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This section provides you with explanations for your queries. You can e-mail any additional questions and clarify your concerns with a locksmith expert.

The following are some of the common concerns raised by locksmith clients. You can mail your questions if they are not answered here and they will be included in the FAQ section.

1. I have a few Locksmith service providers in my area, how do I know I'm choosing the best one? 
    
Sadly, America’s locksmith trade is taken almost for granted. A lot of people are calling themselves locksmiths after doing a few hours of online courses.

The main objective in calling a professional team of locksmiths is to make sure they know how to deal different types of locks, have many years of experience, and are highly trained and offer excellent and professional services to clients. You should always read client testimonials, to know more about who the technicians are, what they do, and how they do it. 

2. I'm locked out of my car, what should I do to open it myself? Should I report it to the police? Or should I inform a professional Auto-Locksmith?

Today cars have advanced security technology so it requires real genuine knowledge about the ins and outs of particular car types.

To open a locked car, you need to not only know the technology behind the car locks you are dealing with but you also need to have the experience and the special auto-locksmith tools so that you do not damage the car and the accessories of the car in the process of opening the lock.

Attempting to open a locked vehicle without the right tools, would result in damaging your car. Do not ever try and deal with a locked car yourself, it won't help to call the cops as well - as they hardly ever take action to such a call. The only way-out is to call a professional locksmith and not any locksmith - make sure he's a car-locksmith and that he knows what he's doing. It may cost you a couple of dollars, but it will ensure that your car is unlocked in the safest way possible.

3. Can I make a Duplicate key when the original key is marked “Do not duplicate”?

Yes, you can! If there is a consent letter of authorization from the owner with the request for duplication, a key marked “Do not duplicate”, “Do not Copy” may be duplicated.

However, the letter must be on the owner’s letter-head and it should 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.

"Request for Restricted Keys" form should be filled out by the person picking up the keys. Technicians have the right to reject any request to duplicate any key marked "Do Not Duplicate."  
 

4.  My car keys are lost, what should I do?

If you are the original buyer of the car, you will only have access to a key code. In the original bill of sale the code will be mentioned. This code is seldom written on the cover of the owner's manual.

5. Can I get opening tools to repair locks in the market?

 You must be authorized to posses them.  Technicians do not sell these tools to anyone.

6. Can I get the approximate cost for a specific locksmith or security task?

In most cases, yes! Either call and ask by phone, or look for a "FREE ESTIMATE" option on the service provider's website. If the option exists, Your form should be appraised and a skilled locksmith should offer you a free evaluation.

7. What is a jiggler key?

A thin piece of metal cut in the general shape of a key is a jiggler key.

The jiggler slips into the keyway of many locks and most car locks.  The jigglers in the set come with a variety of general cuts that vaguely resemble cuts on keys.  A jiggler is slipped into the lock and moved around, much as using a rake type pick, until the lock opens.

If one jiggler does not work then the next one in the set is tried.  Probability of success depends on the skill of the user.

However, jigglers can be used by locksmiths only with the knack of operation. If unprofessionals are using the tool, they might damage the lock until its at an unrepairable condition.

8. What is the moral code for locksmiths? 

Lock smithing is an old craft and locksmiths have a strong belief in ethical responsibility.

A trained locksmith has the personal integrity to avoid abusing this skill.

Sadly, this harmless concept has been integrated into the 'hacker ethic' which is found in the "hacking community" and elsewhere.

9. I am stuck with a lock problem in a remote area on the Highway at mid-night. Can a locksmith come to help me?

With pleasure! You can call most locksmith services 24/7, or send an e-mail. A Dispatch team shouldl immediately send a locksmith to your location.

10. What is re-key and how does master key differ from it?

Re-keying refers to modifying the tumblers in an already existing lock in a way that only new keys will be able to open it.
A number of people who are using the same keys they got when they purchased the house are unaware of whether the previous owners of the house have duplicates of the same key. Most technicians can re-key your locks, thereby providing you with the peace of mind that only you can access your home or office with your new set of keys.
Lost your keys? Relax! Re-keying will be able to help you change your locks’ tumblers and help you with re-keys. Locksmith techncians can also upgrade and compensate for lock cylinders, locksets and deadbolt locks.

Master Keying is the process where all the locks in your house are remodeled in a way that you will be able to open them with just one single key.  By this process you will be using one single key for multiple locks rather than using a bunch of keys. Master keys can be made for all buildings like hospitals, office buildings and residences in which there are a number of compatible locks. You can master key your home so that one key opens the gate, garden garage etcetera.
Re keys and master keys should be considered in cases where you have rented a new place, the keys that your landlord provided are fine and in good working order, but remember, there have been many who have had access to them before!
Also some real estate companies swap the locking system from one home to another to save their lock changing expenses!

11.  I have a difficulty turning my key, it does not turn smoothly, what should I do?

Try spraying light penetrating oil obtainable from a number of hardware stores. Let the oil penetrate inside the bolt and try your key now. Do not open the bolt unless you have sufficient expertise to reassemble it.

12.  I am aware of the mechanisms of changing the locks can I do it?

Yes, you can do it yourself, provided you are sure of the security features of the locks you get from the market.  If you are sure they were not used in some other homes before, and if you are sure that you have got the locks from a branded manufacturer so that you have the security feature for the lock codes. If you get the keys from a cheap store you cannot be sure if someone has access to the key code previously.