Common questions. Straight answers.

It depends on the job. After-hours calls typically cost more than daytime lockouts, and broken-key extraction or lock damage repair costs more than a standard unlock. The locksmith quotes a price before starting.

It depends on where you are in the county. Central San Diego, Mission Valley, La Jolla, and Kearny Mesa sit close to more locksmiths than the coast, North County, and South Bay, and the backcountry is a longer run still. The locksmith tells you a real window when you call, not a vague "as soon as possible".

Often no. On a standard residential deadbolt, many locksmiths pick or bump first. Drilling is a last resort, usually for high-security cylinders or locks that are already damaged. Ask them to explain the method and quote a replacement if they may need to drill. Swift Key does not promise a no-drill outcome.

Yes. Before opening any lock, a locksmith should ask for ID that matches the address or vehicle, a driver's license, a utility bill on your phone, a lease, or registration. No ID, no unlock. That protects you and the property owner.

Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration so old keys stop working, using the same hardware. Replacing swaps the entire lock for new hardware. Rekeying is meaningfully cheaper, quicker per lock, and is the right call when your hardware still looks and operates fine.

Just moved in. Lost a key. Ended a roommate, tenant, or contractor relationship where they had a working key. Want multiple doors keyed alike so you carry one key instead of four. These are all rekey situations, cheaper and faster than replacement.

The lock is sticky, wobbly, or loose. The finish is pitted or corroded. It's builder-grade (ANSI Grade 3) on an exterior door and you want Grade 1 or Grade 2 security. You want to switch to a smart lock. In these cases, replacement makes more sense than rekeying old hardware.

Rekeying is priced per cylinder, plus a service call the locksmith quotes upfront. Restricted-keyway systems (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock) cost more than standard hardware.

Often yes, if the cylinders share a compatible keyway. An independent locksmith can rekey a front deadbolt, back deadbolt, side-door knob, and garage-to-house lock to one new key when the hardware allows it. They confirm compatibility on site.

Often, for many vehicles. Some automotive locksmiths can originate a key from the factory code, then program a transponder or fob to the immobilizer when the car supports it. Certain Mercedes, BMW, and newer Hyundai / Kia all-keys-lost jobs still go to a dealer. Swift Key does not cut or program keys. The locksmith tells you what they can do after they check the make and year.

It depends on the key. A basic transponder key for an older vehicle usually costs less than a laser-cut key, and a smart or proximity fob for a newer luxury vehicle costs the most. Dealers often charge more for the same key and may require a tow. Swift Key does not set prices. Ask the locksmith for an itemized quote.

Swift Key refers fob work. Independent locksmiths often reprogram an existing fob, program a new one, replace a battery, or reshell a worn fob at the car. They confirm the make, year, and whether the job is dealer-only before they start.

Sometimes. A genuine OEM or high-quality aftermarket fob with the right chip may pair. A knockoff with a cloned chip often will not. The locksmith can usually tell once they see it. If it will not pair, ask them about a known-good blank and how they bill the attempt. Swift Key does not credit or warranty that work.

Most reliable keypad: Schlage Encode Plus. Best for rentals: Yale Assure Lock 2 (great app, simple code management). Best budget: Kwikset Halo. Avoid the cheap no-name smart locks on Amazon, the failure rate is high and the apps often stop getting updates.

For ANSI Grade 1: Schlage B60 or B62, Medeco Maxum, Mul-T-Lock Hercular. For Grade 2: Kwikset 980 or 985, Schlage B250. Avoid builder-grade Kwikset 600-series and anything Grade 3 on an exterior door.

On the published ANSI/BHMA residential ratings, Grade 1 is built for more kick-in resistance than Grade 3. Cylinder pick-resistance is also stronger on Grade 1 lines. Hardware alone still does not protect you. The strike plate and door frame matter just as much. Ask the locksmith about 3-inch screws into the framing. That is a common upgrade, not a Swift Key package.

Yes. Every reputable smart lock runs on batteries (usually 4x AA) and works with or without power or Wi-Fi. You lose app control during a Wi-Fi outage, but the keypad and physical override key still work.

California requires locksmiths to hold a BSIS license. Ask for their LCO number and look it up at search.dca.ca.gov before work begins. Swift Key is a referral service, not the locksmith on the job. Check the person who shows up.

Locked out of your home, car, or business. A child or pet locked inside a vehicle (call 911 first if the child is in distress). A recent break-in where doors are no longer secure. A lost or stolen key where you cannot secure the property until morning. Call (858) 400-4082 and we will try to match you with an independent locksmith who can take the job.

Many locksmiths charge extra for late-night work. Weekend daytime rates vary too. Swift Key does not set surcharges or hours. Ask the locksmith what they charge for your time window before they start.

Swift Key can refer those jobs. Independent locksmiths often handle master-key systems, restricted keyways (when they already hold dealer authorization), electronic access control, panic hardware, and tenant-change rekeys. Swift Key is not a Medeco or Mul-T-Lock dealer and does not sign service contracts. The locksmith confirms scope, timing, and price.