Sometimes we lose our keys. Other times, we move into new homes with different locks. In cases like these and many other instances, you’ll hear conflicting advice. One person will tell you to rekey the locks and another will recommend completely replacing them. As a locksmith with over 45 years of experience in this field, let us explain when you should rekey or change locks in Fairfax, VA.
Key control
The main reason people look into replacing or rekeying locks in Fairfax, VA is because they are concerned about key control. This is the phrase used to describe the process of accounting for every key that can access your home, vehicle or business.
If you bought a home, the previous owners might have given out spares to any number of people who never returned their copied keys. If you are moving into a brand-new house in a single-builder community, there are likely a few construction master keys that can still open your doors. Due to the way these locks are built to allow for master keys, a construction company or contractor might have up to 16 different keys that could provide access to your home or building.
What’s the difference?
Changing the locks and rekeying are two very different tasks. When you change the locks, you are actually swapping out the hardware in the door. Both the keys and lock are new.
However, with rekeying service in Fairfax, VA, you only end up with new keys. It’s the same hardware that’s been there all along. A locksmith replaces the pins and springs in the locking mechanism so your old keys will no longer work.
Should I rekey or swap out the locks?
If your main concern is key control, you only need to rekey your locks in Fairfax, VA. To have your residential or commercial property rekeyed costs way less than replacing all of the locks. It also takes a lot less time to rekey your locks instead of modifying them entirely.
You should change the locks in Fairfax, VA when the hardware is no longer functioning properly. Just like anything else, locks experience normal wear and tear over the years. If your lock jams or turning the key isn’t accomplished in a smooth motion, the time has come to change them out.
A lot of residential and commercial property owners decide to get new locks for their doors to coordinate the overall color or style with the rest of the structure. With newer locks featuring smart technology available, others decide to upgrade their locks for better security.
Should I call a locksmith?
A lot of our clients come to us for lock replacement or rekeying service in Fairfax, VA after they’ve tried to handle the job on their own. Locks are deceptively harder to swap out than they might appear. Rekeying kits that you can purchase online or at a hardware store are notoriously faulty and unreliable.
If you need your home, vehicle or commercial building rekeyed or want all of the locks replaced, get in touch with the experts at Artie’s Lock and Key. Since 1975, the local community has called us for everything related to automotive, commercial and residential locks and keys. Contact us now to schedule service.
You probably don’t think too much about unlocking your door on a daily basis, unless your key stops working the way it should. Getting your key stuck in your door can be frustrating, especially if your key still won’t budge after several minutes of pulling and fiddling with your lock. The next time your keys get stuck in the door, try out a few tips from a locksmith in Fairfax, VA to get your keys unstuck.
There are a couple of different issues that can cause your keys to become stuck in your door. Regardless of why this happens, though, there are some basic tips that can help you get your key out of your door. Here are a few things to try the next time your keys get stuck:
Jiggle your key: This might seem like an obvious strategy to get your key unstuck, but it’s worth a try to free your key from the lock. Try jiggling the key a little bit and turn it slightly from side to side to see if a different position will loosen the key.
Use a lubricant: There are lots of lubrication products on the market for locking mechanisms. Use a spray canister to apply lubricant directly into the locking mechanism to loosen the key and get it unstuck. Regularly lubricating your door’s locking mechanism can keep it working more effectively and prevent your keys from getting stuck in the door.
Stabilize the lock: If your lock is loose, your key might not work the way it’s supposed to. Try holding the lock and applying pressure to create resistance between your lock and your key. While you’re applying pressure to your lock, try turning your key to unlock the door. If this works, it’s possible that all you need to do is tighten your lock to keep it stabilized when you use your key.
Use a cold pack: Believe it or not, applying an ice pack to your key can cause the metal to contract and free it from your lock. This is an especially good trick to try if it’s hot outside and your lock has been in direct sunlight that might be causing the metal to expand.
Call a locksmith: If nothing is working to get your key unstuck from your door, reach out to a locksmith in Fairfax, VA for help. They will be able to get your key unstuck and maintain your lock to improve operation. If your lock is old and worn out, a locksmith can provide lock replacement services to keep your door secure and prevent malfunctions in the future.
Locksmith in Fairfax, VA
If your keys are stuck in the door or you’re having other issues with your locks, reach out to Artie’s Lock and Key. We offer comprehensive locksmith services, including mobile services. We can perform a thorough inspection of your lock and provide the services and products you need to get your lock functioning reliably again. Give us a call today to find out more about what we have to offer and to request a service quote.
When you use local home, office and automotive services, you’re supporting small businesses and your community. It’s a way to give back while getting something you need in return. For example, your need for a new lock replacement can support the surrounding economy. And needing new locks installed or help with a home or car lockout can be stressful when you don’t know who you can trust. Locksmiths advise against trying to pick locks without the right tools, especially if your knowledge is lacking.
Do you need to call an expert locksmith for help? Consider choosing a small, established business for the job. The following are the top six benefits of hiring a local locksmith in Fairfax, VA:
Known in the community: Whether you’re looking for a residential, commercial or automotive locksmith, the key to getting good service is working with a trusted business in your community. Because of reports of fraud and scams within the lock repair industry, steer clear of door-to-door locksmith service providers. Your best bet is to contact lock professionals who are known and respected in your community.
Proven skills and experience: When you hire an established local locksmith who is known within your community, it’s easy to find people who can confirm the company’s lock repair skills and experience. Get recommendations from people you trust, then check companies out online to verify licenses, credentials and experience.
Avoid ruining your locks: Trying to fix a jammed or broken lock yourself can cause more damage, and therefore more expense. For example, let’s say one of your car’s locks or the ignition is a little wonky. Fiddling with it can damage the keyhole to the point where the entire mechanism needs to be replaced. Instead, simply spend a little money on professional locksmith services and avoid additional damage.
