FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Locksmith Services
Choosing a locksmith often comes with questions. You may want to know whether I handle a particular type of lock, whether I work with commercial properties, how my pricing works, or what to do when you’re locked out. At Lock and Key Ninja, I believe those questions deserve straightforward answers.
I individually operate my locksmith business and provide commercial locksmithing, high-security lock services, safe services, residential locksmithing, and lockout assistance. Commercial locksmithing is a primary focus of my work, and I also bring specialized experience to safe and high-security applications.
One of the biggest differences in how I operate is my commitment to transparent, flat-rate pricing. I don’t believe in advertising an unrealistically low starting price and then scaling the cost upward once a customer has committed to the service. Below are answers to common questions about my locksmith services and approach.

General Locksmith Questions
What locksmith services do you provide?
I provide a range of professional locksmith services for commercial and residential customers.
My primary services include commercial locksmithing, high-security lock services, safe services, residential locksmithing, and lockout assistance.
If you have a lock, access, safe, or physical security concern and aren’t sure whether it falls within one of those categories, contact me directly. Tell me what you’re dealing with, and I can determine whether I may be able to help.
Is Lock and Key Ninja individually operated?
Yes. I individually operate Lock and Key Ninja.
That means when you contact my business, you’re dealing directly with the locksmith responsible for the work rather than communicating with a large call center or being passed between multiple people.
I value that direct relationship because it allows me to hear about the problem from you, explain the available options, and remain personally accountable for the service I provide.
Do you work with both businesses and homeowners?
Yes. I provide both commercial and residential locksmith services.
Commercial locksmithing is a primary focus of my business, including services involving commercial locks, high-security solutions, and access-related concerns.
I also work with homeowners who need help with residential locks, higher-security options, safe services, or lockouts.
Locksmith Pricing Questions
Do you offer flat-rate locksmith pricing?
Yes. Transparent flat-rate pricing is one of the key principles behind Lock and Key Ninja.
I want customers to have a clearer understanding of what they’re paying rather than being attracted by an artificially cheap starting price that changes dramatically once service begins.
Clear pricing helps you make a more informed decision about the locksmith service you’re receiving.
Why do some locksmith prices increase after arrival?
Some locksmith operations advertise extremely low starting prices to encourage customers to call. The final price may then increase once the locksmith arrives and the customer is already committed to getting the problem resolved.
That type of pricing has contributed to a lot of understandable distrust within the locksmith industry.
I take a different approach. Rather than relying on a low number simply to win the call, I emphasize straightforward, flat-rate pricing and clear communication.
I want customers to choose my service because they understand what they’re getting—not because they were drawn in by a price that wasn’t realistic.
Is the cheapest locksmith always the best option?
Not necessarily.
When comparing locksmith services, it’s important to understand whether the advertised price actually represents what you’ll pay. An unusually low starting price can become much less attractive if additional charges cause the final bill to increase substantially.
Price matters, but so do professional experience, communication, accountability, and the suitability of the solution being recommended.
I believe customers deserve both professional locksmith work and transparent pricing.
Why do I have to pay a Service Call Fee?
Mobile locksmith have a number of expenses that must be covered for the convenience of coming to your home or buisness:
1) There are a lot of expensive tools and supplies in our vans that always need replacing.
2) The insurance is expensive which includes the vehicle insurance and liability insurance (if there are employees then workers comp is a cost as well).
3) Licensing, taxes, fees and continuing education help ensure we can continue in our profession
4) Lastly, the simple cost of gas and travel time for your convenience is covered in the Service Call fee.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Lock and Key Ninja accepts cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, and most credit cards. Some exceptions may apply.
Commercial Locksmith Questions
Do you specialize in commercial locksmithing?
Commercial locksmithing is a major emphasis of Lock and Key Ninja.
Businesses and commercial properties can have more complicated physical security and access requirements than typical residential properties. I can help evaluate commercial lock concerns and determine appropriate locksmith or high-security solutions based on the situation.
Can you help improve the locks at my business?
Yes. If you’re concerned about the locks or physical security at a commercial property, I can assess the situation and discuss potential options.
The appropriate solution depends on the property, existing hardware, entry points, how access needs to function, and what security concerns you’re trying to address.
I don’t believe every business needs the same setup. My goal is to recommend a practical solution appropriate for the property.
Do you provide high-security locks for commercial properties?
Yes. I provide high-security lock and access solutions for commercial customers with more demanding security requirements.
If standard locking hardware no longer meets your needs, I can help evaluate whether a high-security option would be appropriate.
High-Security Lock Questions
What are high-security locks?
High-security locks are intended for applications requiring a greater level of security than conventional locking hardware may provide.
