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 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 jamb. 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.
 Top
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 car. 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 there as well. A key
by code can save you money over having a key fitted to the car
on-site. Expect to pay from fifteen to fifty dollars for a key
by code.
Top
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 etcetera, who are no longer relevant, have
had access to that key. For a small fee All Time Locksmith will 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.
All-Time Locksmith installs, replaces and upgrades lock cylinders, locksets and deadbolt locks.
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. We supply master keys 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 etcetera so that one key opens them all.
1. Lock cylinder removal and assembly
This section deals with cylinder removal and assembling a wide variety of common locksets
2. Using shim stock
This section deals with using shim stock during the process of removing a cylinder. We also deal with
other methods of removing a plug when no key is available
3. Using a LAB multi pin kit.
This section deals with using a LAB multi pin kit with its 20 pinning charts.
4. Tips and tricks
This is the most useful section in this series. It deals with my 20 years of experience and
offers you tips and tricks to save you valuable time.
Top
Please note:
Re-keying only restarts a cycle. There are number of reasons for home or business keys falling
into the wrong hands.
Duplicating standard keys is a simple matter. They only have to be taken to a locksmith at
any store. Nobody asks for identification or proven authorization before duplicating keys.
Even copying the serial number on a key makes its duplication possible.
Re-keying your locks doses not solve all your problems. It only restarts the cycle
that leads to expensive repetitive re-keying.
In order to maximize the scope and flexibility of a new system, you should evaluate your current
and future organizational needs.
Is the "Do Not Duplicate" marking
on a key enough for controlling key duplication?
No. While we respect the
"Do Not Duplicate" marking on a key, many discount stores do
not. To effectively prevent unauthorized key duplication, a
restricted key lock should be used such as Medeco or Keymark
Locks.
Top
Can I buy lock openning tools?
No, it is illegal in most states to sell or
possess burglary or entry tools.
Miami Locksmith will not sell entry tools to anyone.
Is there such a thing as a key that can open all locks?
No. A "master" key is a key which
works many locks. In order for a particular master key to work
in a lock, the lock has to be set up to work on that master
key. Locks are typically master keyed in hotels, office
buildings, and schools. Rest assured that there is no such
master key that opens all locks.
How a lock cylinder works?.
Top
Parts of a Cylinder
| Tumbler Springs |
Cylinder Plug |
| Driver Pins |
Cylinder Chambers |
| Tumbler Pins |
Cylinder Shell |
|
Ford Focus ? Toyota ? Dodge ?
If you have one of those cars and you can't turn the ignition switch on or off
you probably will have to change the ignition switch.
the dealer prices on replacing new ignition switch will be up to 3 times higher then a local locksmith.
call now 1-888-599-5551 and will send you a Auto/Car locksmith that will replace for you a new ignition switch.
|
I have a key marked "Do Not Duplicate." Can I get a copy of it anyway?