Why Let A Locksmith Replace Your Car Keys

Losing or misplacing car keys can be a frustrating and stressful experience. However, the solution to this problem is not always as straightforward as it may seem. Many people believe that only the car dealership can replace their car keys, but there is another reliable option available – a professional locksmith. In this article, we will explore why it is beneficial to let a locksmith replace your car keys and the advantages they bring to the table.

Hampton Automotive Locksmith

Convenience and Quick Response

One of the most significant advantages of choosing a locksmith to replace your car keys is the convenience they offer. Unlike car dealerships, locksmiths are mobile and can come to your location. Whether you are stuck on the side of the road, at your workplace, or even at home, a locksmith can promptly respond to your call and provide on-site service. This eliminates the need to tow your car to the dealership, saving you time, money, and unnecessary hassle.

Expertise and Specialized Tools

Locksmiths possess specialized knowledge and expertise when it comes to car key replacement. They undergo rigorous training and have extensive experience working with a variety of car makes and models. With their in-depth understanding of automotive locks and keys, locksmiths can efficiently and accurately replace your car keys without causing any damage to your vehicle. Moreover, they have access to state-of-the-art tools and equipment specifically designed for car key cutting and programming.

Cost-Effectiveness

Another compelling reason to choose a locksmith for car key replacement is cost-effectiveness. Dealerships often charge exorbitant prices for key replacement services, including programming fees. On the other hand, locksmiths offer competitive and transparent pricing, often at a fraction of the cost charged by car dealerships. By opting for a locksmith, you can save a significant amount of money while still receiving high-quality service.

Versatility and Accessibility

Locksmiths are not limited to specific car brands or models. Whether you own a domestic vehicle, an imported car, or even a high-end luxury vehicle, a professional locksmith can handle the replacement of your car keys. They stay updated with the latest advancements in automotive technology and can handle a wide range of key types, including transponder keys, remote keys, and key fobs. This versatility ensures that you can rely on a locksmith regardless of the make or model of your vehicle.

Speedy Resolution

When you find yourself locked out of your car due to lost or damaged keys, time is of the essence. Locksmiths understand the urgency of such situations and strive to provide speedy solutions. With their knowledge, experience, and efficient tools, they can quickly assess the problem, cut or program new keys, and have you back on the road in no time. This swift resolution is particularly beneficial in emergency scenarios or when you have important commitments or appointments.

Trustworthiness and Professionalism

Professional locksmiths prioritize customer satisfaction and operate with integrity and professionalism. They adhere to strict ethical standards and maintain confidentiality regarding any sensitive information related to your vehicle’s security. Additionally, reputable locksmiths are licensed, insured, and bonded, giving you peace of mind knowing that your car and its security are in safe hands.

Choosing a locksmith to replace your car keys offers numerous advantages over traditional dealership services. From convenience and quick response to expertise, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, locksmiths provide a reliable and efficient solution to your car key replacement needs. Their specialized knowledge, state-of-the-art tools, and commitment to customer satisfaction make them the go-to option for anyone facing key-related issues. So, the next time you find yourself in need of car key replacement, consider reaching out to a professional locksmith to experience a hassle-free and affordable solution.

WHEN TO CHANGE OR REPLACE LOCKS

You often hear the phrase “change the locks” yet what does that really mean? What’s involved in a lock change and why would you want to have different locks anyway? This post will explore the many reasons for altering your locks at home, on your car or at your business so that you can enjoy greater lock protection and peace of mind.

YOUR HOME LOCKS

Whether you are buying your home or renting it, your keys have changed hands several times. Think about it; just who has had a copy or copies of your door key? A partial list will include property managers, office staff, realtors, builders, contractors, delivery persons, family members, previous residents, babysitters, earlier tenants, and many more. Would you be comfortable with that many people knowing your bank password? Of course not! It’s almost the same with your keys! Just because people are not supposed to enter your home without permission doesn’t mean that they won’t.

REPLACING YOUR BUSINESS LOCKS

Why would you want your Hampton, VA commercial locks changed? There are many good reasons. You may have just moved into this location and want to start off “fresh” with only the keys that you have distributed to your staff in circulation. You may have been burglarized and suffered lock damage in the process. Your new commercial locks are now replacing the older damaged ones. Maybe the older store or office locks were aged or worn and this new set offers greater security and stability. Your new locks may also be an upgrade as in the case of replacing with high security locks or bump proof ones.

