Your home is only as strong as the door hardware securing it.

At C & E Lock & Safe Inc., we rekey and repair thousands of locks across Northwest Arkansas every year — and most homes are using the cheapest hardware sold on store shelves.

Here’s why your locks might not be protecting you the way you think.

Not All Locks Are Created Equal

There are three major grades of lock hardware:

Grade 3 – Basic Residential

This is what most homes have. It’s the cheapest, easiest to kick in, and designed for light use.

Grade 2 – Heavy Residential / Light Commercial

Much stronger. Better for rental homes, Airbnb units, and exterior doors.

Grade 1 – Commercial Grade

Top tier strength. Built to withstand heavy abuse and forced entry.

Most break-ins happen because the hardware fails — not because the lock was picked.

When Rekeying Isn’t Enough

Rekeying is great for controlling who has access, but it doesn’t improve physical strength.

If your door hardware is low-grade, rekeying simply changes the key — it doesn’t make you more secure.

We often recommend upgrades when:

• The door frame is weak
• The strike plate is tiny and uses short screws
• The deadbolt is a light-duty model
• The hardware was installed by a home builder using the cheapest option available

A couple of small upgrades can make a big difference.

Security Hardware That Actually Works

Here are the most effective improvements:

• Grade 1 Deadbolts

Much harder to kick in or force open.

• Reinforced Strike Plates

Using 3” screws that bite into the wall studs instead of just the trim.

• Continuous Hinges for Commercial Doors

Stops sagging and greatly increases strength.

• High-security locks

More pick-resistant and impact-resistant.

And remember — when you buy locks from us, we rekey them for free. Saves you money and ensures everything is set up correctly.

Avoid the Scammers While You’re Upgrading

Cheap “$19 locksmith” ads love to overcharge people for low-quality lock replacements. Before you call anyone to your home, watch this quick video we made to protect customers from common scams:

👉 https://youtu.be/320mgOBtTwk

Want Your Door Security Evaluated?

We can inspect your doors, hardware, and locks and make recommendations based on real-world security — not retail packaging.

📞 Call 479-521-LOCK
Fayetteville, AR

The post The Most Overlooked Part of Home Security: Your Door Hardware appeared first on C & E Lock & Safe, Inc..

It looks affordable, honest, and local — but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

These ads are part of a nationwide scam that tricks thousands of people every year. And yes, they’re active right here in Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, and surrounding areas.

Here’s exactly how it works and how to avoid it.

How the $19 Locksmith Scam Works

These scammers run fake websites claiming to be local locksmiths. They use stock photos, fake shop addresses, and dozens of phone numbers.

When you call:

1. You reach a national call center — usually not even in Arkansas
2. They quote you $19 or $29 to get you hooked
3. A random, untrained “tech” shows up
4. They claim your lock is “special” or “high-security”
5. They say drilling is required
6. Your final bill becomes $200–$500 or more

By the time people realize what happened, it’s too late.

We See the Damage Every Week

We’ve had customers:

• Overcharged by hundreds
• Left with destroyed locks
• Given no receipt
• Given keys that don’t even work
• Lied to about what was “required”
• Told they had to replace entire door hardware when they didn’t

Meanwhile, these scammers disappear — because none of the numbers or addresses are real.

How to Spot a REAL Local Locksmith

A legitimate locksmith will always:

✔ Have a real, walk-in shop
✔ Have branded service vans
✔ Use a local phone number (479-521-LOCK)
✔ Provide upfront pricing
✔ Be licensed and insured
✔ Have a physical presence in the community
✔ Offer long-term service and warranties

C & E Lock & Safe Inc. has been in business for decades. Scammers come and go — we don’t.

Watch Our Scam Video So You Don’t Get Burned

We created a short educational video showing what these scammers do and how they trick people.

👉 Watch the video: https://youtu.be/320mgOBtTwk

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this locksmith legit?” — this video will tell you exactly what to look for.

Call Someone Local Before You Get Locked Out

When you’re stressed and locked out, it’s easy to grab the first number you see. That’s exactly what scammers count on.

Save our number now:

📞 C & E Lock & Safe Inc. — 479-521-LOCK

The post Cheap Locksmith Ads: The $19 Trap That’s Still Catching People in NWA appeared first on C & E Lock & Safe, Inc..