Frequently Asked Questions

What is a locksmith Association? 

Locksmith Associations are organizations committed to safeguarding the trust society has placed in Security Professionals, and the Security Industry. This is pursued in a number of ways, varying from Association to Association and from State to State. Some principle ways are: 

Accountability - through security checks, fingerprinting, background investigations, licensing, etc. 

Education & Training - through ongoing hands-on classes at the local, state and national levels, including Manufacturer and Distributor sponsored classes and seminars. 

How do I know if I am getting a properly trained professional?

Some states require that every locksmith business & each locksmith obtain a state issued license. Other states do not. Most of the states that require a license also require the applicant to pass a background check. Business license are required in some areas.  There are several national organizations that offer certifications. These national certifications require the person to pass a written exam.  You should ask it the person or business you are interested in using, have anyone on staff that is certified. (RL, CRL, CPL, CML, CPS, CMST, RST, CJS, CMS & others)

Do my locks need routine routing maintenance?

Locks are mechanical devices, and do require some routing maintenance. You need to check that all mounting screws and hardware are in place & properly secured. The latch or strike plate should also be checked to make sure that it is properly secured & aligned. Locks are a safety devise as will as a security devise, so annual checks of the hardware should be done. If any problems are noted, then a properly trained professional should be called to make the needed repairs. 

When and how should I lubricate my locks?

You should lubricate your locks twice a year for preventative maintenance. This should be done in the spring and fall and not in the middle of winter. The keyhole (keyway) and the latch or bolt should be sprayed with a non-oil type of lubricant such as WD-40.

What is the meaning of a code?

If you see a number stamped into the face or body of a lock, or a key, it might be a code number. Most code numbers are an alphanumeric combination, (letters & numbers) and some are only numbers. Several example of a code are 23423, L123, A234S. A code helps the locksmith identify the proper operating key for the lock.

Can a Locksmith cut a key from a number? 

In many cases a Locksmith can make a key for a lock, based on a code number when no key is available. This is commonly done for vehicles, padlocks, filing cabinets, etc. Proof of ownership & identification are generally required. This is done to safeguard your property & security.

What should I do if I loose my keys? 

Call a properly certified locksmith. A locksmith can generally open a locked door or vehicle, without doing any damage. They also should be able to generate a new key for most types of locks, if that’s required. This includes Autos, Motorcycle and ATV's as well as house & business locks. 

My keys have been stolen do I have to purchase new locks, to change the keys?

No. You can have a locksmith "rekey” your locks. Rekeying a lock is the process of replacing the tumblers (pins or wafers) in a lock cylinder with new tumblers of different sizes. A new key will be made to match the new tumblers and the old key will no longer work. Most of the time it’s not necessary to buy new hardware.

I have moved into a new house, should I change my locks?

Yes, Re-keying of locks is something that should be done, shortly after you purchase a new home, or move into a new apartment. You don’t know how many keys were cut for the locks & to whom they issued. You may find out that you new neighbors already have a key to your house. Re-keying the locks is usually significantly less expensive than replacing the hardware. 

What is a Master Key? 

It’s a myth that there exists a particular Master Key that will open all locks. A Master Key is created when a group of locks are "custom" coded so each lock uses a different key, but a combination is "added" so one key will open all locks. In order to Master key a group of locks the locks must all be made by the same manufacturer or at least have "common" Keyways.  If a group of locks are Master keyed, then each lock will operate with it's own individual key and the Master Key. The Master Key operates all the locks in the assigned group.

I would like all of the locks on my house to operate with the same key, can this be done? 

Yes this can be done. This is referred to as being "Keyed Alike". In most cases you can keep your existing locks & hardware. An easy test to see if your locks are able to be keyed alike, is to try a key, from (1) door lock & see if that key will enter the cylinders (keyway) of the other locks. Generally, if the one key will enter all of the other locks, then they can all be "Keyed Alike".

What is the meaning of "impressioning"? 

Impressioning is one of the techniques used for fitting a key to a lock, when no key is available. This is done without taking the lock apart. This process begins with a properly prepared uncut key blank. Some locks impression better than others. Not all locks can be impressioned.