AUTOMOTIVE LOCK REPLACEMENT

New locks on cars, trucks or service vehicles can be due to change of ownership, an upgrade or due previous lock damage. Auto locks can break down due to use or wear. Everything from trunk locks to ignition switches can become less effective after long use. Often crime can lead to lock change or replacement as vandalism, break-in attempts and auto theft can wreak havoc on locks and locking mechanisms of all makes and models.

WHAT’S INVOLVED IN A LOCK CHANGE OR REPLACEMENT?

Replacing a lock with another one is just that. Your old lock may be of lesser quality and it may be time for an upgrade. Here at LocksmithHampton we often replace locks with better ones or more durable models. Take for instance deadbolts. Many homeowners want to add a deadbolt to their front doors and often we get requests for double cylinder deadbolts or for door locks that are pick proof and bump proof. It’s a little known fact that home builders will almost always install cheaper locks on front and back doors. Their goal is NOT to keep you safe; it is to sell a home with a lock on it. While many luxury or custom home builders will offer upgraded locks at a steeper price, most new homes for several decades now come with cheaper quality, basic door locks that are very easy to bypass.

SHOULD YOU REKEY?

A full lock replacement involves changing the whole lock mechanism. A rekey keeps your original lock in place and only the interior pins are altered. This step now requires new keys as the older ones no longer will work. Rekeys can be a great idea when you want a fast solution to access problems and don’t want to spend a lot of money. Locksmith Hampton offers this service to our local customers and we do it often so feel free to call us for additional details and for some no cost price quotes. If you already have a Hampton, VA locksmith that you like and work with be sure to call them and get additional details on both lock replacement and their rekey service.

TIMES WHEN YOU SHOULD REPLACE OR REKEY YOUR LOCKS

Here are a few examples for you to consider; there are of course, many more reasons to have your locks replaced or changed out but these are some of the most common ones:

Move outs – did the kids grow up and move out? Did you just get a divorce or did the relationship end? Did you have a long term guest or roommate that had his/her own key and now they are gone?

Were you away? – did you leave on a trip or for work and give a copy of the key to the neighbors so that they could check on the house? You may trust your friends or family but who else had access to your house key? Hmmm….

Lost keys – did you lose your keys? Whether you found them later or not doesn’t matter! It is still smart thinking to have your locks changed just in case. Even if your keys were returned to you by a co-worker or good Samaritan, you can’ be certain that copies weren’t made first!

Old locks – as stated earlier, older locks work less and less effectively as time goes by. Maybe they still work now but they won’t forever, so strongly consider replacing them with newer better ones.

Child access – do you give your kids copies of your house key? Maybe they let themselves in after school and get home before you get off of work. You trust your kids but are you really sure that they haven’t lent the key to a friend who copied it? Or, has the child’s key already been lost and he/she is using a copy?

Crime attempt – have you recently had a break-in or attempted break-in? Even if they didn’t damage your locks you should consider replacing them with newer, stronger ones. Locksmith Hampton offers several models of pick-proof and bump proof home and business locks that are both affordable and convenient to install.

Key lending – have you lent you key out to a service man or repair technician. Just because they work for a reputable company doesn’t mean that it’s safe to rely on their honesty. Whether you get your key back or don’t; it’s smart thinking to rekey your locks as soon as possible.

SOLVING TRANSPONDER KEY PROBLEMS

Transponder keys, also known as transponder “chip” keys, are ignition keys for your vehicle that make getting in and out of your car very easy because you can unlock your car doors without physically sticking the key in the lock; you can activate and deactivate your car alarm; you can open your trunk remotely; and, with some, you can even start your car remotely. The way a transponder key works is that the transponder chip inside sends out a unique signal to your car’s computer, a particular frequency aligned to your automobile only. As the signal is received, the mechanical part of the key releases your steering lock so you can activate the ignition and drive.

Nowadays, transponder keys are standard, and viewed as superior to regular keys. They make automobiles much more difficult to steal. Even though a transponder key is more expensive, it’s definitely worth the peace of mind it affords you. But of course, problems can arise with transponder keys.

Has your transponder key been stolen?

You should have been given an extra copy of your transponder key when you first acquired your vehicle. If you gave that car key to a family member, then you ought to still have an additional copy made to keep somewhere else in a safe place. Remember, because your transponder key is associated only to your vehicle, a would-be car thief who has your key can effortlessly take your automobile.

Of course, it’s no big deal to make a mechanical key; but to get a transponder key made, replaced, or reprogrammed, you will have to locate an automotive locksmith specialist, or go back to your original car dealer. A reputable locksmith professional will cost less than the dealership, and will also be happy to advise you on other automotive security issues.

Have you lost your transponder key?