The specific solution that makes sense depends on the property and the security concern involved. Rather than recommending high-security hardware automatically, I look at what you need to protect and how the entry point is used.
Are high-security locks only for businesses?
No. Businesses can benefit significantly from high-security solutions, but homeowners may also want stronger locking options for residential properties.
I provide high-security lock services for both commercial and residential customers.
How do I know whether I need a high-security lock?
The best way to determine that is to consider your current locks, property, access requirements, and security concerns.
If you’re unsure, I can help evaluate your situation and discuss whether a higher-security solution would provide meaningful value.
My objective isn’t to sell the most expensive lock. It’s to recommend an appropriate solution.
Is there a way to make my locks more secure without the high cost of changing them to high security locks like ASSA, Medeco or Mul-T-Lock?
Yes. While the level of security is much higher in locks like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock or ASSA, there are several ways to make your existing locks more secure.
1) The bitting or the way the lock is pinned does make a difference (i.e. lots of high and low cuts on the key)
2) Security top pins can be added to make it difficult for someone to pick or bump
3) Switching to 6 pin key vs a common 5 pin key will enhance security
4) The grade of the lock (grade 1 being the highest) makes a difference in the security and quality of the lock. Most residential locks are grade 2.
Safe Service Questions
Do you provide safe locksmith services?
Yes. Safe services are an important part of my locksmith work.
Safes can involve specialized equipment and locking mechanisms that differ from ordinary door locks. I approach safe-related problems based on the specific safe, its condition, and the issue involved.
Can you help if I can’t access my safe?
I can evaluate safe access-related issues and determine an appropriate approach based on the circumstances.
When contacting me, provide as much useful information about the safe and the problem as possible. Those details can help me better understand what may be required.
Do you work with commercial and residential safes?
Yes. I provide safe services for both commercial and residential customers.
Businesses and homeowners use safes for different reasons, but the same principle applies: safe-related problems should be approached carefully and professionally.
Residential Locksmith Questions
Do you provide residential locksmith services?
Yes. I provide professional locksmith services for homeowners and residential properties.
If an existing lock is causing problems, your security needs have changed, or you want to explore stronger locking options, I can evaluate the situation and discuss appropriate solutions.
Can you help improve my home security?
I can help evaluate the locks and physical security concerns related to your home and discuss locksmith solutions that may be appropriate.
That can include exploring high-security lock options when conventional residential hardware doesn’t provide the level of protection you want.
Lockout Service Questions
Can you help if I’m locked out?
Yes. I provide professional lockout assistance
If you’re currently dealing with a lockout, call 818-900-1539 and explain what is happening. I can use the information you provide to better understand the situation and determine the appropriate next step.
Do you provide both residential and commercial lockout assistance?
Yes. I can assist with residential and commercial lockout situations.
Because commercial locksmithing is a primary focus of my business, I understand that access problems at a business can also interfere with normal operations and require professional attention.
Will my lockout price suddenly increase when you arrive?
My business philosophy is built around avoiding exactly that kind of experience.
I emphasize transparent flat-rate pricing rather than using an extremely low starting price to get the call and then intentionally scaling the price once a customer is committed.
Lockouts are already stressful. Pricing shouldn’t create another unnecessary problem.
I'm locked out of my building or vehicle. What should I expect when you arrive?
When we arrive, we will be dressed in uniform and be in a marked business vehicle (the only exception is when we choose to provide services outside of normal business hours or when we are closed). We will ask for your ID to verify who you are and that we are legally accessing your property (for our own liability).
Unless there is something broken within your lock that would prevent us from doing so, we will always be able to pick your lock rather than having to drill (this saves you money). Any competent licensed locksmith should be able to pick your lock rather than having to drill. Most high security locks may be the exception (i.e. ASSA, Medeco or Mul-t-lock).
Lastly, we will always quote you a flat rate up front. No surprises. We also boast some of the lowest prices in the San Fernando Valley
Professional Locksmith Questions
Are you affiliated with ALOA?
Yes. I have maintained an affiliation with ALOA for years.
My longstanding connection with a major professional locksmith association reflects the importance I place on locksmithing as a professional trade.
Are you affiliated with a safe and vault association?
I have an affiliation with the professional safe and vault technician community.
Have Another Locksmith Question?
Not every locksmith situation fits neatly into a frequently asked question. If you have a commercial lock concern, need a high-security solution, are experiencing a problem with a safe, need residential locksmith assistance, or are dealing with a lockout, contact me directly.
I’ll listen to what’s happening and help determine the appropriate next step. When you work with Lock and Key Ninja, you deal directly with me and receive the same straightforward approach across my services: professional locksmith work, practical recommendations, clear communication, and transparent flat-rate pricing without bait-and-switch price increases.
