Frequently Asked Questions
Most people find us in the middle of something: a key that snapped, a car door that won’t open, a house they just bought with locks they don’t trust yet. Below are the questions we answer most often at Stalwart Locksmith, grouped so you can find yours fast. If your situation isn’t covered here, the phone is the quickest route: (877) 626-0257.
Pricing & Estimates
How much does locksmith service cost?
Locksmith service typically breaks into three price tiers: lockouts and emergency access at the low end, rekeying and car key replacement in the middle, and high-security hardware installation at the top. A residential rekey is usually less than a full hardware replacement, and replacing car keys at a locksmith generally runs below dealership pricing for the same key. The exact number depends on the lock type (Kwikset and Schlage sit on one end, Medeco and Abloy on the other), the time of day, and whether new hardware is involved. Call (877) 626-0257 for a free estimate before any work begins.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, estimates are free. We quote the job before we start so there’s no surprise on the invoice. For straightforward lockouts and rekeys the quote is usually given on the phone; for high-security installs we sometimes need to see the door first. Either way, you’ll know the price before you commit.
Is it cheaper to rekey or replace my locks?
Rekeying is almost always cheaper than replacing locks, and in most cases it’s the smarter move. A rekey swaps the internal pins so old keys stop working and new ones do, while the existing hardware stays put. You only need full replacement when the hardware itself is failing, or when you’re stepping up to a pick-resistant system like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock. If you just moved into a new place, rekey first: it’s the reset that protects you without the cost of new deadbolts.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept standard payment methods including major credit cards and cash. If you have a specific method in mind, mention it when you call and we’ll confirm before we arrive. We don’t spring extra fees on you at the door.
Service & Scheduling
Do you offer emergency locksmith service?
Yes, emergency locksmith service is one of our three core services, not something we squeeze in between jobs. Lockouts and urgent access needs are handled as a standing part of what we do. That covers house lockouts, car lockouts, and commercial lock emergencies. Call (877) 626-0257 and we’ll take it from there.
How fast can you respond?
Response time depends on your location, the time of day, and current call volume, so we won’t quote a number we can’t stand behind. What we can say: emergency work is a service pillar here, and your call is treated with the urgency it deserves. When you phone in, you’ll get an honest answer on timing before you hang up.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the local area and surrounding communities, with automotive, emergency, and residential/commercial lock work all available from the same team. Give us a call with your address and we’ll confirm coverage. There’s no referral handoff: the technician who takes your call is the one who shows up.
Do you handle both residential and commercial locksmith work?
Yes, we handle both, under the same roof as our automotive service. Residential covers home lockouts, rekeys, deadbolt upgrades, and high-security installs. Commercial covers office and retail lock work, master-key setups, and hardware from builders like Sargent. You don’t need a separate locksmith for your house and your business.
Do you handle automotive locksmith work?
Yes, car key replacement is one of our core services, and it means you can skip the dealership detour. We cut and program keys for most common vehicles, and for lockouts we get you back in without damage. If you’re comparing us to the dealer, see our Car Key Replacement in Arlington page for the full picture.
Can you come out the same day?
Same-day service is often possible, especially for lockouts and rekeys. Availability shifts with demand, so the fastest way to find out is to call. If we can’t make it today, we’ll tell you straight and book the earliest slot that works for you.
Licensing, Guarantees & Trust
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, Stalwart Locksmith is a licensed and insured locksmith. We don’t publish credential numbers on this page, but we’re happy to walk you through our qualifications on the phone. Working with an insured locksmith matters most when a job involves drilling, high-security hardware, or anything that could damage a door or lock cylinder.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes, we stand behind our work. If something we installed or serviced isn’t performing the way it should, we’ll make it right. That’s part of what the name Stalwart is meant to signal: dependable, and built to hold.
What lock brands do you work with?
We’re certified across eight major lock brands spanning the full security spectrum: Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, Baldwin, Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Sargent, and Abloy. Most locksmiths stock one tier and refer out the rest. We carry the range from everyday Kwikset and Schlage hardware up to pick-resistant, restricted-key systems like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and Abloy. That range matters when your needs change, or when you’re upgrading on purpose.
How do I know which locksmith to trust?
Ask three questions: are they licensed and insured, do they work with the brands you need, and will they quote the price before starting. A locksmith who can name the systems they carry and handle high-security hardware like Abloy or Medeco is showing real capability, not a sales pitch. We’re glad to answer all three before you book.
Specific Services
Do you handle lock installation and rekeying?
Yes, rekey services are one of our three core services, and installation is part of the same work. Rekeying resets your existing hardware so old keys stop working; installation covers new hardware from a standard Schlage deadbolt up to a high-security Medeco cylinder. If you’re moving in or taking over a property, rekey first and upgrade later if you want.
Do you work with high-security lock systems?
Yes, Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and Abloy are a genuine specialty for us, not a checkbox. These systems are among the most theft-resistant available: pick-resistant, bump-resistant, and restricted-key, meaning only authorized people can get copies made. High-security doesn’t have to mean high-hassle. If you want more protection without a complicated process, we can explain your options clearly.
What should I do if I’m locked out right now?
Call us at (877) 626-0257 before you try anything that could damage the door, frame, or lock. If you’re outside a house or car, don’t force the lock; forcing it usually costs more than the lockout itself. Here’s the sequence we recommend:
- Check whether you have a spare key or a way in that doesn’t damage the property.
- Call (877) 626-0257 and describe the lock type and your location.
- Wait for the technician rather than prying at the lock yourself.
- Once you’re in, ask about a rekey if you’re unsure who else has a key.
Can you handle a lost car key?
Yes, lost car key replacement is part of our automotive service, and it happens without a dealership trip. We cut and program replacement keys for most vehicles. For a full walkthrough, visit our Car Key Replacement in Arlington page or our home page to see how the pieces fit together.
Contact
Wherever you’re standing right now, a locked door, a car that won’t start, a new home you need to secure, we’re built for the moment it can’t wait. Call Stalwart Locksmith at (877) 626-0257 for a free estimate. We’ll answer straight, quote before we start, and get you sorted.
Have a question we didn’t cover? Call Stalwart Locksmith at (877) 626-0257.