When To Replace Your Locks

You often hear the phrase “time to change the locks!” but do you know what it really means or what is involved? Keep reading and you soon will! Maple Grove Master Locksmith offers affordable lock replacement and lock change solutions so that you can always stay one step ahead of your security and protection needs and wants. Our licensed, bonded and insured Maple Grove, MN technicians can expertly answer any questions you may have as well as give you free, no obligation price quotes on any of our popular lock replacement services and hardware options.

Your Home Locks

Take your house key and look at it. When did you get it and from whom? Just who has a copy of that key right now? On your list might be spouse, children, a couple of past guests, the babysitter, your mother in law and others. Now think back. Who else has had a copy of that same key? This list can include the builder, realtors, property managers, painters, contractors, movers, delivery persons, landscapers, maintenance personnel and lots more. Even if no one copied that key, you can be sure that there are others like it “floating” about in the community.

Don’t you think that a fresh start with new locks and/or keys at home would be a good idea?

Replacing Your Auto Locks

There are many good reasons for replacing your car’s locks. Maybe you bought it used from another party and would like new or better locks for it along with new, unused keys. The previous locks on the door or the trunk might have been damaged by an attempted break-in, vandalism or a prank. The locks themselves may be fine but you are interested in upgrading them to newer, stronger ones. Any locks on the vehicle are open for replacement including the ignition, the doors locks, trunk locks, even the glove compartment locks!

Commercial Lock Replacement

There’s a lot at stake when trying to protect your inventory, staff, and customers. As a business owner or manager, you want the most lock protection for your money. One cost effective and affordable way to achieve that is with the proper use of your commercial locks and keys. Replacing your office or shop locks gives your firm a new start and allows for better and more efficient key control as you now know exactly who has keys and how many. Lock replacement also allows for upgrades to be made to your present lock hardware as well as replacing any break-in or crime damage that might already have been done.

Change or Replacement; what’s the difference?

We hear and use the term “change the locks” so much that it has become interchangeable with “rekey the locks”. There is a real difference so you’ll want to be aware of that. When a lock is actually replaced, the whole lock is removed and a new one put into place. Naturally, new keys are required; after all, it’s a completely different lock!

When a lock is rekeyed, it is ALMOST the same but with one big difference; the lock stays in place and only the interior pins and tumblers are changed. This means that the shell of the lock is the same but since the insides have been altered, a new key is needed. This method is generally more affordable since you aren’t replacing the whole lock. It is suitable for most situations but not when the lock has been damaged from wear and tear or crime. In those cases, you’ll want full lock replacement! It’s important to keep in mind that you can’t upgrade your locks when rekeying. You must do a lock replacement in order to get better quality or more features in your lock. Be sure to call on your favorite licensed, insured and bonded locksmith shop for either of these services or simply contact our Maple Grove Master Locksmith experts and we’ll be happy to assist you with additional information or with the actual service.

When To Replace Your Locks

Here at Maple Grove Master Locksmith we made a short list of some of the best times to actually replace or rekey your locks. It’s really up to you but here are some of the most often used replacement times:

Old Locks – locks age too, you know! Weather, age and use can take their toll on locks and keys. An old, worn lock is easy to break open with a hammer or crow bar. As affordable as locks are today, it just makes sense to put in new ones.

Keys Lent Out – are you a key lender? If you give key copies to neighbors, kids, friends or babysitters, it may be a good time to have your locks rekeyed or replaced. New locks and keys give you better control over key access and best of all; they give you real peace of mind.

Crime – if your locks were damaged by a break-in attempt, or if they are not of the best quality to begin with, then it’s a good idea to replace them with new hardware that is sturdier and more up to date. Lock bumping is the new rage and this method of bypassing locks leaves no lock damage and no sign of forced entry! Your favorite Maple Grove, MN locksmith shop can help you choose the right bump proof locks for your property.

Lost Keys – lost keys are one of the biggest reasons to have your locks changed or rekeyed. Even if you got them back later, were any copies made? If it’s a key to your backyard shed, it probably doesn’t matter but keys to your home or place of business are another matter!

Upgrade Locks – one of the smartest (and most popular) reasons for changing your locks is to upgrade them. Before you say “my locks are just fine” take a moment to consider the increase in crime lately. Here at Maple Grove Master Locksmith we offer affordably priced high security locks for home, business and auto use. These locks cannot be pried open, picked open or even shot open!

