do it yourself Archives - A-1 Locksmith https://www.a-1locksmith.com/tag/do-it-yourself/ DFW Locksmith for Key Services, Safes & Security Products for Home, Business & Automotive Thu, 06 Feb 2025 18:12:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Replacing Door Hardware: Best Practices https://www.a-1locksmith.com/replacing-door-hardware-best-practices/ Thu, 30 Jun 2022 16:20:39 +0000 https://35.223.136.14/?p=41466 Think DIY projects are easy? Think again. (Just one look at all the Pinterest fails articles out there will tell you that.) If arts, and crafts are difficult to do yourself, it should go without saying that more advanced tasks like replacing door hardware almost impossible unless you know what you’re doing.

Locks, handles, and knobs… they all seem like pretty easy hardware to fix, but are actually more complicated than you might think. Here are some best practices to follow, as well as when to call a professional locksmith. 

Know Your Types

First, get to know the different types of door locks, keys, and door hardware components. Door hardware can vary in type (e.g. simple, exposed, privacy, fastener, etc.), with different closures, features, and mechanical components. Follow a security tips blog, do some research and know what you’re working with before you get started.

Determine the Situation

Next, try to determine what is wrong with the door hardware. Are you replacing it for functional or cosmetic reasons? If it’s the latter, you’re probably safe with some less diligent approaches such as referencing, some instructions or videos. If you’re worried about function or the type of hardware, you may want to call a professional locksmith to give you a concrete answer.

Repair or Replace?

Repairing or replacing the door hardware is another best practice to consider, as many existing components can be repaired, while others need to be replaced. If any component is worn down, damaged or compromised in another way, replacement is the best safety/security option. Repair is feasible for certain issues, like stuck locks, but usually requires the assistance of a professional locksmith experienced with door hardware. 

When To Call A Pro

If you want to save yourself the hassle, frustration and time/monetary costs of attempting a door hardware replacement yourself, give a professional locksmith a call as your first option. The expert technicians at A-1 Locksmith, for example, have installed, repaired, and replaced thousands of locks, doors, and keys over the years, and know what to look for when it comes to door issues. They can quickly help you identify the problem, determine if replacing or repairing is the best route to take, and then give you advice or handle the task for you.

If you’d like more residential security tips like this, give us a call at (972) 284-7500 or stop by any of our DFW-area locations today, and one of our expert technicians will be happy to answer your questions.

]]> 6 DIY Lock-Picking Methods to Avoid https://www.a-1locksmith.com/6-diy-lock-picking-methods-to-avoid/ Wed, 17 Mar 2021 17:10:17 +0000 https://35.223.136.14/?p=40422 There are two main reasons why “DIY” sounds appealing to most of us: cost savings, and a sense of accomplishment. If you’ve ever tried to recreate a cake you saw on Pinterest, however, you know that this can often be more difficult than it seems.

If you’ve locked yourself out of your home or car, in particular, you may have attempted to pick the lock yourself. Unfortunately, this DIY approach can damage or destroy the lock (or window seal if you’ve considered other methods). Let’s cover a few methods you’ll find on the internet that you shouldn’t try—and then discuss why it’s better to call a professional locksmith instead.

1. Drilling

You may not carry around a drill at all times, but if you’re tempted to borrow one from the neighbor or you’ve locked an interior door in your home, this is a DIY method you might consider. We’d advise against it, however, as you’re pretty much guaranteed to destroy the lock.

2. Snapping

Similarly, you may be tempted to snap the lock. Or, you could snap off the tool you’re using in the lock mechanism. Either form of snapping can damage the lock or render it unusable.

3. Duplicating

This is a little different than the other methods on this list, but hear us out. You may think that duplicating a key, and storing it in a hidden area (or keeping it with a friend or family member) is a good idea to prevent locking yourself out—and you’d be right! But be wary about duplicating your key at a kiosk at a big-box retailer or with an unlicensed locksmith. Your key information is vulnerable this way, and you can’t guarantee the key will work when you need it most. Choose a professional locksmith for key duplication instead.

4. Bumping

A method preferred by thieves, bumping a lock is when you use a screwdriver and manipulator to bump the pins in the lock cylinder into alignment above the shear line. You might catch the attention of curious onlookers this way, and there’s also the risk of snapping a tool off in the lock. There’s also a high risk of damage as well.

