What Services Are Included in Key Repair Near Me

Harry s Locksmith What Services Are Included in Key Repair Near Me 1

You’ve probably envisioned this nightmare many times: It’s a cold winter day and you’re freezing your hands off. You are bundled up in three layers of clothes and struggle to make it to your front door, your car, or your office. You’re simply desperate to get out of the cold and into the heat, so you reach for your keys and lunge toward the door. But just as you get your keys out of your pocket, you realize something: the key you need is broken or terribly damaged!

It could be a traditional key or a key fob, but either way, you are so cold that you’re losing the feeling in your hands and feet, and you now have no way to get out of the elements that are making your teeth chatter.

Simply put, this is not a situation you ever want to find yourself in, and if you do, you need to be ready to find a locksmith you know you can call to come help you immediately. You may be asking, “How do I find a locksmith this dependable?” or, “Who does the best key repair near me?”

If you are in the Vancouver, WA, area or the Portland metro area, the answer is Harry’s Locksmith, since we’ve been top experts in the area since 1949, and our range of experience and specialties is substantial. But what if you don’t live near Vancouver, WA or Portland, OR?

There are a variety of problems that could cause your key issues, and you need to know what to look for in determining which locksmith near you has the skills and experience to fix your issue before you decide who to call for help.

Here are some of the common problems you might encounter.

Potential Issues

These are some of the potential broken key problems that will likely require repair. Know that while these problems may frustrate you or leave you temporarily out in the cold, a good locksmith company should be able to fix the issue.

  • Your key fob is destroyed or otherwise mangled.
  • The transponder chip in your key is destroyed or otherwise mangled.
  • Your key has snapped off or is broken.
  • Your key fob has been damaged or destroyed.
  • Your key is completely worn out.
  • Your key is stuck inside a lock or automobile ignition and cannot be turned or retrieved.
  • Your key has stopped opening a lock.
  • Your electronic key has dead batteries or damaged buttons.

Key Repair

Traditional Keys

If your key is merely worn out, a good locksmith should be able to take care of the issue by re-cutting the key back to its original dimensions. This should be a quick repair.

If your key has snapped or is horrifically damaged, this will also be a quick fix if the locksmith has the necessary part in stock. Otherwise, unfortunately, you may have to wait a while to get the key fixed. In this particular instance, it will likely result in the key being re-cut or re-made.

If the key is stuck in a lock, then it must be extracted before anything else. If it’s a building door lock, it should be just a matter of extracting the key. But if the key is stuck in a car ignition and will not turn, you’ll need to find out if the issue is with the key or the car’s ignition. The good news is that a locksmith company that knows what it’s doing should be able to determine whether the problem is due to the key or the ignition fairly easily.

Remote Key Fobs

These electronic keys will need to be repaired or replaced, and probably right away because it may be virtually impossible for you to operate your car or enter your home or office without your keyless entry fob. And while it’s not generally a complicated process, it can take some time, since, often, broken or damaged key fobs will also need to be reprogrammed. Which means it will also require the services of a locksmith specializing in key programming.

Remote key fobs may be used for any of the following: home and business doors, vans, motorcycles, motorbikes, motor scooters, caravans, trucks, boats, and mopeds.

Keys with Transponder Chips

If something has damaged the key or fob but the transponder chip is still intact, the chip should be able to be reused in a new key. As with remote key fobs, you’ll want to contact a locksmith right away because it may be nearly impossible to enter a building or start your motor vehicle without a working transponder key. And if you’re dealing with a situation that will require reprogramming, it is, unfortunately, going to take a fair amount of time to get fixed.

Keep in mind that, once again, you’ll want to search out the services of a locksmith that understands the complicated ins and outs of transponder keys and programming and that can do the work right. This isn’t the time to go with a less experienced service provider that “thinks” it can complete the repair. The best locksmith will offer these services.

You need a specialized locksmith for key cutting, but you need an even more specialized locksmith for remote key fobs and transponder keys. You likely use both in your daily life, so you should give strong consideration to a locksmith company that has staff who specialize in both.

Whether you’re locked out on a cold day or stranded with a car you can’t start, we know you’ll want to get the repair made as soon as possible. Instead of waiting for a problem to arise, search “key repair near me” now. Having a locksmith company you already trust and can rely on for any type of key repair should speed the repair process up because you can avoid taking extra time looking for somebody who specializes in your particular immediate need or emergency.