Losing your car key is a lot more complicated than it used to be. With a traditional key, you could easily have a spare key made for a few bucks at any local hardware store or locksmith, or even back at the dealership. But a transponder key is a different story. If you really can’t find your transponder key, depending on the automaker and the intricacy of the key’s design, the replacement of your electronic fob isn’t cheap. A few car dealerships will program your fob properly for free, but most will charge a lot.

For some vehicles, the transponder key is an all-in-one unit with the fob. Also known as a laser-cut key, the shank is a bit thicker, with fewer carved-out grooves. Laser-cut keys are also sometimes referred to as “sidewinder” keys, because of the winding cut feature on the shank. Most likely, a laser-cut key’s built-in chip will have to be programmed by the dealership.

A switchblade key is another type of transponder key with a shank, but it folds into the fob. You can pop it out by pressing a button. A switchblade key has either a laser cut or a basic cut. One advantage to this type of key is that its components can be bought separately. But if you’ve lost your key entirely, you’ll have to get both parts programmed.

What about a smart key? This isn’t really a key in the usual sense. It’s just a fob. You either insert it into the dash, or you can keep in your pocket or purse. When you sit in the driver’s seat, you can start and stop the car just by pressing a button. A smart key is exceptionally secure because of its rolling security codes. Continually randomizing the correct code, it prevents a would-be professional car thief from hacking it with a code grabber. If you lose your smart key, your dealership can replace it.

Has your transponder key stopped working right?

• One typical reason your transponder key stops functioning is that there is a manufacturer defect which has been there all along. If your vehicle is still under warranty, you’ll be able to correct the problem at no cost. If it’s not under warranty any longer, then an automotive locksmith specialist will definitely be able to help you.
• Another possibility is that your transponder key is no longer communicating correctly with your car’s computer. The computer chip has somehow lost its programming. In this case, you can get it reprogrammed, or you can get an entirely new transponder key, with new programming. Whatever you decide to do, an automotive locksmith technician, or your dealership, can expertly handle it.
• There may be a foreign object lodged in your ignition. Instead of attempting to pull it out yourself, which would likely cause additional damage to the ignition, it’s best to ask a professional automotive locksmith technician. An experienced locksmith can usually extract a foreign object from the ignition without having to replace the entire switch.

DIY

If you have to reprogram your transponder key, the good news is ~ at least with some cars ~ you will be able to program it yourself. So, check your owner’s manual. You may be in luck.

The following method works on a good number of American-made vehicles. But before you shell out any money, check with your dealership or with a local automotive locksmith to determine if this procedure will work on yours:

1. Insert one of your two working keys, and turn the ignition to the “on” position for a good three seconds (without starting the car).
2. Do the same with your second key.
3. Insert the new third key, and again turn it to the “on” position for another few seconds. This will program the extra key successfully.

Another measure you can take, which will allow access to your car at least, is that you could order only the basic key without the transmitter. This key will do everything else except start the car. This is handy if you ever lock your car keys inside your vehicle.

If it’s time for programming or reprogramming your transponder key, if you live in Hampton, Virginia, then it’s a good idea to bring all your questions and concerns to a mobile automotive locksmith, such as the locksmith specialists on staff at Locksmith Hampton. Oftentimes, such a trustworthy professional will be glad to assist you, and at a much lower cost than the dealership would charge you.

Types of Locks and Keys

There are many doors out there, and those doors all have different lock sets. Mastering the ins and outs of one type is not enough to get through all of them. Fortunately, there are full time locksmiths that are prepared for every kind that there is to be found in Hampton, Virginia. Generally, locks are classified by the average person according to how they appear on the outside, though what really counts is on the inside. Why the overwhelming multiplicity of permutations? There are different jobs that require diverse ranges of mechanical abilities. The lock and key industry has been evolving for centuries and continues to advance at incredible speed.

Pin Tumbler

The most commonly encountered sort of lock is called a pin tumbler. It is arguably the simplest design. These are found in front doors of garden variety homes. It works by using the teeth of the key as a decoder for the individual sequence of pins that lie in the center of the lock. They come in two types, cylinder and tubular. The cylinder lock has a straight forward line of pins the jut inward while the tubular lock has the pins set in a ring along the inner walls. Pin locks are some the oldest and easily passable.

Wafer Tumbler Lock

Relying on nearly the same principle, the wafer tumbler lock takes a more advanced turn. Flat “wafers” are used instead of traditional pins. They are spring loaded and protrude from both the top and bottom of the cylinder. Keys that are cut on both sides constitute a code that is twice as hard to crack. This added complexity makes lock picking that much more difficult to open in the normal way. In lieu of a pick set, lock pickers use sets of “jiggers”, these are large sets of pre-fabricated keys of varying designs that are used in quick succession. Jiggers are casted with the most prominent code combinations and are utilized in a guess-and-check fashion.

