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Handy checklist on how to choose a good locksmith in Melbourne

Handy checklist on how to choose a good locksmith in Melbourne

Keeping our homes and family secure is always a top priority. And choosing a locksmith goes hand in hand with home security.  So when you decide to get a locksmith you must exercise some careful consideration.

For some who finds themselves in need of a locksmith in emergency situations or inconvenient times, the process of looking for the right locksmith can even become stressful. Yet, no matter when or why you need a locksmith, it’s important to choose a fully qualified, professional and trustworthy locksmith company.

locksunlimited, your local locksmith in melbourne4C’s to selecting a good locksmith in Melbourne

Here are the 4 C’s to consider when selecting a locksmith in Melbourne:

  • Certification. Choose a certified locksmith in Melbourne.  Being a locksmith is a highly specialized job. It requires high-level education and skills. Elect a qualified locksmith who has the experience, know-how, and credibility. Selecting a fully qualified Master Locksmith guarantees that the locksmith you are entrusting your security to has been thoroughly trained. Look for the MLAA logo and cross-check the company on the MLAA website.

The Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia (MLAA) is composed of the master locksmiths in Australia and New Zealand. The MLAA provides network access on qualified, professional locksmiths and gives support through additional information about how to secure the important things.

  • Convenience. Pick a local locksmith that attends to your need in minutes, not hours. It is essential that the locksmith you call has a physical address located in your area. Check them on the map or in published listings. Be careful because there are heaps of locksmith services advertised online claiming ‘local’ when they aren’t.
  • Cost. Hire a locksmith that tells you how much they charge for their services. Do not opt for the cheapest options because as most people know – cheap becomes most expensive in the long term. Do not hire a locksmith who charges the earth for locks. Be wary of jumping at the first proposal. It is best to contact several locksmith companies and talk to your friends, family, and colleagues. Shop around and get different quotes.
  • Customer-first. Choose a locksmith that has an excellent track record of happy customers. The best locksmiths are very reputable and provide excellent customer service at all times. Take the time to read a few reviews online to check the reputation of any locksmith service you’re interested in using.

LocksUnlimited is a master locksmith and is an MLAA certified locksmith. We are your local locksmiths on the move 24/7 trusted around Melbourne for more than 25 years.  To get an idea of our service charge, rates and fees, click here.

Letter Box Keys and Locks

Letter Box Keys and Locks

In Melbourne, most apartments, units, and homes have key locked letter boxes. Missing letters is a common everyday case. Spare front door keys or any keys for that matter are even taken out from these letter boxes. So, never leave your house or car keys in your letter box.

letter boxIf you happen to lose your keys or had them stolen our mobile locksmiths at LocksUnlimited can bring service to your door and replace or just make new keys for your letter box lock – pronto! Supply and installation of a letter box lock will cost around $99 – $125 for a quality cam lock. It is also possible to better the letter box lock using a pin tumbler style key lock with the option to have security keys fitted also.

Security keys are a lot more difficult to pick open and very difficult to defeat with a screw driver. Cost is $225, fitted. It is also possible to have a digital combination lock installed to a letter box. These digital combination locks have a three number code system and you can pick your own number.

If you would like to get very fancy there is a lock available that will open using your mobile phone. Ask LocksUnlimited about it today.

 

 

How Much Does a Melbourne Locksmith Cost

How Much Does a Melbourne Locksmith Cost?

A Simple Price Guide for Hiring a Locksmith in Melbourne

Getting locked out of your own house or car or losing or misplacing your keys can happen anytime. So, it is expedient to have on-hand the phone number of a dependable Melbourne locksmith. Having a locksmith on your phone book can resolve your security predicament. A qualified locksmith like LocksUnlimited can help you fast!

What most people will ask is ‘how much does a locksmith charge?’

Whilst price is not always equal to quality, it can be a deal breaker for most customers. Knowing the price helps people to budget and decide if it a service they want to get. Below is the cost of our services. We hope it will give you an idea about locksmith service costs in Melbourne.

Prices, Charges, and Fees

Our basic locksmith service fees are listed below.

LocksUnlimited offers a complete range of locksmith services and locksmith products in Melbourne and around Melbourne surrounding suburbs.

