Locksmith

Locksmith

Josh-the-Locksmith

25 Years Experience

Austin, TX

Male, 46

I've been a locksmith since 1998. I did automotive residential & commercial work from 1998 to 2008. From 2008 to 2018, I did some residential, but mostly commercial work. I have been project managing & estimating since 2018. I used to locksmith in the Chicago area, now the Austin area.

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330 Questions

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Last Answer on June 11, 2024

Best Rated

Busted IGN cylinder on a 2003 E-150 van. Got a cyl w/ tumblers to re-key to Orig key. By trial, only 2222233 would work, but when I took the original cyl apart, it was actually 3131224. Tried those # , No Go. Tumb, not flush.
Why not? Thanks!

Asked by nct53 over 11 years ago

It's so hard to say without being there & seeing it in person, but the key could be not cut perfect, spacing could be off, key could be old & wore out,

Is there anyway I can do it? You just answered my question about the eclipse key

Asked by mike over 11 years ago

Not really. The only way to save some money would be to take the door lock out & take the whole car to a lock shop so they don't have to come to you, but that's just not practical. I'd just call around & get price quotes. Even ask the dealer. Then ask the technician again for the price before they get started once on site. Nobody likes suprises.

I am changing my deadbolt. There is a plastic ring under the keyed side. The new one doesn't fit over it. Do I just use a hammer and beat it off?

Asked by Katie about 10 years ago

The only plastic ring that comes to mind is on the Schlage deadbolts. It allows the deadbolt to hold snug in the door while you put the mounting screws in. You can remove it and the metal ring as well if need be. There should be 2 screws on the inside of the keyed side. 1 holds the cylinder in place, the other holds the plastic & metal ring on.

If I'm totally off, send me a photo on my Twitter account: @ATXJoshL

where can I get the key code for a Harley ?

Asked by Ug about 12 years ago

There might be a code stamped on the ignition. I haven't made a key to a Harley in years, & when I did I didn't use the code. 

We are building a new home soon, and I would like to get a blank vintage key cut for our house as a gift to my hubby. Can I do that? What do I need to look for? Thanks!

Asked by Rach over 11 years ago

Sorry for the late response, this question slipped through the cracks. By blank vintage key, do you mean skeleton key? I'm not quite sure what you mean, but your best bet for anything vintage would be to find a lock shop that has been around a LONG time. They usually have old blanks, & are familiar with anything you'd consider vintage.

I've lost the only transponder key to my 2003 ford ranger. I was told the only thing I can do is replace the ignition cylinder, then have it towed to a dealer so they can program it. Is there any other way to get this fixed?

Asked by msa_45 over 10 years ago

That's not true at all. A locksmith can come out to you & make a key to your truck & program the key to your truck on site. The only reason it would need to be replaced is if your ignition key is different than your door key (usually they're the same key) or if the ignition is severely worn or damaged.

Hey Josh! I manage this apartment building with a gated fence that currently has a lock that always stays locked and two levers but People keep using lever as a step and stepping over gate. I want to keep it always locked. What lock should I get

Asked by Logan almost 11 years ago

Well from the way you make it sound, both sides are already locked, and people are just climbing over the fence? I think if these people are going to go to those lengths to get past the fence, it won't matter what lock you put on. Perhaps barbed wire? Snipers? Electric fence? Honestly, I don't know if there is a reasonable solution for fence hoppers. Security cameras and prosecution might work! If you're asking for a solution to allow tenants access through the lock, you could get a double-sided combination lock. Simplex makes one that holds up decently well. It's the EE1000 series.