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FAQ

Locksmith FAQ for the Treasure Valley.

This locksmith FAQ for the Treasure Valley answers the questions we hear most often about pricing, response times, service hours, car keys, rekeying, smart locks, commercial locksmith work, and avoiding locksmith scams. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Call 208-747-0707 or send us a message.

Mon–Sat 8 AM–8 PMInsured15 years of experience

Locksmith Pricing & Payment

How much does a locksmith cost?

Locksmith pricing depends on the job type, lock type, vehicle, location, and difficulty. Lockouts, rekeys, and key duplication are usually simpler jobs. Smart lock installation, ignition repair, car key programming, and master key systems usually take more time and equipment. We explain pricing before dispatch whenever possible, so you know what to expect before a locksmith heads your way.

Do you have a service call fee?

We explain any service call, trip charge, or job pricing before dispatch whenever possible. For commercial work or larger projects, we may recommend a quote or site assessment first so we can price the work accurately.

Why are some locksmith ads so much cheaper than your prices?

Very low prices in locksmith ads can be a warning sign. Some lead-generation companies advertise low lockout prices, then increase the price after they arrive. A real local locksmith should explain pricing clearly before dispatch whenever possible. Learn more about how to spot a locksmith scam.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept common payment methods, including major credit and debit cards, cash, and mobile payments when available. Payment is collected after the work is complete. For approved commercial accounts, invoicing may be available.

Do you accept insurance or roadside assistance for car lockouts?

Some roadside assistance plans, insurance policies, and auto clubs may reimburse locksmith service. Check with your insurance company, AAA, or manufacturer roadside assistance program. We can provide an itemized receipt for reimbursement, but payment is collected from you at the time of service.

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes, three, and they stack on the same job. When we make two car keys or remotes for the same vehicle on one visit, you get 50% off the second car key or remote (the lower-priced of the two), and a key with its matching remote counts as one. If we open your car and make you a spare key on that trip, we do not charge for the lockout. And seniors 65 and older, active duty military and veterans, and police, fire and EMS get 10% off any service with ID. Mention the deal when you call or book online.

Locksmith Services We Offer

What types of locksmith services do you offer?

We offer four main categories: automotive locksmith service for car lockouts, car keys, key fob programming, and ignition issues; residential locksmith service for home lockouts, rekeys, smart locks, and deadbolts; commercial locksmith service for master keys, access control, panic bars, and door hardware; and emergency locksmith service for urgent lock and key problems.

Can you make a key for a car without the original?

In many cases, yes. Depending on the vehicle, we may be able to decode the lock, use vehicle information, cut a new key, and program it on-site. Call with your vehicle year, make, and model so we can confirm your options.

Do you install smart locks?

Yes. We install many smart locks from brands such as Schlage, Yale, August, Kwikset, Level, and others. We also check door alignment, latch movement, strike plate fit, and app setup so the lock works reliably.

Can you rekey locks on a house I just bought?

Yes. Rekeying after closing is one of the most common calls we receive from new homeowners. A rekey changes the inside of the lock so old keys stop working while the existing lock hardware stays in place.

Do you offer master key systems for businesses?

Yes. We design master key systems for small offices, retail spaces, multi-door buildings, property managers, and larger commercial properties. A good master key system gives the right people the right level of access without giving everyone every key.

Do you work on mailbox and cabinet locks?

Yes. We work on many mailbox locks, cabinet locks, file cabinet locks, storage locks, and similar small locks. Depending on the lock, we may be able to open, rekey, or replace it, or make a working key.

Response Time & Hours

What are your hours?

We are open Monday through Saturday, 8AM to 8PM.

How fast can you get to me?

Actual arrival time depends on your location, traffic, and technician availability. Meridian, Eagle, and Star are usually the quickest to reach, with Boise, Garden City, Kuna, and Nampa close behind, while Caldwell and rural communities may take longer. We give an honest ETA when you call.

Are you open on Saturdays?

Yes. We are open on Saturdays from 8AM to 8PM.

What cities do you serve?

We serve Boise and many Treasure Valley communities, including Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Eagle, Star, Kuna, Garden City, Hidden Springs, Middleton, and nearby areas. See all locksmith service areas.

Do you charge extra for outlying cities?

Pricing depends on the job type, distance, location, and technician availability. If a service charge or travel charge applies, we explain it before dispatch whenever possible.

Trust & Safety

Are you insured?

Yes, 84 Locksmith is insured. We operate as a professional locksmith service and can provide appropriate business information upon request. If you need insurance documentation for a commercial property, ask when scheduling and we will let you know what is available.

How do I know I am calling a real local locksmith and not a scam?

A real locksmith should answer with the business name, explain pricing before dispatch whenever possible, provide clear company information, use proper locksmith methods, and give you a receipt. Red flags include extremely low advertised prices, vague phone greetings, cash-only pressure, no company details, and sudden price increases on-site. Learn more about spotting locksmith scams.

Will my locks get damaged when you open them?

