Frequently Asked Questions

Locked the keys in your car?
Lost your car keys?

The day of opening your vehicle with a coat hanger. Auto makers have significantly improved the security of today's vehicles. Allowing someone other than a Locksmith to use old methods like opening your locked car door with a coat hanger may cause significant damage to your vehicle. A certified locksmith carries manuals explaining in detail how to open your vehicle door locks. They also have tools specifically designed for each make and model vehicle be it domestic or foreign.

A door is not just a door anymore. Today's vehicles have a lot going on inside the door, like side impact air bags, electrical wires for power locks, and plastic clips for the inside and outside lock linkage. Without the right tools and knowledge, you may damage the vehicle door lock while trying to open it.

Today the police do not always respond to lockouts. Many police departments will open vehicles only in extreme emergency situations because of the financial responsibility related to accidentally damaging a citizens' vehicle.

Locksmiths are trained professionals who use finesse, not force. A locksmith has all the tools ,experience and knowledge of how to open vehicle doors without keys.

A botched car opening job can easily cause $150.00 worth of damage to your door panel.

Our automotive locksmiths also do the following :
• Make vehicle keys on site for auto doors, trunks, and ignitions.
• Change car locks and re-key ignition switches, door locks and trunk locks.
• Vehicle door lock linkage repairs.
• Replace damaged locks, handles and ignitions.

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 by a Certified Locksmith with a letter of authorization from the owner. 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 the lock cylinder.

First spray the lock with light penetrating oil (such as WD-40). Do not be afraid to spray too much and have a paper towel handy to pick up the excess. Spray the oil into the keyhole and onto the bolt mechanism. Move the key in and out of the lock cylinder and turn the bolt mechanism 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 the door frame. Look for obstructions at the threshold and on the door jamb. Also check the door and frame for warping. If you have weather strip 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.

I have lost my vehicle keys. What do I do?

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. Sometimes these codes are written on the cover of the owner's manual or can be found on a white sticker located in the glove box or trunk. A key by code can save you money over having a key cut by code on-site.

What is the difference between re-key & master keying.

Re-keying means adjusting the tumblers in an existing lock so that only new keys can open it.

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.

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.

Is there such a thing as a key that can open all locks?

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 etc.., have access to that key. For a small fee a 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 home.

Can I buy lock opening tools?

No, it is illegal in most states to sell or own burglary or entry tools. ATC Lock & Key will not sell opening tools to anyone.

Is there such a thing as a master key that can open any lock?

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 any lock.

How does a lock cylinder work?




Locked your keys in your car? Don't let this happen to you.
Call a Locksmith!

 

 

 

We will not be stopped by any lock!