Calgary locksmith faq
Have questions about locksmith services in Calgary & surrounding areas? FMI Professional Locksmiths provides residential, commercial, automotive, and 24/7 emergency locksmith services throughout Calgary & surrounding areas.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about locks, keys, lockouts, security, and locksmith services.
General Locksmith Questions
Do you provide 24/7 emergency locksmith services in Calgary?
Yes. Emergency locksmith assistance is available 24/7. FMI Professional Locksmiths provides direct service from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily. For emergency calls outside those hours, we can refer you to one of our qualified licensed locksmiths.
What types of locksmith services do you provide?
We provide a wide range of locksmith services, including residential and commercial locksmith services, emergency lockouts, lock changes, rekeying, lock repairs, deadbolt installation, panic bars and exit devices, security hardware, and automotive lockout services.
Are you a local Calgary locksmith or a locksmith call centre?
FMI Professional Locksmiths is a Calgary-based mobile locksmith company serving homes and businesses throughout Calgary and surrounding areas. When you call FMI, you are contacting our local business rather than a national locksmith call centre.
How quickly can a locksmith arrive in an emergency?
Response times vary depending on your location in Calgary, traffic, weather, and current service demand. When you call, we can provide more information about availability and expected response time.
How Much does a locksmith cost?
Locksmith costs depend on the service required, time of day and hardware involved. FMI publishes current service-call and labour rates on our homepage. Contact us for a quote for your specific job.
Should I call a locksmith if my key is difficult to turn?
Yes. A key that suddenly becomes difficult to turn can indicate a worn key, damaged lock, alignment problem, or failing lock mechanism. Addressing the problem early may help prevent a complete lock failure or an unexpected lockout.
Residential Locksmith Questions
Can you help if I'm locked out of my house?
Yes. FMI Professional Locksmiths provides residential lockout services in Calgary. A professional locksmith can assess the lock and determine the appropriate method of entry while minimizing unnecessary damage whenever possible.
Should I change or rekey my locks when I move into a new home?
It's a good idea to make sure previous keys can no longer open your home. In many cases, existing locks can be rekeyed rather than completely replaced. If the locks are damaged, outdated, or don't provide the level of security you want, replacing them may be the better option.
What is the difference between rekeying and replacing a lock?
Rekeying changes the internal configuration of a lock so that the old key will no longer operate it. The existing lock hardware remains in place.
Replacing a lock involves removing the existing hardware and installing a new lock. Rekeying can be an economical choice when the existing locks are in good condition, while replacement may be appropriate when locks are worn, damaged, outdated, or being upgraded.
Can you make several locks work with the same key?
Often, yes. If the locks are compatible, they may be rekeyed so that one key operates multiple doors. This can reduce the number of keys you need to carry and make access more convenient.
Can you install deadbolts and other security locks?
Yes. We can install and service a variety of residential lock and security hardware. The appropriate hardware depends on your doors, existing locks, and the level of security you're looking for.
Can you repair a lock instead of replacing it?
In many cases, yes. Whether a lock can be repaired depends on its condition and the nature of the problem. We can assess the lock and determine whether repair, rekeying, adjustment, or replacement is the most appropriate solution.
Can you install smart locks or keyless entry locks?
Depending on the lock and door configuration, smart locks and keyless entry hardware can often be installed or integrated with existing door hardware. Contact us to discuss the type of lock and door you have.
Commercial Locksmith Questions
Do you provide commercial locksmith services in Calgary?
Yes. FMI Professional Locksmiths provides commercial locksmith services for Calgary businesses and commercial properties. Services can include lock installation and repair, rekeying, master key systems, panic bars, exit devices, door hardware, and other security-related locksmith services.
Can you create a master key system for my business?
Yes. A master key system can provide different levels of access for owners, managers, employees, maintenance personnel, and other authorized users. The appropriate system depends on the building and your access requirements.
What is a master key system?
A master key system allows designated keys to open multiple locks while other keys may only open specific doors. It can simplify key management and provide controlled levels of access within a commercial property.
Do you install and repair panic bars?
Yes. FMI Professional Locksmiths provides panic bar and exit device services. These devices are commonly found on commercial and public building exit doors and need to operate reliably for both security and safe egress.
Can you rekey the locks after an employee leaves?
Yes. If you're concerned that a former employee or other person may still possess a key, rekeying can prevent the old key from operating the affected locks without necessarily replacing all of the existing hardware.
Can you improve the security of our commercial property?
Yes. We can assess existing locks and door hardware and discuss potential security improvements based on the needs of your property. Depending on the situation, this may include upgrading locks, rekeying, changing key-control arrangements, or improving door security hardware.
Automotive Locksmith Questions
Can a locksmith unlock my vehicle?
Yes. FMI Professional Locksmiths provides automotive lockout services in Calgary. The appropriate method depends on the vehicle's make, model, year, and locking system.
What should I do if I lock my keys inside my car?
Keep the vehicle secure and contact a professional locksmith for assistance. Avoid forcing the door or attempting methods that could damage the weather stripping, window, lock, or electronic components.
Can you help if my key breaks in a lock?
Please call us and we will give you referrals to the appropriate person to remove the broken key or any other advanced situation involving vehicles.
Locks, Keys & Security
When should I replace my locks?
Consider replacing locks if they are damaged, unreliable, badly worn, outdated, or no longer provide the security you need. You may also want to upgrade your locks after a break-in or attempted break-in.
If your primary concern is that someone has an old key, rekeying may be sufficient instead of replacing the entire lock.
What are high-security locks?
High-security locking systems are designed to provide additional protection against certain forms of physical attack and unauthorized key duplication. Features vary by manufacturer and product, so the appropriate system depends on the security requirements of the property.
What should I do if my keys are lost or stolen?
If the missing keys can be associated with your home or business, consider having the affected locks rekeyed or replaced so the missing keys can no longer be used to gain access.
Can a locksmith open a lock without damaging it?
Many locks can be opened without destructive entry, depending on the type of lock, its condition, and the circumstances. A professional locksmith can assess the situation and determine the appropriate approach.
Why won't my door lock properly?
The problem isn't always the lock itself. Doors and frames can shift, hinges can loosen, and strike plates can become misaligned. A locksmith can identify whether the problem is with the lock, door alignment, hardware, or another component.
About FMI Professional Locksmiths
Why choose FMI Professional Locksmiths?
FMI Professional Locksmiths is committed to providing professional, dependable locksmith services to residential and commercial customers in Calgary. We focus on practical solutions, quality workmanship, security, and customer service.
How do I contact FMI Professional Locksmiths?
If you need locksmith service or have questions about your locks or security hardware, contact FMI Professional Locksmiths directly. For an emergency lockout or urgent locksmith problem, call us for assistance.