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Re-keying
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Re-keying is the process of changing the pins in a lock's cylinder to work on a different key. When a lock is re-keyed, new keys are provided - with as many duplicates as necessary - and the old keys will no longer work.
Why Re-key?
In most cases of break-ins that do not involve forced entry, keys have been duplicated, lost, or stolen without the resident's knowledge. In these situations it is strongly recommended that you have your locks re-keyed. Once someone has access to your keys they can easily have them copied. Even if you recover the key following a case of burglary, there is still the chance that your home security has been compromised.
Re-keying can also be done as a pre-emptive measure if you suspect that someone has gained access to your keys. If you believe this person to have malicious intent, changing your locks may well avoid a break-in.
There are other times when re-keying is necessary, such as when you buy new locks and need them all to work on the same key, or when you need to have certain keys work certain locks.
Re-keying Other Locks
Most people have all the locks in their house keyed to one key, but this process can be extended to more than just the locks on your door. For example, it's possible to have your sliding patio door, a padlock on your gate, your filing cabinet, and your computer desk made to work on the same key.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Special 'Keying'
It is important to note a general rule in home security — keying your locks alike is done for convenience, not security. In an ideal world of security every lock would have its own key, although this is not convenient. It is important to keep in mind what each of your locks are for. If they all allow simple entry into your home, then it probably makes sense for them to be on the same key. If, however, they provide access to valuables, sensitive information, or other areas that you would like to have special protection in the event of a break-in, then you should consider giving them their own separate key.
Lock Installation / Repair
Home security is usually more than a simple knob on your front door. We service a variety of locks on a variety of fixtures, from your front door to your luggage.
Types of Locks
- Knobs
- Deadbolts
- Patio Doors
- Security Doors
- Screen Doors
- Gates
- Padlocks
- Mailboxes
- Standard Cabinets
- Filing Cabinets
- Desk Drawers
- Skeleton Key Locks
- Furniture Locks
- Luggage Locks
Repair vs. Replacement
Problems with home deadbolts and simple locks are often mechanical. Re-installing hardware, lubricating parts, or creating new keys can often have your locks working smoothly again. However, in some cases it is more practical to replace the locks. This requires taking off the old hardware, replacing it, and changing the new lock to work with your current key. We perform this re-keying service free when you purchase your new locks from us.
If you are more mechanically minded, you can remove the locks yourself and bring them in to us. If the problem cannot be repaired, we can provide you with new locks keyed to your old key. This saves us time and you money!
Emergency Services
If you have lost your keys and/or are locked out of your home, we can help! Our locksmiths can unlock your house, and our vans are equipped to perform other services such as making keys on the spot.
Will my locks be damaged?
Probably not. We will first try picking the locks using special tools, which won't cause any damage. In special cases where the lock cannot be picked we will try another method to get you inside (picking another door, etc.) before resorting to more destructive methods. There is usually an alternative.
I lost my key! What steps should I take?
That depends on where you lost it! In most cases where you've simply locked your keys inside the house, all you need is to get inside. If you've gotten inside but still can't find the keys, we can create a key to fit your lock.
On the other hand, if your keys were lost or stolen, especially along with something that identifies you or your house, you should seriously consider re-keying your locks. For example, if you simply dropped your key into a river, you may not have much cause for concern. If, however, your entire wallet was stolen along with your keys, you have a serious security problem.
Safe Services
We sell a variety of safes for a variety of purposes. We also repair and service them, and can change the combination. See our safes page for more information about the safes we sell.
I forgot my combination!
If you can remember two of three numbers, your best bet is to try each combination individually. If you can't remember which way to turn the dials (which can vary from safe to safe), we can often look up this information based on the brand and model number.
If you can't remember anything or you purchased the safe from a flea market and don't know the combination, it may be possible for us to manipulate it open. However, larger and more complicated safes can often be problematic, and although we can promise to get you in, it may be at the expense of the safe!
My safe suddenly won't open!
Safes have moving parts which can malfunction. If you have the correct combination, we can probably get the safe open and repair it. Drilling would be a last resort.
I want a simple home safe, but not a monster!
We carry a new line of smaller, microwave-sized safes that have an electronic combination keypad. Weighing in at about 100 lbs. these safes emphasize fire protection over burglary. However, they can be bolted down from the inside, which can deter a frantic would-be thief. See our safes page for details.
Keyless Locks
Although there are many different types of keyless locks out there, for residences this typically means a combination lock. There are also combination locks available that have a "backup" keyhole. We sell a variety of keyless locks and perform services on them just like normal keyed locks.
Advantages
Keyless locks put a certain amount of control in the hands of the customer that isn't there with a standard deadbolt. Having a combination means you can give instant access to anyone you want without worrying about duplicating keys. Since most combination locks can be changed (by you!) to a new combination, you can also "re-key" your home instantly. In addition, there are no keys that can get lost or stolen.
Disadvantages
Keyless locks usually cost more than standard locks, typically $100-$150 for a residence. Your combination can also be passed on more easily than your keys can be duplicated. It's important to be aware of who you've given access to, and to be cautious when entering your combination.
Examples of Keyless Locks
Kabo-Ilco Simplex 7000
- » Sturdy and Weather Resistant
- » For Interior or Exterior Use
- » Knob cannot be forced.
- » Mechanical Lock - No batteries or
power outages to worry about.
Kwikset Powerbolt 1000
- » 4-8 Digit Code
- » 2 Code Capacity
- » No wiring - 4AA Batteries
- » Low Battery Indicator
- » Easy to Program
Specialty Locks / Products
Decorative Locks
We can custom order locks to fit your home decor. These locks come in high-quality finishes such as brass, chrome, and bronze, and look great on any home. Call us or come visit our shop for more information or to browse our selection.
Skeleton Keys
Skeleton keys may be old-fashioned, but are still in use in many homes. We can pick these locks open and provide services such as key generation or duplication. In most cases, however, these locks cannot be re-keyed. Skeleton keys are also known as bit-and-barrel keys.
Peepholes
Also called "door viewers", these are fairly standardized, although some come in decorative variants as well as different sizes. We recommend wider angle peepholes to provide a better view.
Door Reinforcing Plates
Sometimes called "kickplates" or "magplates", having a reinforcing plate on your door will strengthen it to prevent break-ins, as well as reinforcing cracks or splits in the wood that can result from doors that have been damaged. They can also cover holes from previous knobs or deadbolts. We also sell heavy-duty strike plates which protect the area where the latch hits the door frame, which is a common weak link in forced-entry break-ins.
Key Boxes
Keyboxes are key storage units that look like padlocks and can be accessed with a combination. They are used quite commonly in real estate when keys are required to be kept on the premesis. They can be permanent or temporary solutions.
Garage Door Keypads
Although we do not service garage doors, we carry electronic keypads for use with them. These are simple wired garage door openers, but with a combination. They are easy to install and program.
