Get Quotes from Top Locksmiths in Nashville, TN

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lock Smith or Pop a Lock in Nashville

Residences without security systems are three times more likely to be targeted by burglars. For less than $20 an hour, you can hire a licensed locksmith in Nashville to upgrade your locks or install smart locks to improve your household security. Similarly, a locksmith will be to the rescue in frustrating situations where you:

  • accidentally lock yourself out of your house or car,
  • lose your keys,
  • forget the combination to your safe,
  • break your lock or key,
  • move into a new house and you need to get new locks,

However, when in search of a locksmith in the city, ensure the professional is licensed, conversant with the Tennessee locksmith regulation, and capable of providing satisfactory answers to the following questions:

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Locksmith in Nashville?

The Tennessee Locksmithing Licensing Program is responsible for licensing everyone or any business that wishes to work as a locksmith in Nashville. In order to obtain this license, applicants must adhere to the following general Tennessee licensing requirements. They must:

  • Submit a fully filled application
  • Pay the $75 application fee.
  • Provide fingerprints for a background check
  • State their criminal history
  • Provide images for an ID card
  • Take and pass the locksmith exams and complete at least 30 hours of fundamental locksmith instruction.
  • Pay the $25 license fee.
  • Pay the $25 identity card charge.

The application must be fully filled out by the applicant, and they must also make sure to attach three sets of fingerprint cards as well as any necessary costs. The applicant will need to finish the online locksmith examination after submitting their application. Following receipt of the applicant's examination results, the Tennessee Locksmith Licensing Program will get in touch with the applicant to complete any outstanding application requirements. Normally, this procedure takes four to six weeks. Also, note that locksmith licenses must be renewed every two years.

Without a license, locksmithing services are prohibited in Nashville. Anyone who provides locksmithing services or offers to provide them with a license, might face a civil fine of up to $5,000 per infraction and be unable to qualify for a license for six months after the infraction. Use the Tenessee Department of Commerce and Insurance's license search platform to verify your locksmith's credentials.

Do You Hold Any Certification as a Locksmith?

When searching for locksmiths in Nashville, it's important to consider professional certification in addition to the city's requirement for licensure. This is because

  • When compared to the untrained competition, locksmiths with certification frequently have greater training and expertise.
  • Certified locksmiths have access to state-of-the-art equipment.
  • Credentialed locksmiths are more likely to have insurance.
  • Certified locksmiths are continually updated on the newest technological developments and advancements in locks and security systems.
  • Since they are required to adhere to high professional standards, certified locksmiths are frequently seen as being more trustworthy and respected than their uncertified rivals.

Professional locksmiths in Nashville can obtain certifications from respected associations like the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) and the Society of Professional Locksmiths (SOPL) and the National Association for Professional Locksmiths (NAPL). These organizations provide numerous certification programs, including the following:

  • Certified Automotive Locksmith Certification
  • Certified Electronic Locksmith Certification
  • Certified Forensic Locksmith Certification
  • Certified Institutional Lockshop Manager Certification
  • Certified Master Locksmith Certification
  • Certified Master Safe Tech Certification
  • Certified Professional Locksmith Certification
  • Certified Professional Safe Tech Certification
  • Fundamental Locksmith Certification
  • Institutional Certified Professional Locksmith Certification
  • Registered Locksmith Certification

Remember to always confirm a locksmith's credentials and have them verified by the appropriate certifying authority before signing any contracts to engage them.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Locksmiths in the City?

The price of a locksmith's services in the City of Nashville can range from $49 to $345, although the precise price your locksmith will demand from you depends on a variety of factors, such as:

  • Details about the service you require
  • The degree of urgency of the task
  • The length of time the work requires
  • The trip expenses
  • The work's difficulties
  • What type of lock should be utilized
  • Your whereabouts in the city

It is generally a good idea to get quotations for your required service from at least three different locksmiths in the region before choosing a locksmith for the job. This will assist you in avoiding dishonest locksmiths who overpay. Be wary of locksmiths that advertise prices much lower than the competition's since some dishonest locksmiths may employ this tactic to draw clients before sharply increasing their prices after the work has begun. Find out why their prices are different from those of rivals.

