FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use a professional locksmith company?

Skilled professional locksmiths bring experience and fund of knowledge in lock, safe & security problems and are better prepared to solve security issues to your unique situation. A professional locksmith can prescribe state-of-the-art products that work, and more effective solutions in an efficient manner.

I have a key marked “Do Not Duplicate.” Can I get a copy of it anyway?

Keys marked “Do Not Duplicate,” ” Do Not Copy,” or “Unlawful to Copy” may be duplicated only if a letter of authorization from the owner or supervisor is presented with the request for duplication. The letter should be on company letterhead and identify the key to be made, the number of keys, the person picking up the keys, and the name and number of the person writing the letter. The person picking up the keys will be required to fill out a “Request for Restricted Keys” form. We reserve the right to refuse to duplicate any key marked “Do Not Duplicate.”

My key does not insert or withdraw easily or it has difficulty turning.

First spray the lock with light penetrating oil (such as WD-40). This oil can be found at most hardware stores, but can even be found at some drug stores and supermarkets. Don’t be afraid to spray too much, but have a paper towel handy to pick up the excess. Spray the oil into the keyhole and onto the bolt mechanism. Move the bolt in and out to allow the oil to penetrate into the lock. Do not take the lock apart if you are not confident you can put it back together.

The lock doesn’t lock and unlock smoothly.

After you have tried the above solution, check to see it the lock operates smoothly with the door open. If it does, your The lock problem is not in the lock, but rather in the alignment of the door and frame. Look for obstructions at the threshold and in the door jammed. Also check the door and frame for twists and warps. The door should completely rest against the door stop and stay there. If the door rests at the stop at the top or bottom only then the door or frame is twisted. If the door springs open then the hinges are probably binding. If you have weatherstrip on the door, it could be obstructing the path of the door. Keep in mind, wooden doors and frames will warp and swell with temperature and humidity, and metal doors and frames will twist and rust with age.

I have lost my car keys.

Sometimes a key code is available. You will only have access to this code if you are the original buyer of the keys. This code is typically written on the original bill of sale which you may have or the car dealership may have. Rarely, these codes are written on the cover of the owner’s manual. So check this as well. A key by code can save you money over having a key fitted to the car on-site.

What is the difference between rekey & master keying.

Re-keying means adjusting the tumblers in an existing lock so that only new keys can open it. Many people, who continue to use the same key that they received when they bought their home, have no idea of how many people such as tradesmen, neighbors and friends… who are no longer relevant, have had access to that key. Most technicians can re-key your locks and give you the security of knowing that only you and the people you trust will have access to your domain.Lost your keys? Relax; re-keying will adapt your existing locks to new keys.

Master Keying

Did you know that you might need only one key for all the locks in your house or business? Locks of the same manufacture can usually be keyed alike. This means replacing your bunch of keys with a single key.

Master keying enables two different and distinct keys to open one lock. Master keying regulates access to specific zones while having one master key that accesses all zones. Master keys can be supplied for all buildings such as hospitals, office buildings and residences in which there are a number of compatible locks. Now its possible to re-key your home, gate, garden shed… so that one key opens them all.

I don’t remember who installed this key lock, how can I make a copy of the key?

On the head of the key, you will usually find the locksmith’s name and phone number. If you don’t see a name, try to look all over the key. You should see a phone number there. Locksmiths usually put their number on the key.

I can’t find my signature card. What do I do?

A signature card is valuable and should always be kept in a safe place. If you’ve misplaced your signature card, simply give us a call. Once we’ve verified your identity and verified that the lock was installed by us, we will create you a new signature card and void the old one so that it may not be used.

The locksmith that originally installed my key lock is out of business or no longer reachable, how can I get a copy of the key?

This happens on occasion. Call us to talk about the various options. In these cases, sometimes the locksmith has authorized another licensed locksmith to take over his business. We will help you anyway we can!

My home came with one of these locks, but the previous owner never gave me the signature card. How can I make additional copies of the key? Furthermore, can the original owner make copies of my key without my knowledge?

If your home came with a high security lock, the combination can usually be changed so that the former owner can no longer use existing keys to the lock. Even if the former owner created a copy using the signature card, the key would not work because the combination inside the lock would have been changed. If we installed your lock, call us, we will void the old signature card, create you a new one and update the records so that the previous owner is no longer authorized to make copies of the key.

High Security Services

  • Medeco locks
  • Mul-T-Lock
  • Camera surveillance systems
  • Electric pass card systems
  • Protective steel gates
  • Accordion gates
  • Specialized locks for glass doors

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514-502-9096