Frequently Asked Questions

Owned and Operated Since 2012

When are you available?

For emergencies, I am available 24/7, but my in-store hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. After my normal hours, and on weekends I do scheduled service calls. If you need any work done, feel free to give me a call at any time.

Do I have to go back to the dealer for a new car key?

No. I am able to make replacement automotive keys including, transponder, flip out, and proximity keys. If you lose your last key I have the ability to originate a new one by using either your key code or VIN. There are very few vehicles where you have to go back to the dealer.

What is the difference between rekeying and master keying?

Rekeying is the process of changing the pins in a lock, so a new kill will work the lock.  Master keying is pinning a lock with two sets of pins so that two different keys will open the lock.  Master keyed locks are used on apartment complexes and similar situations where each individual tenant has their own key that only opens their unit, and the property manager has a key that that works on every unit.

How Many Car Keys Should I have?

If your key does not have a transponder in it, I recommend at least 2.  If you lose one, you have a spare so you can get a new copy made.  However if you have a transponder I recommend having 3 keys because if you loose one, it is normally less expensive to program a new chip key if you currently have two working keys.

What are these $15 lockouts I see advertised?

I have had a number of customers come to me complaining about the “$15 locksmiths”. The way that works is you are charged $15 for the lockout, and then a ridiculous amount for the service call, or they charge you a fee claiming it was an emergency call. Another thing I have heard was that they claim the only way to open the lock is by drilling it out and replacing it with a new one. I have the skill to pick most locks in under a minute, including “pick resistant” locks, and if needed I can generate you a new key.

Why would I use a locksmith when the big box stores often offer rekeying?

Locksmiths are trained in the art of rekeying locks. I had a client that runs an apartment complex come to me and tell me his boss purchased 30 locks from a big box store for less than I was selling them to him for. After he picked them up for his boss, he found out that the keys were hard to turn in the lock. Only one pin off by only half the thickness of a sheet of paper can make the key inoperable in the lock.

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