In most cases, no. We try non-destructive entry methods first, such as picking, bypass tools, and proper automotive lockout tools. Drilling or replacement is a last resort, and we discuss it with you first.

Do you offer a guarantee on your work?

We stand behind our workmanship. If something we installed or serviced is not working correctly, contact us and we will review the issue. Warranty details may depend on the hardware, parts, and type of service.

Is my information kept private when I call?

Yes. Your information stays between you and our team. We do not sell or share your contact details. Locksmith calls can involve sensitive situations, and we treat them with discretion.

Do you require ID before unlocking a property?

Yes. For residential and commercial lockouts, we always ask for ID and proof of occupancy or authorization before unlocking. For vehicle lockouts, we may ask for ID and proof that you are authorized to access the vehicle.

Automotive Locksmith Questions

Can you make a key for a modern car without the original?

Yes, for many makes and models. Modern cars often use chipped transponder keys, remote head keys, or proximity smart keys that must be programmed to the vehicle. Call with your year, make, and model so we can confirm your options.

Can you program a key fob for my car?

Yes. We program many key fobs, remote keys, transponder keys, and proximity smart keys. The exact process and cost depend on the vehicle year, make, model, and key type.

My key will not turn in the ignition. What is wrong?

Common causes include a worn key, worn ignition cylinder, steering wheel lock pressure, damaged wafers, or internal ignition problems. We diagnose the issue on-site and recommend repair or replacement based on the condition of the ignition.

Will you scratch my car when you unlock it?

We use proper automotive lockout tools designed to protect paint, weather stripping, and window seals. We do not use outdated or makeshift methods that can damage modern vehicles.

Do you work on luxury and import vehicles?

Yes. We work on many luxury and import brands, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus, and others. Some newer models may have extra programming requirements, so call with your vehicle information before scheduling.

Why is the dealer more expensive for car keys?

Dealers often require appointments, parts ordering, and sometimes towing. A mobile automotive locksmith can usually come to your location, cut and program many keys on-site, and help you avoid dealer wait times.

Can I get a car key copy at a hardware store?

Older basic mechanical keys may be copied at some hardware stores. Most modern transponder keys, remote keys, and smart keys need programming. A key that is cut but not programmed may unlock the door, but it will not start the vehicle.

Home & Residential Locksmith Questions

What is the difference between rekeying and replacing a lock?

Rekeying changes the internal pins of your existing lock so old keys no longer work, while the lock body stays in place. Replacing the lock means installing new hardware. Rekeying is often faster and more affordable when the lock is still in good condition.

Should I rekey after buying a house?

Yes. After buying a house, you usually do not know how many copies of the old keys exist. Rekeying exterior locks gives you better key control and helps make sure previous keys no longer work.

Will my smart lock work if my Wi-Fi goes down?

Most quality smart locks still work at the keypad or with a physical key when Wi-Fi is down. You may temporarily lose remote features, such as app unlocking, alerts, or activity logs, until the connection returns.

What is the most secure type of residential lock?

A strong residential setup usually includes a quality deadbolt, reinforced strike plate, longer screws into the frame, proper door alignment, and good key control. High-security locks with restricted keyways can also help reduce unauthorized key duplication.

Do you install smart locks I bought myself?

Yes. We install many owner-supplied smart locks. We check the door, latch, strike plate, alignment, and setup so the lock works smoothly after installation.

My deadbolt is sticking. Can it be fixed?

Usually, yes. Sticking deadbolts are often caused by misalignment, worn internal parts, loose hardware, or strike plate issues. We diagnose the problem and recommend adjustment, repair, rekeying, or replacement.

Business & Commercial Locksmith Questions

Do you offer quotes for commercial work?

Yes. Commercial locksmith work often starts with a phone conversation or site assessment. We review your doors, locks, hardware, access needs, and security concerns before recommending a solution and explaining pricing.

How long does a master key system take to install?

A simple master key system for a small office can often be completed quickly. Larger systems with multiple access levels, many doors, or several buildings may take longer. We give you a timeline after reviewing the property and access needs.

What happens when an employee leaves with keys?

The safest option is often to rekey the doors that employee could access. With a properly designed master key system, this can be done with less disruption. With access control, the employee’s credential can usually be disabled without rekeying.

Do you install access control systems?

Yes. We install many access control options, including keypads, fobs, keycards, electric strikes, and related commercial door hardware. We can also review hardware your IT team or property manager has already selected.

Can you install panic bars or exit devices?

Yes. We install and service panic bars, exit devices, and related commercial door hardware for restaurants, offices, retail spaces, schools, churches, and other public-facing buildings.

Do you provide ongoing commercial service?

Yes. Many commercial clients call us for ongoing rekeys, repairs, access changes, tenant transitions, hardware service, and security upgrades as their business or property needs change.

Can you work with property managers handling multiple locations?

Yes. We work with property managers handling rental units, office spaces, commercial properties, and multi-location accounts across Boise and the Treasure Valley.

Still have questions?

Pick up the phone or send us a message. A real person from 84 Locksmith will get back to you.

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