Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. ASK Locksmith, Inc. holds a full New York State locksmith license, liability insurance, and bonding. All technicians are background-checked and NYS credentialed. Ask to see credentials on every job.

We serve all five NYC boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island — plus nearby areas including Long Island City, Hoboken NJ, and Jersey City NJ.

Our office is open Monday–Friday, 8:00AM–5:30PM. Emergency locksmith service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call (212) 840-6200 any time.

All ASK Locksmith technicians arrive in a marked vehicle and carry a company ID badge with their NYS locksmith license number. If anything feels off, call our main number (212) 840-6200 to verify before letting anyone work on your locks.

Our target response time is 30 minutes or less anywhere in the five boroughs. We have technicians stationed throughout NYC to minimize travel time. Actual arrival depends on traffic and your location.

Yes. Our emergency line is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is a dispatch team live at all times — you will always reach a real person, not an answering service.

Stay somewhere safe and well-lit. If you're locked out of your home late at night, wait with a neighbor or in a nearby public space. Do not attempt to force entry — this often causes expensive damage to your door or frame. We'll be there as fast as possible.

Emergency and after-hours rates may differ from standard daytime pricing. We will always quote you the price upfront before starting any work. You are never obligated to proceed — there is no charge if you decline the quote.

We are authorized dealers and installers for Medeco and Mul-T-Lock — widely regarded as the gold standard in high-security residential locks. We'll match the right lock to your door type and security needs.

High-security locks (like Medeco and Mul-T-Lock) feature pick-resistant, drill-resistant, and bump-resistant construction, plus restricted keyways that prevent unauthorized key duplication at any hardware store. We recommend them for NYC apartment deadbolts, building entry doors, and any exterior commercial door.

Re-keying changes the internal pins of your lock so old keys no longer work — new keys are cut to match the new configuration. It's faster and less expensive than full lock replacement. Re-key when: moving into a new home, after a break-up or roommate change, after losing a key, or whenever you're unsure who has a copy.

In most cases, yes. Our locksmiths are trained in non-destructive entry techniques — picking, decoding, and bypass methods that open locks without damage. Destructive entry (drilling) is a last resort, only used when the lock truly cannot be opened otherwise, and we'll always tell you before we resort to it.

Pricing depends on the time of day, lock type, and complexity. We quote before we start — no surprises. Beware of locksmiths advertising $19 service calls — these are almost always bait-and-switch schemes that end with a dramatically inflated bill once they're at your door. Our pricing is transparent and competitive for NYC.

Yes. For scheduled work, we provide a free estimate before any work begins. For emergency calls, the technician will quote the job on arrival. You can decline at no charge. We never start work without your explicit approval of the price.

We accept PayPal, all major credit and debit cards, cash, and Zelle. Payment is collected after the work is complete and you're satisfied with the result.

Yes. We can originate a key directly from your lock using decoding tools — no existing key required. This works for most standard and high-security cylinders. Bring proof of address or ownership when requesting this service.

Yes. We install, program, and service a range of electronic and smart locks including Schlage Encode, Yale Assure, August, and Kwikset Halo. We also handle access control systems for buildings and businesses. Our technicians are trained on both installation and app/connectivity setup.

Absolutely. We design and install master key systems for residential buildings, co-ops, condos, and commercial properties throughout NYC. A master key system lets building managers access all units while tenants retain individual key control — with every key level planned and documented.

Yes. We install and service card-reader, fob, and keypad access control systems for commercial and multi-unit residential properties across NYC. We work with leading brands and can integrate with existing security infrastructure or start from scratch.