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Q: What is a bump key?
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A: In the 1970's, locksmiths in Denmark shared a technique for knocking or bumping on a lock cylinder while applying slight pressure to the back of the lock plug. When the pins jump inside the lock cylinder, the plug is able to slide out freely and disassemble the lock quickly. The use of a bump key was not introduced until some time later and was first recognized as a potential home security or lock security issue around 2002-2003 in Europe. Now lock bumping and bump keys are sweeping the internet and American homes.
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Q: Why do I have to wiggle my keys in the lock to make it work?
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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.
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Q: Why should I use a professional locksmith company?
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A: 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. Professional locksmith can prescribe state-of-the-art products that work, and more effective solutions in an efficient manner.
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Q: I have a new car, It has some kind of security device built into the key, do I have to go to the dealer to get a copy?
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A: No. Most locksmiths can reproduce these keys. Including the latest high security vehicle keys. In nearly all cases, your locksmith will save you money over the dealer. Believe it or not, your locksmith is usually more familiar with, how these systems work, than your dealer.
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Q: Someone Has stolen my keys, I need to change my locks, Do I have to buy new locks?
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A: No. You can have your locksmith "rekey your locks. Rekeying a lock is the process of replacing the tumblers (pins, wafer tumblers) of a lock cylinder with new tumblers of different sizes. A new key will coincide with the new tumblers and the old key will no longer work. In other words, it is not necessary to buy new locks. Re-keying locks is something that should be done if you have moved into a new residence or lost a set of keys. Most automobile locks can be Re-keyed as well. Re-keying locks is usually significantly less expensive than replacing locks. However if you do not like the way a certain lock work now would be the time to consider either upgrading the hardware or replacing it with newer locks.
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Q: Can A Locksmith cut a key from a number?
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A: In many cases keys can be made by a Locksmith from the code number of a lock. This is common with vehicles, padlocks, filing cabinets, etc. Requiring proof of ownership before cutting a key by code is a standard procedure used by Security Professionals to safeguard security.
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Q: What do I do If I lost my keys?
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A: Call a locksmith. Locksmiths can generate new keys for most types of locks, this includes Autos as well as home locks.
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Q: What is the difference between 'master keyed' and 'keyed alike'?
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A: 'Master keyed' is when a group of locks are "custom" coded so each lock uses a different key, but a combination is "added" so one key will open all locks. It is a myth that there exists a particular Master Key that will open all locks. In order to Master-key a group of locks the locks must all be made by the same manufacturer or at least have "common" Keyways. In a group of locks that are Master-keyed (MK) each lock is operable by both it's own individual key and the Master-Key. Each individual key operates it's own lock only. The Master-Key operates all the locks in the group. Other systems are also possible using sub-Masters, Grand-Masters, etc. 'Keyed alike' simple means a group of locks will have one key that operates them all.
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Q: Should I be worried about lock bumping?
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A: In order to prevent lock bumping to be a threat to your security you should call us today about high security locks. Criminals can get through most low cost, low security locks with or without the use of a "bumping" technique. In most cases however when a potential burgerlar sees a Medeco or Schlage Primus lock on a door, they move on.
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