Locksmith Services

Why Are Transponder Keys More Expensive?

Key fob in someone's hand

The cost of replacement will depend on several factors, including the complexity of the key fob, the cost of labor, and the make and model of the car.

The History of Car Keys

Rekeying cars has been a part of the locksmithing industry for many years. Starting with metal keys that could easily be duplicated. Over time, the technology behind car locks evolved, leading to the introduction of transponder keys in the 1990s. Transponder keys are more advanced than traditional keys because they contain a microchip that communicates with the car’s onboard computer. This communication ensures that only the key with the correct code can start the engine, preventing theft.

What makes transponder keys more expensive?

The reason transponder keys are more expensive than traditional keys is because of the technology involved in their manufacture. The microchip and the programming required to communicate with the car’s computer make transponder keys more complex and expensive to produce. Additionally, the process of programming a transponder key to a specific car requires specialized equipment and training, which also contributes to the higher cost.

The use of transponder keys in cars has greatly improved the security of vehicles, but it has also made the process of rekeying cars more complex and expensive.

Why Car Key Fobs are So Expensive to Replace

why are car key fobs so expensive to replace? There are several factors that contribute to the high cost of replacing a key fob, including:

  • Complexity: Key fobs contain complex technology that allows them to communicate with the car’s computer system. This technology makes them more expensive to produce and program.
  • Customization: Key fobs are designed to work with specific car models, which means they are often customized to match the specific make and model of the car they are intended for. This customization process also contributes to the higher cost of replacement.
  • Labor: Replacing a key fob requires specialized equipment and training, which contributes to the overall cost of the replacement. A locksmith must have the knowledge and skills to program the key fob to work with the car’s computer system, which takes time and effort.
  • Car Make and Model: Some car models have more advanced key fobs with additional features, such as push-button start, which can drive up the cost of replacement. Luxury car brands, such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus, often have more complex key fobs that can be more expensive and require specialty tools to program

If you need to replace a key fob or transponder key, it’s important to work with a reputable locksmith who has experience with the technology and can provide a high-quality replacement.

Why Are Transponder Keys More Expensive?

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Safes that Harry’s Locksmith Carries

At Harry’s Locksmith in downtown Vancouver, WA we carry a variety of safes to meet your security needs. The most common types of safes are gun safes, deposit safes, and jewelry safes. If you’re not sure which safe to choose, we can help recommend one based on your needs. Just let us know. Below are some of the safes that we carry.

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Three Key Things to Keep Your Business Secure

Here at Harry’s we work with a wide range of building and business types, and keeping your business, home, or vehicle secure is our specialty. Your business is a valuable asset, and you should protect it. Business owners often overlook the importance of security when they don’t have to. But if you want to keep your employees and customers safe, it’s crucial that you consider the security of your business. Here are 3 Key Things that will help keep your business secure.

Electronic Access Systems

Electronic Access systems are popular in locations that have many doors that need to stay secure, but also allow employees to move around to different locations in the business. Having an electronic system allows you to seamlessly control who can access what areas, and makes revoking access simple and efficient. Every business has different needs, and there isn’t a one-size fits all solution. By working with security professionals you can pick a system that is perfect for your business.

Alarm System

An alarm system is one of the best ways to protect your business. If someone tries to enter your building without knowing the code, an alarm will let you know immediately so that you can take action before anything happens. Alarms are also great a deterring theft or vandalism, as an alarm and the threat of police showing up will scare off a majority of people attempting to break in.

Security Cameras

Security cameras can deter crime, identify possible suspects in the event of a burglary and help business owners see who is coming and going. Today’s security cameras are more advanced than ever before, and can be used in low-light situations or when sensors pick up unusual motion. Security cameras can significantly increase your peace of mind. They can be expensive, depending on your business’s needs, but generally are worth the investment for businesses with a commercial property.

To keep your business secure, call Harry’s Locksmith.

If you’re looking for a local, family-run business in the pacific northwest that can help keep your business safe and secure, Harry’s Locksmith is the answer. We have been in business for over 70 years and have become experts in all aspects of security. If you need help with any aspect of keeping your property safe—from installing locks to improving access control systems—contact us today!

