come by the apartment door and open it up so the person could at least get inside. Additionally, most apartment doors have some time of access control system which allows their tenants to gain entry to the building. If we do have to do anything to the apartment door, we would want permission from the apartment building owner first.
Can a locksmith make a lock from a key I lost?
Yes. This is a common request in apartment buildings. The building management might keep a key copy in a cabinet. The tenant might not want to change the key because they’ll have to provide another key to the apartment management staff or the key might be on a masterkey system. Whatever the case, we can make a key to your lock that will work and still allow the apartment to have access to your unit for repairs or emergencies.
Oberlin Locksmith
BlogOberlin is another city that has a lot to do with my interest in becoming a locksmith. Growing up my sister sang in the Oberlin Choristers. At that time, they held their practices in a large church. The church was filled with interesting rooms, hallways, and even closets. What was fascinating to me is that sometimes doors would be locked and sometimes they weren’t. Depending on the week, I might be able to play inside a certain room and the next week that room would be locked. Maybe this is one of the reasons I developed such a strong interest in locks and doors. I also got the opportunity to frequent the local shops in the downtime – and now we get to service those same businesses!
Oberlin is a small city (total area of 4.96 square miles) with a very rich history. It was instrumental in the underground railroad a central part of the abolitionist movement. Most people know of Oberlin from the Oberlin College and Conservatory. The College and people who attended their were involved in some historic changes against slavery, inclusion of women in higher education, and other social causes.
Being a historic town Oberlin has older businesses and homes that have antique locks. One of our areas of expertise is servicing these older locks and doors. Some people want to preserve the original hardware and aesthetics and we are more than happy to help them do so. Being a college town, there is a frequent changeover of residents and many people want to change the locks on their apartments. In addition, a lot of college students tend to lose their keys. We won’t go into the many reasons why this is a frequent occurrence for college students :)
Regardless of the locksmith service you need in Oberlin, we are ready to help you with your residential, commercial, or automotive locksmith needs!
Why Can’t I Get My Key Copied?
BlogIf you are having trouble getting your key copied at your local hardware store, Ace Hardware, Home Depot or Lowe’s there may be several reasons why. We are frequently asked to duplicate hard to find keys and sometimes keys that are not supposed to be copied! In this post I’ll detail some common reasons why and how you might still be able to obtain a key copy.
1: Worn Key
When you copy a key on a regular duplicator there might be some small variances. These variances are caused by 1) the way the key is placed into the jaw 2) the calibration of the machine 3) the angle of the duplicator’s cutting wheel. Some cuts on the key might end up higher and some might end up lower. This might make the key duplicate out of tolerance enough to make the key not work. Some self-service key duplicating machines scan the key and correct these mis-cuts. However, they may make corrections when they shouldn’t which results in a key that will not turn the lock.
2: I/C Key
IC, interchangeable core, locks are used for various reasons. One a control key allows you to remove the core allowing to quickly rekey the lock. Another benefit is increased security. Ideally, these keys should be punched not duplicated. An SFIC punch is an expensive dedicated piece of equipment that even many locksmiths don’t have. It IS possible to manually duplicate these keys but they often do not work 100% correctly. The tolerances on SFIC keys/ SFIC cores are very tight.
There are several manufactures of these key systems including: Best, Falcon, and Arrow and tens of different keyways available. Many of these keys do not indicate what keyway they are. Thus, in order to duplicate the key a locksmith first has to determine what type of key it is. SFIC locks also come in restricted keyways.
3: Locksmith-Only Key
In order to help control unauthorized key duplication property owners and business managers sometimes use what are called locksmith-only or restricted keys. There are dozens of keyways available only to locksmiths through distributors. They really do only sell these keys and blanks to locksmiths. Some examples of these keyways are LSA by LSDA and MX / MX Alpha by GMS.
There are at least three such keys on the market today: and HS by Hardware Agencies. These key blanks are only sold to locksmiths and security professionals registered with authorized dealers of security products and access control solutions like, for instance, the International Distribution Network. If you have an LSA, MX10, or HS key, you will have to locate a locksmith that is registered to sell the blanks for your restricted key.
