Clear answers before you make a decision.
Use these guides to handle a lockout safely, compare rekeying with replacement, plan a rental turnover, or improve business key control.
- 01Safe steps you can take now
- 02Simple checklists
- 03Questions to ask a locksmith
Practical help for common lock decisions
Each guide gives a short answer first, then clear steps, a checklist, mistakes to avoid, and questions people often ask.
Should You Rekey or Replace Your Locks?
Rekey a working lock when you want old keys to stop working. Replace a lock when it is damaged, worn, loose, not compatible, or missing a feature you need.
- List every outside door
- Count the people who need keys
- Find any spare or old keys
Locked Out in Philadelphia? What to Do First
Move to a safe place, check approved ways in, gather proof of access, and call with the exact location and lock type. Do not force the key, door, or window.
- Move to a safe place
- Check for an approved spare key
- Call the owner or manager if needed
Philadelphia Rental Rekeying Checklist
Confirm who can approve changes, list unit and shared doors, choose rekeying or replacement, plan who receives keys, and test every opening before move-in.
- Confirm owner or manager approval
- List unit and shared doors
- Count all old keys
Commercial Key Control Checklist for Philadelphia Businesses
List every door, decide which roles need access, record each key, limit master keys, and review the system after losses, staff changes, or building changes.
- Number or name every door
- List access needed by each role
- Record every issued key
Still not sure what to do?
Call and describe the lock, key, door, or vehicle problem. We will help you choose the next step.