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5 Reasons to Choose a Company that Offers Complete Lock and Key Service

Harrys Locksmith 5 Reasons to Choose a Company that Offers Complete Lock and Key Service

Whether you’re a business owner trying to protect some of your company’s most valuable resources or simply looking for a little extra security for your home, it’s important to understand the value of a good locksmith.

Many people only give consideration to lock and key services when they’re locked outside or if they need to have their locks changed. The reality, however, is that your locksmith provides far more than just occasional emergency services; they’re also responsible for the security of your home or business.

With that at stake, having access to a good locksmith is at least as important as having the number for a good plumber, electrician, or auto mechanic. It’s not as simple as summoning the first locksmith that your internet search turns up; you need to search carefully for a well-rounded key and lock company that can do a vast array of jobs.

It’s important to look for a company that offers complete lock and key service. Here are five reasons why:

1. Complete Residential Services Available

Many people only think about contacting their locksmith when they’re locked out of their homes. And while being stuck outside on a freezing-cold night can certainly have you wishing and hoping you’ve contacted a good—and fast—locksmith, there’s a lot more to the residential services offered by a good complete lock and key service.

For example, did you know that the locks in your home need to be regularly maintained? Just as with any other mechanical system, it’s a good idea to have your locks checked regularly to ensure they’re still structurally sound; repairs and replacements will occasionally need to be made.

Chances are, you also have plenty of other locks in your home beside the one on the front door. For example, locks on garage man doors, antique cabinets, desk drawers, and safes and vaults. A good key and lock service can help you with the maintenance, rekeying, and other requirements of any of these locks. If you find the right locksmith, they can even help you with old, antique locks. You might want to access your 100-year-old cabinet without damaging it, and a good key and lock service can help you do just that.

2. Complete Commercial Services Available

Of course, if you’re running a business, your lock and key requirements will likely be completely different—and probably more complex—than a simple residential locksmith can provide. Regardless of what type of business you’re trying to protect—be it a bank, restaurant, laboratory, or anything in between—you’ll want a skilled commercial locksmith to handle your security. Don’t rely on basic key replacement service for your business.

Commercial locks are very different from residential ones; they need to be built stronger, not just for security reasons, but also because the doors on businesses are subject to a lot more wear and tear. After all, the doors on most homes only get used a few times a day, but at a business, hundreds or thousands of people could walk through the door on any given day!

You’ll want a locksmith that specializes in commercial locks, and one that is adept at installing deadbolts and working with automatic doors and that is capable of ensuring your doors are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

3. Automobile Services by the Same Company You Already Trust

Of course, you’re looking for a complete lock and key service, and that means you’re not just thinking about your home and business. You’re thinking about your car or truck as well. Whether it’s a commercial vehicle or a personal one, chances are you’ll need a mlocksmith for it at some point.

Everyone’s had to deal with the inconvenience of being locked out of a car, and everyone has dealt with the aggravation of losing their car keys. If the key and lock service you’ve found is truly complete, they’ll be able to help you in any scenario.

If you need to get into your locked car, they will be able to do it. If you need a brand-new key made for your ignition, they’ll be able to do that too. They’ll even be able to repair or replace damaged locks in your car or truck doors.

4. Access to Modern Technology

In addition to the broad spectrum of services for homes, businesses, and vehicles, a complete lock and key service will also have an eye toward modern technology.

Locks these days can be vastly more complex than the mechanical tumbler locks most doors still utilize. There are electronic door locks—some of which even sport a Wi-Fi connection—that have been designed to automate the whole process of entering a building. In many cases, you’ll simply need to punch in a code to open the lock. However, there are also biometric locks you can access with a simple fingerprint and of course locks you can open simply by having the key in your pocket.

Technology is advancing all the time and it’s critical that your security advances along with it. It’s extremely important to look for a lock and key service that is up to date on the latest technology. They’ll be able to assist you should you wish to install or access locks that make use of the advanced technology that is now found in buildings everywhere.

5. Commitment to Your Safety and Security

Choosing the right key and lock company is every bit as important as selecting the right auto mechanic, plumber, or electrician. That’s why you want a company that offers many different services—commercial, residential, and automotive—but it’s not enough to simply look for talent. After all, the safety and security of your home, workplace, and automobile are all entrusted to your locksmith. That’s why it’s crucial to do a little homework and vet any key and lock company you are considering.

You’ll want to analyze their commitment to security. Find out if previous customers have been satisfied. Learn if the company runs background checks on their employees. See if the company is a member of important organizations such as the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA). These memberships are important when checking the credibility of a company and when verifying a locksmiths credentials. You’ll also want to find out how long a company has been in business. Often, if a key and lock business has been around for a long time, it can be a hint they’re doing something right.