5. Picking

We’re talking about lockpicking kits here. You can buy a kit to pick locks on Amazon and other websites, but these are often made with low-quality materials that will break easily. They’ll also cost you more than other DIY methods on this list.

6. Destroying

You may be frustrated, and tempted to just destroy a window or door to gain access, but that’s also not a wise decision. You risk serious injury, and will incur more expenses than if you simply called a professional locksmith to handle it.

When it comes to your locks, trust the professionals. Give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at (972) 284-7500 if you have any questions.

]]> DIY Locksmith Fails, Part 2 https://www.a-1locksmith.com/diy-locksmith-fails-part-2/ Wed, 13 May 2020 05:25:53 +0000 https://35.223.136.14/?p=38180 A few years ago, we took a look at some unique DIY locksmith fails and why it usually makes more sense to trust a professional locksmith for your security needs. Well, fast-forward to today, and people are still making similar mistakes by pretending to be locksmiths themselves instead of turning to a professional for help.

Here are a few additional fails that we’ve seen:

Door or Bike?

Bike locks are great… for bikes. Not so much for vehicles (especially locksmithing vehicles).

Door or Bike

Source: Cheezburger.com

Cash Office Fail

Your business’ money is important, sure, but you’ll be spending all of it on repairing your door if you go this route.

The Upside Down

No, you’re not looking at an upside-down picture. That’s how this DIY locksmith installed the lock.

How???

We’re not sure how this unfortunate scenario played out, but it’s a fail if we’ve ever seen one.

great-just-great

Source: Cheezburger.com

Failed Expectations

You can’t always depend on a machine, can you? 

Source: Picuki.com

I Smell A Rat

Even animals try to become DIY locksmith experts sometimes, it would seem.

I Smell A Rat

Source: Picuki.com

Trust A-1 Locksmith for Your Security Needs

As you can see, DIY locksmith work rarely is the best path to take. When it comes to security for your home or automobile, trust the experts instead of wasting time (and money) and putting your security at risk. Give the A-1 Locksmith professionals a call today at (972) 284-7500 for a quote or to answer any questions you may have.

]]> DIY Locksmith Fails https://www.a-1locksmith.com/diy-locksmith-fails/ https://www.a-1locksmith.com/diy-locksmith-fails/#respond Mon, 12 Dec 2016 17:05:57 +0000 https://35.223.136.14/?p=6695 For many individuals, the idea of calling a locksmith may seem unnecessary. After all, with so much information and instruction available on the internet, isn’t it easier to simply tackle the project alone, without the assistance of a professional? I mean, what could really go wrong?

Sadly, although this process of thought is fairly common, it can have devastating results, ranging from costly fixes, to situations in which your whole family may be in danger. And if you aren’t completely convinced as to the importance of hiring a skilled professional for any, and all of your security needs, take a look at the following DIY locksmith fails, which may change your mind about calling a local locksmith in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Can’t Quite Unlock the Door…

Can you imagine finishing up a project like this, only to realize your key access was blocked, and you had to start all over again?

Jumping Up to Reach the Lock

 

What’s the point of installing a deadbolt by yourself if you can’t even reach the lock?

Doorknob Won’t Turn – I Wonder Why?

 

This DIY job looks perfect – until you turn the handle, and realize it’s blocked by the door itself.

An Open Invitation to Come Inside

 

A photo posted by Jeremy Wardle (@jezwardz) on

You may have installed the keypad correctly – but it’s useless if you tell everyone how to get inside.

Is This Handle Upside Down?

 


There may not be anything structurally wrong with this installation job – but a professional Dallas-Fort Worth locksmith can make sure you don’t install your handle upside down.

How Many Times Did it Take to Get it Right?

A photo posted by Davy Bruce (@thedavybruce) on

It looks like this individual had to take more than one shot at getting it right. There’s no need to put yourself in this situation; instead, make your life easier by calling a professional locksmith in the Metroplex.

Let Our Skilled Professionals Help You Today

If there is one thing that we can learn from these pictures, it’s that DIY locksmith work is rarely the right path to take. Instead of wasting your time, and putting your security at risk, consider contacting the dedicated professionals at A-1 Locksmith today. We have been serving the Metroplex area for decades, and we are happy to help you in any way that we can.

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