How Long Do Locksmiths Take?

Few things are more frustrating than being unable to unlock your property. This event can happen when you’ve accidentally locked yourself out of your car or your front door keys no longer work. In either event, you need a locksmith’s help, fast. But how long do locksmiths take to arrive and provide their services?

In our article, we’ll describe what to expect in terms of a locksmith’s estimated time of arrival and how long it may take to unlock your front door or car,  rekey a home, or duplicate a key.

Locksmith Arrival Times

When you call Ernie’s Lock Company, you can expect us to arrive in around 15-30 minutes in most cases. Several factors influence the exact arrival time. Properties closer to our Riverdale base typically experience shorter arrival times, while locations near the edge of our 20-mile service radius may take closer to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Emergency lockout calls receive priority dispatch. We send available technicians immediately to minimize downtime for your business, school or facility. For scheduled services like rekeying or lock installation, we arrive at your confirmed appointment time and are never late.

How Long Does a Locksmith Take to Complete a Job?

Many factors influence how long it takes a professional locksmith to complete a job, but understanding typical time frames helps you plan accordingly. As trained and licensed locksmiths based in Riverdale serving Maryland and Metro D.C., we provide efficient service across various locksmith needs. Completion times vary by service type:

• Commercial and residential door lockouts: Lockouts at offices, schools or apartment complexes require immediate response. Our locksmiths usually take around 10-45 minutes to unlock doors, depending on the state of the lock.
• High-security locks: These locks, which are common in government buildings, corporate offices and apartment complexes, often require more time and specialized equipment. Service time depends on the lock type, hardware condition and access situation.
• Vehicle lockouts: Many vehicle lockouts can be resolved relatively quickly once a locksmith arrives. This kind of lockout usually takes the same amount of time as a door lockout.

Rekeying Services

Our lock rekeying services offer effective security upgrades without replacing your entire lock system. This service is valuable for commercial properties after tenant turnover or employee changes, as well as for residential clients moving into new homes.

When Commercial Clients Should Rekey

Rekeying is essential in several common situations. When an employee with key access leaves your organization, rekeying prevents unauthorized future entry. If master keys or key sets go missing, rekeying affected locks restores security without the cost of full replacement. After a security breach or break-in attempt, rekeying ensures compromised keys no longer work. Property managers often schedule rekeying between tenants in office buildings or apartment complexes to maintain security standards.

Single Lock Rekeying

In many straightforward cases, rekeying one standard door lock is a quick service, taking around 10-40 minutes. Timing depends on the lock type, cylinder condition and keying requirements.

Multiple Lock Projects and Master Key Systems

For buildings with several locks, locksmiths can often rekey multiple locks during one appointment. To get an estimate for how long it will take to rekey several locks, count how many locks you’d like to have rekeyed and then multiply it by 10 to 40.

Master key systems, common in schools, apartment buildings and corporate offices, are more complex. These systems allow different access levels — a master key opens all doors while individual keys work only for specific areas. Creating or modifying a master key system requires careful planning and precise pin configurations, which adds time to the service.

Lock Installation

Installing new locks is essential for security upgrades at commercial facilities or replacing old hardware. We carry quality brands including Schlage, Medeco, Corbin Russwin and Von Duprin.

• Basic lock installation: Installing standard deadbolt or doorknob locks is a quick process, especially compared to more complex hardware. Still, timing depends on the door condition, lock type and any adjustments needed.
• Advanced lock systems: Smart locks and commercial-grade hardware from brands like Corbin Russwin and Von Duprin usually take longer to install than basic lock hardware. They may include integration with electronic access control systems, common in corporate offices.
• New door preparation: If your door needs new drilling or modifications, the installation will take longer than a standard pre-drilled door.

How Long Does It Take to Cut Keys?

Key cutting is one of the quickest locksmith services. Simple key duplication for office, facility or residential keys takes just a few minutes. More specialized keys, such as car keys with transponder chips, can involve physical cutting and programming, which takes longer.

Factors That Affect Service Time

Even skilled licensed locksmiths encounter variations in service time. Unconventional lock designs, jamming or internal damage can extend service time. In certain cases, the locksmith may need to remove the entire mechanism. For straightforward lockouts and lock replacements, you can generally look forward to fast service.

Choose Ernie’s Lock Company for Timely Service

Ernie’s Lock Company combines efficiency with quality workmanship. As licensed locksmiths, we’re honest, reliable and driven by high quality standards. We take pride in providing prompt services as your neighborhood locksmith. Whether you need emergency lockout services for your corporate office, school or apartment complex or scheduled security upgrades, we provide clear communication.

For precise time frames and accurate quotes, contact us today. Our transparent pricing includes free estimates over the phone, and we encourage you to send pictures, texts or emails of your lock or security issue so we can provide the most accurate quote.