Safes that Harry’s Locksmith Carries

At Harry’s Locksmith in downtown Vancouver, WA we carry a variety of safes to meet your security needs. The most common types of safes are gun safes, deposit safes, and jewelry safes. If you’re not sure which safe to choose, we can help recommend one based on your needs. Just let us know. Below are some of the safes that we carry.

We can deliver your safe for a fee. Already own a safe? Lost your combination? Send us details and photos of your safe to shop@harryslocksmith.com.

Data-Media Safes

Gardall Data Media Safe PDX

As technology evolves, the need for the protection of magnetic media assets becomes more important. We carry different sizes of Gardall’s media safes to keep your electronic assets protected in ways that an average fire safe wouldn’t. This safe offers one-hour fire protection for your media products.

Standard Features:

  • Push button 6-digit electronic lock with key day lock
  • 3 way bolt work with bolt detent
  • Shelf/Shelfs are removable, not adjustable
  • No center bolt-down hole
  • Fire rating- 1832°F outside, 150°F interior

What can you store inside?

  • Computer Back-Ups
  • Digital Pictures
  • Music
  • Video Tapes

Microwave Safes

Gardall Microwave Safe 1

ES1612

We carry a range of Gardall U.L. approved fire resistive microwave style safes. Microwave style safes come with either mechanical or electronic style locks. All fire safes have plated interlocking bolts that extend into the safe walls to prevent tampering and removal of doors. The doors are precision built of extra heavy steel, full swinging on heavy duty hinges with interlocking, tongue and groove closure on all sides of the door frame. All safes come with a center bolt down hole and hardware to anchor the safe down.

Standard Features:

  • Programmable electronic lock with over-ride or single key lock.
  • Individual packaging for UPS type shipping available at additional cost.
  • Powder coated paint for increased durability
  • Center bolt down ( hardware included)
  • Pull-out shelf for storage
  • All models carry a 1-hour K.I.S label. Models MS912/MS129 & SS/ES1612 also carry a U.L 1-hour, 350°F label
  • Gardall lifetime fire warranty.
  • Models SS/ES1612 come with 1 adjustable shelf
  • Lifetime replacement warranty (see catalog for details)
  • * U.L. 350° One-Hour Label: Add 1½” to outside depth for dial and handle.

Gardall Microwave Safe 3

MS814-G-E

One or Two Hour Record Safes

Gardall One or Two Hour Record Safes

Gardall ES1612-G-E One Hour Record Safe

This Gardall one hour record safe features an electronic lock that allows you to set your own combination. It’s made for storing important documents and has a K.I.S. one hour fire rating as well as a U.L. one hour 350 degree F for extra fire protection. This safe features a removable shelf and small tray. On this 1 hour rated fire safe with an electronic lock, we feature a center bolt down hole inside the safe. We even include the hardware to bolt it down.

Standard Features:

  • Programmable electronic lock with over-ride
  • Powder-coated paint for increased durability
  • Center bolt-down hole is standard (Hardware included)
  • Pull-out shelf for storage
  • 1-hour K.I.S label
  • Also carriers a 1-hour U.L 350 degree F label
  • Gardall lifetime fire warranty
  • 1 adjustable shelf
  • Lifetime replacement warranty

If you don’t see what you’re looking for, we can order it for you. As a security hardware provider, Harry’s Locksmith wants you to know that we are very much here to help. Reach out to us today to set up a service call or request a free project estimate. Sign up for our e-newsletter. Receive weekly product highlights, company updates, special offers, deals and more. Join our newsletter to stay connected here.

 

Why Are Transponder Keys More Expensive?

The cost of replacement will depend on several factors, including the complexity of the key fob, the cost of labor, and the make and model of the...

Three Key Things to Keep Your Business Secure

Here at Harry's we work with a wide range of building and business types, and keeping your business, home, or vehicle secure is our specialty. Your...

Safes that Harry’s Locksmith Carries

At Harry’s Locksmith in downtown Vancouver, WA we carry a variety of safes to meet your security needs. The most common types of safes are gun safes, deposit safes, and jewelry safes. If you’re not sure which safe to choose, we can help recommend one based on your needs. Just let us know. Below are some of the safes that we carry.

