Key Duplication

Getting a copy for a key to a home is very common. Many home owners or renters will make copies of keys for themselves as an extra, for a close friend, new roommate, family member, or for other reasons. The first people will think of to get a key is through the local locksmith. However, locksmith shops are not always open, and mobile locksmith companies will normally won't come to a customer location to just make a key so what do you do? That is when many people tend to turn into online service key duplication. However, this is not always the best option.

The way online duplication service work is by taking a picture of the key you want to duplicate with a smart phone and uploading it through the key duplication app. Once the order is confirmed by the online service company, the key will be made and send via mail. Although it sounds like a painless and easy way to get key duplicated, it also creates a somewhat of a security risk in general as it gives the possibility to anyone for taking a photo and duplicating your key.

Another option of duplicating a key is using a key duplication kiosk. These can often be found in random places such as grocery stores for example. It might be convenient as well. However these machines are notorious for cutting low quality keys. These types of key duplication services are causing a security risk as they are opening the door for anyone to come and duplicate a key to someones home. That is why managing the keys to your home is very important.

If you really must getting your home key duplicated and the local locksmith shop is not open for business, try a local hardware store. Hardware stores will normally use quality key blanks and professional key cutting machines, so you can expect a quality copy that will last for a long time.

For information about other types of locksmith services, contact Premier NorthWest Locksmith Seattle.

Automotive Key Origination

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Access Control Lock System

Key-less entry lock systems are now the future in commercial property security. However, there are many types of key-less entry lock systems which may or may not suit your needs. Normally, there will be to main types of lock systems in the market where each one will have its own unique features and benefits. You have the push button type of locks and the card reader access control locks. Each one on its own unique way can contribute significantly to the security of your business.

Focusing on the advantages of an access control lock system, the main benefit would be monitoring and controlling. With most access control lock systems, different access levels can be changed and programmed easily into the system which may help for a business where different employees have different authorization levels accessing certain departments. This make things much more convenience saving the hassle of changing locks or re-key different locks in the property from time to time.

The second advantage that comes with the integration of access control lock system is tracking your employees. In case there is sensitive materials in some rooms that will go missing for example, an access control lock system will give you the option to check who was last accessing the room. In addition, it can ensure no employee will access the property after work hours as every access get tracked.

Because of the complexity of the system, access control lock systems should be installed by a professional locksmith. A locksmith will be able to install the system properly while providing a quick training of how to use the system.

For more information on access control lock systems, contact Premier NorthWest Locksmith Seattle.

Residential Key-less Entry Lock System

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Lock Changing

The first thing you can be sure of when moving into a new place such as an apartment, house, or other type of living situations is that many people before you may still have keys to your new place. There is no way to really tell how many copies to your new place are really out there in the hands of people you may not know. For that reason, changing the locks when moving in will be a good way to give you the peace of mind that no stranger would be able to access your new home.

Normally, in a rental situation, it is the landlord or property manager's job to make sure the locks will be changed each time a new tenant moves in. It is also a good idea in this case to verify who will have access to the place. Usually only the landlord or property manager would have a key to access the place in an emergency type situation or to show in case the current tenant will be moving out. However, many complex apartment properties for example will have an additional person with an access which will be the maintenance guy.

Moving into a more private property that is part of a community association can be tricky at times since every change you will want to make to the exterior of the unit will have to go through them. Changing the locks is no different. Before calling a professional locksmith to change your locks, check with the association about the type of lock you can or can't use when it comes to the appearance aspect of it. If the rules are very strict, re-keying the locks would be a good alternative as well.

Finally, if your new place was bought to own, it would mean all the decision making would fall on you which include security and locks as well. Many residential homes use deadbolts and knobs or lever-sets as their primary security choice for the main entrance door while some others use Mortise locks for extra security reasons. One of the issues that can arise when deciding to change the locks at your new home, is the fact that there might be a need to further modify the door to fit the new lock. In this case we do not recommend to do so since it may affect the construction and integrity of the door. Normally it would be best changing to the same style lock or even re-key it.

For more information about lock change services, visit Premier NorthWest Locksmith Seattle.

