Todays Automobile locks are much more complex than those of just a few years ago. A poorly cut or badly worn key will lead to early failure of most auto locks. The equipment needed to duplicate these keys must be calibrated and adjusted often to make good duplicates. For the most part this is not done at retail businesses that cut keys as a side line, they depend on their supplier to show up every month or so.
Your Locksmith tests his equipment daily and keeps it in proper adjustment at all times. about .002" is the maximum error that should be allowed for auto locks. keys for your house may be off .005" - .008" and still work ok.
The second problem is selecting the correct blank for the vehicle. To cover the majority of the cars we see every day requires about 400 different blanks, many look almost alike but are not. An untrained person may use the wrong blank and cause real harm to the vehicle.
A common example that we deal with is Honda autos 1989 and up, if the blank for a 1988 is used [they look identical, the newer one is about 1/16" longer], the key will work in the ignition but will not turn back to the lock position for removal. to repair this "error" may cost upwards of $100.00.
Now the Locks:
Your dealership service technician and your local mechanic are both highly trained to work on carburetors, brakes, power steering etc. very few have a clue about auto locks, the most common answer from a mechanic is to replace the lock with a new one and another key. this is usually worst choice.
If a lock does need to be replaced :
Most of todays cars come with only one or two keys when a new lock is installed with another key all of the built in convenience is lost. A locksmith will usually supply a new lock which he purchased unkeyed [less expensive] and key it up to match your auto, your original keys still work. and when you go to sell your used car in the future it will be as original not pieced together with spare parts.
Overview of all our Services:
Residential Services:
Emergency Lockout Opening
Change, Install or upgrade all locks
Rekey and Master key systems
Automobile Services:
Emergency Car Lockout Opening
Make Key, Domestic and Foreign including Transponder Keys
Ignition Installation/Replacement
Commercial Services:
Emergency Lockout Opening
Change, Install or upgrade all locks
Rekey and Master Key systems
Door accessories such as door closers, panic bars and more
High security systems such as alarms, buzzers, cctv, etc.
My Philadelphia Locksmith has professionally trained locksmiths on call 24 hours a day. Our system allows us to find the locksmith nearest you right away. Response time is only 15 minutes.
