Tuckahoe Locksmith Services – What To Do In Different Locksmith Situations

 

 

There are so many situations that can come up that involve problems with locks and keys. While these things are made to protect us and to keep things convenient, they can sometimes cause inconveniences. For instance, you can end up locked out of your house because you misplace your key. Or you can end up with problems starting your car because the key is trapped in the ignition cylinder. Tuckahoe Locksmith Services is a company based in Tuckahoe, VA, and their team has offered advice on what to do in various locksmith situations. Here are some of the common situations that can come up, and how you should handle them:

1. Lost or misplaced keys, or keys stuck in a car – It can happen to anyone. You were in a rush early on in the day, grabbed your purse, and raced out the door. You got to work just on time, and, forgetting that your transponder key battery died a while back, hit the lock button from inside of your car, not realizing that the car keys (and house key, and storage unit key, and every other important key that you need) were sitting on the driver’s seat. What are you supposed to do? You don’t have time to deal with anything else in addition to everything on your to-do list. The best bet, if your keys are locked inside of your car, is to call a locksmith. First, of course, try to ensure no other door is somehow unlocked. Often times, people go into a state of panic without realizing that there is a solution right in front of them. If you’ve determined that you are definitely locked out, reach out to a 24/7 locksmith who will come to your aid. You don’t want to break open a window or cause any damage to your locks when the issue is easily resolved by an expert.
2. Broken key – Your key can end up broken and trapped inside a lock. This can happen with office keys, car keys and house keys alike. It is important that if your key is stuck inside of a lock that you do not try to forcefully yank it out. This could end up causing problems inside the lock or ignition cylinder. Instead, gently try wiggling the key from side to side to prevent breaking it, or even opt to try a little bit of lubrication. If you already can tell the key is broke, or you were able to yank it out of the lock only to discover that it is broken, don’t panic. You can still have a spare copy of your key made by a professional, even if it is broken in two. It is always a good idea to have duplicates made of your key in the very beginning, so that if anything does go wrong, you have a back-up. Think about it. It’s a wise idea to have a copy of your house key not just so that you have a spare key, but so that you can give a copy to a friend or family member if you ever go out of town. Maybe you want them to come by to take care of a pet that you have, or to water your plants. Or perhaps you have a guest coming into town. Key copies are a good idea!
3. Broken locks after a break in – Unfortunately, something that you might have to eventually deal with is a home or office break in. You might have come home after a trip out of town, only to find that your front door lock was smashed. Or perhaps you went to work and noticed a broken lock. While many people are now opting for keyless entry systems, so that they can be alerted if someone is trying to get into their property by entering the wrong code, many people also still use standard locks and keys. Be sure to hire a professional if you need break in repairs or new locks installed. Yes, you can find tutorials online walking you through lock installation and replacement, but a small mistake will mean that the lock isn’t working as it is supposed to, thereby leaving your property vulnerable. The experts at Tuckahoe Locksmith Services in Tuckahoe, Virginia have provided advice that anyone, anywhere can benefit from – keep the phone number of an expert locksmith in your area on hand. They are your best option for lock replacement, lock installation and break in repairs when it comes to locks.
4. The need for rekeying locks – Whether you are a commercial building owner that recently had an employee quit, or a homeowner who rents out a room in your house, it is important to recognize when it is important to rekey locks. A disgruntled former employee might return their business key, but how do you know they didn’t make a copy at one point? How do you know that they will not still be able to access your property? If you rent out a room or apartment, how can you know that the person who was renting from you doesn’t have a spare key they made without your knowledge? For the safety of everyone, it is a wise idea to have locks rekeyed or replaced at times. These are just some of the situations that would warrant the need to have locks rekeyed.

These are some of the most common locksmith situations that might come up. If you find yourself dealing with any of them, just make sure to get in touch with the right people. You can easily ensure that your safety is not at risk by paying attention and being alert. Opt for keyless entry systems if you tend to misplace keys often – have a copy of your key made so that a trusted neighbor has the duplicate – don’t continue to use a transponder key with a dead battery when you can get the battery replaced. Take the right steps and take advantage of the professional services available to you.

 

Article source here: Tuckahoe Locksmith Services – What To Do In Different Locksmith Situations

When Should Your Locks Be Changed

You might not know it but changing your locks too often can attract undo attention and can be an expensive process. That being the case, you should really consider when it is best to change your locks. In some instances changing your locks is necessary. However, if you do not want the inconvenience and the costly expense of doing so too often, take note of the instances for which it is most appropriate to change your locks. When it is time to do so, you’ll need to find a dependable Tuckahoe locksmith service, such as, Tuckahoe Locksmith Services to perform the job for you.