Harry’s Locksmith provides complete key and lock services that meet all these requirements in the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, OR area. In business since 1949, we keep up with the latest security technology and are an excellent choice for your home, business, and vehicle needs.

How to Select Between Vancouver Locksmiths

You never think about how important it is to have a good locksmith in your Rolodex until an emergency comes up. You lock yourself out of your house or office, you cannot get into your car when you are in a rush to get somewhere … you know the drill. In situations like these, having a locksmith you trust that you can pick up the phone and call to bail you out is invaluable. But finding a locksmith that is reliable and affordable is not as easy as it sounds. You need to do your due diligence and follow a smart procedure when choosing the best possible locksmith to fit your needs. So when considering Vancouver locksmiths, there are several factors you should keep in mind. Ask Your Friends and Family You can do all the necessary research, but sometimes word of mouth can be the most effective method at finding a quality locksmith. If somebody you know and trust has a locksmith who has gotten the job done for them while proving to be trustworthy can make your decision of who to hire much easier. If a locksmith has done a good job for a friend or family member, for your purposes, you have tangible proof that locksmith is good at what they do. Research Professional Reputation The Better Business Bureau exists for a reason, so make use of it. If you are researching Vancouver locksmiths, looking into a company’s rating with the Better Business Bureau and checking reviews and complaints can, at the very least, may help you narrow the field. Consult Web Reviews Online reviews are not an exact science because they can be tainted by those with agendas or even by competitors who pretend to be reviewers, but they can still be very useful if you’re seeking a consensus opinion. If nothing else, a website like Yelp allows you to see a collection of reviews that can show you either a negative or positive trend in what people are saying about a particular company, which can help steer your search if you are looking for a way to choose between Vancouver locksmiths. Make Sure the Locksmith is Properly Licensed The temptation may arise to use an unlicensed locksmith because that company may be cheaper or more responsive due to a desperate need for business. You should avoid this temptation at all costs because unlicensed locksmiths are far more likely to cause you headaches. Whereas you have little to no protection with an unlicensed locksmith, a licensed locksmith is insured against occupational hazards, can be tracked down by law enforcement, and can be punished if they do something wrong, so they must behave accordingly. With unlicensed locksmiths, there can be issues with lack of financial protection in case damage is done, and you could find yourself in a situation where you’ve unwittingly hired a fly-by-night company and have no recourse. It is always better to select a locksmith with whom these are not potential problems, so you should insist that any company you hire is properly licensed and insured. Shop Around When deciding which Vancouver locksmith to hire, you want the best possible company to handle your needs, but odds are the price is going to be a major consideration too. This is why contacting companies and getting estimates is such a crucial part of the process. That said, it is important to understand that some locksmith work requires a higher level of expertise and may not be able to be done cheaply. For example, the need to deal with laser beams or electric fences could be part of the equation. It is also possible that a computerized lock system could be involved, which would entail knowing cryptography and codes to fix or install. All of this must be kept in mind when comparing prices quoted so that, in the end, you can make your decision based on who is offering you the best combination of expertise, service, and price. Look for Price Transparency One issue you may encounter when deciding which Vancouver locksmiths you want to work with is that an estimate you are given could be misleading. Companies sometimes put a price on the website or give you an estimate that is significantly lower than what they are actually planning to charge you for the totality of the work you need done. While this is not an entirely uncommon practice, it is definitely sneaky and in no way above board. That is why when you are getting ready to finalize your decision you should verify exactly how much the work is going to cost and get an agreement in writing. Getting an agreement in writing will legally lock in the price and remove the possibility of a company pulling a bait-and-switch by quoting a price and then using hidden fees and other tricks to pad your bill and drive the final price up. Be Aware of the Potential Need for Specialization While it is quite obviously more convenient to have one locksmith company handle all of your needs, this may not be possible. This is especially true if you are dealing with a complex system that involves multiple layers, which could be the case with an office building’s lock system. If this ends up being the situation, it makes your job harder because now you have to shop for multiple locksmiths or find one that is capable of handling numerous tasks. Keep in mind that even if the locksmith company you select cannot handle all of your needs, that locksmith can be a big help to you since it is likely to have connections to other companies who can take care of what your chosen locksmith cannot do themselves. With that said, some companies are a jack of all trades in this industry, so it may be in your best interest to spend time finding the right locksmith.