What Kind of Locksmith Services Do You Offer?

Professional locksmiths in Nashville normally provide prospective clients in the city with a wide selection of lock installation, repair, and re-opening services. These include:

  • Building lockout service
  • Car lockout services
  • Door and window lock repair
  • Electronic access installation
  • Emergency services
  • High-security lock installations
  • Key cutting and copying
  • Key replacement
  • Re-keying
  • Safe selection and installation
  • Safe unlocking and repair
  • Security lock upgrades

In any event, you should always confirm that a locksmith has the training and tools necessary to provide the services you require before signing any contracts with them. The cost of these services should be discussed and agreed upon before the locksmith begins any work. Additionally, make sure your service agreement contains this as well as any other assurances or promises given by the locksmith. Thus, the possibility of avoidable future arguments and misunderstandings is averted.

The following frequently requested locksmith services in Nashville are listed below with typical price ranges:

Estimates for home/building locksmith services based on the type of service:

Key duplication
$10 - $25
House/building lockout
$50 - $200
Door lock repair
$50 - $200
Door lock installation
$100 - $350
Key extraction
$50 - $200
Key replacement
$70 - $130
Rekeying house locks
$75 - $175
Safe opening
$150 - $450
Changing locks
$150 - $575
Filing cabinet lock replacement
$55 - $85
Mailbox key replacement
$55 - $95
Auto locksmith services
$20 - $350
Emergency services (in addition to regular charges)
$100 - $300
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Estimates for locksmith services based on the type of lock being installed/replaced (materials only):

Sliding Door
$13 - $313
Knob
$19 - $57
Privacy
$19 - $59
Padlocks
$23 - $73
Deadbolts
$33 - $79
Lever
$57 - $87
Smart
$93 - $539
Pocket
$93 - $233
Keyless
$142 - $342
Touchpad
$173 - $263
Electronic
$192 - $491
Grip Set
$223 - $573
Fingerprint
$243 - $506
Mortise
$297 - $497
Door latch guard
$43 - $143
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Estimates for locksmith services based on the locksmith's expertise/level of experience

Sliding Door
$13 - $313
Apprentice
$43 - $68
Journeyman
$68 - $99
Master
$109 - $159
Trip fees
$19 - $93
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Do You Provide Auto Locksmith Services in Nashville?

Believe it or not, over a quarter of Americans misplace their vehicle keys twice a week, which is not unexpected considering it is the third most misplaced item, after TV remotes and phones. You may need to call an auto locksmith for assistance if you find that you are locked out of your automobile in order to gain access as quickly as feasible. Remember to verify that the automotive locksmith company you call has a team of competent and well-equipped motorcycle locksmiths if the damaged vehicle is a motorcycle. This is owing to the fact that motorbike keys frequently employ a different kind of manufacturer coding than other keys, whether or not you still have the original key, and that cutting new ones frequently requires the use of specific tools.

Always make sure the car or motorcycle locksmith you intend to engage is familiar with the make and model of your car, and ask if they just offer in-shop services or if they also offer mobile service choices. This is because lock systems differ from one vehicle brand to another, and while a locksmith might be familiar with one brand, they might have no clue about how the lock system on another one works.

Here is a summary of the typical services provided by Nashville motorcycle and car locksmiths, along with an estimation of the cost for each service:

Key duplication
$10 - $35
Rekeying
$40 - $130
Car lockout
$75 - $155
Key extraction
$50 - $200
Door lock repair
$50 - $165
Car ignition repair
$150 - $350
Changing locks
$50 - $165
Transponder key reprogramming
$50 - $215
Keyless fob replacement
$150 - $300
Key replacement
$75 - $265
Bike lock change
$70 - $150
Motorcycle key replacement
$80 - $120
Car door and truck lock repair
$50 - $250
Motorcycle seat lock repair/replacement
$10 - $40
Motorcycle steering/wheel lock repair/replacement
$20 - $40
Motorcycle gas cap lock repair/replacement
$10 - $25
Mobile services
$100 - $200
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Do You Provide Emergency Locksmith Services?

