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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