Frequently Asked Questions
This comprehensive FAQ serves as a vital resource, designed to provide clear, concise answers to common locksmith inquiries. It aims to equip individuals with essential knowledge, fostering peace of mind and confidence when selecting Lunar Lock Solutions for their security requirements. By proactively addressing frequently asked questions and concerns, such as service pricing, ownership verification, and the full scope of services, Lunar Locks establishes a foundation of transparency and credibility. This approach helps alleviate anxiety during critical service needs, further distinguishing Lunar Lock Solutions commitment to honesty, professionalism, and customer empowerment.
Lunar Lock Solutions - FAQ
If an individual finds themselves locked out of their house or car, the first recommended step is to thoroughly check all other doors and windows to ascertain if any are unlocked. If a window is slightly ajar and can be safely reached, an attempt can be made to unlock the door from the inside with a long thin rod.
Should these initial, simple steps do not pay off, it is imperative to immediately contact Lunar Locks. Lunar Locks' technicians possess the necessary tools and expertise to safely gain entry without causing damage to the property or vehicle.
When locked out, it is crucial to avoid certain actions that can lead to further damage, injury, or increased repair costs:
Do NOT break a window: Attempting to break a window to gain entry can result in expensive property damage, personal injury, and is entirely unnecessary, as a professional locksmith can resolve a lockout safely and efficiently.
Do NOT jam objects into the door or lock mechanism: Inserting foreign objects into the lock rarely works and can cause significant damage to the internal components, making the lock harder and more expensive to repair or replace.
Do NOT kick down the door: Kicking down a door will inevitably lead to substantial property damage to the door, frame, and potentially the surrounding structure, in addition to risking serious personal injury.
Customers in lockout situations are often desperate and may consider resorting to dangerous or damaging actions in order to see immediate results. By explicitly advising against these actions, Lunar Lock Solutions aims to demonstrate a clear commitment to customer safety and financial well-being. This proactive advice is Lunar Locks view as a helpful and responsible authority in the community, and reinforces the value of professional intervention over risky do-it-yourself attempts, potentially saving customers from incurring greater costs and varying types of harm.
When locked out, it is crucial to avoid certain actions that can lead to further damage, injury, or increased repair costs:
Do NOT break a window: Attempting to break a window to gain entry can result in expensive property damage, personal injury, and is entirely unnecessary, as a professional locksmith can resolve a lockout safely and efficiently.
Do NOT jam objects into the door or lock mechanism: Inserting foreign objects into the lock rarely works and can cause significant damage to the internal components, making the lock harder and more expensive to repair or replace.
Do NOT kick down the door: Kicking down a door will inevitably lead to substantial property damage to the door, frame, and potentially the surrounding structure, in addition to risking serious personal injury.
Customers in lockout situations are often desperate and may consider resorting to dangerous or damaging actions in order to see immediate results. By explicitly advising against these actions, Lunar Lock Solutions aims to demonstrate a clear commitment to customer safety and financial well-being. This proactive advice is Lunar Locks view as a helpful and responsible authority in the community, and reinforces the value of professional intervention over risky do-it-yourself attempts, potentially saving customers from incurring greater costs and varying types of harm.
Lunar Lock Solutions offers a wide range of locksmith services including unlocking vehicles, homes, and businesses; installing, repairing, and maintaining locks; adjusting door closers and automatic operators; rekeying and master pinning; troubleshooting and expanding access control systems; and custom metal fabrication for security. Please note, we do not make vehicle keys, move safes, or work on sliding patio doors. Contact us for referrals on these issues.
Lunar Locks specializes in opening vehicles where keys are locked inside or when the remote is not working. We can also provide services such as boosting the vehicle's battery or repairing a remote.
Please note: Lunar Locks does not make or duplicate vehicle keys, nor do we work on vehicle locks or ignitions. Any discussion of key types, such as transponder keys, within this FAQ is purely for educational purposes regarding general lock and hardware terminology.
( Please feel free to contact us for a referral )
Understanding the distinction between rekeying and replacing locks is crucial for making informed security decisions.
Rekeying/repinning involves altering the internals, specifically the pins, of an existing lock so that it operates with a new key, then reinstalling it on the door. This process is generally more economical than completely replacing the entire lock.
In contrast, replacing locks entails removing the old lock and installing a brand-new one entirely, sometimes requiring modifications to the door and frame to accommodate the new brand/style desired/available.
The choice between rekeying and replacing depends on various factors:
Rekeying is typically recommended when you wish to ensure that previous owners, tenants, realtors, construction workers, neighbours, housekeepers, babysitters, etc. no longer have access. This is especially recommended when moving into a new home to eliminate the uncertainty of unaccounted keys. Keys had been lost, stolen, or kept in secrecy will no longer function in each lock that was rekeyed, providing an immediate security upgrade without the higher cost of new hardware. There is often a desire to have a single key operate multiple locks, a process known as "keying alike". This is easily accomplished when the existing locks are all the same brand. You can test this simply trying to insert the key from one lock into all of the others. If it goes in, then they can be assumed to use the same 'keyway', and we can rekey them alike if you wish.
Replacing locks is advisable when:
-Existing locks are old, visibly damaged, or malfunctioning, indicating a compromise in their operational integrity or security.
-A security breach, such as a break-in, has occurred, potentially compromising the lock's internal mechanisms beyond simple rekeying.
-A significant upgrade in lock security or features is desired, for instance, transitioning from a standard lock to a high-security lock, an electronic keypad, or a smart lock.