If you have any questions regarding a specific service that is not found on this list or if your case is somewhat special, please feel free to give LocksUnlimited a call. We are happy to provide a free quote or advice on the best solution to suit your needs and come to you, anytime – all the time.

All work performed by LocksUnlimited is covered by warranty. The products we use are covered by the manufacturer’s terms (most have 12 months warranty) and all labour is covered by a 3-month warranty.

Business Hours Locksmith Service Fees

Melbourne and suburbs Service Call Price: From $65.00 Plus GST

PLUS+
  • Re-key Lock Price: From $15.00 Plus GST (includes the first two keys – $20 value)
  • Fit Key to Lock Price: $25 (includes the first two keys – $20 value)
  • Repairs to Locks Price**: Minimum $66 labour plus parts (depends on time required to do the repair)
Business Hours Lockout Fees (All below prices include GST)

 

  • Standard Automotive Lockout Price: From $99 (including service call)
  • Domestic & Commercial Lockout Price: From $99 (including service call)

For after hours emergency locksmith inquiries, including price, please call 1300 303 720 and speak directly to our 24/7 qualified locksmiths. We will assist you with your inquiry.

Experience top locksmith service in Melbourne, fast.  We work quickly and we don’t mess about.

*The above locksmith costs are based on standard non-restricted locks, keys, and basic vehicles. Non-standard applications may vary in price so it is always recommended to discuss pricing with our locksmith before starting or when booking the job. We are more than happy to provide a quote before commencing work. Business hours 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Mon – Fri. Sat 8:30am to 12:30pm.

**Prices provided for repairs are based on an average cost. The price may vary depending on the complexity of the repair. It’s always best to ask for an estimate when our locksmith arrives on site.

To Rekey or to Replace key, that is the question?

To Rekey or to Replace key, that is the question?

Most LocksUnlimited customers want us to change their locks thinking it is their only option. But did you know that there is the rekey possibility? Do you know the difference between rekeying and replacing locks?

To rekey or replace?

At LocksUnlimited, being good locksmiths, we take it as our responsibility to primarily assess whether a customer just needs to rekey locks or need to replace the locks completely. Many of our customers aren’t even aware that there is an option or which one is best for them. In most cases, as many as 16 keys would operate a single home’s lock. Many locks can be rekeyed and kept in service some can even be made to function better.

So, what does rekeying a lock mean?

Rekeying is simply adjusting the parts of the lock so that it functions with a different key, without of course compromising the security of your home. This sounds simple, but if you are not a professional locksmith or a well-trained locksmith, this can be difficult to accomplish. You can rekey a lock yourself. Today many lock manufacturers make rekeying kits found at any local home improvement stores. But if you are DIY challenged, you may want to leave the job to a professional locksmith. It is best to give your local locksmith a call.

When is it best to rekey locks?

  • For instances when you are not sure how many keys are out there that may open your lock

Benefits of rekeying locks

  • Cheaper than replacing locks
  • Can be quicker than replacing locks
  • No upkeeps and works to your door

When is it best to replace locks?

  • When locks are not properly working or malfunctioning
  • Locks can grow are old and tired and worn and beyond rekeying
  • For locks that are vintage or antique locksets (can pose special problems as parts maybe hard to find)
  • When you want to do some security upgrade (staying up to date with the latest locking hardware in the market)
  • For aesthetic reasons (finding a door lock that matches the finish of your interior design)

LocksUnlimited recommends having locks alternated at least every few years just to maintain optimal functioning. But whether you rekey a lock or replacing a lock it is up to you. Your local locksmiths here at LocksUnlimited are happy to help you with either choice. We offer high quality door locks and specialist installation services to help protect you and your family.

ABC News Undercover House: The LockOut

Locksmith Scams Are Real Trust only a Professional Locksmith

This video was produced by ABC News years back yet still very interesting. Watch this investigative video and learn the lessons on how to avoid being scammed by con artist posing as master locksmiths.

We at LocksUnlimited never scam customers out for money. We do our best to help our clients save money.

The price we quote is the price you pay. Very few times we ever have to drill open a door to get in a locked house unless the lock is broken prior to us coming over to  help you unlock your door. We are trusted locksmith in Melbourne with 25 years experience.