Lost Keys

You never want your keys to fall into the wrong hands, it can put your entire households safety in jeopardy. If you should happen to lose or misplace your keys, by all means, have every exterior lock changed on your house. You may have an idea of where you lost your house key but without knowing for certain that they were not taken, you could be putting yourself in harms way, unnecessarily. Even if your keys are later returned, you never know if the person who held them had another one made. Once the keys have been out of your sight, you have no way of knowing how many people had them before they were returned to you. In this case, it is best to veer on the side of caution. Change your locks, immediately! If you lose your keys often, you might want to consider having a keyless lock installed to avoid this problem in the future.

Worn Out Locks

Since locks eventually rust and wear out, they can and will become problematic. This poses a threat to you and your family’s safety and security. Older locks can be picked and broken more easily than newer more sturdy ones. If you recognize signs of wear with any of your locks or you see them tarnishing and rust building, contact a local Tuckahoe, VA locksmith to replace your them. They may also advise you to have the locks replaced that are difficult to open even with your keys. When you do not pay attention to your locks because you’re just too busy, perhaps knowing the chance you are taking by not doing so should convince you of just how important doing so actually is.

Home Intrusions

It makes perfect sense to have the locks of your home changed when you have experienced a break-in or if someone has attempted to break-in. Once the locks have been damaged, they will not be able to serve the purpose they are intended to. If someone has successfully broken into your home, they then become familiar with the breaches of security in your home. This makes it even more vital to change the locks. This also affords you the opportunity to re-evaluate the durability level of the rest of your locks. If someone was successful in breaking through the lock, it means the lock wasn’t durable enough. Research some of the more durable alternatives and have it installed instead of having the same type of lock installed again.

When You Move

If you are about to move into a new home, do not put any of your valuables inside until you have had the locks changed. It is likely that the previous family members still have keys to the house. It isn’t necessary to take chances by avoiding having the locks changed. It could be more costly for you if someone were to break-in and steal your valuables. It is a rather small price to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that no one else has keys to your home. Also, in the event that someone has moved out of your existing home on bad terms, it would be a good idea to change the locks so that they do not attempt to come back and take things that do not belong to them.  The best way to ensure this doesn’t happen is to have the locks changed as soon as they have moved out. Don’t wait for even a day, do it immediately. If there has been a recent divorce, regardless of how civilized the divorce proceedings were, it is still a good idea to have the locks changed. You simply cannot afford to take chances with your safety and security by not taking precautions to protect yourself. It is definitely better to be safe than sorry.

Spare Keys

You may not realize just how many spare keys you have until you experience a break-in. Perhaps you had to give someone a spare key in order to do some work in your house or you gave a family member a key to hold for you. You may forget to get them back. And while none of these people themselves might try to gain access into your home without your permission, someone that they know or may not know, just might. Whenever you have given someone a spare key, always have the locks changed after you get them back.

While we do not encourage you to change your locks anymore than you need to, we would encourage you to do so at least once annually. This just whips the slate clean and gives you a new sense of security. Regardless of whether or not any of the above occurrences have happened to you, it is in your best interest to make sure you are aware of and locks that might pose a problem. Locks will inevitably wear out over the years, making them ineffective. Perhaps when they do, it affords you the opportunity to look into more efficient lock alternatives. If you’re not sure as to which types of locks will serve your needs, simply consult with a local Tuckahoe, VA locksmith. Since they work on locks everyday, they are the best place to start when consider having new locks installed. It certainly can’t hurt anything to have your locks changed, when necessary.

Article source here: When Should Your Locks Be Changed

TRANSPONDER KEY PROBLEMS

Transponder keys have changed the way we drive and use our vehicles, and mostly for the better. Using them you can remotely lock your car or unlock it. You can use some transponders to open your trunk or even start your engine. Mostly, they are nifty anti-theft devices that only allow your key to work; not some copy a thief made. Sometimes though, transponder keys can stop working and when they do it can be huge inconvenience for all involved.

LET’S BACK TRACK A BIT

If you are not quite sure what a transponder key is or if you’d just like some clarification then this part of the post will interest you. The word “transponder” is a mixture of two words – transmitter and responder. Get it? The chip imbedded in your transponder key communicates with your car’s computer by transmitting a signal unique only to that key and your car. Your vehicle responds by recognizing it and unlocking the car and/or starting it.