In some unforeseen instances, you might need to hunt for nearby Nashville locksmiths who can offer their services as soon as possible or immediately. These situations could be, for example:

  • You are moving into a new home.
  • You think someone has gained access to your private space.
  • You have forgotten your safe's code.
  • You have misplaced your house or car keys.
  • Your access control system is malfunctioning.
  • Your home was burgled.
  • Your house, car, or keys were locked inside.
  • Your keys are nowhere to be seen.
  • Your keys were stolen.
  • Your lock is broken by your key.

Making certain the locksmith you call in these situations is not only qualified and experienced but also conveniently available and placed close enough to your location to address the problem quickly, is essential. In order to find qualified local emergency locksmiths, reputable organizations like the Associated Locksmiths of America and the Better Business Bureau provide online listings. Remember that these 24-hour locksmith services frequently have an extra fee.

You can also consider hiring a mobile locksmith if you ever find yourself in a key-related emergency. These locksmiths frequently work out of mobile workshops, which offer you several advantages in an emergency, such as:

  • Always accessible
  • Faster response times
  • Greater accessibility to your location
  • In the event of a car emergency, there is no towing
  • The level of efficiency and experience is higher due to the frequent receipt of jobs.

You can also rely on local and national 24/7 locksmith services like MinuteKey and KeyMe to resolve your emergency situation. Some of these companies also offer services that enable you to create digital copies of your keys, save them online, and then duplicate them independently using readily available self-service kiosks. Be aware that using these services has a number of disadvantages, including:

  • You face the risk of allowing others access to digital copies of your key.
  • Where your emergency occurs, there might not be any self-service kiosks nearby.
  • The self-service kiosk might not immediately be able to recreate your key type. This is how high-security keys often work.

Therefore, it is advisable to have the numbers of one or two trustworthy emergency locksmiths on hand in case you don't feel safe utilizing these other round-the-clock locksmith services.

Lastly, the following actions can help to lessen the necessity or occurrence of lockouts and other situations:

  • Acquire more keys
  • Keep a detailed list of all your keys.
  • Keep your locks in good condition.
  • Purchase locks that are suitable for your lifestyle and learn about their features.
  • Use lock boxes to minimize lockouts.
  • Use smart locks.

Do You Provide Smart Lock Services?

Due to the fact that they do not use the traditional locking mechanism, smart locks require specialized equipment and knowledge to operate. In order to operate your smart lock, ensure that you learn all the necessary information about the smart lock from your locksmith as well as the manufacturers of these devices. In the event that you are locked out or have it compromised, your locksmith actually needs to possess advanced IT and programming expertise. The majority of smart locks have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity and may be opened using an app, a fingerprint, or a voice command.

Smart locks are replacing traditional ones in many Nashville homes due to their great convenience and cutting-edge technology, but these devices also have certain drawbacks. At the beginning of 2022, smart locks have been installed in over 12 million houses across the United States.

Pros of having a smart lock Cons of having a smart lock
Ease of entry Reliance on phones and networks, like Bluetooth and WiFi, that could fail
Convenience due to remote locking and unlocking Reliance on batteries that need constant recharges
Enhanced security and safety Susceptible to hacking
Protection from lock picking and other crude methods employed by thieves High cost of installation
Connectivity to the other smart devices in your home
Easy to monitor who comes in and out of your house

If your smart lock has been damaged or compromised, or if you have been locked out due to a battery drain, make sure your locksmith is equipped to handle the job successfully. Do this before engaging any locksmith to deal with your smart lock. The locksmith needs the right equipment, experience, and understanding of the technology used by the lock's manufacturer to do the procedure. Manufacturers frequently employ the following technologies:

  • Unlocking a door wirelessly by using a mobile app as a digital key
  • A fingerprint sensor that authorizes accessing doors using biometrics
  • A door-mounted, programmable numeric keypad with PIN code capability.

Some manufacturers combine these technologies to offer multiple ways to unlock your door. Top US manufacturers of smart locks include:

  • August
  • Kwikset
  • Level
  • Lockly
  • Schlage
  • Ultraloq
  • Wyze
  • Yale

Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Employees?