Call us today at 1300 303 720

Home Security for a Stay at Home Mum

Home safe Home: A LocksUnlimited Testimonial

As a stay at home mum of two young children, I have found myself recently wondering what I would do if someone decided to break into my house. You see it all over social media and the news, people being held up in their own houses by criminals with weapons just so they can steal someone else’s money and valuable possessions. I don’t know what I would do if I am faced by an intruder. How would I protect my children if things turn violent? The feeling I got thinking of something happening to my girls left me feeling sick. This is when I decided to act instead of worrying about them constantly.

Hunting for a Local Locksmith

I did some research online in ways that I could make my home safer, but it was nothing more than “leave your lights on when you leave the house” or “get your neighbours to bring your bins in when you go away” the most useful tip “get a dog”. I wanted extra security so I bit the bullet and called a few local locksmith companies (and pet stores). The quotes were ridiculous! I even had one guy who seemed annoyed by my phone call.

My LocksUnlimited Experience

I contacted LocksUnlimited and expressed my concerns and asked what kind of services they offer. The man on the other end of the phone was happy, polite and very informative. He asked me about my budget! Instead of pushing me towards the top-notch security system that I could not afford, we ran over my budget and then arrived at a reasonable quote (which was below my budget!). They even had a van at my house within 20 minutes!

LocksUnlimited Incredible Service

The service I received was incredible. I was greeted by a friendly man named Damian. He had a look around my house to make sure that his quote was accurate before he started. He then produced everything right there and then. First, he installed deadbolts to my front and back doors. He checked our locks on the door and flyscreens and made sure these were in good working order. He fixed patio bolts to both of our sliding doors and put lockable window locks on all of our windows. On top of all these, he provided locks for the side gate and metre box. Bonus was the special feature of my locks having the same key!

Lessons from a Master Locksmith

We got to talking at it. It is amazing the stories a locksmith could tell you. He advised me not to open the door to anyone. He has heard of people impersonating police officers. I reckon my fears were reasonable.  Now that my home security has been upgraded, I definitely feel a lot safer.

Big thanks to LocksUnlimited

I cannot thank LocksUnlimited enough for the service they provided. Anytime, will gladlyrecommend them to anyone who may have the same concerns as I had. Knowing that my family is safe, I can now sleep easy at night. I am not also worried about being alone during the day anymore.

Once again Thank You LocksUnlimited for making my home safe again!

Top 5 Things Your Locksmith Won’t Tell You

Every trade has its secrets, and locksmiths are no exceptions.

There are a few trade secrets that we would like to share to educate our customers. This is to ensure our clients don’t get scammed by a scam artist posing as a professional locksmith.

We’ve condensed a Reader’s Digest article to what we reckon are basic yet essential things most locksmith won’t tell you:

  1. Cheap locks are easy to defeat.  Most locks from home improvement stores are mass-produced. Though they have the stamp promise of mostly reputable manufacturers some are made to low standards. You will benefit from at least a Grade 2 lock to ensure that your door isn’t easily picked. Ask us about the brands that we use.
  2. When buying or renting a house, always have locks re-keyed. Simple logic, doesn’t take a rocket scientist. It is easy to dismiss a break in to be unlikely but be aware of the probability. Never ignore the chance of the keys out there that were used in the past to open your home.
  3. Watch for that window on or near the door. This window location is synonymous to ‘Danger’. Even if you install a thumb-turn dead bolt lock, it won’t do you much good. It is easy to knock out the glass, stick a hand in, and turn. You can do two things – either get rid of the window or secure a double cylinder lock. This lock needs a key on the inside, or a key-coded pad that allows you to have an access code instead of keys.
  4. Only me can duplicate this car keys is just not possible. This phrase is equivalent to more charges. Chances are you will have to find a way to the dealer, where as a locksmith can come to you. In most cases, a locksmith who specializes in automotive work can make you a key— and usually cheaper.
  5. The best lock is a dead bolt lock that’s properly installed. This means the lock must have at least a one-inch latch. On the strike side, there should be a security plate with screws at least three inches long that go all the way into the door’s wood frame.

Take these tips into consideration the next time you need a locksmith. Or simply contact us.

