Frequently Asked Questions

Ben's Locksmith provides service by appointment only. Call to schedule help for your home, business or vehicle. Walk-in service is not available.

We're based in Schaumburg, IL and serve nearby communities including Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village and more. See our service areas page for the full list.

Pricing depends on the service, the hardware and your location. Call us and describe what you need, and we'll give you a quote before any work starts.

Rekeying changes the inside of the lock so old keys stop working, while keeping your existing hardware. Replacing installs new hardware entirely.

Yes. For lockouts and key replacements, we ask for ID and proof of residence or ownership to protect you and your property.

For many vehicles, yes. Call with your year, make and model and we'll confirm whether we can help.

Usually, yes. If your locks share a compatible keyway, we can rekey them to one key. If they don't, we can recommend matching hardware.

Yes. We ask that an adult with authority over the property is present so we can confirm access and review the work with you.

Let us know when you call. Once we open the door, you can show us ID or other proof of residence from inside before we leave.

We'd recommend against it. A window repair usually costs more than a lockout call and leaves your home less secure until it's fixed.

Generally, yes, because you're keeping your existing hardware and paying mainly for the service and new pins.

Most standard pin-tumbler locks can. Some very old, damaged or specialty locks can't, and replacement may be needed.

If your locks are in good condition, rekeying is usually enough. If they're damaged, worn or you want an upgrade, replacement makes more sense.

Yes, in many cases. Let us know the brand and model when you call so we can confirm it fits your door.

Use a lock-specific dry lubricant like graphite. Oil-based sprays can attract dirt and make things worse over time.

That's usually an alignment issue between the bolt and the strike plate, which can often be adjusted.

Many do include a backup key cylinder. Some are keyless. We can help you decide which you're more comfortable with.

Yes. Let us know the model ahead of time so we can confirm it fits your door.

Most solid wood, steel and fiberglass doors can take a deadbolt. Hollow-core interior doors or glass doors may need different hardware.

If the lock has a compatible keyway, we can key it to match the rest of your locks.

In most cases, yes. Rekeying changes the pins inside the cylinder, so your existing hardware stays and the old keys no longer work.

Yes. We can coordinate with building managers for access, scheduling and keeping records of which keys go to which doors.

A photo ID plus something connecting you to the business, such as a lease, business license or confirmation from the property manager.

Yes. That's a smart move if keys were lost or not returned.

Your vehicle's year, make and model, and proof of ownership such as your registration or title along with a photo ID.

It often is, but it depends on the vehicle and key type. Call us with your vehicle details and we'll give you a quote.

We can open most passenger cars, SUVs and trucks. A few vehicles have security systems that require a different approach, and we'll let you know if that's the case.

Done correctly, no. We use tools designed for vehicle entry instead of coat hangers or prying.

For many vehicles, yes. We can create a key from the vehicle itself once ownership is confirmed.

We support a wide range of makes and models, but not all. Call with your year, make and model and we'll tell you before we come out.

Sometimes. Many aftermarket fobs aren't compatible or can't be programmed. Call us first with the part details and we'll let you know.

On some vehicles, programming erases fobs that aren't present. Bring every fob you want to keep using.

It depends on where you are and current demand. When you call, we'll give you a realistic arrival estimate instead of a generic promise.

We use non-destructive entry methods whenever possible. If a lock is already broken or can't be opened another way, we'll explain the options before doing anything.