IllustrationYou have lost your house keys
Two separate questions: how do you get in tonight, and who else can get in tomorrow.
First we get you in, without damage wherever the lock allows it. Then the real question is whether the keys are simply mislaid or genuinely gone — if they are gone, rekeying is the answer. A rekey changes the pins inside the locks you already own so every old key stops working, which is faster and cheaper than replacing locks.
- Getting in
- Opened without damage wherever possible
- If keys are gone
- Rekey, do not replace
- Typical house
- Six to eight locks, about an hour
Getting in, then shutting others out
Getting in
Most house lockouts we open without damage. Some do not allow it: certain locks, and doors that have been secured from the inside, leave drilling as the only way. Our rule on that is simple and it is worth knowing before you ring anyone — should a barrel need drilling, you’ll hear it from us first, and the new one is matched to your current key, free of charge. The damage is never on your bill.
Before you call, check the obvious: back door, laundry door, a window that was left on the latch, a neighbour or family member holding a spare. If a spare is fifteen minutes away that is the cheapest answer and we will say so.
Then decide: mislaid or gone?
If the keys turn up in a jacket pocket, nothing else needs doing. If they are genuinely gone — dropped in public, taken with a bag, left in a taxi — assume somebody could have them, and assume worse if anything with your address was on the same ring.
Rekey rather than replace
This is the bit that saves people money. Every lock has a row of small pins set to match one key. In a rekey we take the cylinder out, change those pins to match a brand new key, and refit it. The lock, the handle and the door stay exactly as they are; only the key changes. Every old key stops working the moment we finish.
A typical Perth house has six to eight locks — front, back, laundry, garage, side gate and the security screens — and they are done on site in about an hour, all on one key. We only recommend replacing a lock when it is old or failing enough that a new one is cheaper than coming back to it.
One key for everything
While we are there it is worth asking for the whole house on a single key, including the screens. Most Australian homes use Gainsborough or Lockwood profiles, and a house with Gainsborough front doors and Lockwood screens ends up with two keys unless the screen cylinders are changed. We will tell you which you have and what it takes to get down to one.
If the keys were stolen
Rekey the same day if you can, and if car keys were on the ring, deal with those too — a stolen car key can be deleted from the car so it will no longer start the engine.
What customers say
Tap any review to read it on Google.
“I highly recommend Magnus from Amco Locksmiths. He was very quick to respond to my enquiry and was able to see me the next day. He showed up on time, had great communication and was very professional and friendly throughout the process.”
Read on Google →“I recently moved to a new house and wanted to change the locks for security. Magnus arrived on time and worked efficiently to do just that, also cutting more windows keys and rekeying the garage remote. He even oiled the squeaky garage door at no cost! I would use Amco again in a heartbeat.”
Read on Google →“Great communication advising when he would arrive. Quick, friendly service and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended.”
Read on Google →“Very friendly and replies fast! Definitely recommend!!”
Read on Google →“I needed an emergency locksmith today (Friday) and Magnus from Amco came to the rescue. Absolutely pleasant man very friendly and curteous. Explained everything including cost upfront. Completed the job professionally. Will definitely recommend Amco Locksmiths and Magnus anytime.”
Read on Google →Straight answers
Can you get me into my house without damage?
In most cases, yes. Where a lock leaves us no other option, you’ll hear about the drilling before we start, and the new barrel is matched to your current key, free of charge.
Should I rekey or change the locks?
Rekey, in nearly every case. It changes the pins inside your existing locks so old keys stop working, and it is faster and cheaper than new hardware. We replace locks only when they are old or failing.
How long does it take to rekey a whole house?
A typical Perth house has six to eight locks and takes about an hour on site, all brought onto one key.
Can the security screens use the same key as the front door?
Usually. The catch is that many homes have Gainsborough front doors and Lockwood screens, which are different profiles. We will tell you whether yours can be matched.
My keys were stolen along with my car keys. What now?
Rekey the house and have the stolen car key deleted from the car so it will not start the engine. We can do both in one visit.
Do you come out after hours?
Yes, we run a 24 hour emergency service. After hours costs more than business hours and the price is agreed before we come.