By clearly defining both services and outlining the scenarios best suited for each, Lunar Lock Solutions wishes to empower customers to make decisions that are both informed and cost-effective, knowing that we prioritize customer benefit and value.
Yes, Lunar Lock Solutions possesses the specialized capability to create a new key even in the absence of the original. This is achieved through several advanced methods, each requiring more significant experience than the last. One common method entails disassembling the lock to meticulously work out the internal coding, which then allows for the creation of a new key. Additionally, a new key can be precisely cut based on blind codes or bitting codes associated with the lock type. Another technique involves creating an impression directly from the existing lock, where the locksmith carefully manipulates the lock to discern the necessary bitting. This ability to make a key from scratch or without an original is a highly technical skill that sets professional locksmiths apart from basic key duplication services. Highlighting this capability demonstrates advanced expertise and underscores the value of professional locksmith services over potentially more expensive but less reliable alternatives. This also directly addresses a common and often high-stress customer problem, reassuring them that even in the most challenging scenarios, Lunar Locks has a viable solution.
Yes, Lunar Locks is fully equipped and highly experienced in addressing issues with broken or jammed locks. Technicians can accurately assess the problem and determine the most effective solution, which will involve opening the door to remove the lockset, then may involve repairing the existing lock or, if necessary, replacing it entirely. If a key breaks off inside a lock, it is critically important to avoid attempting to remove it independently. Self-extraction attempts can often push the broken piece further into the mechanism or cause additional damage to the lock, complicating the repair process. In rare cases it has caused an issue where no one can escape out of that door! Instead, individuals should immediately contact Lunar Lock Solutions. Technicians possess specialized tools and expertise to safely extract the broken key without causing further damage to the lock, then conduct a thorough inspection for any internal damage, service the lock, and optionally cut a new key.
Smart locks represent a significant advancement in home security, offering substantial convenience and enhanced security features. These modern locking systems can provide capabilities such as remote access control, detailed activity logs of who enters and exits, and seamless integration with existing home automation systems. A key benefit of smart locks is their ability to eliminate the need for traditional physical keys, thereby preventing common issues like lockouts. Lunar Locks can provide expert advice on the selection and installation of various types of smart locks, ranging from straightforward keypads to sophisticated smart-home devices that can be controlled via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. To maximize security and ensure optimal functionality, it is crucial to select a reputable brand and ensure professional installation. It amazes us to discover how many locks out there still have their default factory codes still in place, or are installed in such a way that a self-locking feature is not always completing - leaving a property completely unguarded when the resident thought it locked itself every time.
Get your locks checked by Lunar Lock Solutions to be sure.
For car doors, Lunar Locks employs a variety of non-damaging methods to gain entry when keys are locked inside or the remote is malfunctioning. These techniques may include utilizing specialized tools to unlock the vehicle.
If a customer forgets a combination or loses the keys to their safe, Lunar Lock Solutions can assist in gaining entry by trying to dial the safe or pick the lock, but if invasive means are needed then they know how to drill small holes in the right spots, opening the safe without triggering additional internal security measures known as 're-lockers' designed to prevent theft. This often requires a small number of specialized drill bits that wear or break with required hard use, which is costly to the locksmith and explains why invasive work on tough safes or vaults is never cheap. Lunar Locks will always keep it as affordable as possible however, as we value your patronage.
Lunar Locks offers comprehensive solutions to help individuals assess and enhance their home security. This includes:
Rekeying Existing Locks: Change the key to your home if you never have. You simply do not know how many exist out there.
Installing High-Quality Locks: Upgrading to stronger or high-security grade locks that feature restricted key access provides a robust defense against unauthorized entry.
Upgrading to Keypad/Smart Locks: Implementing smart locks with advanced features offers enhanced control, monitoring, and convenience.
Reinforcing Door Frames and Hinges: Strengthening these critical points significantly improves a door's resistance to forced entry.
Installing Deadbolts: Adding deadbolts provides an additional layer of security beyond standard handle locks with latches.
Reviewing Door and Window Security: A professional assessment ensures all entry points, including internal doors to conservatories and garages, have appropriate and properly fitted locks that meet current security standards.
Considering Additional Measures: Beyond locks, Lunar Locks can advise on integrating sensor lighting, professionally installed and monitored alarm systems, and security film or grilles for windows, all of which act as significant deterrents.
Proper maintenance of locks and keys can significantly extend their lifespan and prevent costly emergencies:
Avoid Excessive Force: Refrain from using undue force when inserting or turning keys, as this can bend or break the key within the lock.
Regular Cleaning and Lubrication: Periodically clean and lubricate your locks to ensure smooth operation and prevent internal mechanisms from seizing. For pin-tumbler cylinders, it is crucial to use lightweight synthetic sprays, not heavy oils or WD, as these oils can attract dirt and cause clogging. We don't recommend graphite either, as it builds up from over-application and can cause wear.
Avoid Bad Habits: Do not leave keys in locks on the inside of doors or in plain view near windows, as this can facilitate "fishing" attempts by intruders. Always ensure side and back gates are securely locked.
Consider "Keying Alike": For convenience and simplified key management, consider having all your exterior door locks rekeyed to operate with a single key.
Proactive Spare Key Creation: Have spare keys made before the originals are lost or damaged. This simple step can prevent the need for emergency lockout services and more complex key generation procedures.
Proper Key Tracking: Maintain a system for keeping track of all your keys to prevent them from being misplaced or falling into unauthorized hands.
Good question! We must not have thought of it while writing these. For any questions not thoroughly covered within this FAQ, individuals are encouraged to contact Lunar Lock Solutions directly so that we can add your query.