4: High Security Key With An Open Keyway
Business managers and property owners sometimes want locks and keys with additional security features like pick resistant, bump resistant, and/or drill resistant. Medeco‘s 00 keyway, CX5‘s ZOL keyway, and Schlage‘s Everest C123 keyway are all popular open keyways found in the field today. These locks can typically be bought from distributors that sell to the general public. So seeing a Medeco lock on a door doesn’t automatically mean that a locksmith installed the lock.
5: DND Key (Do Not Duplicate)
Even the most common key blanks are sold with a DND or DO NOT DUPLICATE stamped or embossed on the key. This stamping is on what’s called the bow or head of the key – that’s the part of the key that you hold. If you look and standard keys you’ll find that the bow of the key has a unique shape. These different shapes are part of the way locksmiths use to identify what type of key the lock is. DND keys typically come in what’s referred to as a neutered bow. The head of the key is a simple rectangular shape. This prevents someone from guessing the key by looking at the head of the key. Many seasoned locksmiths can look at the grooves on these keys and determine what type of key it is. Additionally, common keys like SC1 SC4 and KW1 can be read by key kiosks. So if you’re looking to prevent unauthorized copies this method is simply not enough anymore.
6: Old Key
Some older homes and even businesses have locks that use older keys that are not popular anymore. Many antique locks used Corbin Russwin keys that many hardware stores don’t stock.
MX Alpha Restricted Key System
BlogLock Alchemy Locksmiths & Security is now a provider of MX Alpha Restricted Key locks.
MX ALPHA provides several advantages over standard key systems.
1) Key holders are not able to duplicate the key at a hardware store, key machine, or even at a locksmith shop.
2) MX Alpha can easily be master keyed.
3) MX Alpha can be used with SFIC (small format interchangeable cores) and conventional cylinders. The key system can work with most existing hardware, reducing costly hardware replacement.
4) The cost of upgrading to MX Alpha is significantly less than other key systems. However, they do not have extra drill resistance and a UL rating that many high security key systems come with.
Access Control & Locksmith Musings
Blog, Lab NotesWho should do electronic access control? An IT company, a fire company, a security company, a locksmith, a general contractor? Short answer is someone who is qualified, licensed, and insured. But who is typically qualified? Who can install the required physical hardware, run wires, manage a WiFi network, and program everything in? Our answer, an alchemist.
I’m actively involved in many online forums and Facebook groups dedicated to security, locksmithing, computer networks, access control, alarm systems, and surveillance cameras. Yes, it’s a lot to keep up with. The gaps between what different groups of folks know, what they think, and how they complete their installations vary widely. In access control groups, I’m amazed by the basic questions people ask about lock and door hardware. In locksmith groups, I’m surprised by some peoples’ total lack of interest in electronic access control.
One of my friends said it best, “I think it’s easier to teach locksmiths how to wire things than teach IT people how to deal with locks.”
Our core belief is that the physical infrastructure has to be on point. Be that the locks, doors, frames, wiring, connectors etc. I’ve heard a statistic, that I kind of doubt the validity of, but that 80% of networking issues are rooted in physical problems: wiring, failed components, walls obstructing WiFi etc.
I’ve always had a passion for IT. I ran my first Cat5 cable when I was 12. I did and still do computer programming. I love Linux. However, when I started Lock Alchemy in Cleveland, I wanted to just to physical lock and door hardware. The Ring door bells and wireless locks came around every once in a while. Often times requiring door and lock knowledge to work properly. Then I met someone in access control and security that changed everything. He subbed all his lock work out. Everything to do with the physical door – the barrier protecting businesses and homes. The only obstacle physically stopping someone. The point of electronic access control is to “control the opening.” Perhaps we should focus a little on the physical opening.
