Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about pricing, lockouts, car keys and home security.
General questions
Are you open 24 hours?
Yes. We answer and dispatch 24/7/365 across Oakland and Macomb County, Michigan.
How much do you charge?
Every job is quoted up front based on the service, hardware or vehicle and time of day. Call (586) 623-2403 for a firm quote. There are no hidden fees.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash and major credit and debit cards.
Does Michigan require locksmiths to be licensed?
Michigan does not have a statewide locksmith license. That makes it even more important to choose a locksmith who gives upfront pricing, verifies your ID and provides an itemized invoice.
Do you need my ID?
Yes. For every lockout and car key job, we verify ID and proof of residence or vehicle ownership. It protects you from someone else getting into your property.
Lockouts & emergencies
Are you really open 24 hours?
Yes. Metro Detroit Locksmith answers the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends and holidays across Oakland and Macomb County.
How much does an emergency locksmith cost?
Price depends on the type of lock, the vehicle or door, the time of day and how far we travel. We give you a firm quote before we start, so you know the cost up front. Be cautious of anyone advertising a very low "service call" price — that is a common bait-and-switch tactic in the locksmith industry.
Can you unlock my door without breaking the lock?
In most cases, yes. Standard residential locks can be picked or bypassed by a trained locksmith. High-security cylinders occasionally require other methods, and we will always explain your options first.
My landlord is not answering — can you let me in?
Yes, as long as you can show you live there (ID with the address, a lease, or mail). Some apartment complexes have rules about lock changes, so we will open the door but leave the lock itself unchanged unless you have permission.
Will unlocking my car set off the alarm or damage anything?
The alarm may sound briefly, which is normal; it stops once the key is used. Our tools are designed for modern vehicles and do not damage paint, glass or weather stripping.
Is it cheaper to call roadside assistance?
If your plan includes lockout service, it can be. The trade-off is often a long wait. We are a local mobile service, and we will tell you our price up front so you can decide.
Car keys & automotive
Is a locksmith cheaper than the dealer for car keys?
Usually, yes. A mobile locksmith also saves you the tow, the appointment wait and the trip. We will quote you before any work starts so you can compare.
Which vehicles do you work on?
Most domestic, Asian and European vehicles. A few very new or luxury models require dealer-only programming. Give us the year, make and model and we will tell you honestly whether we can do it.
Can you make a car key without the original?
Yes. For most vehicles we can create a new key from the VIN or by decoding the lock, then program it to the car. This is called an "all keys lost" job.
How long does car key replacement take?
Most jobs take under an hour once we are on site. Some European vehicles take longer.
Can I buy a fob online and have you program it?
Sometimes. Many online fobs are used, locked to another car, or the wrong frequency. Send us the part number and we will tell you if it can be programmed before you pay for a visit.
Is my fob just a dead battery?
Often it is. If the range has gotten shorter or it works only up close, try a new coin battery first. If that does not fix it, the fob may need repair or replacement.
Why will my key not turn in the ignition?
Common causes are a worn key, worn wafers inside the cylinder, or the steering wheel lock being engaged. Try gently turning the steering wheel while turning the key. If that does not work, call us.
Do I need a new key with a new ignition?
Usually not. We can rekey most replacement cylinders to match your existing key, and transponder programming stays the same.
Home locks
Should I rekey or replace my locks?
If your locks work well and you just want old keys to stop working, rekeying is faster and less expensive. Replace locks if they are damaged, worn, low quality, or you want an upgrade such as a smart lock or high-security deadbolt.
Can you make all my house locks use one key?
Yes, as long as the locks share a compatible keyway. We can rekey them all to a single key, or swap a mismatched lock so it fits.
Is rekeying cheaper than replacing locks?
Yes, in most cases. You only pay for labor and pins rather than new hardware, as long as the existing locks are in good shape.
Can all locks be rekeyed?
Most standard residential and commercial locks can. Some very cheap or damaged locks are not worth rekeying, and some smart locks use proprietary cylinders. We will tell you if replacement makes more sense.
What is the best deadbolt for my home?
Look for an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt with a full 1-inch throw, installed with a reinforced strike plate and 3-inch screws. We can recommend specific models for your door.
Do you carry hardware with you?
Yes. Our vans carry common deadbolts and handle sets, so most lock changes are completed in one visit.
Are smart locks secure?
Good ones are. Choose a lock with a Grade 1 or 2 rating and keep the firmware updated. The physical installation matters as much as the electronics.
What happens if the battery dies?
Most smart locks warn you for weeks before the battery dies, and many have a backup key or external battery terminals. If you get locked out anyway, we can help.
Can you make a key for a lock with no key?
Yes. We can decode or impression most locks and cut a working key, or rekey the lock to a new key.
Can you copy a "Do Not Duplicate" key?
A stamp alone does not legally prevent copying, but we follow the owner's wishes and require authorization for restricted keys and business keys.
Business & commercial
What is a master key system?
A master key system lets each person carry one key that opens only the doors they need, while managers carry a master key that opens everything. It makes rekeying after turnover much simpler.
Can you work after business hours?
Yes. We are available 24/7 and can schedule commercial installs before opening or after closing.
Do I need a networked system?
Not always. A few doors with low turnover may only need standalone keypad locks. Larger teams or multiple doors usually benefit from a networked or cloud system.
What happens in a power outage?
Systems are designed with backup power and fail-safe or fail-secure settings depending on fire code and the door's purpose.
What makes a lock "high security"?
Independent testing (such as UL 437 or ANSI/BHMA Grade 1) for resistance to picking, bumping and drilling, plus a restricted key that cannot be legally copied without authorization.
Can I keep my existing hardware?
Often yes. Many high-security cylinders retrofit into existing deadbolts and commercial locks.
Can you open a safe without destroying it?
Often yes, especially for residential safes. Some high-security safes require a small precise drill point that is repaired afterward, keeping the safe usable.
Do you need proof of ownership?
Yes. We verify ownership or authorization before opening any safe.
Still have a question?
Call or text us any time — we're happy to help.