Commercial Security and Safety Devices Services

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Automotive Lock Service

In this day and age, many people will turn to the internet each time they will have an issue with their vehicle trying to find a solution and the process for doing it themselves. There are many posts online that will direct you to fix almost anything in a vehicle. One of the things many people would look into is automotive lock repair. Although many articles would seem informative enough to make you think you can do it yourself, there might be more to it than what it seem. One of the first steps that would be mentioned on the way to get to an automotive lock on the door is taking the door panel off. Sound like a simple task, but if not careful or use the recommended tools, you can cause an irreversible damage.

At the end it might cost you more than what the service would have cost you in the first place using a professional locksmith who has the experience and the right tools for the job. Instead of wasting hours searching online how to take apart and fix a lock on your vehicle, not to mention gathering the necessary parts and tools, most professional locksmith technicians will be able to do the job in a timely manner on the spot.

Broken key is one of the common problems that can happen while trying to unlock your vehicle or even while starting it from the ignition switch. Even for a broken key piece that got stuck inside a door lock or ignition cylinder, there will be information online of how to remove it. The problem is most of the information you will find online will suggest the use of tools that can be found around your home which may cause even more damage to the lock than what already been caused by the broken key inside it. In this case, a locksmith technician will not only have the job of extract the broken piece, but also repair the damaged caused while you tried extracting it yourself.

If you care about your vehicle, and you want things to be done right the first time when an issue occur, call a professional locksmith who has the necessary skills and tools to get the job done properly. It may cost a few extra dollars, but in the long run it will save you time and money from the thought of attempting doing it yourself.

For more information about automotive lock repair services, visit Premier NorthWest Locksmith Seattle.

Automotive Re-key Service

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Electronic Locks

Key-less entry locks have become very popular in recent year especially for residential applications. They are very convenient to use and eliminate the need to manage more keys. In addition, they are an upgrade in the level of security over the traditional key-in-knob type of locks. There are many types of key-less entry locks in the market where each can be suited to any type of residential security needs.

A key-less entry lock that comes in a form of magnetic lock mechanism is actually considered to be an electronic lock. An electromagnet that is incorporated with the lock system will normally be mounted on the door frame where a magnetic armature will be mounted on the actual door. These types of magnetic locks are very reliable and can withstand most intruder methods from breaking inside your home. The downside with this lock is the fact that it would need to be unlock when getting in and coming out.

A stand alone electronic lock system is another good example of a different type of key-less entry lock. With this lock, the electronic control system would be incorporated directly to the lock . These types of locks can normally be found as a combination type key-less entry locks where a keypad is being used in order to enter a unique code by the user in which then it will send a signal in the system to retract the locking mechanism. The advantage of these types of locks is the fact that it will lock itself automatically once the door is closed.

What happen if you want to replace the current locks with key-less entry types and you are worried about modifications that may need to be done for the door? Most key-less entry electronic locks do not require any extra modification to the door. Most traditional locks such as cylinder and Mortise types can be replaced with similar type key-less entry locks with electronic mechanisms without having to further dig into the door. The locks should be a perfect fit with the addition of a small hole modification to get the electrical wires through and fit a power transfer hinge which will be the recipient of a signal coming to lock or unlock the door.

For more information about electronic type locks, visit Premier NorthWest Locksmith Seattle.

Decorative Locks and Handle-sets

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Master Key System

Many large commercial property or business owners such as complex apartment buildings or other type of property involving several rooms inside the compound are facing a security issue. On one hand they are in need of a complete control over their entire property where they could access any room or space without any issues. However, on the other hand, this type of control would need to be done while the individual tenants in the property would be able to access and secure their own space. This type of universal key does create the conflict in which everyone would potentially be able to access other spaces in the property as well which include manager's office or other restricted rooms.

Luckily, there is a solution for that where most professional locksmith technicians or companies now offer. This type of solution will give the property manager or owner the type of access control he or she would want while still keeping it secure for the tenants of the property. This type of service called master-key system implementation. Applying it to the entire property will give complete access to the property owner or manager while still restricting the access on the other individuals in the property. The tenants will enjoy the privacy and security of their receptive space while the manager or owner will have access to all spaces at any time.  

