When it comes to residential locksmith costs, would you rather pay a little now or pay more later? When someone breaks into your home, replacing the broken door, lock or window (as well as any stolen belongings) can be much more costly than preventative security measures.

Reactive Locksmithing Services

Reactive services are when you react to an incident that occurred by hiring, someone to address it. Many of these situations can be avoided with proper preparation and prevention. But once there’s an incident — especially one involving the security of your home — you have no choice but to address it. Burglaries aren’t the only situations that lead to reactively hiring a locksmith, however. Here are six examples of situations that require reactive locksmithing services:

1. Locked out of your home
2. Lost the keys to your home
3. Had a home lock broken or stolen
4. Moved into a new home where you don’t have the locks
5. Had your property vandalized
6. Had valuables or firearms stolen from your home

All these situations have other consequences as well. Many also involve lost time, as you have to deal with getting everything back to the way it was. There can also be a lot of stress involved, in addition to other negative consequences.

Proactive Locksmithing Services

Proactive services, on the other hand, are when you prepare for an incident ahead of time so it doesn’t happen (or you at least minimize the possibility of it happening). Let’s take the six example situations mentioned above, and see how a residential locksmith could have addressed them with proactive locksmithing services:

1. Spare key creation, so you can access your home even if you’ve locked your main keys inside
2. Key duplication (even if you don’t have the key) so you don’t have to worry about lost keys
3. High-security locks that are difficult to break or manipulate
4. New locks, and rekeying so you’re all set once you move in
5. Security system and/or security camera installation to catch criminals in the act
6. Home, and gun safe sales, and installation to protect valuables, and firearms

Invest in proactive locksmithing services now so you can avoid paying more for reactive services later. Give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at 972-284-7500 to schedule a consultation or appointment.

What better movie to start with than the one with Independence Day in its name? Sure, it may be mostly about saving the earth from an alien invasion, but it’s a classic that deserves to be on any list of Fourth of July movies. (Plus, it was released the day before July 4, 1996.)

2. Born on the Fourth of July

A story of innocence, courage, and a whole lot of patriotism, this Tom Cruise-led film is another classic. It may have been released in 1989, but it still holds up with its portrayal of brave soldiers, and the ramifications of what it takes to defend this country’s freedom.

3. The Patriot

Go back to the beginnings of this great country with this powerful, moving story of the American Revolution. Starring Mel Gibson, it tells the tale of a farmer who fights the British to avenge his murdered son’s death.

4. The Sandlot

The only thing more American than the flag, fireworks, and friends/family? Baseball. This movie may not explicitly revolve around the Fourth of July, but it has a memorable fireworks scene, and is nostalgic for both the young and old. A must-see.

5. Top Gun

Just as fireworks can get your blood pumping, so can fighter jets screaming across the sky. Grab the popcorn and turn the surround sound system up for this 80’s classic starring Tom Cruise. (Maverick and Goose are legends.)

6. Yankee Doodle Dandy

An oldie but goodie, this classic movie features lots of patriotic singing and dancing, including, songs like “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Over There.” It stars James Cagney, and was released way back in 1942, but everyone can enjoy it during this special holiday.

7. Captain America: The First Avenger

For a more recent option, check out one of the earliest films from The Avengers series. Chris Evans plays the role of Captain America perfectly, and inspires us all to do more for our country. Plus, there are plenty of special effects, so what’s not to love?

There you have it! What’s your favorite Fourth of July or patriotic movie? Give us a call at 972-284-7500 to let us know and schedule any locksmithing services you may need.

The same goes for locksmiths. You want the best when it comes to your home, auto or business security, right? From night, weekend, and mobile appointments to using GPS-monitored vans, here are the top things to look for when it comes to the best locksmith companies:

1. They Hire Only Licensed Locksmiths

This is key. You don’t want someone who is not a licensed locksmith by the state working on your house, automobile or business. The best locksmith companies never send out anyone who isn’t licensed.

2. They Don’t Use Contract Labor

In addition to only using team members who are licensed, the best locksmith companies only use full-time staff. With contract labor, you can’t guarantee they are properly trained, and that your job is done right. That’s why you shouldn’t trust companies who use contract labor.

3. They’re Fully Bonded, and Insured

Mistakes happen, but you shouldn’t be liable for them. The best locksmith companies are bonded, and insured so that even if disaster strikes, you can have peace of mind that they will take care of any problems.

4. They Use Branded, and GPS-Monitored Vans

If a locksmith shows up in an unmarked van and not wearing a uniform, how do you know that they’re legit? Security is an important issue, and you don’t want to compromise it for just anyone. The best locksmith companies will not only use company-branded vans, and uniforms, but also GPS-monitored vans so there is accountability, and you know where they are at all times.

5. They Have an A+ Rating with the BBB

The Better Business Bureau is a go-to source for credibility in businesses, so an A+ rating with the BBB is a good indicator that a company offers the best service, and customer support in the industry.

6. They Offer Night and Weekend Appointments

Most people work from 9-5 on weekdays, so the best locksmith companies will offer flexible appointment times to accommodate that.

7. They Have Locations Near You and Offer Mobile Service

The best locksmith companies don’t have one location the other side of town; they have multiple locations near you for convenience, as well as mobile services for people who can’t visit the store (e.g. when you’ve locked your keys in your car).

8. They’re Part of Professional Associations

Is the locksmith company recognized by its peers? Membership in professional locksmithing associations such as Safe & Vault Technicians Association and the Texas Locksmiths Association can give you further peace of mind.

9. They Have Excellent Reviews

What do the customers have to say about the best locksmith companies? Good things. Look for positive ratings on Google, Facebook and other review sites. (Though be wary of perfect scores.)

10. They Offer All Types of Locksmith Services

From emergency lockout services, rekeying and new locks to security systems, gun safes, and programmable remotes, a locksmith should offer every type of locksmith service for your home, business or automobile. If they don’t, do they really have the locksmithing expertise they claim to have?

If you’re looking for the best locksmith company in Dallas-Fort Worth, look no further than A-1 Locksmith. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at 972-284-7500 today.