Introduction
If you think that locksmiths only unlock doors, then you belong to 70% of the population who believe that’s the main service locksmiths provide. Locksmith services extend far more than just the simple unlocking of the doors and repairing broken keys and locks.
Locksmiths are trained to assist in residential and commercial services covering key duplication, lock repair, rekeying, and installation, and automotive services addressing key and ignition issues, car lockout emergencies, and key fob programming. Learn how a locksmith can help you increase the security of your home, office, or vehicle.
What Does a Locksmith Do?
Professional locksmiths provide a wide range of services, from simple key replacement and duplication, unlocking jammed locks, to installing safety systems such as surveillance, smart locks, and digital locks. Locksmiths provide residential, commercial, and automotive locksmith services, and are able to cover every issue thanks to modern technology and advanced tools.
Residential and Commercial Locksmith Services
Key Duplication
Locksmiths duplicate standard, specialized, and restricted key types to ensure property owners’ safe access to their assets at all times. Key duplication includes creating a copy of an existing key for entry doors, garage doors, bathroom doors, padlocks, and mailbox keys, and other types of property-related keys.
Lock Rekeying
Lock rekeying services solve an issue when the original key is lost. These services include internal change of the mechanism itself and its adaptation to a new key. Lock rekeying is for those who have lost the original key but do not want to change the entire lock, or for those who are trying to increase the security of their home.
Lock Installation
Professional locksmiths provide lock installation services ranging from simple lock and/or deadbolt installation to high-end surveillance and safety systems. Most manufacturers require professionals to install their locks in order to keep the warranty and to ensure the proper functioning of the system.
Lock Repair
Locksmiths can successfully repair the lock without replacing the entire mechanism when the lock is jammed, stuck, or doesn’t work. The lock services include changing the damaged and/or worn-out parts, extracting broken keys from the lock, aligning the doors once again, etc.
Keyless Entry
Replace the traditional key with a keyless entry. Keyless entries are popular and useful at commercial properties; they allow access with a specific card, passcode, or smartphone. Locksmiths install the system and configure it for a specific use.
Digital Lock Installation
Next-level lock system includes digital lock installation, where locksmiths install systems that rely on Bluetooth connections, PINs, biometrics, or Wi-Fi. Locksmith installs the system, configures the data, and integrates it into already existing security software (if any).
Smart Lock Installation
The most advanced lock system includes a smart lock system that allows remote access and configuration, one-time and guest keys generation, mobile apps, and notifications. Locksmiths install the smart lock system and integrate it with the smart home system.
Automotive Locksmith Services
Car Lockout Services
Locksmiths can safely unlock the car in a situation where the owner has forgotten the keys inside the car. This process is done without damaging the doors, lock, windows, or any physical part of the car.
High Security “Laser Cut” Keys
Locksmiths offer an extra layer of protection with laser-cut car keys that are produced with a highly precise laser machine. Services include both creating and replacing a laser-cut key for maximum security of the vehicle.
Transponder Keys (Chip)
Locksmiths can easily replicate a transponder key, which is basically a chip that communicates with a car’s immobilizer, thus adding a layer of security. Locksmith services include creating an initial transponder key or cloning and replacing an already existing one.
Key Programming
Smart keys and smart vehicles need to be synced in order to work properly. Locksmiths provide key programming services, where they program new keys and “teach” them how to communicate with the car’s electric system.
Fob Programming
Fob keys allow remote, hands-free unlocking and locking of a vehicle when the key is nearby. Locksmiths replace and replicate Fob keys to ensure a smooth experience for the owner. They can also upgrade the system to trunk opening, engine start with a push button, sunroof control, etc.
Key Generation and Replacement
Losing both car keys doesn’t have to be a headache with a locksmith who knows what to do. A professional locksmith can generate a new car key based solely on the information from the VIN number, manufacturer’s code, or specifications.
Keyless Fob Remotes
More advanced locksmith services include keyless fob remotes, where locksmiths take over programming the keyless ignition for remote entry cars. This advanced system requires special parameters to be set in order to work properly, alongside all the physical components.
Broken Key Extractions
Professional locksmith services can easily extract a piece of a broken key from inside a lock without damaging the lock and the mechanism. This can happen at any time, both inside a lock or ignition mechanism, but the recovery process is the same.
Ignition and Car Door Cylinder Replacement
The number one reason why car locks fail is a faulty cylinder, which is broken or worn out. Locksmiths identify the broken cylinder and replace it with a brand new, thus restoring the function of the doors.
Automotive Rekeying
Automotive rekeying services include reprogramming of the vehicle’s lock system when there are theft concerns or the original key is lost. The lock system is being reprogrammed, a new key is being synced, and therefore, every existing old key will no longer function successfully.
Vin Number Key Code Generating
VIN number gives away a lot of information, and one of them is essential to a locksmith – the original car key code. This code can be extracted and then reused for new keys.
Key Fob Battery Replacement
Standard locksmith services include key fob battery replacement. The old battery is being carefully removed, a new one inserted, and the system tested. Once the battery is replaced, the hands-free locking/unlocking should work without issues.
Smart Car Keys
Smart car keys are next-generation car keys that allow the owner to experience push-to-start functionality in their vehicle. Locksmiths provide smart car key services that include duplication, programming, and replacing them for almost every single available car model.
Car Trunk Opening
Locksmiths can safely open a jammed trunk door without damaging any external component. They also provide car trunk opening repair services, in case something went wrong with the electronics or any components of the system.
Surveillance System Installation Services
Surveillance services cover advanced services that are designed to ensure the safety and security of properties and vehicles. These services most often include CCTV installation and programming, security camera placement, interconnection, and application set-up. Locksmiths, as safety professionals, can provide consultation services on where to place the cameras to ensure full coverage, the model of cameras, the need for microphones, the backend architecture, etc.
Final Thoughts
Traditionally, locksmiths are connected to lock replacement services, lock duplication services, and lock repair services, but modern locksmith services include far more – from comprehensive security and safety solutions, to covering residential, commercial, and vehicle systems. Locksmiths do more than just physically replace the equipment; they plan
Need a Locksmith Service in Tampa, FL?
Whether you need residential, commercial, or automotive services anywhere in Tampa, FL, or you have simply experienced an issue with your locks or keys and are unsure what to do, call us at +1 (813) 642-4394, and our agents will be more than happy to assist you.