Locked out of your house in Philadelphia? Here's what to do.
A step-by-step guide for Philadelphia homeowners and renters facing a house lockout — what to try, what to avoid, and how fast a mobile locksmith can get there.
Read →Articles
How often should you rekey your locks?
The short answer: after any move-in, key loss, or tenant turnover. Here's the full breakdown for Philadelphia homeowners and property managers.
Read →Car lockout in Philadelphia: what to do while you wait.
Locked out of your car on a Philadelphia street or parking garage? Steps to stay safe, speed up the locksmith call, and avoid common mistakes.
Read →Car key replacement in Philadelphia: what it costs and how it works.
Lost your only car key in Philly? Here's what a mobile locksmith needs, how long it takes, and why it's usually faster and cheaper than the dealership.
Read →Rekey vs. lock change: which one do you actually need?
The difference between rekeying and replacing a lock — and how to know which is right for your situation and budget.
Read →Smart locks for Philadelphia homes: what works and what doesn't.
A practical guide to choosing and installing a smart lock on a Philadelphia row home, including common door prep issues and brands that hold up.
Read →Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I'm locked out of my house in Philadelphia?
Call a licensed locksmith immediately. Patriot Locksmith Philadelphia answers 24/7 at (215) 330-5050. Do not try to force entry — this can damage the door or the lock. A professional locksmith can open most residential doors without damage in under 15 minutes.
How often should I rekey my locks?
Rekey whenever keys may be in the wrong hands: after a move-in, after a roommate change, after losing keys, after a break-in attempt, or when a tenant vacates a rental unit. For rental properties, rekeying between tenants is standard practice.
What is the difference between rekeying and changing a lock?
Rekeying changes the internal pins of the cylinder so old keys no longer work — the lock body stays in place. Changing a lock replaces the entire lock hardware. Rekeying is faster and less expensive when the existing hardware is in good condition. Lock change is recommended after a break-in attempt or when the hardware is worn.
Can a locksmith make a car key without the original?
Yes, in most cases. A mobile locksmith can originate a new key from the vehicle's VIN and lock code database. This works for most domestic and import vehicles. You'll need to provide your registration and photo ID. Call with your make, model, and year for confirmation.
How much does key fob programming cost?
Key fob programming cost varies by vehicle make, model, and fob type. We give free estimates over the phone. Generally, mobile programming is significantly less expensive than a dealership visit, with no towing required.
How long does a mobile locksmith take to arrive in Philadelphia?
Patriot Locksmith dispatches from Northeast Philadelphia. Typical response times are 10 to 20 minutes for Northeast Philadelphia, 15 to 30 minutes for most city neighborhoods, and 30 to 45 minutes for the Main Line. Call (215) 330-5050 for a real-time estimate.
Do I need to show ID for a locksmith service?
Yes. For house lockouts, we ask for ID showing your address. For car key replacement, we require driver's license and vehicle registration. For commercial calls, property manager credentials may be required. This protects everyone involved.
Need a locksmith in Philadelphia? Call (215) 330-5050.
Tap to call or send a request — we respond fast, 24 hours a day.