Article source here: When To Replace Your Locks

HAVING PROBLEMS WITH YOUR TRANSPONDER KEY? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

A transponder key, also known as a transponder “chip” key, is an ignition key for your vehicle that makes getting in and out of your vehicle easier than with a conventional key, because you can unlock your car doors without actually putting the key in the lock mechanism; you can open your trunk remotely; you can activate and deactivate your car alarm; and, with some, you can even start your car remotely. The way it works is that the transponder chip inside emits a particular signal to your automobile’s computer, a unique frequency that’s aligned to your car only. As it receives the signal, the mechanical part of the key releases the steering lock, so you can activate the ignition, and get to where you need to go.

Nowadays, a transponder key is standard, and thought by most people to be superior to a traditional key. It makes things much more difficult for car thieves, sending them packing. Even though a transponder key costs more, it’s worth the peace of mind it affords you. Nevertheless, inevitably, sometimes problems can arise with transponder keys.

 

Has your transponder key stopped functioning?

• One common reason your transponder key stops working right is that there’s a manufacturer defect, which has been there since the beginning. If the car’s still under warranty, you can correct the problem for free. If it’s not under warranty, then it may be time to hire an automotive locksmith specialist.
• Another possibility is that there could be a foreign object lodged in the ignition. Instead of trying to get it out yourself, which will in all likelihood cause additional damage to the ignition, it’s better to ask a professional automotive locksmith. An experienced locksmith can usually pull out a foreign object from the ignition without having to replace the entire switch.
• Another typical cause is that your transponder key isn’t communicating properly with the car’s computer. The computer chip has lost its programming somehow. You can get it reprogrammed, or you can get a whole new transponder key with new programming. An automotive locksmith technician, or your dealership, will be able to take care of it.

 

Have you lost your transponder key?

Not being able to find your car key these days is a lot more complicated than it used to be. With a regular key, you could simply have a spare key made cheaply at any local hardware store or locksmith, or back at the dealership. But a transponder key is a different story altogether. If you’ve really lost your transponder key, depending on the automaker, and the intricacy of the key’s design, it is going to be rather expensive to replace your electronic fob. A few car dealerships will program your fob at no cost, but most will charge you a lot.

A switchblade key is a transponder key with a shank, which folds into the fob; you pop it out by pressing a button. A switchblade key has either a laser cut or a basic cut. One advantage to this kind of key is that you can buy its components separately. But if you’ve truly lost your key, you’ll need to get both parts programmed.

For some cars, the transponder key is an all-in-one unit with the fob. Also called a laser-cut key, the shank is slightly thicker, with fewer carved-out grooves. A laser-cut key is also sometimes referred to as a “sidewinder” key, because of the winding cut feature on the shank. Most probably, a laser-cut key’s built-in chip is going to have to be programmed by your dealership.

Then there’s the smart key, which really isn’t a key at all, in the normal sense. It’s just a fob. You either insert it into the dashboard, or you just keep in your pocket or your purse. Whenever you get in the driver’s seat, you start and stop the car simply by pressing a button. A smart key is extraordinarily secure because it has rolling security codes. Perpetually randomizing the correct code, it stops a would-be professional car thief from hacking it with a code grabber. If your smart key is lost for good, the dealership can replace it.

 

What if your transponder key has been stolen?

When you first bought your car, you should have been given a spare copy of your transponder key. If you gave that extra key to a family member, then you can still have an additional copy made, but you’ll need to get it reprogrammed. Remember, because your transponder key is connected to your vehicle only, a potential car thief who has found your key can effortlessly take your automobile.

A mechanical key is no big deal; but when you need to get a transponder key made, replaced, or reprogrammed, you’ll have to either hire an automotive locksmith specialist, or go back to the car dealership. A legitimate locksmith will certainly cost less than the dealership, and will also be glad to advise you about any other automotive security issues.

 

Do it yourself.

If you must reprogram your transponder key, depending upon which make of car you have, you can program it yourself. So, you could be in luck. Look it up your owner’s manual.

The following method will work on many American-made vehicles. However, before you spend your money, first check with your dealership or with a local automotive locksmith expert to see if this procedure applies to yours:

1       Insert 1 of your 2 working keys, and turn the ignition to the “on” position, without starting the car, for at least for 3 seconds.

2       Now, do the same with your 2^nd key.

3       Finally, insert the new 3^rd key, and again turn it to the “on” position for another few seconds. This will successfully program your extra key.

