Contact Us/Frequently Asked Locksmith Questions

Locksmiths can do a large variety of jobs related to locks, keys, and safes. The most commonly requested jobs are lockouts, re-keying, repairs, and duplication of keys. Beyond that, it is almost endless with electronic, commercial safes, special installations, auto transponder keys, and almost everything you could think of.

Re-keying is the process of replacing tumblers (pins) in an existing lock cylinder so that it will take a new key and the old one will no longer work.

If you are purchasing a new home, someone has stolen your keys, you are unsure of how many keys have been made and given out on a property, you have had an employee change, or if you feel uncomfortable for any reason about the security of your property, you should consider re-keying.

You should purchase new locks only if yours are not in good condition or you want to upgrade the quality of locks. If you have good quality locks, most of the time, repairs can be done without replacement of the whole lock.

Yes, they can be keyed alike if they are all the same brand of lock. You can test this by trying the common key in each lock, and if it goes in (even if it will not turn), it can be done. Otherwise, you may have to purchase a few new locks of the same kind.

Master keying is a system in which a group of locks that are master keyed are operable by its own individual key in each lock and the master key. Each individual key operates its lock only. The master key operates all the locks in the group. The locks must be made by the same manufacturer or at least have common 'keyways.' Other systems are also possible using sub-masters and grandmasters.

Sometimes, but not always. Call us and ask if we can duplicate it for you. Our prices are much cheaper than your vehicle dealership. You will have to give us the make and model of the vehicle.

High-security locks are better constructed, they are very hard to pick, and are not compromised by bumping, but our answer is "Not Always." High-security locks are much harder to compromise; therefore, they are more time-consuming for a burglar who wants to enter quietly / quickly in order to avoid detection. High-security locks can be a deterrent to a thief looking for an easy way in; they will simply move on to a place without high-security locks that are easier pickings.

No! WD-40 is not recommended for locks because there is a slight amount of water in the product, which can cause corrosion over time. Use a silicon-based product for your locks.

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. They cannot be made from VIN numbers.

Call Circle City Lock & Key Locksmith. We can generate new keys for most types of locks, including automobiles and home or business locks.

A restricted key system prevents unauthorized people from duplicating keys. The restricted key is only available from the locksmith who installed the system and can only be duplicated by the person who set it up and whomever they have authorized. A signature and ID are required, and the total number of keys made is recorded.

Services are available after normal business hours for emergency situations. Fees are slightly higher for emergency services that are performed after hours.