Frequently Asked Questions
Safeguard your tomorrow, today, with our check list of frequently asked questions. We have compiled this for your information and peruse in case of an emergency. Please feel free to contact us for key and lock troubles across Toronto.
Keys, Locks
Buildings tend to shift and settle over time. Wood has a tendency to expand during humid weather, and contract during dry weather. Because of this, the lock’s latch and its corresponding strike plate become out of alignment, and need to be adjusted.
No! Too much force on a key will likely cause it to break off inside the lock. When your locks become hard to turn, or snap/stick when you turn your key, then it needs to be re-keyed to the proper pin height to match the key you are attempting to use.
Never use graphite either in a vehicle lock, as over time, this can inhibit the moving parts and attract dirt/dust causing lock failure. Graphite should only be used sparingly in residential and commercial style locks. Rather than WD-40®, we recommend a Teflon or silicone-based lubricant such as Lock Saver.
When you need to jiggle your key, this means that the key, the lock or both are worn, and you’re best to get a code cut key made. If this doesn’t help, then you will likely also need to have your cylinder re-keyed to factory specifications.
Yes. If you have a key that slides into all your locks, then we can rekey the locks to be “keyed alike”. If you have a lock (or locks) that the key doesn’t slide into, then those will need to be replaced to the brand of key in question.
No. We can simply rekey your locks by changing the pins (combination) to a new code rather than going through the added expense of replacement.
Yes. We supply and key new locks to existing keys all the time.
A master key is a secondary key that opens a group of locks and sometimes all locks within a master system. Many people get confused with their locks that are “keyed alike” where only one key operates all the locks.
Re-keying changes the combination of the lock by changing the pins/tumblers to match the profile of new keys. Master keying is a process of keying locks to allow multiple keys to operate a lock under a master key system.
A restricted key system restricts who can get a key duplicated. Only the authorized account holder may have duplicates made and/or update the current system we have on file.
A restricted key system restricts who can get a key duplicated. Only the authorized account holder may have duplicates made and/or update the current system we have on file.
Unless you are in an apartment building or group of buildings managed by a property manager, you likely won’t know if your lock is master keyed or not. A professional locksmith must disassemble the cylinder to determine if your lock is master keyed. If there is no reason for the lock to be master keyed, we can simply remove the master pins for you.
No. While we respect the “Do Not Duplicate” marking on a key, many discount stores do not. To prevent unauthorized key duplication, a restricted key system such as ABLOY®, Medeco(R)®, ASSA®, etc., should be used.
No. A master key is a specific key that is designed to operate a group of locks or all locks under a master key system. The days of skeleton keys are long gone. Rest assured that there is no such “master key” that opens all locks.
It is quite common for a locksmith to cut a key “by code”. This is possible for many things such as: vehicles, padlocks, filing cabinets, etc. Providing proof of ownership before cutting a key by code is a standard procedure of security professionals to safeguard security.
Laser cut keys, or sidewinders, are keys with the milling on the side rather than on the top and bottom. Contrary to the name, lasers are not required to cut this type of key!
No. Lock opening tools are only available to persons with a licence under the Criminal Code of Canada (section 353). A locksmith WILL NOT supply opening tools to anyone.
Safes
Yes. Our safe and vault technicians can service, reset and change combinations on the majority of safes on the market today.
Yes. It is recommended that your safe be serviced at least once a year, depending on the amount of use it endures.
Yes. If we don’t already have one in stock, we can do special orders to accommodate your needs.
Locksmiths
Unfortunately, there are individuals out there who are working as locksmiths, but are not licensed. Most of the time, these inexperienced and unprofessional “locksmiths” are simply trying to earn as much money as possible, resulting in them giving misleading information.
Only a licensed locksmith can give you qualified advice and recommendations regarding security solutions (both physical and electronic) for your home or business.
Locksmith Associations are organizations committed to safeguarding the trust society has placed in security professionals and the security industry. This is accomplished in a number of ways such as:
Accountability – through security checks, fingerprinting, licensing, etc.
Training – through ongoing, hands-on classes at the local, provincial and national levels, including manufacturer and distributor sponsored classes or seminars.
Education – through association newsletters and national-level journals, books and manuals.
General Questions
Yes. You can make a specific appointment that meets your needs, and we will do our best to work with your schedule. All appointments are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Yes. We serve all of the Greater Toronto Area.
We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and debit card payments in store. We also have the capability to accept some of these payment forms from our mobile units as well.
Charging an invoice is only permissible once an account has been set up with our accounts receivable department.
Every product we sell carries a different manufacturer’s warranty. Please inquire about the warranty at the time of purchase.
