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Main St Locksmith Team
📁 Tips & Advice

Home security is one of the most important aspects of homeownership, yet many residents in Sayville and throughout Long Island overlook critical locksmith safety measures that could prevent break-ins and protect their families. Whether you've just moved into a new home on Main Street or you've lived in the area for years, understanding proper lock maintenance, key management, and how to work safely with locksmith services can make all the difference in keeping your property secure.

Change Your Locks When You Move In

One of the most crucial yet frequently ignored safety tips is changing your locks immediately after moving into a new home. You have no way of knowing how many copies of keys exist from previous owners, their family members, contractors, or real estate agents. Even if the previous homeowners seem trustworthy, it's simply not worth the risk.

When you purchase a home in Sayville or any surrounding area, make lock replacement a top priority—ideally before you even move your belongings in. This applies to all entry points:

  • Front and back doors
  • Side entrances and basement doors
  • Garage door locks
  • Gate locks and outdoor storage units
At Main St Locksmith, we recommend upgrading to high-security deadbolts when you rekey or replace locks on new homes. Modern deadbolts offer significantly better protection than standard locks and are much more resistant to picking, drilling, and forced entry.
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Invest in High-Quality Deadbolts

Not all locks are created equal, and the quality of your deadbolts directly impacts your home's security. Cheap locks from big-box stores might seem like a bargain, but they often provide minimal protection against determined intruders.

A quality deadbolt should have:

  • A bolt that extends at least one inch into the door frame
  • A reinforced strike plate with three-inch screws
  • Hardened steel construction to resist sawing
  • Pick-resistant cylinders
  • ANSI Grade 1 or Grade 2 rating
While high-security locks do cost more upfront, they're a worthwhile investment that can deter burglars and potentially lower your homeowner's insurance premiums. Professional installation is equally important—even the best lock won't protect you if it's improperly installed.

Never Hide Spare Keys Outside

Many homeowners still hide spare keys under doormats, above door frames, or inside fake rocks—and burglars know all these hiding spots. These common practices create a false sense of security while actually making your home more vulnerable.

Instead of hiding keys outside, consider these safer alternatives:

  • Give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or family member
  • Install a high-quality smart lock with keypad entry
  • Keep a spare key in your wallet or purse
  • Use a lockbox with a unique combination (change it regularly)
If you do find yourself locked out, it's always safer to call a professional locksmith than to compromise your security with hidden keys. Our team at Main St Locksmith provides emergency lockout services throughout Sayville and can get you back inside quickly and safely.

Secure Your Windows and Sliding Doors

While most homeowners focus on door locks, windows and sliding doors are common entry points for burglars. These areas require special attention:

For sliding glass doors:

  • Install a security bar or Charlie bar in the track
  • Add auxiliary locks at the top of the door
  • Consider installing anti-lift devices
  • Use security film on the glass
For windows:
  • Install window locks on all accessible windows
  • Use keyed locks for ground-floor windows
  • Add window security film
  • Install window security bars or grilles in high-risk areas
  • Keep bushes and trees trimmed to eliminate hiding spots
Many break-ins occur because homeowners leave windows unlocked or only slightly secured. Make it part of your routine to check all windows and locks before leaving home or going to bed.

How to Avoid Locksmith Scams

Unfortunately, locksmith scams are increasingly common, and knowing how to identify legitimate professionals can save you hundreds of dollars and serious headaches. Here's what you need to know:

Red flags to watch for:

  • Locksmiths who arrive in unmarked vehicles
  • Services that refuse to provide pricing estimates over the phone
  • Companies with no physical address
  • Dramatic price increases once the technician arrives
  • Recommendations to drill locks when other options exist
How much do locksmiths usually charge? Legitimate locksmiths typically charge $75-$150 for standard lockout services during business hours, with higher rates for emergency after-hours calls. Lock rekeying generally costs $80-$160 for a house, while new lock installation runs $100-$250 per lock depending on the quality.

Why do locksmiths charge so much? Professional locksmiths invest in specialized tools, ongoing training, insurance, and licensing. You're also paying for expertise, rapid response times, and the peace of mind that comes with working with a trusted local business.

Always verify credentials before hiring a locksmith. At Main St Locksmith, we proudly serve the Sayville community from our location at 10 Main St, and we're happy to provide upfront pricing, proof of insurance, and references.

Maintain Your Locks Regularly

Like any mechanical device, locks require regular maintenance to function properly. Sticky or difficult locks are more than an inconvenance—they can become security vulnerabilities.

Basic lock maintenance includes:

  • Lubricating locks annually with graphite powder (never oil)
  • Tightening loose screws on strike plates and hinges
  • Checking for rust or corrosion, especially on exterior locks
  • Testing keys for wear and replacing them when needed
  • Inspecting door frames for signs of damage or forced entry attempts
If your key is difficult to turn or your lock feels loose, don't wait until it fails completely. A simple repair now can prevent a lockout emergency later.

Practice Smart Key Management

How you handle your keys matters just as much as the quality of your locks. Follow these key management best practices:

  • Never label keys with your address
  • Keep track of who has copies of your keys
  • Rekey locks if you lose keys or end relationships with people who had access
  • Use different keys for home and garage/shed
  • Don't post photos on social media that show your keys
  • Be cautious about valet services and how long they have access to your keys
Many homeowners don't realize that modern technology makes it possible to duplicate keys from photographs. Always be mindful of where your keys are visible.

Protect Your Home Today

Implementing these locksmith safety tips can significantly improve your home's security and give you peace of mind. Whether you need new locks installed, existing locks rekeyed, or emergency lockout assistance, Main St Locksmith is here to help Sayville homeowners protect what matters most.

Don't wait until after a break-in to take your home security seriously. Contact Main St Locksmith today at our convenient location on Main Street in Sayville, NY 11782. Our experienced team serves Sayville, the Sunrise Highway Corridor, and surrounding communities with honest, professional locksmith services you can trust. Call us now to schedule a security consultation and ensure your home has the protection it deserves.