Source: http://www.rd.com, http://www.readersdigest.ca,

 

Home Security Tips

3 Easy Tips to Keep your Home, Business and Vehicle Safe

The world today is a totally different place and Melbourne is no different. This year, crime rate rises by 8% driven by robberies and theft according to ABC News. Home break ins including home invasion (occur day and night) even car hijacking. Business hold ups are very real and anyone can be put into a position of threat at anytime. Below are some useful tips to keep yourself and your family safe.

  1. Use deadlocks. A deadlock are door locks that has both a key cylinder on the outside and the inside of a door. When a deadlock is locked it cannot be unlocked from either side of a door with out a key. As an example, let’s say your home or business has a glass door. The glass has  been broken allowing someone to reach around and try to unlock the door. However, if your door is deadlocked, there is no way anyone can enter the door way with out a key. This in why most content insurance companies require deadlocks and deadlock window locks on all external entry points (window and doors). At the end of the day your own safety is of utmost importance. Deadlocking locks though is not encouraged to be locked when your at home because in cases of emergency like a fire – you will need to be able to get out immediately.  Though deadlocks are normally better and stronger than normal locks – keeping our doors locked is a good safety measure deadlocked or not.
  2. Install security doors and eye viewers.  Throughout Melbourne suburbs, home invasion is becoming a very real problem. Everyday we, at Locks Unlimited have clients calling in regards to stolen keys, mobile phones, house and car keys that have been taken from their kitchen table in the early hours of the morning. Its basic to lock all your doors and windows. It is not advisable as well to leave tempting items on the kitchen counter or table like car keys, money, or mobile phones. Many of our clients have some sort of baton under the bed and/or at the front door for protection. Home invasions can become very violent in just seconds so the best way to avoid this situation is to never open the front door to strangers, “not even someone in uniform“. You can speak to strangers through a security door. If you don’t have a security door – now is the perfect time to get one. An eye viewer is also a great idea. Deadlocks and window locks are even greater ideas. Know that sliding doors in your home will most likely be the easiest access point for a burglar. Install a CCTV. These systems are very good deterrents, like the alarms. All of these security devices must be visible. Most CCTV cameras are equipped with red glowing infrared lights which make them very noticeable.
  3. Keep you car doors locked whilst driving. When driving around the streets on Melbourne CBD or even the northern parts of Melbourne, places like Epping , Lalor, Mill Park, Reservoir etc., Locks Unlimited recommends to always keep car doors locked. Over the last 3 years we have seen a spike in carjackings incidents. These cases usually take place at traffic lights whilst waiting for lights change. All cases so far have been female victims.
  4. Keep spare keys safe. Over 80% of homes across Melbourne don’t have key locked letter boxes. What we find strange is that the other 20% of letter boxes that are locked seem to be always the ones targeted to be broken into. Many Locks Unlimited customers contact our locksmiths more frequent than every year across Melbourne asking to have there letter boxes repaired or cut new keys. The stranger fact are those of our customers who are fond of leaving the spare house keys on a plant pot by the window or any other seemingly believed to be inconspicuous places. Others leave keys out for a friend staying over. Both of these practices are not good as you will put your house keys in jeopardy. This is unsafe and the probability of your home being robbed with no break in evidence – can be very high.

For more home, business and vehicle security tips, talk to our expert locksmiths today.

Get a Real Locksmith

Your Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Locks Unlimited Locksmiths in Melbourne offers a full 100% onsite workmanship and product guarantee

So if you have any problem with a product or services please let us know and we will come out onsite free of charge and fix the problem.

Locks Unlimited have been in the locksmith business for over 25 years and we are here to stay. Don’t get court out with back yard mobile locksmiths that only trade for a short period of time. Get a business with a good name in the business and will return to you for other trusted services or warranties if than happen to come up.

Another example is if you order a locksmith because you happen to of locked your self out, if the the locksmith arrives to open your door and wants to just drill your lock out costing you a new lock, Stop its a scam. Yes is some cases locks do need to be drilled out but not within the first 30 seconds or 10 minutes. A professional locksmith in most cases be able to pick your front door open with no damage to your door or lock. Picking a door lock takes years of training and practice and also in some cases locks today have anti picking pins inside the lock cylinders. This is where you need to get your self the write locksmith. Remember the name Locks Unlimited.