FAQ
FAQ
We hope to answer most of your questions here.
Please feel free to call or email us with any further inquiries.
Q. Why don't the duplicate keys made at the local home improvement center work in my lock?
A. Because their solitary key machine is made for monkeys. Home improvement centers do not spend the time or make the investment training their employees. Locksmiths have several machines calibrated to .001 of an inch to provide you with an exact duplicate as possible. Locksmiths are skilled tradesmen with many years of experience. The part-time dude at the home center sporting a green Mohawk haircut and a dozen different piercings in each orifice doesn't much care if your key works or not. We DO!
Q. Why do your keys cost more?
A. Yes, our keys are indeed a whopping 31 cents more than a home improvement center. However, ours work the first time. We also use quality brass blanks for all of our keys. The time and expense making several return trips to your home improvement center for a duplicate key that works, negates the pennies saved by purchasing an inferior duplicate key. Gasoline is how much per gallon?
Q. My home is new, why should I change the locks?
A. While most builders are honest, they cannot control the subcontractors or their employees. We have seen large housing developments where every 5th house is keyed alike. This makes it easy for subcontractors as they only need 5 keys for the entire development. What those subcontractors do with the duplicates of those keys is anyone's guess. There are also developments or subdivisions that are masterkeyed. Who has copies of that masterkey NOW?
Q. Why must I "jiggle" my key for it to work?
A. Generally, locks are precision machined to a few thousandths of an inch. As the pins inside the lock wear down, "jiggling" the key raises them closer to their original height. Another explanation could be too many duplicate key generations. For example: a duplicate of a copy, of a worn copy, of a copy of that one, etc... Each duplicate of a duplicate increases the error.
Q. Why are your locks more expensive?
A. Because we sell better quality. Every single lock you see in the home improvement center was designed to meet a price point. That is why it is there. Do you really think they care about your security? Of course not. Many people want cheap locks, and home centers are there to provide them. However, there are those who want locks worth something, and that is why we are here. Locks are what we do. We are the experts. Yes, our locks may be $10 more in some cases.
Q. Are bump keys really a threat?
A. YES. Just because the local paper or channel 8 doesn't list all the burglaries as a result of bumping, doesn't mean it does not exist. In fact, many police departments are unaware of the statistics or the evidence of a bump key attack. While they have extensive training in many areas, they are not trained to be a locksmith. Please see our Locksmith Services page for more detailed information about bump keys.
Q. Why should I change the locks after a tenant leaves?
A. Even if the tenant swears they gave you all the keys, you will have no idea if duplicates were made. In this day and age, people will sue you at the drop of a hat. It's not worth risking prior tenants coming back to save a few dollars on a rekey. However, we now offer locks that do not need to be changed after changing tenants. Please call or email for more information.
Q. Should I change locks after an employee leaves or gets fired?
A. Absolutely! You are not only protecting your business and it's assets, but what happens if that employee comes back and destroys your records or accounts receivable? What happens if they gain access to your other employee's private information? You are liable. There have also been cases of an employee being fired and other employees taking advantage by theft, espionage, or vandalism in the fired employee's name. Changing the locks keeps you in control of your business.
Automotive FAQ
Q. All my keys are lost, do I have to go back to my dealer?
A. NO! We can make replacement keys for your vehicle. We will come to where the vehicle is, you do not need to have it towed! Don't be misled by the car dealer's statement that they are the only ones who can make keys for your vehicle. They know full well we can do it for a more reasonable fee.
Q. I do not have my key code, can you still make me keys?
A. Yes we can. Most times we don't have a key code provided for us to use. This happens for various reasons. As we are Locksmiths, we don't need codes to do the job! We originate replacement keys using our skills and knowledge.
Q. What are "Transponder" or "Computer Chip Keys" ?
A. A transponder is nothing more than a small computer chip inside the head of a newer automotive key. This transponder "talks" to your car's computer. As well as needing the correct mechanical cuts, the key must also tell the car's computer that it is the correct key and it's okay start the vehicle.
Q. Can you make transponder keys, or keys with the small "computer chip" inside?
A. Yes! Most times you do not have to go back to the dealer and pay their exorbitant prices. We can duplicate those keys. We can also program your car's computer to accept new keys. We have the same equipment, use the same blanks, and have the same if not better training then your car dealer has.
