San Bernardino Locksmith FAQ

People in San Bernardino have a lot of questions when it comes to locks, keys, and what to do when things go wrong. Whether it's a late-night car lockout or figuring out if you should rekey your new home, we've heard it all - and we're here to help. Below are some of the most common locksmith questions we get every week in San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana, Redlands, Colton, and the surrounding areas.

At 24/7 San Bernardino Locksmith, we don't just unlock doors. We give people peace of mind, solid advice, and solutions that work - without the upsell.

What does rekeying locks mean?

Rekeying means changing the inner pins of your lock so old keys no longer work. It's a smart move if you lost your keys, moved into a new place, or had a roommate move out. At 24/7 San Bernardino Locksmith, we rekey residential and commercial locks all over the Inland Empire - fast, clean, and affordable.

Should I rekey or replace my house locks after moving?

Rekeying is usually cheaper and just as effective. Unless your locks are damaged or outdated, rekeying does the job. We help new homeowners across San Bernardino do this every day.

How much does a locksmith charge in San Bernardino?

It depends on the service. Lockouts usually start around $65-$95, rekeying can range from $25-$40 per lock, and car key replacements vary based on the key type. At 24/7 San Bernardino Locksmith, we always quote upfront.

Can a locksmith make a car key without the original?

Yes - as long as you can show ownership, we can cut and program a new key or fob. We do this often for clients in Fontana, Redlands, and even at trailheads when keys go missing on a hike.

How do I unlock my car door without breaking the window?

You call us. Seriously. Trying the old coat hanger trick often causes damage. 24/7 San Bernardino Locksmith opens doors with zero damage and tools built for the job.

Can you program a key fob in San Bernardino on-site?

Yes. We program most makes and models right from our mobile vans. Whether you're in your driveway or stuck at a grocery store, we'll bring the shop to you.

What is the fastest emergency locksmith near me in San Bernardino?

That's us. 24/7 San Bernardino Locksmith usually arrives within 15-30 minutes depending on where you are.

How do I fix a door that won't latch properly?

Sometimes it's the strike plate, sometimes it's the door alignment. Tighten the hinge screws first. If that doesn't help, we can adjust or replace parts as needed.

Is it safe to leave my spare key under the doormat?

Nope. Everyone looks there. Better to leave a key with someone you trust or invest in a lockbox. We install those too.

Do locksmiths work 24 hours in Rialto, Fontana, Redlands, and Colton?

We do. 24/7 San Bernardino Locksmith is available 24/7 across the region. No bots, no answering machines - just local help.

How quickly can an after hours locksmith arrive in San Bernardino?

Usually 20-30 minutes. If we're already in the area, sometimes even faster. Speed matters - especially late at night.

Why is my deadbolt sticking in hot weather?

Wood expands with heat and humidity. Your door might shift slightly and misalign the lock. We can adjust it to close smoothly again.

Can a locksmith extract a broken key from my ignition?

Yes. We do this often. We'll remove the broken piece, inspect the ignition, and make a new key if needed.

Do I need to show proof of ownership to get into my locked car?

Yes, it's the law. A license and registration usually do the trick. We always check before opening vehicles.

Are mobile locksmith services available near Glen Helen or Citrus Plaza?

Absolutely. We go to shopping centers, parks, events, and even trailheads. Wherever you're stuck, we'll get to you.

How often should commercial locks be rekeyed?

Every time there's staff turnover or a key is lost. Many of our Redlands and Colton business clients rekey annually or quarterly for peace of mind.

Can a locksmith install high-security locks in older homes?

Yes - and we do it all the time. We can preserve the look while improving security with brands like Mul-T-Lock and Schlage Primus.

What's involved in key fob battery replacement?

Usually just a quick swap - but we also test and resync if needed. We handle most fobs in 5-10 minutes, no tools needed from you.

Can a locksmith open a safe without damaging it?

In many cases, yes. If it's a mechanical failure or you forgot the combo, we have safe tools to get in with minimal damage.

How do I avoid lock bumping or picking at my business?

Upgrade to anti-bump, high-security cylinders. We install these for clients all over San Bernardino looking to protect inventory or private records.

What if I'm locked out late at night in Redlands?

Call us. We've handled lockouts at 1 AM, 3 AM, and every time in between. 24/7 San Bernardino Locksmith is always awake.

Can a locksmith repair a gate or mailbox lock in Colton?

Yes. We work on side gates, sliding gates, and standard USPS mailbox locks all around Colton and nearby areas.

Are keypads more secure than traditional locks in San Bernardino homes?

Keypads can be safer - no keys to lose, and you can change codes anytime. We install them for many families switching to keyless entry.

What should I do if my ignition key won't turn?

Don't force it. It could snap. Try jiggling the steering wheel. If that doesn't help, call 24/7 San Bernardino Locksmith before it becomes a bigger issue.

Do locksmiths in Fontana provide free estimates over the phone?

We do. Just tell us what's going on and we'll give you a ballpark quote. No pressure, no nonsense.

Have more questions? Just give us a call. At 24/7 San Bernardino Locksmith, we know not every problem is in the manual - and that's exactly why we're here. Real people. Real answers. Real fast service, day or night.