Transponder keys in Tuckahoe, VA and any other places where they are used can stop working, break or become lost. Not knowing what to do can be confusing, expensive and time consuming but this post should greatly help. 

FORGET THE CAR DEALER!

Often, people needing repair, duplication, programming or replacement of their transponder keys go to a car repair shop or through their car dealership and many think that these are the only choices. A much smarter and more economical way is to call a local automotive locksmith like Tuckahoe Locksmith Services. Doing so will save you middle man fees, high transponder key charges and since a good mobile locksmith can do the work on location, it saves on any tow charges too.

Not all locksmith shops offer transponder key repair or replacement. Do you due diligence and only use a licensed, bonded and insured shop that sends its own automotive technicians out. It also helps if the company offers responsive 24-hour service with fast response times.

FORGET REFURBISHED KEYS!

Saving money is great but sometimes you can “skip over dollars to pick up nickels” by purchasing an online refurbished transponder key. There have been numerous problems reported with improper programming done to the refurbished chip and shipping problems, warranty issues and guarantee voidance, it just isn’t worth the trouble. In fact, using an established shop like Tuckahoe Locksmith Services can be just as (or more) affordable and you don’t have mail and shipping times to contend with either. Most locksmiths and dealerships won’t touch a refurbished online transponder key and if yours doesn’t work right, it may be impossible to get a refund or replacement. It’s just not worth the time wasted, hassle and expense.

HOW ABOUT DIY?

Do it yourself transponder key programming is not recommended either. Again, the reason most people attempt self-service for transponder keys is to save money. First of all, think of your time and how much it’s worth. If you have lots of money, just pay an established locksmith to do the job and have it done right. If you don’t have spare cash for getting your transponder key programmed or replaced, then don’t risk your cash by doing it yourself and most likely running up a bigger cost by doing it wrong.

WHAT ABOUT YOUTUBE?

YouTube is the second largest search engine (second to Google which owns it) and there are millions of videos on it that show how to do everything from scramble eggs to care for a sick pigeon. Yes, there are numerous do it yourself videos on transponder keys and you attempt self-service but remember that nearly all of these videos were made by amateurs who have nothing to lose if your transponder key project doesn’t work.

SO WHAT COULD BE WRONG WITH MY KEY?

Battery – if your key’s battery is low, it may not emit the proper signal to your car’s computer. A weak signal can give off an entirely different frequency that is not recognized by your car.

Chip damage – if your key’s transponder chip is damaged it may also give off a different frequency or just stop working. Here at Tuckahoe Locksmith Services we’ll be able to tell exactly what is wrong with your key and what needs to be done in order to service it back to normal and regular use.

Lost key – it happens! Maybe you left yours in the hotel room and it was gone after the room was cleaned. It might have dropped into a gutter or been taken off your desk at work. No need to panic; your local automotive locksmith in Tuckahoe, VA should be able to help. Not all transponder key problems are due to wear, breakage or battery problems; sometimes theft or misplacement can be just as bad. Just call your local locksmith shop of choice or our friendly techs here at Tuckahoe Locksmith Services and let us know that you need replacement for your car’s transponder key(s). Again, there’s no need for towing, long service area waits or do it yourself service. Just set up a convenient service time and let a certified mobile locksmith come out to your location and duplicate your transponder key.

Stuck in the ignition – is your transponder key stuck tight in the ignition switch? If this happens, first check to see if the car is in park. The ignition key won’t release unless the car is in the PARK position. It could be that noting is wrong with your transponder key and that the vehicle is just not in gear. Next, check to see if the key is in the lock position on the ignition switch. As ignitions age and amass wear it is easier to move them past this point.

Broken off key – keys can break including transponder keys and often when they snap in half, they are in the ignition switch. It can be hard trying to remove the broken off part and even if you did you will still need a new transponder key made. For best results, be sure to call for help from a professional mobile locksmith like Tuckahoe Locksmith Services.

HOW TO KEEP YOURSELF FROM GETTING LOCKED OUT...AGAIN!

It happens to the best of us. We always remember the keys, until that one time...when we forget. Oh no! Locked out! It’s never convenient and it’s always infuriating, especially after dark. But there’s no really reason you should ever be locked out again. Keep these strategies in the back of your mind, and put them into daily practice:

First, “Phone, keys, and wallet?” 

This has to be the everyday standard mantra, every time you walk out the door. If you haven’t been doing this, make it your routine now. Stop. Ask yourself: Phone, keys, and wallet? Do the pat-down, check pockets, check your purse or pack. (As soon as you get in the habit, you may find that you’ll have to add a few other items to your list, such as driving glasses, sunglasses, reading glasses, etc. Have fun with it.)

