Did you know as many as 4,000,000,000 people lock themselves out of their cars each year according to AAA? 

If this has been you, or if you've needed locksmith services for any other reason, you know what a lifesaver they can be. But have you seen everything a locksmith offers?

From automated smart-home technology to commercial and residential video camera security, read on to see how a locksmith might be of service to you.

Locksmith Services You Didn’t Know About

If you've ever wondered to yourself "what services do locksmiths offer," there may be quite a few that surprise you.

Today's locksmiths are trained not only in the traditional techniques of the past but also in current technology to help keep you and your family safe in the present.

Below are five services you may not have known a locksmith offers.

1. Automated Smart-Home Technology

According to a recent study, 69% of homes in the United States have one or more SmartHome devices. If you are interested in automating your home in this way, locksmiths can help you install and program these devices. 

Devices for Doors, Thermostats, and More

One such device is smart locks that do not require keys to allow you entry to your home or building. These devices offer additional security options as they can be set up to allow you to use a keypad or voice control to unlock doors and garages. 

These devices also give you the ability to adjust your thermostat up or down, even from another location. Some apps can be set up to deliver temperature alerts for temperature-sensitive areas, such as a wine cellar or storage room.

Devices Apps

Smart home devices typically have phone apps that allow you to have more control of your home or business environment. You can set what time you would like your lights to turn on and off each day. You can also turn on and off your lights while you vacation for security purposes.

Smart home devices can be installed to allow you to lock doors remotely if you realize you have left one unlocked. Or, you can unlock a door when away from home to let in a friend or family member.

There are also devices that will notify you if you have left your garage door open and give you the ability to close the garage door remotely.

Devices to Keep You Safe

Smart home devices can be purchased that include cameras. These aid in security by allowing you to monitor the activity of those you love who may need extra care such as children, grandparents, and disabled family members. 

These security-enriched smart home devices are automated and can be set up to notify you when an alarm is armed by caregivers, groundskeepers, or family members.

You can also set it up to make you aware when someone enters your driveway or any other area of your property (pool area, back patio, deck, etc.). 

These automatic controls allow you to take control of your home or business in order to save money. They give you the ability to keep your energy bills as low as possible while also keeping your property secure.

2. Commercial Door Access Control

Access control systems are more important now than ever due to the COVID pandemic and the shift to having fewer people in the office on a daily basis. These systems allow you to control, limit and monitor who has access to your business.

Door Access Systems

One type of access control system uses key fobs or key cards to allow users entry to buildings or doors within your facility.

Those with access to each area simply hold their key fob or key card up to an installed access control reader to gain entry. The access control reader connects wirelessly to each fob or card to verify the credential for that user.

Another option is to have a keypad installed so that users can simply enter a pin number to access a building or area. Having keypad access means your employees do not need to remember to carry a fob or card with them at all times.

A locksmith can easily set up any of these options for you, depending on the size and needs of your business.

Mobile Access Systems

There are also mobile control access systems available that allow users to use an app to unlock doors from their phones. These mobile systems can be set up so that phones, tablets, and even smartwatches can be used as access credentials.

Since most of us carry our phones with us everywhere we go, a mobile access system makes a lot of sense today. It also removes the need to give your users a physical key fob or key card they will need to remember in order to access their authorized areas and that they may not remember to return to you when your business relationship comes to a close.

In the past, these mobile access systems would have required you to set up and maintain a server on the premises in order to grant and deny authorizations for who could access your property.

You can now create and store your data in the cloud. Thanks to this technology, cloud-based access systems are much more affordable for businesses of all sizes. They are also more user-friendly and easier to maintain.

Intercom and Video Intercom Systems

There are many reasons you will feel might choose to have your locksmith install a video intercom system at your home or business. A few of the most typical reasons might be: 

• Checking when packages arrive
• Looking to see if family members arrived home safe and on time
• Surveillance around your home or business

Having an intercom system at your commercial property is also the easiest way for visitors to check-in at your building's front door or gate. You can view who is approaching and then verify their identity through an intercom. 