Anyone who installs locks, whether in your home or car, is in many ways responsible for your protection and safety. As a result, it is imperative that they be trustworthy and that you are sure that they would not do anything that would put you at risk, such as reveal sensitive information about your security to others. Therefore, you must confirm that they have no history of criminal conduct. Before recruiting any new employee, most professional locksmith businesses have it as a policy to do numerous background checks, including:

  • Criminal history checks: This form of background investigation is essential for locksmiths and the people they employ. In order to find out whether the subject of the check has ever been convicted of a crime, including felonies and misdemeanors, as well as whether there are any current or ongoing legal procedures, they require contacting local, state, and federal agencies.
  • Civil court checks: These involve searching the local and federal court systems for any non-criminal lawsuits, claims, or judgments involving the potential employee. These inquiries might uncover small claims, restraining orders, civil rights violations, and bankruptcies.
  • Credit checks: These involve looking over a potential employee's whole credit history, which frequently includes payment histories, bankruptcies, unpaid bills in collections, civil judgments, tax liens, and most recently filed credit inquiries.
  • Driver record check: Checking a driver's record is a standard procedure for employees who will be utilizing company vehicles for work-related purposes. Verifying a prospective employee's driver's license is frequently followed by a study of their driving history to look for any moving violations, license suspensions, or DUIs/DWIs.
  • Drug testing: This involves checking a potential locksmith for drug use. Many professional locksmith businesses in the city frequently carry out these drug tests at regular intervals even after the employee has been hired in order to create a safer, more effective workplace.
  • Education and employment verification: This involves crosschecking a candidate's education, employment history, and work experience claims. By doing this thoroughly, there is a lower likelihood of choosing or employing a candidate who is unqualified or has falsified credentials.
  • International background checks: These entail running criminal records checks and confirming the employment history of candidates who have lived, studied, or worked abroad in the past from international agencies.

Locksmiths in Nashville frequently need to submit their fingerprints for a background check before acquiring a license from the Tennessee Locksmithing Licensing Program. However, it is always a good idea to carefully vet any locksmiths you intend to use in the region. You should also make sure that these locksmiths have carefully vetted all of their employees, especially those who will be directly involved in the task at hand. By doing this, you reduce the probability that crimes like theft and robbery will occur in addition to making sure that only trustworthy and respectable people have access to your personal space and belongings.

This is why, whenever you get in touch with a locksmith company in Nashville, you should always make sure that the locksmiths who are sent to your house have through a comprehensive screening and verification process. Ask these locksmiths for their names and description before letting them into your house or car, and always demand identification that verifies this information.

To personally investigate the credentials of your preferred locksmiths and locksmith companies, try the following methods:

  • Performing a search of local police, court and prison records and other publicly available records
  • Requesting and checking the references of the locksmiths from past clients who can speak to the quality of their services
  • Researching locksmiths online by using sites like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google Reviews, and other related third-party review websites and social network platforms
  • Using reliable resources such as websites and services for background checks

Do You Provide a Warranty for Your Locksmith Services?

Warranties are a crucial part of any service because they provide you with the assurance that the job was completed correctly, using the appropriate tools, and will function as intended. It is usually a good idea to hire locksmiths who provide formal warranties, whether they are explicit, verbal, or written. This will provide you a thorough grasp of the warranty's conditions, restrictions, and choices for coverage.

Professional locksmiths in Nashville frequently offer two distinct types of guarantees for their services, namely:

  • Manufacturer's Warranties: In this warranty, manufacturers offer coverage for the locks and any other materials used in the project, which are typically valid for a year. Be aware that you may need to contact the product manufacturer directly if there are any issues with a lock that is under warranty. However, utilizing a reputable and educated locksmith greatly reduces the likelihood of this happening because they typically use high-quality products for their services.
  • Workmanship Warranties: These warranties assure that your locks are professionally fitted or replaced in line with the requirements of the product manufacturer. They cover the locksmith's actual labor costs. Like manufacturer's warranties, workmanship guarantees are likewise valid for a certain time period that is determined by the specific locksmith. Before hiring a locksmith, make sure to confirm the duration of this warranty coverage.

