You 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.
“Amco locksmiths are amazing to deal with! Very friendly and helpful on the phone. Responded promptly to my call for help with a key that was not working. Magnus was extremly friendly and helpful when he showed up. For any locksmith issues, go with these guys. You will not be disappointed. Thank you for making my day so much better in a sticky situation <3”
Read on Google →“Absolutely cracking service from Magnus. My wife dropped her keys last night and went to start it today and and it failed. We called 2 other places first and also had road side assistance out to inspect. Not one of them advised us to look where she had dropped it for the micro chip. They simply wanted dollars in their pockets without trying to solve the problem. After a prompt call back from Magnus and an exploded view image of keys components and 5 minutes of rummaging around the garden the chip was found, re-installed and works. 100% recommend these guys and will be getting a spare key from them in the near future. Thanks so much Magnus!!!”
Read on Google →“Very impressed with Amco Locksmiths! The cheapest amongst a few quotes that I got. Very fast and efficient. Professional and friendly technician who gave me advice on a few other things around the house. Customer service was swift and helpful. Cannot fault!”
Read on Google →“Awesome, quick and very good priced service!”
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.