Did you know that Studebaker cars from the 1950s caused a great deal of problems for locksmiths of the time? Door cylinders in this model were held by an internal retainer, and the door skin was so narrow that a human hand couldn’t fit, necessitating the use of a special tool.
Interestingly, the first keys were made by blacksmiths, who were also responsible for fashioning their corresponding locks. It wasn’t until much later that locksmiths took over the craft of making both locks and keys.
If you prefer using a key to open your car door, or own a classic car with a mechanical lock, chances are your key has begun to wear. Eventually, friction and time will make that key less accurate. For added convenience -- and to protect your investment -- have your key duplicated.
If you are moving into a new house, experts say the first thing you should do is change the locks on at least the main entry doors. Over the years, keys are misplaced by family members, workers and others, and changing the locks is a great way to start securely in your new home.
If you look at your car key, you'll see that the individual cuts have flat places on them. That's called "land" by locksmiths, and gives the place for the tumbler to fall when the key is fully inserted to make sure the key can turn.
One convenient way to manage the locks at your facility is with a master key. A master key can open multiple locks and will also work with a system of other keys that can only open some locks. That way one key, your key, can open everything, but the operations key, say, can only open the warehouse and front gate.
Care to guess in which decade locks became common features installed on new cars? If you guessed the 1920s, you're right. With the growing popularity of automobiles came the unwanted attention of thieves.
It is customary for future master locksmiths to go through an apprenticeship. While college courses are there for those who wish to learn the trade, apprenticeships allow mentors to screen their wards and make sure that they are honest and trustworthy.
Did you know that flat metal keys were adopted in the early 20th century? After this adoption, we could finally duplicate keys, which is great for people who might lose their keys or if those keys break.
If you install a new lock on your premises that uses a pin-and-tumbler lock system, you can re-configure it to fit your existing keys. In this way you can add new locks as needed (say to your dumpster or supply closet), without having to deal with additional single-purpose keys.
When your car key snaps in half when you’re trying to unlock you vehicle, it could break in such a way that a piece gets stuck in the vehicle’s locking mechanism. If you need to get that broken piece out of the way, we’re always here for you.
We've all locked ourselves out of our cars at one time or another. As cars have increased in technology, so has the security. You need to call us to open your car to avoid unnecessary damage.
If you've moved into a new house or apartment building, one of the first things you should do is to call a locksmith and have all the doors rekeyed. This is important, as there's no way to know how many extra keys were distributed by the previous owners/tenants.
Combination locks have a number of advantages. One of the advantages provided by a combination lock is the lock's inability to be picked because it does not have a key.
Did you know that there are high security locks that are virtually impossible to pick or bump and can also withstand attack from a cordless drill? Of course, the drill will likely damage the lock, but the burglar remains outside.
Besides the ubiquitous pin and tumbler locking system, modern cars are now equipped with keyless entry systems, bio-tech recognition locks, and touchpad systems. If you are locked out of a car equipped with advanced design locks, we have the training and tools to help you.
It’s important to remember that some employees are unable to handle losing their job the way most employees are. If you’re concerned that a former employee might try to burglarize or vandalize your business, changing the locks is the first order of business.
Did you know that the most common item burglars steal are tools? Most tools are high value and easily accessible. A good way to deter tool theft is to paint the handles. Thieves avoid items that are easy to identify.
Do you still have that dream where you’re late to class and can’t remember that locker combination? You have James Sargent, inventor of the combination lock, to thank for that!
Locked your keys in the car? Call our 24-hour auto locksmith service to get you vehicle open so you can get on your way. We also offer a variety of auto lock-related services, such as transponder key programming.
Ever wondered what the difference is between a deadbolt lock and a spring bolt lock? A deadbolt can only be disengaged by rotating the locking assembly. This is a more secure option than a conventional spring bolt lock that can be manipulated by putting pressure on the bolt.
While inexpensive locks can look great on the outside, when it comes down to it they provide little actual protection. In protecting your business, you want a lock made of quality materials that’s going to resistant everyday lock picking tools.
In some cases, the best way to get into a locked car is to use a set of auto jigglers. These are also known as bump keys, and there is a master key for every car model. By applying the proper pressure, we can unlock virtually any vehicle.
Did you know the Panama Canal is made up of six locks? The canal runs 51 miles from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean and has a depth of 39ft.