Disc Tumbler Lock

Still even more improvement of the tumbler design was made with the coming of the disc tumbler lock. They are comprised of slotted, rotating disks instead of pins or wafers. As opposed to the straight forward layout of the former two, the disk tumbler taps into the third dimension for added security. The teeth of a key reach the slots in the disks from several angles and must fit perfectly, this is what makes them harder to pick. Disc tumblers do not require springs and so are fit for freezing, spring prohibitive environments.

Lever Tumblers

Lever tumblers use the principal of tumbling in a slightly different manner. They have stacked flat plates that act as the pins. Each plate must be moved into a correct position before the next can be set. Each mobile lever serves to protect the one ahead and behind which are usually of separate shape and size, creating an overlapping security design. The more levels that are added, the more security provided. For breaking and entering purposes, thieves will drill through the face plate of the lock to manually deconstruct the whole mechanism rather than deal with pick proof safeguards. Locksmith Hampton in Hampton, Virginia is a local company capable of preventing such surprises.

Locks encountered so far have all only relied on mechanical-physical attributes to accomplish the task. Since the turn of the last century there have been great headways made in the form of electronic lock sets. Instead of a conventional metal key, they employ digital ones. To demonstrate the effectiveness of these new means, consider the instance in 2016 where the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation was baffled for weeks by the digital encryption that can be found on all Apple smartphones.

Magnetic Key Card

The most readily available have been around long enough to have been encountered. Modern hotels employ the magnetic key card method. The automatic locking mechanism is triggered to open and shut by electronic signals that are dispersed by the unit control module. The key in these cases, resembles a credit card. The magnetic strip on the back of the card is encoded with a long series of numbers and characters that the lock’s card reader checks. Their inherent vulnerability is that the code can be hacked using a number of devices in the thieves tool box. A code generator engine can be (wired or wirelessly) linked into the unit’s system and instantly try out every possible combination of characters to trigger the unlocking sequence.

Smart Locks

The next level up is the smart lock with accompanying cryptographic key. This type of electro-mechanical set includes no solid key as well. What sets them apart is that the code is changed frequently so that even if the sequence were compromised at some point, it would soon reset and render the forged code useless. Smart locks are compatible with many smart phones which have applications (apps) available for download. The phone can either bounce the signal off a satellite from anywhere in the world to accommodate entry or it can tap into the local Wi-Fi network to do the same thing. This feature is regrettably a two way street; if the owner can gain access remotely then so can hackers. To combat this, developers are refining ways to get around blind access with biometrics. That is using the defined measurements of your body parts as keys to be read by the computer’s scanners.

When selecting which lock is right for personal or professional needs, the experience of real locksmiths such as Locksmith Hampton in Hampton, Virginia is invaluable. More often than not, it comes down to a compromise between budget and desired level of security. Just keep in mind that you can’t put a price tag on the security of your property and belongings. Locks in one form or another are mandatory. Talk with a lock and security provider to learn about other options.

Opening a Master Lock With a Cat Food Can Lid

by Matt Wright

We aren’t going to lie, we know that screwing around with locks doesn’t sound too exciting, but to be honest, the folks of YouTube have been doing some interesting and concerning things.

Certain locks and lock companies have been coming under fire as YouTube locksmiths have been using the most unconventional ways of popping open the security devices.

This time, we watch a test that gets to the task of seeing how likely it is to unlock a padlock using nothing more than a little bit of light pressure and the lid off of a can of cat food!

Read more: Opening a Master Lock With a Cat Food Can Lid

Related Article: A hacker has learned how to crack almost any Master Lock code in 8 tries or less

This $32 gadget can steal your garage door code and hack your car locks

By Mike Wehner

How much do think it would cost to build a device that can wirelessly break into the majority of keyless entry systems and garage doors? $100? $200? $1,000?

Not even close.

Veteran gadget hacker Samy Kamkar built one for just $32 worth of electronic hardware, and it’s a burglar’s dream come true.

Kamkar, whose past exploits include hacking everything from drones to kids’ messaging gadgets, has developed a tiny device that listens closely to the radio signals sent by key fobs and garage-door openers. Once intercepted, the signal can then be duplicated by the device, acting like a universal opener for anyone who wants quick access to your property.

Read more: http://www.dailydot.com/technology/samy-kamkar-garage-car-hack/

Related Article: https://hackaday.com/2015/04/03/hack-a-lock-get-a-free-car/