10 Things Your Locksmith Wishes You Knew
(But Doesn’t Always Say)
Most people only think about a locksmith when they’re locked out—or something has already gone wrong. But behind the quick fixes and emergency calls, there are things locksmiths wish homeowners understood before problems start.
The good news? A few smart upgrades can dramatically improve your home’s security—and save you money and stress later.
Here are 10 things your locksmith wishes you knew, and simple ways to protect your home today.
1. Most Break-Ins Don’t Involve Fancy Lock-Picking
Movies make it look complicated, but most burglars don’t pick locks—they force doors open.
Kicks, prying, and brute force are far more common than lock manipulation.
Locksmith truth: Your door frame matters just as much as your lock.
Recommended product:
Door reinforcement kits strengthen the door jamb and hinge side.
Door reinforcement for home security
2. Builder-Grade Locks Are Bare Minimum Security
Many homes come with inexpensive locks designed to meet basic building codes—not to stop determined intruders.
Locksmith tip: Upgrading even one lock can dramatically improve security.
Recommended product:
A high-quality deadbolt with reinforced hardware.
Heavy-duty deadbolt lock
3. A Deadbolt Should Throw at Least One Inch
Short deadbolts are easier to force open.
Locksmiths recommend a 1-inch throw to fully engage the door frame.
Recommended product:
ANSI Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt locks.
Security-rated deadbolt
4. Smart Locks Aren’t Just About Convenience
Smart locks aren’t just cool gadgets—they improve control and accountability.
Locksmiths love them because you can:
• Eliminate lost keys
• Create temporary access codes
• Track door activity
Recommended product:
A smart lock with keypad or app access.
Smart door lock with keypad
5. Your Strike Plate Is Probably Weak
The strike plate (where the bolt goes into the frame) is often held by short screws that barely reach the wood.
Locksmith upgrade:
Long screws and reinforced strike plates add serious strength.
Recommended product:
Reinforced strike plate with long mounting screws.
Door strike plate reinforcement
6. Sliding Doors Are a Major Weak Spot
Many break-ins happen through sliding glass doors—even when they’re “locked.”
Locksmith workaround:
Add secondary physical barriers.
Recommended product:
Sliding door security bars or track locks.
Sliding door security bar
7. Peepholes (Door Viewers) Are Underrated Security Tools
Being able to see who’s at your door—without opening it—is critical.
Modern viewers offer wider angles and clearer views than old-school peepholes.
Recommended product:
Wide-angle video or optical door viewer.
Door viewer / peephole camera
8. Most Home Break-Ins Happen Through the Front Door
Not windows. Not garages. The front door.
Why? Because many front doors look secure but aren’t reinforced.
SavvySpndr angle:
A few inexpensive upgrades beat replacing the entire door.
9. Rekeying Is Cheaper Than Replacing Locks
If you’ve moved into a new home, you have no idea how many keys are floating around.
Locksmith recommendation:
Rekey instead of replacing—same lock, new key.
Recommended product (DIY option):
Rekeying kits for compatible lock brands.
Lock rekeying kit
10. Security Is Layered — Not One Product
No single lock makes your home secure.
Locksmiths think in layers:
• Strong deadbolt
• Reinforced door frame
• Smart access control
• Visual deterrents
Dentists recommend replacing it every 3 months—or sooner if you’ve been sick.
Smart combo upgrade:
Smart lock + reinforced door hardware + door viewer.
Each sold separately as shown above.
Final Thought: Locksmiths Want You Locked In, Not Locked Out
Most locksmith calls happen after something fails.
A few proactive upgrades can prevent break-ins, emergency calls, and expensive repairs.
Protect your door, protect your home, protect your peace of mind.