Some systems can even be set up to allow you to then give access to the visitor via a mobile app on your phone.

3. Safe Services

You might be surprised to learn there are several locksmith safe services available to you through your local locksmith. Whether you have lost the combination, need your safe moved, or just need some maintenance for your safe, your locksmith can be of service.

Lost Safe Combinations

None of us like to admit it, but we put things in a safe for safekeeping and then somehow manage to lose track of the combination. When this happens, you can call a locksmith to help you gain access to your precious items.

If you have a safe with a digital lock, a locksmith may be able to create an emergency/override key.

If it is a combination to a safe that has been misplaced or forgotten, a locksmith can often figure out the combination for you, with no damage to the safe. If they are unable to determine the combination, there are a couple of options then available to get into the safe. 

The first is to cut into the safe, which gives easy access to the safe but makes the safe no longer usable. It is much safer to allow a locksmith to cut into your safe than to attempt to do so yourself as they will help you gain entry without compromising your valuables within the safe. 

The other option is to drill a small hole, use a scope, look inside the safe, and find a way to open the lock. When this second method is used, the safe can be repaired and used again. 

If your safe has a dial lock, a locksmith can then change the combination for you to one of your choosing.

It is often more cost-effective to call a locksmith for help opening your safe than to replace the safe itself.

Repair and Service

If you inherited a safe or have simply had your safe for a long period of time, it may be time to consider having it serviced. A locksmith can look it over and repair or service any items that may need adjusted or replaced, such as:

• Hinges - When the hinges get worn down or squeaky they may need to be adjusted or replacement may be necessary.
• Door - If the door on your safe doesn't open properly or is rubbing, it is time to have it serviced.
• Handle - Check the handle on your safe to see if it is secured tightly. If it seems loose or worse, broken, a locksmith can service or replace it.
• Locks - The most important piece in your safe needs to be serviced regularly. 

Whether you have a combination lock safe or an electronic safe, is it important to keep it maintained. If the lock on your safe is not functioning properly it does not necessarily mean you must discard the safe. It may be less costly to repair.

Moving Safes

Many hardware stores, as well as other retailers where safes can be purchased, do not deliver safes because of their weight. Thankfully, you can count on your local locksmith for the loading and delivery of these large items.

If you would like, your locksmith can also help with bolting your safe to the floor in your home or business.

4. Video Surveillance

Another service provided by locksmiths is surveillance camera installation. Video surveillance is available for both residential and commercial customers. 

Residential Video Cameras

Having cameras around your home for security is more common now than ever. They can be used to check on package deliveries, especially as package theft can be problematic in many areas.

Cameras can also be helpful to check in on children or other family members to make sure they get home safely or even just to communicate with them when they are outside.

A built-in microphone and speaker are often built into the surveillance cameras for communication purposes. Homeowners can simply download an app to connect to their camera. This allows the user to hear what's going on outside as well as respond. 

Surveillance cameras are wireless so no unsightly wires are dangling down your siding or around your home. They also use infrared LEDs to light up quickly and brightly so you can easily see what going on outside your home any time, night or day.

If you want a high-end, high-tech surveillance system for your home, you can purchase an HD 4K 12 Megapixel camera equipped with facial recognition. This helps eliminate false alarms as you can program in the faces of your friends and family members. You can also set up alerts with these cameras to notify you any time an unfamiliar face gets within a certain distance of your home.

Depending on the high-tech camera that you purchase, some even offer vehicle recognition and this technology continues to improve and be updated continually.

If you have an alarm and it is set off, your cameras will then automatically begin recording. You will receive notifications on the phone app immediately and be able to respond to any intruders or threats.

Commercial Video Security

There are multiple types of commercial video security systems available from your locksmith, from HD security cameras to CCTV to TVI or SDI cameras. As with residential systems, these video systems offer live video feed and instant text alerts. 

Having a video security system for your business means that you can tabs on when packages arrive and who signs for them. It also allows you to keep your employees safe as the premises are monitored and crime is deterred due to video security being in place.

