Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Types of Keys




There are hundreds of keys, maybe even thousands! If you are reading this article then chances are that you are in the market for a new key. That is why our locksmiths at Mobile Pro Locksmith, LLC in Virginia Beach, VA thought that this list of keys would be helpful to anyone who is in the market for a new key.

Transponder Key

You may also hear people refer to transponder keys as chip keys. They function by a radio signal from the key to the dashboard. They were invented as a way to prevent auto theft. This type of key is extremely difficult to duplicate, which is why so many manufacturers are making keys with them. When the incorrect transponder key is used it could cause the vehicle to completely shut down. Since there is a microchip inside of it that is programmed to work with only your vehicle, it prevents your vehicle from being stolen. A locksmith can come to where you are to reprogram your key if necessary. Unfortunately, many motorists assume they need a new key when all that they need is for the key to be reprogrammed.

Laser Cut Key

This type of key is similar to other cut keys used for your vehicles but they are more accurate and a little more complex in design. They are also referred to as sidewinder keys. Patterns and ridges are cut into it on both sides, which make it harder for someone to duplicate it. The person who tries to duplicate this type of key needs to have the right machinery in order to do so. Since this type of machinery is a costly investment then most thieves are not going to invest in it, which is why this is a good type of key to have. 

Dimple Key

These keys have dimples in them, which is why they are called dimple keys. They are not as complex as the previously mentioned keys. They are con-shaped with dimples that have to also match those in the lock that they unlock and lock. They are very easy to use, as there are two different sets of dimples that perfectly align with the appropriate lock. This means that the key doesn’t have to be inserted into the lock in any specific position to lock or unlock the lock.

Valet Key 

This is the type of key that has been designed to be used on locked car doors. They have an RFID chip and are coded so that they can also be used to access other areas of the vehicle. However, when you use a valet key, you will not be able to open the trunk release, glove box, trunk or even the back seat. This is for security purposes. Door keys and valet keys are not the same. 

Keycard Key

Key cards are often used in hotels to give guests access to their room. They are usually similar in size and shape. Many looks similar to a credit card. You may also use a key card to get into certain areas of a business, as this is what is often issued to employees. Keycards can be easily and quickly activated and de-activated. 

Tubular Key

This type of key is used for unlocking and locking tubular pin tumbler locks. You may hear them referred to as barrel keys. The tubular key has a hollow, cylindrical shaft shorter than that of a traditional key. Tubular keys are often used to unlock bike locks or vending machines. The tubular key is difficult to duplicate so you won’t have to worry about security when you use them. There is little to no chance that someone will be able to break a lock that uses a tubular key. 

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Tips to Hire a Good Locksmith




Hiring a locksmith doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Of course, if you are looking for one at the last minute because you locked yourself out of your house or vehicle, it can be a stressful situation. But this doesn’t mean you should just pick the first business or individual that comes up in an online search. You want to hire someone with the proper education, certification and work experience to make sure you are choosing someone who can actually help you without further damaging your property in any way. Hiring the right person, a good locksmith, by following the tips we are providing here, will mean you have someone you can turn to and trust for all your security and lock concerns. Read on for tips regarding how to choose the best locksmith for the job!
  • Hire someone with the right training. The person you hire should have the proper skills so they can be successful in their locksmith career. They should know how to pick locks, repair locks, duplicate keys, program transponder keys, have a full understanding of lock mechanisms and how they work, and so on. They should understand complex systems, for instance, smart locks and keyless entry, and they should know the basics, too. Basically, you want a locksmith that is considered specialized and knows what they are doing!
  • Ensure they have great reviews. Between community forums and groups on Facebook, you have no shortage of options in determining what others think about a certain business. You can even check places like Yelp and Google for reviews. There are neighborhood groups in which people who live in your community discuss businesses they have used. If you don’t have someone you can ask directly or if you haven’t come across someone in your social circle with direct experience hiring a locksmith, then checking reviews online can be the way to go. 
  • On the same note, ask people you know! It is very likely that someone you personally know has utilized the services of a locksmith before. They might be able to tell you who to avoid, which can be just as useful as telling you who they recommend. 
  • Hire a licensed locksmith. We mentioned the importance of hiring someone who has undergone training and has the right education to be a locksmith. You want to make sure the individual you hire is licensed so that you can get the results you desire. This is one way to know they have received the appropriate training. If you come across a business or individual that makes excuses for not being licensed, whether they didn’t want to “pay the state” to do it or didn’t “have the time”, steer clear of them. You want to hire businesses that do things properly. 
  • Hire an insured locksmith. Having insurance means that you can have faith in the person you are hiring, which is very important. You want to be able to trust you are hiring someone who knows what they are doing, and will be responsible if they end up making a mistake. 
  • See if they are associated with any professional organizations. Many locksmiths will join professional organizations in an attempt to expand their client base. This could also be the way they attain insurance and bonding. It is never a bad idea to ask or look up if the person you are hiring is associated with a specific organization.
  • Stay local. Hiring a business or person that is local gives you the benefit of having access to benefits like help 24/7. If you end up locked out, you don’t want someone who is an hour away. You want someone who is close enough to come out when you need them, without making you wait for long!  
  • Hire someone offering free price estimates. The same idea holds true with free consultations. These are things that are very good to have access to, because they can allow you to get all the information you need and have confidence before opting to hire the company. Maybe you want to know which brand you should buy, for instance, Mul-T-Lock, Falcon or something else. Or perhaps you need help staying in your price range with a new keyless entry system. A person or company that is honest will provide the information you need, and never any hidden fees. They will answer your questions with patience.