Consumer Alert! Finding Your Locksmith has just become more difficult.

We recently heard from a consumer in Oak Park who had searched for our company on-line and thought she was calling us. Instead of us she reached someone who charged her over $400 for what should have been about a $125 job.

Turns out she found a website that is listing our business information. However, this site is not affiliated with us in any way. They do not have our permission to list our business. And they post a price list that is not ours. We have been told there is nothing we can do because everything they are printing about us is correct public information.

After researching this, we discovered at least one site that lists correct business information (address, phone number, hours, etc) for real locksmiths across the country. However, they put colorful buttons on the page next to the real locksmith's business listing. If you click on any of those buttons it takes you to a different company's page showing a different business name and phone number than the business you were trying to call. It also shows a very, very cheap price list. In the case listed above, the price charged the consumer was considerably more than those on that price list.

Here's how you can protect yourself:

  • Try to find someone in your area.
  • Click on the locksmith's website, be sure it belongs to the company you are looking for.
  • Ask your neighbors for recommendations
  • Read the reviews.
  • When you call:
    • Ask what the name of the business is. If it's not what you expected, hang up. (Do not accept “This is the locksmith” as a valid answer. Do not ask if this is “ABC Locksmith” because they will say Yes)
    • Ask for the company's locksmith license number and write it down.
    • Keep track of the phone number you called.

When any locksmith comes out to do work for you:

  • Always ask to see the locksmith license or employee ID and write down the License or PERC number. In the state of Illinois, locksmiths are REQUIRED to present this information if asked.
  • Always get a business card upon the service person's arrival.
  • Always confirm all charges when the locksmith arrives and sees the job. Write it down.
  • If anything doesn't feel right or they won't leave call the police.
  • In the state of Illinois, locksmiths are REQUIRED to provide a receipt with:
    • Company name
    • Illinois License Number

Do you think you are a victim of this consumer fraud? To file a complaint you will need to be sure who you called. Get a business card, make sure your receipt is itemized and has the company name, address and phone number on it.

You can file a complaint with your state's Attorney General's Office. (Illinois Attorney's General Office) In Illinois, you can also file a complaint with the Illinois Dept. of Finance and Professional Regulation. In Chicago you can also file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Agency.

Antique Mortise Lock Replacement

Over half of the homes in Oak Park, River Forest, and Berwyn have antique mortise locks on inner or outer doors.

I doubt if the builders of these homes expected the locks they installed to last 75-100 years. But the locks have done just that. Now many are at the end of their life-time and parts to repair are becoming impossible to find.

Fortunately, quality replacements are available. We have been very successful replacing them with quality Emtek Mortise Locks. Many designs, color finishes and knob styles let you choose a lock you like. The inside and outside trim and the lock mechanism are solidly made and have life-time warranties.

Visit our showroom to see the quality of these locks.

PHS locksmith earns scholarship to attend ALOA classes and convention

How do you become a locksmith? I’ve been asked that question thousands of times.

Historically locksmith businesses have been small family businesses. The secrets to open locks without any keys have been guarded and passed only to trusted individuals. Did you know Houdini was a locksmith?

Today’s new locksmiths still learn or apprentice from established locksmiths. Basic training can be found on-line. But the best classes are taught by locksmith association members, distributor and manufacturers’ certified instructors. Locksmiths and apprentices are pre-screened before being allowed to take classes.

Joey, our current apprentice, received a scholarship and is attending classes at the locksmith national convention in Reno, Nevada this week. ALOA, the Associated Locksmiths of America, has grown to include locksmiths in the US and many other countries. Their instructors are some of the best in the world and ALOA's proficiency testing is the standard used by many states when they issue locksmith licenses.

Excellent educational instructors make exceptional locksmiths. Locksmiths who invest in their education will be ready for the changes of the future. They will provide products and services to consumers that comply with the current security standards. 

If you want to learn to be a locksmith or are just curious what’s involved visit www.aloa.org.

Winter's Frozen Locks Have Arrived

Chicago's under our first Winter Weather Advisory of the year.  Freezing rain.  Falling temperatures. These conditions are perfect for frozen locks.

The simplest solution is always prevention.  Lubricate your outside locks before they freeze.  (Use WD-40, Tri-Flo or another spray recommended for lock lubrication)

If your lock is already frozen, you're not out of luck.

  • You can try a lock de-icer that you can pick up at most locksmith or hardware stores.
  • If that doesn't work, you'll need to warm the lock with a hair dryer.  (Never use a torch, flames, or anything with high heat!  This will damage the lock!)  Make sure to lubricate your locks after you use a de-icer or your locks could be damaged.
  • Or you can call a locksmith. However, if it is a good freeze there may be a waiting line.

You can find more details for preventing your locks from freezing in our original article "Chicago Winter and Frozen Locks".