Quick response time: One the main benefits of hiring a local locksmith is fast response time. Whether you are in need of a new key or new locks, someone who is not too far away can get to your location quickly. A fast response and service means you won’t be waiting around for hours for someone to arrive or have to take off a full day off work.
Help in emergency situations: Along the same lines as responding quickly, local locksmiths are your best bet in emergency lockout situations. Locked your keys inside your car? Returned home to realize you don’t have your house keys? No matter if it’s day or night, call a local locksmith to come save you.
Get replacement keys fast: Losing your keys is a drag. You can look everywhere for them, but know you might have to come to the understanding that they may be gone forever. If you’ve lost your house keys and changing the locks is not in the cards, have a locksmith make replacement keys for you. This service also comes in handy when you need spare keys made for your home or car.
If you want to hire a reliable local locksmith in Fairfax, VA, look no further than Artie’s Lock and Key. Reach out to us today to learn more or schedule service!
Have you been locked out of your home or car? There are plenty of interesting methods to open the door without the use of a key. However, these techniques aren’t always reliable and can sometimes damage the door or the lock. Continue reading to learn why we always recommend hiring a locksmith in Fairfax, VA instead of attempting DIY methods:
Licensed expertise: The best part about hiring a locksmith to open your door or replace a lock is the fact that you can rest easy knowing the job will be completed correctly. Before you hire a locksmith, though, it’s a good idea to check and make sure that they are in fact licensed and qualified to handle the job.
Fast service: Many locksmiths are available around the clock to get you out of a sticky situation. You can rest easy knowing that the locksmith will show up to your house or your vehicle as soon as possible to let you in and allow you to continue on with your life as normal.
Enhanced security: Feeling safe in your own home after a break-in isn’t always easy—that is, unless you hire a professional locksmith to replace your lock. A locksmith can upgrade your lock with a brand-new model that helps protect you and your family from another attempted robbery.
Avoid frustration: Using a shoestring or a coat hanger to open up a locked car door is just as frustrating as it is time consuming. Instead of trying DIY methods, just call a locksmith from the outset! We’ll take care of everything, so you can avoid getting frustrated at the situation.
Why choose Artie’s Lock and Key?
You likely feel that you have plenty of options if you need a locksmith in Fairfax, VA. While many locksmiths offer similar services, we truly believe we’re the best in the business! Here are a few reasons why our customers choose us time and time again:
Affordable rates: One of the main reasons folks don’t immediately call a locksmith is because they think it’ll cost a fortune. That’s not the case when you choose us. We’re pleased to charge very competitive prices for all of our locksmithing services.
Dependable service: Whether you need a locksmith to open a door or replace a lock, you want to be sure that they can handle the job. Rest easy knowing that we can tackle whatever you throw at us! All of our professionals are trained to handle any situation, regardless of the type of lock they’re dealing with.
Fast response time: The last thing you want is to wait around for hours on end for the locksmith to show up. We guarantee that won’t be a problem when you choose Artie’s Lock and Key! Wherever you are, we can be there in no time to open your door or replace your lock.
Don’t trust anyone but Artie’s Lock and Key the next time you need a locksmith in Fairfax, VA! Give us a call today to get a quote or learn more about any of our services.
We all know someone with an old vintage steamer trunk in their house that’s locked up tight just because the keys have disappeared—maybe that person is you! Luckily, depending on the type of lock on your antique trunk, you might be able to open it yourself. Read on for an overview of the two most common types of vintage trunk locks from a locksmith in Fairfax, VA.
Warded locks
Take a look at the history of padlock security and you will come across the warded lock design. This is the kind of antique lock you can picture a stereotypical old key unlocking, but the warded lock keyway and key are often confused for components of a lever lock. It was often much easier to make warded locks for steamer trunks, so it’s highly unlikely you’ll see a lever lock design on an antique trunk.
Warded locks may look complicated, but they’re not. This type of lock’s locking mechanism is not very complex—you might try unlocking it yourself before calling a professional for help. Here are some tips:
Identify a warded lock: Keys for warded locks have very defined rectangular grooves and a rounded shaft, and are usually flat. The keyways (keyholes) on warded locks have a lot of open space inside. Take a look inside the keyhole and you will not see wafers, pins or any mechanisms.
Open a warded lock: Special warded lock picks are designed to pick open the locking mechanism on your antique steamer trunk’s warded lock (note that warded padlocks will need a skeleton key). The good news is that the notches on warded keys only exist to keep the key from slipping past the interior wards, so there’s room to maneuver inside the keyway. All it should take are a few twists here and there to pop open the lock.
Pin tumbler locks
The majority of antique trunks will not have a pin tumbler design, but that’s not to say yours doesn’t. There are a couple reasons why your trunk might have this type of lock. First, you might actually own a more modern steamer trunk that’s simply meant to resemble an antique trunk. Another possibility is that the chest itself is old, but the original hardware has been replaced. Even though the pin tumbler lock design is going to be more difficult to open than a warded lock, the unlocking process is not too complicated for a professional locksmith:
Identify a pin tumbler lock: This type of trunk lock is most likely a padlock. Keys for pin tumbler locks have dips and grooves down the blade all the way to the shoulder of the key. This design keeps the key from being inserted too far inside the keyhole. If you want to see the pins inside, shine a light directly into the keyway and take a look.
Open a pin tumbler lock: Unless you know the basics of lock picking, opening this lock may be impossible. Your best chance at unlocking an antique trunk with a pin tumbler lock and not causing damage is to hire a locksmith in Fairfax, VA to do the job.
Have you run into trouble with your antique lock? No lock is too much for Artie’s Lock and Key. Call us today for the help you need!