Another thing you could try, which will at least allow access to your car, is that you could order only the basic key ~ without the transmitter. Then you’ll have a key that will do everything else except start the car. This will come in handy if you should ever lock your car keys inside the car.

 

Hire a dependable professional.

If you’re going to need transponder key programming or reprogramming, if you happen to be in Maple Grove, Minnesota, then it’s a good idea to consider hiring a topnotch locksmith company, such as the mobile automotive locksmith specialists on staff at Maple Grove Master Locksmith. A reliable professional will be happy to assist you, and often at a lower cost than the dealership will charge you.

Article source here: HAVING PROBLEMS WITH YOUR TRANSPONDER KEY? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

Maple Grove Master Locksmith: What To Do To Prevent Lockouts

After a busy day, the last thing anyone wants to deal with is the inability to relax at home because they are locked out. It is difficult not to get exhausted with everything on our to-do lists, and so many things to get done. So when you get to your front door, you likely breathe a sigh of relief – until suddenly, you realize that you don’t have your house key! Maybe you left your key in a place that is easy for you to get to (like at the counter of a store you were just visiting), but for most people, this isn’t the case. Their key is often stuck inside of their office building which has already closed for the day. Or, they have no idea where it is, making them fearful for their safety, because now they know that someone that can’t be trusted has their key. What are you supposed to do to prevent this situation from happening? And what should you do if it does happen? The team at Maple Grove Master Locksmith has offered advice that is not just helpful to locals in Maple Grove, MN – it is useful to people everywhere. Have a look at the best ways to prevent lockouts from ever happening in the first place.

1. Have some sort of chant or mantra that you say when you are leaving your house or office every day. Don’t worry, you don’t even have to say it aloud – but repeat something like, “lock the door, grab the key” when you are leaving your property every day. Eventually, it will become second nature to check to make sure you have everything you need. Maybe when you leave the house you always check to make sure you have your wallet on you. Check to make sure your key is there!

1. Have a back-up copy of your key in either a place that you can remember but no one else knows about, or with your neighbor or someone you can trust. Having a duplicate copy will mean that if you ever do get locked out, you won’t stay locked out of the house for long. If you are able to turn to someone you can trust, you will be able to avoid having to call in a professional to get you back in.

1. Invest in a keyless entry system. This is one way to keep yourself from getting locked out, because you won’t be lugging an extra key around. Sure, one key doesn’t sound like much, but when you have one for your storage unit, mailbox, gym, office, etc., it adds up. It can become difficult to keep track of everything. This is where a master key system or keyless entry system would come in handy. With keyless entry, all you have to do is remember some sort of code. You can choose a set of numbers that are easy for you to remember, but nothing that someone else would be able to guess. One of the benefits to keyless entry is that when an incorrect code is entered too many times, many systems will alert authorities for you. This way, you will know if someone has been trying to get into your home or office. You otherwise might not have ever known.

1. Make sure that your car battery is not dead or draining. If you want to prevent a car lockout, one thing to check is your car key’s battery. When the battery dies, the problem is that the vehicle owner will lock the car using the locks on the inside. What could possibly go wrong? Well, a lockout could happen. It’s quite simple. You park the car in your driveway, and then hit lock on the inside of the car. You close the door. Then you walk towards your home’s front door and realize that your house key is locked inside of your vehicle, with your car keys. Oh no. This is something that happens far too often, because people don’t take the time to switch out dead batteries. You will know that your battery is draining when you have to press unlock multiple times to get it to work, or when your panic button fails to work unless you are just about standing on top of your vehicle. What use is this? Notice when your car key’s battery is draining, and have it replaced with a new battery as soon as possible. This is one surefire way to prevent a car lockout from happening.

1. Don’t rest your car keys on the car seat. This is a good way to prevent automotive lockouts from happening. You should have a pattern of keeping your key in your hand if it is not in the ignition cylinder of your vehicle. Make this a habit, especially if you are dealing with a dead car key battery. But as mentioned in the last step, replace dead batteries as quickly as possible.

These are just some ways to prevent car and building lockouts from happening in the first place. But if they ever do happen to you, try to stay calm, get to a safe place, especially if it is dark out, and call a locksmith in your local area, whether that is Maple Grove, Minnesota or anywhere else. Of course, you can first check to make sure that no windows were left unlock, because that might provide you with safe entry. But call a professional, or call a neighbor or friend who has a spare copy of your key. The best thing to do is to stop lockouts from happening in the first place, but if they do ever happen to you, make sure to take a deep breath and call in a professional to avoid property damage. Hopefully you have found these tips to be helpful, and hopefully you will never have to deal with a lockout.