The way a master-key system works is by adjusting all the locks in the property in order to comply with a universal key also known as a master-key that would be able to work any door in the property. In addition, an additional unique key will be provided to match each space in a unique form where it would only match the lock installed on the space's door. In theory it would mean there will be only 2 keys that would be able to operate each lock in the property, one that is the master to access all and a second key for to give access to each space individually.

Give us a call or visit our website for more information Premier NorthWest Locksmith Seattle.

Commercial Locks and Services

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Schlage Locking Solution

There are many ways a locksmith technician use in order to unlock a residential type lock. Even though there are many residential lock manufacturers in the market such as Schlage and Kwikset, most of the locks are built in a similar was where one method that is used to open one manufacturer type of lock can be used on another. However, each manufacturer has different lines of locks which incorporate different models and depending on the level of security and lock condition. Different methods and tools may be used by a locksmith technician in order to achieve a locking solution.

I remember a few years back I got a call from a customer who has been locked outside of his home because his key was not operating the lock properly. Normally these types of situation are a little tricky to handle since if the key cannot open the lock than most likely using a pick or a bump key will not work as well. However, sometimes, if the problem is with the key, then it really doesn't matter and the lock can be opened easily. The issue start with the fact that a technician can't really tell what would need to get done before he will be in the location examining the locks.

Since I couldn't really tell what exactly the problem was with the lock without actually being there, I decided to take the job and started heading the customer's way. Once I got to the location, I had to examine both the key and the lock. The lock was an F Series Schlage. The key did not seem to be worn out or damaged, so I knew there must have been an issue with the lock mechanism or cylinder. However, to fully diagnose the issue, I had to disassemble the lock and in order to do that, I had to get the door opened first.

After trying several methods to open the lock without any success, I decided to call a Seattle locksmith co worker of mine to see if he had any good advice for unlocking the lock without drilling it. According to him, with the F series Schlage locks, there was a way to unlock it using a small hammer. Because these types of locks are built with a spring loaded mechanism, it is possible to rattle the locking cams for a split second by punching the plug with the small hammer. The trick was turning the knob at the exact same time the locking cams were in the open position. After several tries, I was finally able to open the door. I then took apart the lock and discovered that the wafers were a little worn out and needed to be replaced.

Automotive Lockout Service

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Weiser Lock Fix

Lock repair is something that most experienced locksmith technician do, but not most of the beginner ones. With lock repair, you can never tell what the problem would be and how long it would take to fix it. Sometimes, an issue with a lock can be fixed by lubrication, but other times, the problem is more complex which will force the locksmith technician to disassemble the lock. Although most of the time the average locksmith would not have any issues taking apart a lock, what would happen if the door is locked and the lock would not open because it is malfunction?

I got a call the other day from a customer who had some issues getting inside his home. Apparently, he did have the key, but it would not operate the lock properly. He did mentioned on the phone that the problem occurred few times before, but he always had success unlocking the lock eventually except this time. Normally, with this type of issue there are few options, either it is the key or the lock. I took the customer's information and started heading his way.

The first thing I did once I got to the customer's home was to look at the key and see if can recognize any noticeable wear on it. Since the key didn't look to be damaged or overly worn, I figured it must be the lock. The lock was an old key-in-knob Weiser. I started by lubricating the lock to see if I can solve the issue with a little WD 40, but that didn't seem to do much. It seemed that the cylinder would have to be removed for further inspection and repair, but since the door was lock, it was a tricky thing to do.

At first I tried picking the lock to try and unlock it or at least rotate it to the position where I could remove the cylinder but without any success. I then called a Seattle locksmith co worker of mine to see if he had any idea of what I can do to remove the cylinder without drilling and damaging it. Apparently, he ran into this type of issue before and what he did was cutting the tip of a Weiser key blank and cut it to match the tip of the original key and use it as an extension. The extension allowed pushing the lock spindle far enough which enabled me to turn the cylinder with the key to the removal position. After taking apart the cylinder all it took was replacing the pins and it was as good as new.

