FAQ

1. Don’t locksmiths just open cars and cut keys? Not really. Our shop focuses on total commercial lock/door hardware service and auto chip keys/remotes. A normal day will find us installing panic bars, replacing just about any kind of door lock on a business or home, duplicating/originating vehicle keys, installing restricted key cylinders from Mul T lock & Medeco and replacing damaged commercial steel doors.
2. Can you program “chip” keys & remotes or do I have to go to the dealer? Yes, we can for almost all makes and models. There are some exceptions. We are 10-40% less (more in some cases) and typical wait time is around 15 minutes.
3. I lost the key to my car. Can you help me? Yes, most likely. We routinely go onsite to replace and program lost car keys. You can also save some money and have your vehicle towed to our shop.  Please call for cost and availability.
4. Do I have to replace my locks to “change” them? We can just rekey your locks so the old key will no longer work. If you would like to upgrade your security and have better quality locks we can certainly help you with that.
5. I want my keys stamped “Do Not Duplicate”. Can you do that? Unfortunately that does nothing to prevent unauthorized copies of your keys from being made. The key can be covered in a dozen or so ways so no one can see “Do Not Duplicate” and key cutters would have to honor it in the first place. If you would like keys that can’t be copied without your permission then Mul T Lock or Medeco restricted keys are the answer. It’s not that others won’t copy them it’s that they can not copy them. Only you and the people you list as authorized can get copies made after showing ID. Stamping “Do Not Duplicate” on a readily available key only gives you a false sense of security.
6. What is a service call charge? A service call charge covers numerous things. Essentially it brings a trained and equipped technician to you with in a well stocked service van ready to help you solve a lock, door or security problem. If for some reason we need to make multiple trips to solve your problem, you still only pay one service call fee per service call placed. We have a vested interest to do what we can to get it right the first time. Some other trades and locksmith companies charge each time they come to you. We don’t think that is right. 
7. Should I buy locks from you or the big box store? Definitely from us. We don’t carry anything that is in the big box stores. The quality is better, the cost is many times about the same or lower, we custom key our product at no charge and our locks are covered for parts and labor with our 90 day limited warranty. 
8. Aren’t all deadbolts and locks about the same? Not at all. We always recommend (and use ourselves) Mul T Lock, Medeco. The appropriate lock or device in the right grade (1,2 or 3) will give the best ease of use, value and security.
9. How do you become a locksmith? Locksmithing is one of the few trades left that usually require an apprenticeship of some kind. There are schools and courses available, but for someone to be effective they need years of hands on training and experience under the supervision of a seasoned technician. Successful locksmiths usually have a mechanical background, are curious but careful, and possess a strong work ethic.
10. How do I know that I can trust you? Great question. In Virginia, we are required to have an FBI and State Police background check that includes fingerprints. Background checks are renewed every two years. In addition, company owners and officers undergo the same scrutiny. We actively lobbied for this law and assisted in getting it passed because we care about our profession and the trust we hold.