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Companies Shouldn’t Rely on Basic Lock and Key Services

Companies Shouldnt Rely on Basic Lock and Key Services
Our intrinsic need to feel secure and protected led to the origin of lock and key. However, with time and the evolution of technology, there has been a dramatic shift seen in lock and key services. People can no longer rely on the basic, traditional locks to keep homes and companies secure. It’s the new-age, smart locks that are now more in demand due to the convenience factor and better safety standards they bring to the table. More than homes, companies need to incorporate these advanced lock and key services into their properties because from employees to vendor deliveries – a commercial property sees a larger flow of people who go in and out in the course of the day. Moreover, there are many companies that have high-security areas too which need added protection. So, ditch the basic lock and key services and consider these six new-age ones to better meet your company’s security needs. Electric Strike Locks An electric strike lock is similar to a traditional lock, but the only difference is in the strike plate which is electric. It is activated by pressing the panic bar or using an electronic key card. These locks are versatile and can be easily mounted on any kind of door frame. Electric strike locks function in the absence of power as well with the help of the panic bar attached on the door. The two types of electric strike locks are fail-safe and fail-secure locks. The fail-safe lock needs electricity in order to go into the locked mode while the fail-secure lock requires electricity to get unlocked. Such locks are preferred in commercial buildings due to their versatility, ease of installation, and relatively lower costs. Magnetic Locks Magnetic locks or maglocks are reliable locks that are mostly installed on aluminum doors. These locks are based on the theory of electromagnetism. Their functioning relies on the supply of electricity. Maglocks have two major components – the armature plate and magnet. When electricity passes through the electromagnet, it creates a magnetic flux which attracts the armature plate, causing the door to lock. Similar to electric strike locks, even maglocks are of two types, fail-secure and fail-safe, and can be deployed based on the function of the door. Maglocks are long-term investments and save costs incurred on the production of keys. It also lets you record swipe in/swipe out data, in case you need it for security reasons. As they come in attractive brackets, maglocks are considered to be aesthetically appealing and promise enhanced levels of security due to the powerful holding force they come with. Mortise Locks Mortise locks are not new in the market – they have been in use for years. The durable mortise locks are generally used on doors that are subjected to a lot of traffic. They consist of several components such as the lock body, spindle, lock cylinder, strike plate, and handle. Some mortise locks also include day/night switches, rose plates, and hard collars. Mortise locks require a mortise/pocket to be drilled into the edge of the door to aid installation and they come in various sizes to suit your needs. Even though they are similar to the basic cylindrical locks, they are considered to be sturdier and often more secure because they have a deadbolt integrated into the body. They come equipped with a variety of trim designs and stainless steel components that make it a pleasant addition to any door. Electronic Keypad Locks These door locks have grown to become a favorite of commercial properties. All you need to get access through this door is a passcode. The best thing about these locks is that they can accept multiple passcodes, allowing companies to customize access by allotting unique passcodes to different employees. The electronic keypads don’t require you to lug keys around and the accessibility can be changed with a click of a button. So, if an employee has been fired, you can immediately change their passcode and keep a check on unauthorized entries. Biometric Deadbolt Door Locks Biometric deadbolt door locks are similar to keypad locks. The only difference is that the former is based on fingerprint identification. Hence, instead of allotting unique passcodes, all your company has to do is register each employee’s fingerprint – which itself serves as a unique identification. Once you place your finger, the system reads your fingerprint within seconds and unlocks the door. When opting for biometric door locks, make sure you choose one which has a keypad too, so you are not locked out in case the system refuses to read your fingerprint. This reliable and affordable locking system is being increasingly used across corporate offices, schools, banks, hospitals, and other commercial buildings. Restricted Key Systems If you wish to restrict access to certain areas on your commercial property or take extra safety measures, you should consider using restricted key systems. There is no chance of your key getting stolen or copied here because restricted key systems are designed in a manner that only allows access from a unique key. Each key has a unique identification number and cannot be duplicated by any other locksmith. Not just that, the owner also gets to keep a record of all the unique keys issued and their respective authorized personnel. So, if security is of paramount importance on your commercial property, restricted key systems can prove to be a very effective solution. Whether it is protecting assets, employees, or your property, it is imperative to enhance your company’s security standards by deploying the best lock and key services available on the market that suit your budget and requirements. Locks are best installed by expert locksmiths. So, if you want any of these locks for your company, contact us today. At Harry’s Locksmith, we have been in the business for over 60 years and take your safety very seriously. We will be happy to assess your needs and suggest suitable locks for your commercial property.

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