It is important to be informed that while the specifics of any locksmith warranties will largely depend on the locksmith you hire and the tools they use, these warranties are useless under the following circumstances:

  • The product is worked on by a different locksmith or locksmith company than the one who conducted the initial lock installation or replacement.
  • During a natural calamity like a hurricane, the object was ruined.
  • Due to negligence, misuse, or vandalism, the item was ruined.
  • Installation of the device did not adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

You should always take the time to read any warranties that are supplied to you in order to fully understand the terms and scope of such guarantees.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Locksmiths in Nashville?

Establishing that the locksmith you are working with is permitted and insured for the task they are performing is essential. This is crucial in light of the numerous risks that come with working as a locksmith, which include:

  • Electrocution and electric shock
  • Regular exposure to loud machinery, such as key-making machines, creates noise pollution.
  • Exposure to lead, metal particles, and other dangerous substances
  • Cuts, rips, abrasions, and lacerations caused by hand and power tools
  • Injuries brought on by metal shavings and splinters

Working with insured locksmiths is always to your best advantage. This safeguards you from financial and legal repercussions if they are wounded while installing, changing, or repairing your locks. It also ensures that you won't be required to pay out of pocket if any property damage occurs during the procedure. Verify your locksmith's insurance coverage, especially if it includes general liability, as this could protect you from being held liable for accidents and damage. Check to see if they have worker's compensation insurance for any potential employees.

Always get and validate a copy of the locksmith's insurance paperwork before concluding your employment negotiations. You can do this by asking for a copy of their insurance certificate and verifying its accuracy by getting in touch with their insurance provider. Verify that the locksmith carries third-party bodily injury and property damage liability insurance and that the minimum coverage levels are adequate for the scope of the project at hand.

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Locksmith in Nashville

The Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs is the top consumer protection organization in the area, and this is where you may file complaints about unreliable locksmiths.

Dishonest locksmiths and con artists routinely try to cheat locals in Nashville who require locksmith services using a range of shady schemes and dubious techniques, such as:

  • demanding monetary payments in advance before carrying out necessary activities
  • leaving behind a lock that has been updated or placed incorrectly after completing a task
  • stealing goods and personal data from clients
  • using fake websites with authentic looks and low-priced claims to lure customers
  • using inferior materials for the job while billing the client for superior ones
  • utilizing high-pressure sales tactics to convince clients to pay for services they do not require

According to the Tennessee Attorney General's Office's Consumer Affairs Division, the most common complaints to the state in 2021 involved home renovation scams, including locksmithing services. As a result, it is essential to exercise caution when looking for locksmiths in Nashville to avoid becoming a target of swindlers, con artists, and other dishonest people. In light of this, you ought to seriously take into account the following advice when employing locksmiths in the area:

  • Always verify the license validity of any prospective locksmiths and confirm that they are sufficiently insured.
  • Request recommendations for reputable locksmiths in your region from dependable friends, family members, and organizations like the Associated Locksmiths of America and the Better Business Bureau. Make sure to research the companies that were suggested to you.
  • Beware of locksmiths that offer costs that seem absurdly inexpensive.
  • Always compare the quotes you receive from up to three different locksmiths.
  • When speaking with locksmiths, be wary of those who sound vague or use words other than their company names.
  • Always ask for references, but don't stop there. Be sure to check them out.
  • Avoid choosing a locksmith that only accepts cash or debit cards for payment, and never hire one who requests full payment upfront.
  • Be mindful of a company's branding. Avoid locksmiths who arrive in unmarked vehicles or who lack any type of official business identity.
  • Never allow a locksmith to drill your lock, and if they persist, be suspicious. Expert and reliable locksmiths typically have the skills and tools necessary to unlock doors without drilling into them.
  • Never use a locksmith whose business address cannot be independently verified, and be wary of those who call 800 (toll-free) lines rather than local ones.

You can get in touch with the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs at (615) 741-4737 or (800) 342-8385 if you believe you are a victim of a Nashville locksmith scam. Online forms for complaints can also be sent to this office.