Should there be a break-in or theft on your business property, having a commercial video system will allow you to provide footage to the authorities. This may also help in the recovery of any stolen items.

A locksmith can help you choose the commercial video security system that is right for your business and budget. They can install your chosen system and help maintain it, as well as help you add to your security when your business needs grow.

5. Alarm Systems

If another question you've asked yourself is what can a locksmith do with alarm systems ... that doesn't seem like a locksmith job? However, it does fall under a locksmith's job description.

Here are a few types of locksmith alarms and services offered:

Business Alarm Systems

If your business is ready for added security, but not quite ready for a full camera surveillance system, a business alarm system may be the answer. It might be that a motion detection system is the best fit for your business. 

Some businesses may also need the option of panic buttons, especially those in the healthcare or mental health field, or the financial industry. Panic buttons are usually hidden buttons that can be pressed to call law enforcement 

A locksmith is trained in the installation of these business alarm systems and can help you think through which will be the right level of security.

Residential Burglar Alarms

Whether you are at home or away, what is most important is peace of mind, knowing your home is protected. Research by The National Council for Home Safety and Security shows that homes with no alarm system are three times more likely to be broken into. 

Having a home security system installed means that if someone attempts to enter your home, your locksmith professional will be alerted and can notify authorities, at any time of day or night.

There are many other benefits of home security systems as well. They allow you to protect your valuables, meaning both family members and material goods. Having a safe can certainly protect some goods from theft, but not all high-value items will fit in the small space of a safe. An alarm will also make an immense amount of noise that may scare the perpetrator away before they even attempt the burglary.

Home security systems have also been shown to deter crime. A Rutgers study showed that neighborhoods with an increased number of homes with alarm systems showed fewer burglaries than other neighborhoods with a lower number of home security systems. 

Having a burglar alarm installed can also lower your homeowner's insurance premiums. Many insurance companies offer a discount to insured members as these systems prevent property loss and save money in the long run.

Fire Alarm Systems

Another service your locksmith offers is the installation of fire alarm systems. One benefit of having a monitored fire alarm for your business is that the fire department can be notified immediately when smoke or carbon monoxide is detected.

Another advantage of a monitored fire alarm is that it can reduce false alarms. False alarms are frustrating and waste not only your time but the time of our emergency responders. By having a monitored alarm, you can be sure that notifications will be made only of confirmed alarms.

With a monitored fire alarm system, you can also keep yourself and your employees out of harm's way. If there is smoke or a fire, you can exit the building immediately, with no one needing to worry about pulling or activating an alarm which could risk life or injury. 

There is also the peace of mind that comes with knowing your business and property are being monitored all day, every day. You can rest easy and travel easily knowing your fire alarm system is being monitored and your business will be protected.

Smoke Detectors

A locksmith can also install smoke detectors in your residence or commercial building.

If you have purchased an older home or building that does not have smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors installed, your local locksmith can be of service in this area. Smoke detectors are important as you want an immediate alarm to activate if there is smoke for any reason so you can determine your course of action.

Carbon monoxide is less recognized as the true threat that it poses. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms can mimic flu-like symptoms and include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and/or a headache. Severe carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to death.

Besides the enormous benefit of preventing illness, installing carbon monoxide detectors has other advantages. They can actually help in the detection of malfunctions or gas leaks within home or commercial HVAC systems.

It might be that your gas furnace or water heater isn't functioning properly. A carbon monoxide detector would be your first line of defense. These systems can also be connected with SmartHome technology to notify you by app about potential dangers.

Are You Ready To Reap the Benefits of What Your Locksmith Can Do For You?

You no longer have to wonder, "What other services does a locksmith offer?" Now you know who to call for help with your home safe should you lose the combination or need it serviced.

AAA 1 Lock & Key has been servicing customers in the Treasure Valley for over 30 years! As a family owned business, we are proud members of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) and maintain a reputation for our great customer service and willingness to help. 



You can protect your family, home, and property through the systems and services we provide.

If you're ready to get started with any of these locksmith services today, contact us to request an estimate.