Article source here: Maple Grove Master Locksmith: What To Do To Prevent Lockouts

Advantages of Using a Certified Locksmith

There may be plenty of reasons for you to contact a locksmith. When you are dealing with a situation that came unexpected, you may not take the time to consider the service provider you’ll use to resolve the matter. When you do not take the time to consider the type of service provider you’ll use to handle the situation, you usually regret it later. If you require the services of a locksmith, you may not think that it is necessary to hire a certified locksmith. While a locksmith who is not certified or a friend who knows a little something about locks can certainly assist you with your locksmith service needs, there are some advantages of having a certified locksmith assist you. A certified locksmith has additional training and keeps up with every changing industry trends. This means they are more than qualified to handle the job that you may have for them. We have highlighted some additional reasons to consider using the services of a certified locksmith.

Security Services through Locksmiths 

Many certified locksmiths have ventured into handling the security needs of their customers. The industry has come a long way from the simple lock and key used to secure your property. There are now, plenty of high tech security systems and features offered today. Today, locksmiths deal with complicated security systems, handling the installation of these systems, provide you with advise about useful and efficient security and assist with upgrading your security. In addition to installing and recommending your security, a certified locksmith can also assist you with the maintenance of your system by providing you with routine maintenance to ensure it is working properly. Your security is no good to you if it doesn’t do the job it is suppose to do.

Moving to a New Home

If you’re moving into a new home and are not aware of the current security that exists inside the home already, have a certified locksmith assess the situation. You need to plan on how you will handle your security needs before moving into your new home. Having the help of a certified locksmith is not only practical but it is also more affordable than using the services of a security company. The locksmith will make a thorough evaluation of your security, locks, doors and security system to determine if they are in good working condition. If they are not, they will advise you of the ones that will work best for you and suggest where they should be installed. The most important thing for a certified locksmith to do is change all the locks prior to your moving in to ensure your safety and security. This is done in case the old keys are still in the hands of people you don’t know and do not want to invade your space. Stay protected by having the locks in your home replaced before you move in.

24-Hour Emergency Services

Most reputable locksmiths will offer you the services you need, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. When you require the services of locksmith, it is usually when you least expect it. This is one of the reasons it is necessary to be able to find a locksmith who offers 24-hour servicing. You are usually always able to find a certified locksmith available to assist you with your emergency locksmith service needs, around the clock. If you contact a locksmith service who does not offer 24-hour servicing, it probably wasn’t a certified locksmith who is deserving of your business. Most professional locksmith services want their potential customers know that they have someone they can always rely on for the help they need.

They are Insured

Everyone knows that accidents can happen. An accident isn’t predictable. This is why it is important to use the services of a certified locksmith who is insured. If they were to hurt or during the install or repairs, something is damaged, their insurance will cover the expenses. Having insurance means that you can protect yourself against the expense of having to pay extra for any damages caused.

With the services of a locksmith, you can receive all of the security you’ll possibly need. Since certified locksmiths know how to install security systems of every type, it is in your best interest to consult with them before you determine the type of security system to have installed. They have experience with a variety of security systems and they know which ones work the best and which ones are not worth the money.

Getting Keys Made

Allowing a certified locksmith is a good option when you are in need of a new key, especially a transponder key. If you contact a certified locksmith to assist you, they will come to where you are to program another transponder key, on the spot. A transponder key can be very expensive if you contact an auto mechanic or dealership. However, if you call on the services of a locksmith, you’ll find the fees much more affordable.

Overall Professional Service

Getting help from a reliable certified locksmith is the best way to save money. You know that the job will be done right and if it isn’t, a certified locksmith will come back and do the job until it is done correctly. This is usually at no additional cost to the customer. They want your business and will do what they can to make sure that their customers are happy with their work.

Certified professional locksmiths offer you superior services. They make sure that you’re safe and secure whenever they are administering services to you. They realize that specific precautions are necessary when they are administering certain services. They don’t just tell you how much they want your business; they show you through their actions. You will feel good about the services that a certified locksmith has to offer to you and once you’ve experienced their service, you will likely only use a certified locksmith from now on.

Article source here: Advantages of Using a Certified Locksmith