Frequently Asked Questions
At Sundial Locksmith, we’re dedicated to providing you with clear information about our services. This FAQ section answers common questions about our reliable automotive, residential, and commercial locksmith solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our products and services.
How quickly can a technician reach me when I’m locked out?
Locksmith response time varies by location and time of day, but Sundial Locksmith keeps multiple technicians deployed across Tempe and the greater Maricopa County area so someone is almost always nearby. Because we’re an established locksmith company with a real team — not a single operator juggling calls — we can dispatch the right technician with the right equipment without delay. When every minute counts, that depth of coverage makes a real difference. Call Sundial Locksmith at (480) 525-7778 and we’ll give you an honest arrival estimate right on the phone.
Do you offer emergency locksmith service, or only scheduled appointments?
We handle both — planned work like deadbolt installation and smart lock installation, as well as urgent situations like a car lockout, house lockout, or a broken key stuck in a lock. Our emergency locksmith service is built for the moments that can’t wait: late-night lockouts, keys that won’t turn, and locks that fail at the worst possible time. You’ll speak with a real person who dispatches a skilled locksmith technician, not a call center that passes your number to whoever answers first.
How do I know the technician showing up is actually qualified?
Sundial Locksmith employs licensed locksmith and certified locksmith technicians who have been vetted, trained, and equipped to handle a wide range of lock and key challenges — from standard residential work to advanced automotive key programming. We’ve been in business since 2009, we have a genuine storefront, and we’ve earned recognition from both local and national organizations in the industry. When you call a locksmith near me and aren’t sure who’s coming, that uncertainty itself is a problem — our credentials and permanent address give you a clear answer before anyone arrives.
What areas do you serve in and around Phoenix?
Sundial Locksmith serves homeowners, drivers, and businesses throughout Maricopa County, including Tempe, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Tempe, Gilbert, Mesa, Cave Creek, North Phoenix, and surrounding communities. Whether you’re locked out of your car in Old Town Scottsdale or need a lock rekey service at a home in North Scottsdale, our technicians cover the region. If you’re unsure whether your address falls within our service area, just call (480) 525-7778 — we’ll confirm in seconds.
Can you make and program a replacement key for my car on-site?
Yes — our auto locksmith technicians arrive with professional-grade key cutting and programming equipment, which means a properly cut, fully programmed replacement key is completed at your location in most cases. This matters because a car lockout service that ends with an unprogrammed key is no service at all. We work with vehicles from the year 2000 forward, including cars, trucks, and SUVs with transponder keys, proximity fobs, and push-button ignition systems. Call Sundial Locksmith at (480) 525-7778 and give us your year, make, and model so we can confirm compatibility before dispatch.
What’s included in a lock rekey service, and why would I need it?
A lock rekey service involves changing the internal pins of your existing lock so that old keys no longer work and new keys are cut to match — no lock replacement required. This is the smart choice when an ex-tenant, former partner, contractor, or anyone else still has a copy of your key and you want to close that security gap immediately. Our residential locksmith technicians can rekey entire homes quickly, and we can provide multiple copies of the new key at the same appointment. It’s one of the most practical security upgrades a homeowner can make.
What’s the difference between rekeying and replacing a lock entirely?
Rekeying changes only the key that operates the lock, while lock replacement service means swapping out the entire lock hardware. Rekeying is typically faster and more economical when the hardware itself is in good condition. Lock replacement makes more sense when the existing lock is damaged, outdated, low-quality, or when you’re ready to upgrade to a high security lock installation or smart lock installation. Our technicians will walk you through the honest recommendation for your specific situation — not the more expensive option by default.
Do you install smart locks and keyless entry systems?
Absolutely — smart lock installation and keyless entry installation are among the most requested upgrades from homeowners who want access control without managing physical keys. We carry and install leading brands and can help you choose a system that fits your door type, lifestyle, and security goals. Whether you want a PIN-only setup, a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connected lock, or a hybrid model that still accepts a physical key, we’ll handle the installation correctly the first time. A botched smart lock installation can leave gaps in your door alignment or security — our technicians have the tools and experience to avoid that.
Can you extract a broken key from my lock without damaging the lock itself?
Broken key extraction is a specialty service that requires precision tools and steady technique — not improvised methods that can push fragments deeper or scratch the cylinder. Our locksmith technicians handle key stuck in lock situations and full breaks regularly and arrive equipped to remove the fragment cleanly in most cases. After extraction, we can cut a new key on-site if needed and assess whether the lock cylinder itself was compromised. Attempting this yourself with household tools often turns a fixable problem into a full lock replacement.
How is Sundial Locksmith different from a locksmith I find through a map ad or a directory listing?
