I just moved... Do I need new locks?
If the locks on your home are in good working order you do not need new locks. Most locks on homes and businesses can be rekeyed. That means a licensed locksmith disassembles your lock and alters it to match a new key. When this is done you will have a new key and the old keys that worked the lock will no longer work. That means any prior homeowner, tenant, or employee who still has a key can no longer open your locks. A lock can be rekeyed to match most keys that can slide into the cylinder.
This service can be performed on-site or in-store.
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Can my lock be Rekeyed?
Want to change what key works your lock? Don't replace it; Rekey it! This simple and quick service involves disassembly of your lock by a skilled professional. They replace the internal components so they match a new key and the old key will no longer work. A lock can be rekeyed to match any key that slides into the cylinder.
Can all of my doors work with 1 key?
It depends on whether your locks are all compatible or not. The quickest way to see if your locks are compatible is to take the key from one of your locks and see if it will go into all of the other locks you want to rekey. The key does not need to turn, it only needs to slide into the lock smoothly. If it fits, that confirms that your locks are compatible brands and can be set to match one key. If the key does not go in you will need to replace some hardware if you want all of your locks working off of 1 key.
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What is a Master Key System?
A key system that is built around a hierarchy of access. With grand master keys, master keys, sub master keys, and change keys all giving different key holders different levels of access.
Most large institutions or facilities do not want their employees to carry around a large quantity of keys. Similarly, these institutions would like to restrict access based on an individual’s standing, and responsibility, within the establishment. A master key system will allow for different levels of restricted entry. When a master key system is finished there will be a graduated level of access...
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What is a "Do Not Duplicate Key"?
In the state of California any key that is marked "DUPLICATION PROHIBITED", "DO NOT DUPLICATE", or any variation; is ILLEGAL for anyone to copy without a "LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION". A copy of this letter must be presented to the person who is copying the key. That letter is kept on file in accordance with the law unless it is marked as a "one-time authorization".
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What is a Transponder key?
In the mid 90's most car manufacturers started embedding a close proximity transmitter into the head of their keys. This called a Transponder key. These keys do not have a battery; it is an embedded chip which is powered by radio signals that are sent by the car. The radio signals are very low strength and only activate the chip when the key is near the dashboard or when it is pushed into the ignition. If you only want to lock and unlock the doors of your car you do not need a transponder key, but to start your car you need a transponder key. The concept of the chip keys came into existence to reduce car theft risk. The hot wiring method to steal cars no longer works now that cars use an immobilizer system that reacts to a transponder key.
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Do you make keyless fobs for cars?
Yes! In recent years many manufacturers have started producing cars with no physical key at all. These vehicles are opened using a Fob (or similarly the Fobik system used by Chrysler). There are many different kinds of technologies used for keyless start, but in most of these systems the fob acts as both the remote and the transponder. Removing the physical key and replacing the cuts with the unique signal embedded on the key. Many consumers don't realize that these fobs usually have a hidden emergency key that should be cut as well. Programming fobs requires hooking directly to the vehicles OBD-II port in order to generate additional fobs. This process can take anywhere between 5 and 45 minutes. We encourage all our customers call or contact us first for a quote to make sure we have their fob in stock. We may also ask you to schedule time to bring in the vehicle.
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What is a "key by code"?
Most modern locks around the world have a key code. This number provides a locksmith with the information they need to make your key even if you've lost all of your existing keys. For furniture or roof racks it's often etched into the face of the lock. For cars and motorcycles it's usually hidden on the body of one of the cylinders of the vehicle. With your key code a locksmith can generate a key for your lock without needing you to bring them the lock and without a service call.
On many RV's and mailboxes, the original key that came with the lock will also include a keycode stamped onto the head. RECORD THAT NUMBER. If you ever lose all of the keys to those locks, a new key can be made by code. This is a much quicker and cheaper fix than the alternatives. Like costly emergency service calls involving potential damage to your locks.
For most situations you just call in the code, and then come pick up your key.
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Can you open my safe?
To answer this we need to know a few things first...
- What brand safe is it?
examples: Amsec, Sentry, Gardall
- Does it have a keypad, a mechanical dial, or a key?
examples: It has a dial and an override key
- What does it say on the dial or keypad?
examples: AMSEC, S&G, LAGARD
- Does it have a spot for an override key?
- Do you have the combination or the key?
- When was the last time the safe was open?
- Can you bring it in to our shop or do we need to come out to you?
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