Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't ask, you don't know!
1) Why should I use a professional locksmith company?
A) You should always use a professional locksmith company to insure that you are getting the job done correctly. Skilled professional locksmiths bring experience and fund of knowledge in lock, safe & security problems and are better prepared to solve security issues to your unique situation. A professional locksmith can prescribe state-of-the-art products that work, and more effective solutions in an efficient manner.
2) My key does not insert or withdraw easily or it has difficulty turning.
A) First spray the lock with WD-40. This oil can be found at most hardware stores, but can even be found at some drug stores and supermarkets. Don’t be afraid to spray too much, but have a paper towel handy to pick up the excess. Spray the oil into the keyhole and onto the bolt mechanism. Move the bolt in and out to allow the oil to penetrate into the lock. Do not take the lock apart if you are not confident you can put it back together.
3) The lock doesn’t lock and unlock smoothly.
A) After you have tried the above solution, check to see if the lock operates smoothly with the door open. If it does, your lock problem is not in the lock, but rather in the alignment of the door and frame. Look for obstructions at the threshold and in the door jamb. Also check the door and frame for twists and warps. The door should completely rest against the door stop and stay there. If the door rests at the stop at the top or bottom only then the door or frame is twisted. If the door springs open then the hinges are probably binding. If you have weatherstrip on the door, it could be obstructing the path of the door. Keep in mind, wooden doors and frames will warp and swell with temperature and humidity, and metal doors and frames will twist and rust with age.
4) I just purchased a new house do I need to rekey my home?
A) It’s highly recommended to rekey your house locks because when the home was being built the contractors probably had access to your house key. To ensure you safety you should call a locksmith and have your entire home rekey.
5) I’m renting an apartment should I rekey the locks?
A) Absolutely, it’s your stuff! When was the last time the locks were changed?
If you don’t know the answer then you and your company are potentially at risk. You should rekey the locks to ensure the safety of the house your belongings and to make sure no one else has access to your living space. A previous tenant with some time to kill could simply try his key in each door in the complex until he finds one that works.
6) What is the difference between rekey & master keying
A) Re-keying means adjusting the tumblers in an existing lock so that only new keys can open it. Many people, who continue to use the same key that they received when they bought their home, have no idea of how many people such as tradesmen, neighbors and friends etcetera, who are no longer relevant, have had access to that key. Most technicians can re-key your locks and give you the security of knowing that only you and the people you trust will have access to your domain. Lost your keys? Relax; re-keying will adapt your existing locks to new keys. Allentownship Locksmith installs, replaces and upgrades lock cylinders, locksets and deadbolt locks.
Master Keying
Did you know that you might need only one key for all the locks in your house or business? Locks of the same manufacture can usually be keyed alike. This means replacing your bunch of keys with a single key.
Master keying enables two different and distinct keys to open one lock. Master keying regulates access to specific zones while having one master key that accesses all zones. A master key is created when a group of locks are custom coded so each lock uses a different key, but a combination added so one key will open all locks. In a group of locks that are master-keyed each lock is operable by both its own individual key and the master-key. Each individual key operates its own lock only. The master-key operates all the locks in the group. Master keys can be supplied for all buildings such as hospitals, office buildings and residences in which there are a number of compatible locks.
7) Should all my house locks operate on the same key?
A) Yes, they should all be working on the same key. This also prevents a case of a house lock out by misplacing keys.
8) When do I need to get my house locks changed?
A) It’s highly recommended to get your house or business locks changed whenever the locks start to have issues or problems. Always have a professional locksmith install new locks.
9) Can I add deadbolts on my door anytime?
A) Locksmiths are able to drill a new installation for deadbolts on your door or fit a deadbolt you already have. sure you can!
10) I locked my keys in the car and need a locksmith. Will my insurance cover the cost?
A) Yes! Most car insurance policies with roadside assistance will cover the cost of a locksmith.
11) Should I put high security locks on my home or business?
A) Yes it’s highly recommended to do so, in the case there is a burglary attempt on your home, having high security locks will help keep your home safe.
12) I can install the hardware, why not just buy it at the home center and do it myself?
A) Products typically sold in home stores are residential quality at best, at worst the shelves are stacked with low end products meant to increase profits for the manufacturer and the retailer. High quality goods offer characteristics such as, pick and drill resistance, access control options, protection against the unauthorized duplication of keys. The question you have to ask yourself is what is your time and security really worth?
13) Is it legal to carry lock picking tools?
A) No, it is illegal in most states to sell or possess burglary or entry tools. Only a professional locksmith is able to carry lock pick tools.
14) Does your locksmith service is automotive needs?
A) From opening your service vehicles, replacing lost keys, and repairing locks, servicing automotive locks has become a specialized field. Most locksmith shops or dealers won’t touch it. Allentown Locksmith can make most automotive keys including computer chip and programmable keys from scratch and on the spot, in the field, while you wait.
15) Why do I have to wiggle my keys in the lock to make it work?
A) As locks age over time, the pins in a lock cylinder tend to “wear” down causing your keys to stick and forcing you to “jiggle or wiggle” the key in the lock to make it work. Most likely the keys you were given have probably been “copied” several times and this, plus pin wear, can cause your lock to act like it is breaking.
16) What forms of payment does Allentown Locksmith accept?
A) We accept cash, credit or debit cards, and checks.
17) What are the operating hours at Allentown Locksmith?
A) Allentown Locksmith is a 24/7 mobile locksmith shop.
18) What is a bump key?
A) Bump keys are regular keys made with special cuts, when forced in a certain way into a lock they will open most cylinders. Bump keys can be made for anyone licensed or not!
19) Can my lock be picked?
A) Most residential locks can be picked with proper training and time.
New high security locks tackle this problem with different cylinders.
20) Can a locksmith change my mail box lock?
A) We definitely can , our locksmith come out to your home, measure the mail box in question and match a lock to it that is a standard for mail box locks.
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