Top 5 Upgrades To Safely Reopen

1) Increase Touchless Entries A worthwhile investment into the future is preventing the spread of diseases,...

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  Vancouver-Portland-Salem Mobile Locksmith Services   Don’t Be Locked Out For Long There’s no convenient time or place to lock yourself out. But...

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You’ve put your all into building your business, so it only makes sense you’d want to keep everything as safe as possible. That’s why many businesses use commercial door locks to safely secure their offices, warehouses, storefronts, etc.

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Commercial Doors   Behind, or more often in front, of every safe and secure business is a strong commercial door. Commercial doors are...

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Thank you for shopping local - from Harry's Locksmith

1) Increase Touchless Entries

A worthwhile investment into the future is preventing the spread of diseases, the flu, and other illnesses. While COVID-19 may not be around forever, the CDC estimates that millions of people are burden by the flu each year. That can mean lost revenue and wages for a business. By increasing or retrofitting existing doorways to touchless entries, you can help curb the spread.

Hand Wave Keyless Entry and other Touchless Solutions from Harry's Locksmith

2) Upgrade to Antimicrobial Hardware


In areas where touch hardware is still needed, upgrading to antimicrobial hardware can be a great alternative. Businesses have a range of options from Antimicrobial Ionic Silver Coatings, Copper-Based Alloy Handles, Germ Selves, to Microban® Hardware. Harry’s Locksmith has access to different styles, functions, and finishes that fit your building use and design.

3) Incorporate ADA Compliance


This is a great time to examine all entrances, hallways, and exits to make sure they work for everyone. While being wheelchair accessible is one consideration, there many more factors and disabilities to consider. Let a trusted team like Harry’s Locksmith guide you through all the options.

Contact Harry’s Locksmith for ADA Compliance Inspections & Other Consultations

4) Install Smart Door Closers

Low-Energy Automatic Operators help increase safety and accessibility. Closers increase security for your doors. Both allow for code compliance over propping a door open manually, which may have other added risks.

5) Consider Mobile Access Control

Proxy cards on a large scale can require a lot of upkeep for situations where there is theft, card expiration, or general replacements from being misplaced. Mobile access on the other hand, can be granted or revoked remotely. Many companies now also let you set up Mobile Access Controls with your Smartwatch.

Mobile Access Control Keyless Entry and other Touchless Solutions from Harry's Locksmith

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The Best Salem Mobile Locksmith Will Offer These Services

 

Vancouver-Portland-Salem Mobile Locksmith Services

 

Don’t Be Locked Out For Long

There’s no convenient time or place to lock yourself out. But whether you’re locked out of your home, office or even your car, Harry’s Locksmith can be there to help. In addition to a store in downtown Vancouver, Harry’s employs mobile locksmiths who can serve those living in the Portland, Salem and Wilsonville metro areas. We also offer 24/7 emergency services.

​A mobile locksmith is a trained key and lock professional who makes service calls on a variety of lock-related issues. They come to you and bring all the necessary replacement parts and tools needed to fix what issue they were called in for.

Mobile locksmiths can get to your location faster, so if you do accidentally lock yourself out of your home, business or car, they’ll be there quickly to help you get back in. The same goes if your key breaks off in the lock itself and you can’t get in.

Mobile locksmiths aren’t handy just for emergency scenarios, either. Using a mobile locksmith is a great way to have a trained professional come to your home or business to help give you peace of mind. If you just moved to a new place, a mobile locksmith can come out and change the locks just in case the previous owners didn’t get rid of all their keys. If you’ve had a break in, they can come check out your location and provide stronger protection options.

Mobile Locksmith Repairs

A mobile locksmith can also help with a variety of other locks and keys. They can not only help you get back into a car, but they can repair broken keys, whether you have a regular key or a smart key. They can reprogram transponder keys, as well. A mobile locksmith can also help repair your ignition or car locks, in addition to duplicate or replace care, motorcycle or transponder keys.

Cut New Keys On Location

You can also call in a mobile locksmith to help cut keys. Instead of going to a big box store and having it done there, a mobile locksmith will come out and ensure your key is cut properly to work on your lock. This saves an added trip back to the store if any issues arise with the new key.

