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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329 Questions

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Last Answer on June 11, 2024

Best Rated

I want to buy a Schlage smart lock. Preferably a Sense. However, I want it work with a master key of blank type SC8 (other locks are A series). Will this work? If not, what smart lock will?

Asked by RJ over 6 years ago

If you can find a 5-Pin E key-in-lever (also called key-in-knob) cylinder, you can replace the one that comes stock in the Sense with that one. The only problem is, most aftermarket KIK cylinders are 6-pin, so you might have a hard time finding one.

An alternative would be a Yale Real Living deadbolt. They come touch screen or with a physical keypad. They’re much more aftermarket cylinder friendly. Just purchase an aftermarket Schlage E key-in-knob cylinder, have it keyed to your key, & have the locksmith install it into the deadbolt for you.

2001 ford ranger lost keys.chip in key. what is my best and cheapest option?

Asked by Allen over 6 years ago

The “best” and “cheapest” won’t be the same. I’d say get prices from your Ford dealer and a few local locksmiths. Sometimes the dealer is cheaper, sometimes locksmiths are cheaper. Keep in mind that if you go to the dealer, you’ll be paying for a tow as well. Locksmiths will usually come to you and do it on site.

I have a 2015 Nissan Micra base model with no remote locks but when the dealership changed the ignition they didn't recorded the new code for programming now i lost 2 keys nd no locksmith in here was able to start my car do u think its possible?

Asked by Sawad about 5 years ago

I haven’t worked on cars in over 10 years. Some cars the computers need to be reflashed with a tool, some the keys can just be reprogrammed to the car. Unfortunately I can’t give you an accurate answer. Find a locksmith who works on those who will come out to you, or get it towed to the dealer.

Had a key fob programmed. Remote start not working.

Asked by Ray about 6 years ago

Not sure how that would effect it unless they took some wiring apart. I’d call the locksmith back and see if they can help you. I don’t have much experience with programming keys on newer vehicles.

I have multiple facilities that I use and want to have a limited number of keys. Can I use the keys I currently have to make a master key?

Asked by KC about 5 years ago

That’s not an easy thing to answer. In a nutshell, if all of your locks take the same type of key, you can use ONE of your keys and build a master key system using that key as a starting point, but you will have to recut every other key. Typically you can’t take a bunch of random keys and make them all work in a master key system. If someone tells you they can, they are not doing you any favors.

I have an old Schlage deadbolt lock that appears to have a round type screw head to anchor the two cylinders together .
Is there a special tool to use to loosen them or do you have a recommendation to loosen the screws?

Asked by George over 5 years ago

I believe I know what you’re talking about. A 1-way screw. Either order or go to Harbor Freight or probably about any hardware store & get a security bit set. The bit you need looks like a flat head screwdriver with a slot in the middle. Almost like a tiny fork with only 2 points. Put a lot of pressure on that screw & twist.

hello, im wondering if i can get a mechanical digital lock with a smart lock in 1 door?

Asked by nadia about 5 years ago

It either has to be digital or mechanical. And if it’s digital, there are plenty of smart locks to choose from. The only thing smart about a mechanical lock is they don’t require batteries. :-)