"Best" is a tagline, not a credential
Search for a locksmith and every result calls itself trusted, top-rated or unbeatable. None of those words cost anything to write. What matters is how the business behaves on the phone, at your door and on the invoice.
Five things worth checking
1. A price before any work
A good dispatcher gives an approximate range on the phone, and the locksmith confirms the price on site before touching the lock. If you hear "we'll see when we get there" and nothing more, keep calling around.
2. A Connecticut licence
Connecticut licenses locksmiths through the Department of Consumer Protection. Ask for the licence number and check it on the state's online lookup. Ask about liability insurance too.
3. ID and a proper invoice
The locksmith should show identification and should ask for yours before opening a home or car. You should get an itemised invoice that names who did the work.
4. Respect for the door
Most lockouts can be opened without drilling. If drilling is needed, you should hear why before it happens, along with the cost of the new cylinder.
5. No pressure
Recommending a stronger deadbolt is fine. Refusing to open a door until you agree to new hardware is not.
Red flags
- A generic business name and no way to find who you are dealing with
- A price on the phone that grows wildly at the door
- Unmarked vehicle and no ID
- Pressure to replace a lock that only needs opening
How this website works
Southington Locksmith is a referral call center: your job goes to an independent contractor, who quotes, invoices and gives the warranty. That is set out in the terms, and you are entitled to ask the contractor for their licence and insurance.
So what does "best" mean?
Clear prices, licensed work, and a locksmith who treats your door and your evening with respect. See the price list or call 860-744-3005.