Mobile Locksmiths For Home, Business and Vehicles

Mobile locksmiths receive extensive training to ensure they are knowledgeable on all sorts of different locks and doors. This means to not only will they be able to help you at your home, business or car, but they can also help you with more specialized locks. This can be something like a filing cabinet lock, desk drawer lock or a key code. Mobile locksmiths can help get into a safe if you forget the combination, or help reset the combination on a safe itself.

Mobile locksmiths allow Harry’s to reach more people faster. Find out why Harry’s has been trusted to keep people safe around Vancouver for more than 70 years. If you’re in need of a mobile locksmith in Salem, Wilsonville, Albany area, we have a technician stationed there locally to serve you better and faster. Harry’s shop is located in downtown Vancouver, Washington, five minutes away from Portland if you want a visit or a consultation with one of our door hardware specialists. The trained locksmiths have more than 120 years combined of door and door hardware experience. For the last two years, Harry’s has been voted as the top company in Clark County, Wa., for Best Security Services by residents of Clark County.

7 Tips on How to Secure Your Vacation Home

Summer may be over. But before you jet back home, get back to business, and drop off the kids at school, remember to secure your vacation home first. While the number of burglaries has steadily decreased, down 37.1% compared to 2008, in 2017 there were an estimated 1.4 million burglaries in the US (according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program). 

Secure your vacation home so you don’t fall prey to property damage, theft, or burglary. Victims of burglary offenses suffered an estimated $3.4 billion in property losses in 2017. The average dollar loss per burglary offense was $2,416. Burglaries of residential properties accounted for 67.2 percent of all burglary offenses. The impact of a home invasion isn’t just the financial loss. There’s the emotional loss of losing keepsakes and memorabilia.

Here are 7 tips on securing your vacation home to help prevent burglaries and the like while you’re not on-site.

  1. Secure all points of ingress and egress before you leave. This means securing all windows, doors, sliding doors, mandoors, and all other openings before you leave. A simple trick for sliding doors and windows is to place a wooden dowel or pvc pipe in the door track. There are “security door bars” that you can buy for upwards of $50 but you can DIY with a PVC pipe that will get the job done too. 
  2. Make the property look lived in. Give the appearance that someone is home. Consider leaving some of the drapes open, leaving the kitchen range lamp on, and using programmable timers on lamps. Sun-light activated timers are a solid option that aren’t susceptible to power outages.
  3. Hire a caretaker. If your vacation property is far away, consider hiring someone to take care of the yard and pick up the mail. You can also install motion sensor lights near the doorways to spook anyone walking by. No one needs to know that the property is vacant! An unkempt and a dark home is a prime target for burglars. 
  4. Change the locks. After you’ve purchased your vacation home, it’s a smart idea to rekey your locks. Rekeying the locks ensures that all previous keys for the home won’t work anymore. You have no idea if the previous owners, tenants, and guests have kept copies of their keys. Read more about rekeying locks here. Another option is to have a digital lock installed by a reputable locksmith. 
  5. Don’t leave your spare keys in an obvious spot. For example, the mailbox, welcome mat, or fake rocks are some of the more obvious places. The doormat is usually the first place anyone, including a burglar, would look. Where’s a non-obvious place to hide a key? With your neighbor! While this isn’t necessarily hiding the key, if you have a neighbor you can trust, this is also a solid option for protecting yourself against a lockout.
  6. Install a home security system. There’s so many affordable home security systems ranging from simple keyless entry locks and deadbolts to Bluetooth systems that will alert you via text or email if a door or glass is broken. You can also monitor your property with a camera system that will trigger a siren if anyone gets too close and alert local police if anything is broken into. Home security systems can help provide peace of mind and security for your vacation home or second home while you’re away.
  7. Befriend your neighbors. If some of your neighbors are year-round residents, ask them to check on your place occasionally and make sure they have a way to contact you. Also alert them if your having work done on your house. Porch even recommends not posting your plans on social media and just tell those you trust.

Investing in strong locks, regular rekeys, security systems, common sense, and video surveillance equipment are a priority when securing your vacation home. If you have questions about securing your vacation home, second home, primary home, or business, call us for recommendations on home security systems, hardware upgrades, and rekeying locks.