Q. Someone has my key, can you change my vehicle locks?
A. Yes. We do it all the time. Divorces, separations, repossessions, stolen purses, daughter's boyfriend, etc... We can come to you, or you may leave the vehicle with us. We change all the tumblers and if needed, reprogram the car's computer.
Q. My lock is broken or worn out, can you fix it?
A. Yes. We routinely repair or replace worn or broken ignitions and exterior vehicle locks. We stock many different types of lock cylinders up to and including 2008 models.
Q. I have an old car or truck from the 70's, do you work on those?
A. You betcha! We have the older rekeying kits and cylinders in stock. We are Locksmiths, we work on almost anything. Feel free to drop your 1931 Duesenberg and we will happily make keys for it.
Safes FAQ
Q. My safe is locked up, can you open it?
A. Yes. There are usually several ways we can open your safe.
Q. It takes me ten tries to open my safe, what's wrong with it?
A. Your safe is talking to you. It's saying you need to call us to come out and give it a tune up. Safes need to be serviced, just like your car does. The lock may be dry, worn, or dirt can be creating the problem. We can come out and make it as good as new.
Q. I like those electronic pushbutton locks, can I have one on my safe?
A. Yes! We can retrofit electronic locks and key locks to most safes. There are many different types and styles. Let us know what you want and we will accommodate you.
Q. Can I have two locks on my safe?
A. Yes. We can put three on it if you wish. We do all sorts of custom safe work. The more weird and off the wall, the more we like it. Tell us what you want, and we will make it happen.
Q. I see my local home improvement center has safes for $189.95. Are they any good?
A. As a firebox storing papers, maybe. If you are planning to keep anything more than $10 worth of valuables inside it, you're taking a big risk. There's a reason it costs what it does. After all, it is in the home center. This is one area where you definitely get what you pay for. Home improvement center "safes" can easily be popped open by anyone with a big screwdriver and a crowbar. Check out You Tube for videos on how to pop open Sentry safes.
If it's worthy of locking in a safe, don't fool around with a toy.
Q. We're moving and we need our safe moved or disposed of. Can you help us?
A. Yes. We currently move up to 5,000 lbs. Please call us with your information.
Q. Why do I need a safe? I can just use my local bank.
A. The term "Banker's Hours" didn't come from thin air. There is also the perceived notion that you are afforded complete privacy when utilizing your safe deposit box. You sign in and out, you are always video taped, and the bank employee handles your box. Checking with your personal attorney you will find that the state can and will inventory your safe deposit box in the event of death. If grandpa left you his pocket watch or your parents left you a few bucks inside that box, be prepared to pay tax on it!
No, it's not right, but that's the government for you.
A quality safe of moderate or higher degree of security will afford you adequate protection. It will also last a lifetime, and then some. No one looking over your shoulder, no government agency snooping into your personal affairs, no cameras watching your every move, no rental fee, and 24 hour access to your property.
Q. I need a really good safe for cash or other "things". Do you handle those?
A. YES. Over the years we have entertained what some may consider, strange requests. At this point, it would take quite a bit to sound strange to us. We are not in the business of being nosy. Our business is selling, repairing, and customizing safes. It is not our business what goes in your safe. Tell us what you want, and we will provide it for you. We take personal privacy VERY seriously.
Q. You say you customize safes. What exactly is that?
A. We will do whatever you ask of us. The difficult we can do right away, the impossible may take a little longer. We can add combination locks, digital locks or key locks to your door. We can put them in places where many other dealers can't. We can add remote relockers to your safe door. This adds to your security as no one but you and the person who fabricates it knows where they are. We do our own welding and machine shop service in house. We can custom paint or powder coat your safe. We also provide custom graphics, applied or painted. Tell us what you want, we will make it happen for you.
Q. I have a physical disability, can you help me with a safe for my needs?
A. Yes we can. We offer many solutions that will help you use a safe, including carpentry.
Please call us with your information.
Q. Do you offer delivery service?
A. Yes.
610-589-5272
or
717-304-5113