Residential Lock Repair

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Acura Key Origination

Most of the times, cutting a key for a vehicle should not be an issue for the average locksmith technician. For most of the older model vehicles that were manufactured prior to the mid 90's, a code would need to be retrieved from one of the cylinder locks of the vehicle in order to make a key. However, on most vehicles that were manufactured late 90's early 00's a code can be retrieved from a database in exchange of a small fee. The story for making a key does not end there. Figuring out the correct blank to be used for a vehicle is another integral part of the process. Normally, a locksmith technician will check the manual for the correct blank to be used for a particular vehicle, but what are the chances that the manual would have wrong information?

I remember getting a call few years ago from a customer who needed a key made for his 97 Acura CL. Back then, I had experience making keys mostly for GM's and Fords, but not Honda's/Acura's. I didn't think it would be much different, so I accepted the job and took the customer's information. Before heading my way, I quickly checked the manual to make sure I had the correct blank in stock so I could make the key for that vehicle.

Once I got to the customer's location, I had to figure out first what was the best way to get the code so I could originate the key. The manual called for either the door lock or ignition cylinder. For me it was always easier going through the door lock for the code and that is what I did. After working on the door panel a while, I finally got to the door lock and was able to read the code. Next step was making the key using my mobile cutting machine.

After finishing making the key, I went ahead to test it. At first, it seem to work perfectly fine being inserted to the ignition cylinder smoothly and starting the vehicle. However, when I came to switch the key to the lock position and remove it, the key refused to come out. At the beginning, I thought it could be an issue with one of the ignition cylinder components, but after questioning the customer if he ever experienced any issues with it (which he didn't), I was quick to dismiss the thought.

Since now I had 2 issues on hand, a need for a working key and the key that was stuck, I decided to call a Seattle locksmith co-worker of mine to see if he had any insights regarding that particular vehicle. According to my co-worker, the info that was on my manual regrading the blank for that vehicle was wrong. The reason the key I made caused the issue was because it was shorter than the correct blank that should have been used for that vehicle. He then gave me the correct blank number, so I could make a new key.

First thing I had to do, was remove the key I previously made which required some modification to the shoulder of the key which allowed me to further insert the key in order to remove it. I then made a new key using the correct blank which luckily I had in stock and it tested successfully.

File Cabinet Lockout Service

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Trunk Lock Fix

Automotive lock issues are very common on older models regardless of the manufacturer. As a locksmith technician I ran into many common issues with door, trunk, and ignition cylinders that occurred on several make and models. As I found myself resolving some of these common issues over and over again (like many other locksmith technicians in the field), I developed some tricks that would help combat these issues and prevent them from reappearing.

When I was at the beginning of the road as a locksmith technician, I remember getting a call from a customer who broke his key inside the trunk lock of his Ford Taurus. I had some experience doing broken key extraction services on other make and models before, so I knew I won't have any issues providing the service on this model as well, so I took the customer's information and started headed his way.

Once I got to the customer's location, I grabbed my tools and started working on the vehicle carefully extracting the broken piece of the key that got broke inside of the lock. After about several minutes I had the broken piece out. I asked the customer if he needed a new key made, but he declined claiming he had a spare. At that point I left to another job regretting not checking the lock or examining why the key broke in the first place.

After few days, I got a call from the same customer about the same issue again. At that moment, I figured that there might be an issue with the lock which made the customer use force while operating it with a key each time. I again got to the customer and extracted the broken piece, but this time, because it was the only key the customer had, I had to make him a new one. I then decided I should probably examine the lock before I leave the customer with a new key to break.

After making a new key for the customer, I tested it and the lock seemed to have a lot of resistance. I asked the customer about it and he said it was like that for a while now. Even after spraying WD40 and let it sit, it didn't seem to help. Before going to a new lock route, I decided to call a Seattle locksmith co-worker of mine to see if he could help me solve the issue. Once I got him on the phone, he mentioned it was a common issue with ford trunk cylinders in these years. He also said that the only thing that seem to help was using Houdini lubricant and work an uncut blank inside the cylinder while the lubricant sat inside the cylinder.

Since I didn't have that particular lubricant, I had to go to the local hardware store and get some. Once I got back and sprayed some inside the trunk lock, I waited few minutes before working a blank inside it to get the lubricant inside the internals as much as possible. I then attempted to operate the lock with new key I made and I felt a big improvement. Needless to say, I have not heard any complaints from that customer ever again.

Ignition Broken Key Extraction

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