Always know where your keys are. 

If you ever forget something, and have to run back into the house to get it, don’t put your keys down! Don’t leave them on the table or the counter. Keep your keys in your hand or make sure they’re still in your pocket. Furthermore, if you lend an extra key to anyone, be sure to get it back in a timely manner, and then put it right back in your regular hiding place, if you have one.

Keep a spare key in a reasonable hiding place. 

Keeping a key under the mat, over the door, or under a flower pot is an extremely bad idea. Every burglar knows about these. Even the fake-rock key-holders are basically useless, unless you’re really good at hiding it. The best thing to do is to give a copy of your key to a neighbor who can help in an emergency. It’s good to choose someone who’s at home most of the time.

Keep an eye on your locks, and replace any bad ones. 

If you have any doors that aren’t up to par, or locks that are worn out, they may get jammed. If you have any locks that are often hard to open, the key may break in the lock mechanism. Also, don’t duplicate keys that are already duplicates, because they eventually won’t work. 

If you’re ambitious, always carry a pick set with you. 

That is, if your local and state laws allow it. Then you’ll always be able get back in. Besides, you might some day be able to help out a friend in need. Not every lock is pickable, but it’s always worth a try.

If you want to be adventurous, keep a fake credit card. 

 Don’t use a real one, because it will get totally bent out of shape. Try an expired gift card or the sample ones you receive in junk mail. It definitely doesn’t work as easily as it does on TV. Of course, this will work only if you don’t have a deadbolt, and it has to be a bored door lock, with the sloped ridge of the bolt facing towards you. (If the door opens towards you, then the bolt is probably facing the wrong way.) If the bolt is the right type, and facing the right direction, then give it a shot. Place the card in the gap between the door and the jam above the bolt. Carefully slide the card down between the bolt and the strike plate. Push the card, push the door, and, with any luck, the door will open. You’ll leave everything (except the card) undamaged.

Are you already locked out? 

 If you don’t have a hidden spare key or friend to call, look around. There may still be one door or window open. Who knows, maybe you’re lucky enough to have not locked the door properly in the first place. 

If all else fails, hire a locksmith.  

It’s certainly tempting to toy with the idea of breaking a window or kicking in the door. But should you actually risk being mistaken for a burglar? Of course not. To avoid this predicament, plan ahead!

Find a reputable locksmith before you’ve gotten into this tight spot. 

 The right way to find a legitimate local locksmith is to track one down ahead of time, before you need one. Do your homework so you won’t be overcharged or scammed.

Ask your friends, family, and colleagues for their recommendations. You’ll find exactly what’s right for you through word of mouth from satisfied customers. If that proves unsuccessful, then start your research.

Find a local, dependable locksmith. 

Write down all the potential locksmith companies you can find in your area, with their addresses and phone numbers. Keep track of which locksmiths specialize in the services you require. Check for the business address, and confirm that it really belongs to that locksmith. You can use the Internet to match up phone numbers with addresses. Sometimes a dishonest company will list a fake address, claiming to be local. If a person picks up the phone using a generic greeting such as “locksmith services,” rather than the company name, ask for the legal business name. If the person refuses, don’t bother. Some good locksmith companies simply might not include their street address on their listings, because they have a mobile business, which dispatches a professional locksmith that’s local to you. Accordingly, it’s a good idea to inquire as to why the address isn’t listed, so you know for sure. 

When you’ve finally found a premium locksmith, keep the information on hand ~ in a logical place such as your wallet, your smart phone, or your refrigerator ~ so you’ll always be able to get out of a jam whenever problems with keys and locks come up. The best locksmiths will be happy to answer all your questions. If you’re anywhere in Tuckahoe, Virginia, Tuckahoe Locksmith Services is an ideal choice. Their staff mobile expert locksmith technicians work 24/7 providing emergency, automotive, residential, and commercial locksmith services.

If you ever do find yourself locked out, be wary of any locksmith claiming that you’re going to have to drill or replace the lock. A legitimate locksmith will always carry the right tools, and have the knowhow to realize that such drastic moves aren’t necessary. An experienced professional locksmith can unlock almost anything.

Check the locksmith’s qualifications and credentials. At the time a locksmith arrives, ask for ID, business card, and proof of license. The invoice must include the company name. The truck should have the company name on it that matches the invoice and business card. The locksmith must also ask for your ID. Absolutely, a legitimate locksmith must verify your identity to show that you’re the actual property owner prior to any work beginning.