Top Ten Tools a Locksmith Must ALWAYS Have Onsite
“There are many tools that a locksmith must have with them onsite, and the necessary tools will vary depending on the service requested. The tools listed here are only a fraction of what is required.” -LPI owner Auto lockout tools Air wedges This is a hassle free tool that professional locksmiths will use to unlock a car door without causing any damage to the vehicle. Clock A clock is used onsite for time management purposes. LPI locksmiths are committed to completing their job as quickly and efficiently as possible. Prying tools This is a common tool used by locksmiths to pry open a car door without leaving damage. Drill This tool is used by a locksmith for numerous reasons, however the most common reason is for lock replacement. When a lock or ignition cylinder has been damaged beyond repair, it will need to be replaced. This kind of service is especially necessary when dealing with a break in or attempted break in of a vehicle. Screwdrivers of all kinds There are several reasons a screwdriver could be used by a locksmith. One reason is simply having the right tool to remove a lock. Other necessary tools Lock pics LPI locksmiths are equipped with all the necessary lock picking tools. These are used for several services: auto, residential, commercial and specialty services. Inspection light Lights are often times needed in order to see into dark places, to spot tiny key pieces, or to see code numbers. Lights are especially necessary when keys break inside of an ignition. Sometimes no matter how hard a locksmith tries, they just can’t see into the lock without one of these lights. Key gauge This tool is very common and extremely useful. Locksmiths carry a key gauge for key duplication services, key creation services, and even decoding services. Key extractor Key extractors are always on hand. These are used in case a key breaks inside of a lock or ignition. While this isn’t necessarily a common problem, it does happen. It’s important for a locksmith to carry this tool, because it is used to pull broken pieces out of a lock without damaging the property. Key cutter This is a machine used to cut keys for several reasons. The machine cuts keys to code, and is frequently used for copying keys. It is also used to create keys for residential, commercial and auto services. A key cutter can even be used in specialty services to create keys for safes, chests, cabinets, etc. If you need more help, call on our Locksmiths today!
When locked out of my house, what can I do before calling a locksmith?
Locked out, but can’t afford a locksmith? There are a few strategies you can try on your own, before spending money on a locksmith service. Does anyone you know have a spare key? This is always your best option. It may prove inconvenient in some circumstances, but if you are trying to save money, it’s best to call and wait for someone to come unlock the door. Check the windows! You won’t want to spend money on a locksmith and find out later that one of your windows was open the whole time. It’s recommended by LPI locksmiths that you double check all ways of access into your home, before calling for assistance. Remove the screen Lift up or slide the window open Carefully crawl through the window into your home Do you have a credit card on you? If you have any kind of laminated card with you, you may be able to pick the lock open with it. If possible, use a card that you don’t mind damaging or scratching (one without a barcode would be best: membership cards, promotional cards, or anything easily replaceable). Simple Steps: Find the latch Place the card between the door and the door frame Slide the card down at a perpendicular angle. While pushing your body weight up against the door, wiggle the card and when you hit the latch, bend the card away from the lock. (This may slide the latch back, releasing the lock) NOTE: “If you are able to unlock your door using a credit card, you will want to have a locksmith come and replace your locks, because clearly your house is not as secure as it should be.” –Professional Locksmith Is it possible to pick the lock on your own, instead of calling a locksmith to do it? The short answer is yes, but yes is not necessarily the best answer. It is possible to pick the lock on your own, however, it’s important to understand that if done incorrectly, you could damage the lock and in result, you’ll need to replace the entire lock instead of just getting a key made. If you are trying to avoid spending a lot of money, I would suggest having a key made instead of trying to break in (especially if you don’t have any experience picking locks). If you decide to try and pick the lock on your own, you’ll need to know three important steps: Find a long and thin object. One that is thin enough to slide into the hole, and strong enough to apply pressure inside the lock. Some example objects would be a hair pin, paper clip or a small screw driver. If your lock has a push mechanism, you’ll insert the object and feel some resistance. Push. If it’s a twisting mechanism, you’ll twist the object inside the lock until it catches. Just a apply pressure, and you’ll hear a clicking sound. The clicking means the door has been unlocked. If all else fails and there are visible screws on the knob, grab a screwdriver and remove the doorknob.IF ALL ELSE FAILS GIVE US A CALL! Thanks for reading our article. Be sure to ask us about our services in your area.
Can a Locksmith get a key out of an ignition?
When breaking keys and Ignitions unite “During the winter last year there was a lot of snow. I didn’t drive for close to a week, which allowed my car doors to become frozen shut. Near the end of the snow season, I decided to drive to the store with my daughter. I used the key to unlock my driver side door, but it didn’t open without a fight. I noticed that my key was a little bit too flexible, but I didn’t give it much thought. I used the same key to start my car and when I tried to remove it, it broke, leaving a piece of the key jammed into the ignition. I tried to remove it with a paperclip and tweezers. Nothing worked, so I called a locksmith. Apparently, this can be a common issue during winter seasons! My advice is to replace your keys if they are bendy or weak.” – Anonymous, young mother How much should someone expect to pay a locksmith in order to remove a broken key from their ignition? Costs will vary depending on the type of key someone has, whether it’s a transponder key or a regular key. In the case that a regular key has been broken inside the ignition, someone should expect to pay right around $100, to $150 for the service. The service includes the extraction of the key, as well the remaking of the key. In the case that a transponder key is broken inside the ignition, someone should expect to pay right around $200 to $250 for the service. The service includes the extraction of the key, the remaking of the key, and the programming of the key. Is it necessary to call a locksmith in order to remove a broken key, or can someone remove it on their own? In some situations, the key will be sticking out of the ignition. In this case, it’s usually safe to try and pry the key out using needle nose pliers. In most cases, a locksmith will still need to come out and remake the key, but it will lower the service cost significantly if the person is able to remove the key on their own. If the key is not sticking out enough, call a locksmith before trying to remove it. Without the proper tools, the ignition cylinder could be damaged and will need to be replaced. Calling a locksmith will save time and money. LPI locksmiths are equipt with all the right tools and will get the job done without damaging the vehicle. How can this problem be avoided? If the key is at all bending, call a locksmith before trying to unlock a door or start a vehicle. If the key is noticeably thinning, visit LPI and have the key replaced. If it’s cold outside and the key is sticking, it’s likely that the key is becoming worn down. Visit a locksmith. “My advice is if you notice your key becoming weak, get out of the game and go get it replaced while you can. It’s far cheaper than being stuck in a situation where your key breaks inside the ignition. Be smart, and pay attention. It’s better to avoid the inconvenience when possible.” -LPI locksmith Thank you for reading our article.