Many access control companies actually sub out their lock and door work. Door closers, physical locks, cutting door strikes, hinges. In order for an electronic access system to work – the lock and door hardware have to be at least functional. A system can easily be compromised by a failure in the physical infrastructure. IT people don’t know how to diagnose hinge issues, problems with a door closer, or strike alignment. These can cause a door not to latch. An unlatched door is not a secure door.
Understanding why they do this is two fold. 1) There’s a lot of expensive equipment someone needs to purchase to be a real locksmith. 2) There’s a lot to know to be a good locksmith. I’ve invested thousands of dollars in key machines, keys, door hinge tools, jigs for cutting doors and strikes, and have a massive inventory of different style locks. The monetary barrier to entry to be a locksmith is high. Getting into access control, alarms, and cameras is much less. A few thousand dollars in cable, tools, and a ladder and you’re in. Most security professionals don’t carry an inventory and rightfully so. There’s no telling what a customer might need and there are too many products. Aside from some standard latches and maybe a spare camera, even larger operations carry a small inventory. Point two, knowledge. There’s a lot to being a locksmith. It can be hard dirty work. And a lot of people can’t or don’t want to do it. People that recognize their limitations and don’t do it should be commended. People who do sub-standard work should be reprimanded.
Technology is great but it’s not a panacea for security problems. After a door is functional with a closer, strike, and sensors it still needs a key. A think electronic access controls dirty secret is that locks still have keys. They still have keys for many reasons. They’re a pretty failure resistant backup, they allow emergency personal to gain access, and systems do experience problems. Often times these can be fixed quickly but in the meantime you want a viable solution – like a traditional physical key. The problem is that people don’t keep track of these keys. They get used to fobs and their system. They don’t think about their keys and their access control people don’t either.
Factors Involved in Locksmith Quotes/Estimates
BlogProducts are usually straightforward when it comes to pricing. You might be able to find a product cheaper online but have to wait for shipping. But generally, most products can be found within 10-15% of each other. Unfortunately, that is not the case with services. The same service might vary by 300% or more depending on the location, time, and several other factors.
In fact, if you look at online forums for the trades “how to price” services is one of the most talked about topics. Figuring out “how much should a locksmith cost” is actually really complicated. In this article, I’d like to break down some of the most common factors that go into pricing.
Service
If someone writes chicken scratch invoices and hands them over it certainly takes less time. If a company writes detailed notes and takes pictures it certainly takes more time. A company that doesn’t track things well will almost certainly be cheaper – at first. However, a company that takes time to write things out and do things properly can save a lot of money in the future. Taking the time to explain options and communicate with a customer – well, takes time. And that’s time that has to be built into the cost of service.
Location
Most locksmiths provide on-site services, meaning they are mobile. In order to provide those services they have to drive to your location. Gas, wear and tear on a vehicle, and insurance do add up. Some companies charge a flat rate for anyone inside their service area. For anything outside their area they may charge a flat fee or charge by the mile. Location certainly plays a role into the speed at which a locksmith can arrive.
Labor
Sometimes it’s an easy job and it’s all about having the right parts or tools. Some jobs require a lot of extra effort that may not be apparent to the customer or even the locksmith until they arrive in person. Some shops charge a flat rate for a service others charge by the hour and some use a combination of the two. A technician should provide a written estimate before starting complex work.
Parts
Having the correct parts in stock is extremely useful. It prevents return trips and delays while parts are ordered. The number of different items most locksmith shops have in stock would amaze people. Little pieces and parts collected over the years for when an obscure lock comes up again or a custom job needs to be completed. Some customers are upset that parts are marked up. There are a lot of reasons for this. Ordering, tracking inventory, and opening up packages takes time. And after all, time, is what most places bill for.
Urgency + Time
Emergency services are usually higher cost than non-emergency services. In some cases, locksmiths may adjust their schedule to accommodate an emergency. That inconvenience and extra effort is compensated by increasing the price of the work done. After hours and holidays often do incur additional charges.
At Lock Alchemy we strive to offer transparent pricing and are able to quote most jobs over the phone.