Many map ads and online directories surface pop-up locksmith operations — often a single person with a generic business name, a non-local number, and no fixed location to hold them accountable. Sundial Locksmith has operated as a professional locksmith service since 2009, with a real storefront, a full team of certified locksmith technicians, specialized equipment for automotive and residential work, and recognition from industry organizations. That permanence means we have something to protect — our name, our address, and the relationships we’ve built across Tempe and Maricopa County. When you call us, you know exactly who is showing up and what they’re qualified to do.
What are high security locks, and are they worth the upgrade?
High security lock installation involves replacing standard builder-grade hardware with locks engineered to resist picking, bumping, drilling, and key duplication without authorization. These locks often carry ANSI Grade 1 ratings and come with restricted key systems that prevent unauthorized copies from being made at a hardware store. For homeowners in areas like Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and North Phoenix — where property values are high and deterrence matters — the upgrade is a meaningful investment in long-term peace of mind. Our technicians can assess your existing hardware and recommend the right fit for your doors and budget.
Do you set up master key systems for businesses and property managers?
Yes — a master key system lets you organize access across multiple doors and lock levels so that certain keys open certain areas while a single master key can open all of them. This is a common and practical solution for commercial locksmith clients: apartment complexes, small office buildings, medical offices, and retail spaces where different staff need different levels of access. Sundial Locksmith designs, cuts, and installs these systems with documentation and pinning charts so you always know exactly how your access hierarchy is structured. It’s a professional-grade solution that scales as your business grows.
Is my personal information secure?
Yes, we take the security of your personal information seriously. We use industry-standard encryption and security measures to protect your data. Your information will only be used for order processing and will not be shared with any third parties.
How can I contact your customer service?
Our customer service team is available to assist you via email, phone, or live chat. You can find our contact information on our websites Contact Us page. We strive to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
How does pricing work — will I get a firm quote before work begins?
Yes, always. Sundial Locksmith provides a clear price before any work begins, and our technicians do not start until you’ve agreed to that number. We don’t quote one price over the phone and present a different invoice on-site — that practice is unfortunately common with less accountable operations, and it’s one of the reasons we built our reputation on transparency. Pricing varies based on service type, lock hardware, and vehicle make and model, so calling (480) 525-7778 with the details of your situation will get you the most accurate estimate.
Do you work with insurance companies and roadside assistance dispatchers?
Yes — Sundial Locksmith works regularly with insurance adjusters, roadside assistance programs, and fleet and dealership managers who need a professional locksmith service they can rely on without micromanaging the call. We understand the documentation, timelines, and follow-up expectations that come with those relationships. Because we’re an established locksmith company with a real storefront and a team of technicians, we can handle volume and consistency in a way a solo operator simply cannot. If you’re a dispatcher or adjuster looking to add a dependable partner to your referral list, call us directly at (480) 525-7778.
What should I do if I’m locked out of my house right now?
Stay calm, move to a safe and shaded spot — especially important in the Tempe heat — and call Sundial Locksmith at (480) 525-7778. Our house lockout service dispatches a technician who can open your door without damage in most cases and without needing to drill or replace hardware. Please avoid trying to force windows, credit-card the door, or call whichever number appears first in a map ad — those shortcuts often create more damage or connect you to an unverified operator. We’ll give you an honest arrival window on the call and stay in contact if anything changes.
What do I do if I’m locked out of my car in a parking lot or on the road?
Get to a safe location away from traffic, then call (480) 525-7778 — our car lockout service sends a trained auto locksmith who can unlock your vehicle without damage to the door, window seal, or locking mechanism. This is especially important with newer vehicles that have complex door electronics and paint-coated weather stripping that tears easily with improvised tools. Have your vehicle’s year, make, model, and your location ready when you call so we can dispatch the right technician immediately. We take locked out of car calls seriously because we know the stress and safety risk that come with being stranded.
Do you service commercial properties and business locations?
Yes — our commercial locksmith services cover office lockout service, lock rekey service after employee turnover, access control upgrades, master key system setup, and high security lock installation for businesses of all sizes. Locksmith for business work requires a different level of planning and discretion than residential calls, and our technicians are experienced in both. We can work around your business hours to minimize disruption, and we maintain clear records of any work performed for your files. A business that experiences a security breach or lock failure after hours can’t afford to wait on an unequipped operator.
Is there a warranty or guarantee on the work you perform?
Yes — Sundial Locksmith stands behind the quality of every service, from a simple lock rekey service to a full high security lock or smart lock installation. If something isn’t right after we leave, we come back and make it right — that’s the commitment of an established company with a real address and a reputation to protect. Hardware warranties vary by manufacturer and product, and our technicians will explain coverage specifics for any lock or key system we install. You won’t be left chasing a disconnected number or a van that’s moved on to the next zip code.
