Locksmith

Locksmith

Josh-the-Locksmith

25 Years Experience

Austin, TX

Male, 46

I've been a locksmith since 1998. I did automotive residential & commercial work from 1998 to 2008. From 2008 to 2018, I did some residential, but mostly commercial work. I have been project managing & estimating since 2018. I used to locksmith in the Chicago area, now the Austin area.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

329 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on June 11, 2024

Best Rated

I have a cheap little three digit combo lock I bought for my luggage overseas. I remember the combo, but the lock is stuck. The hook it turned 90 degrees and pushed down into the lock position, and it will not budge. Is there anyway to fix it?

Asked by Chas over 9 years ago

I highly doubt it. I'd just cut it off if I were you. They don't usually have a way to disassemble stuff like that.

what is the measurement from the root of a key blade to bottom- dead- center of a tumbler cut is refered to as 1 depth 2 paracentric height 3 bitting exspance

Asked by kevin moten over 9 years ago

1.21 gigawatts.

my deadbolt on front door working fine now all of a sudden when I try to turn it it wont budge I have to pull door towards just to turn lock

Asked by anthony about 9 years ago

Sometimes the weather can cause your house to shift, and doors & frames to swell. Over time your hinges may get stretched out or the screws in the hinges get loose causing your door to sag as well. It sounds like the strike plate is out of adjustment. This can also be caused by replacing your door knob/lever, or any changes to the lower strike plate (on the jamb). 

First, make sure the lower strike plate is secure and adjusted properly exactly where you want it. Then, depending on how off it is, you might be able to just take a metal file and file the spot where it's hitting on the top strike plate for the deadbolt (on the jamb). Or you can move the whole plate until it's exactly where you want it. To test it without putting a bunch of screws in the jamb, TAPE it where you want it first, test the deadbolt, make your marks, then screw it in place.

I have a question about key fobs used to unlock car doors. When looking up aftermarket fobs, they all say that they work with specific makes, models, and dates. If I have a 2004 Acura TSX, what would stop me from using a 2010 TSX key fob?

Asked by ozozznozzy about 9 years ago

I had to ask 1 of our shop techs who deals with remotes about this one. He says that Honda (who makes Acura) has used the same programming procedure for years, so it should work, but no guarantees. All you can do is try. The differences might have something to do with the style of the remote, or maybe certain features in the remote.

What is the best way to fix, repair, or replace the lock on a file cabinet. As far as I know the only thing wrong is a missing key.

Asked by Charlie over 9 years ago

There is sometimes a series of letters & numbers stamped into the face of the lock. Like "132E". If you have 1, take that number & the brand of the file cabinet into a locksmith shop, & they should be able to cut you a key. Otherwise of you don't have a code on the lock, you can either remove the cylinder & replace it, or have a locksmith come out & he should be able to do it.

I was practicing picking my deadbolt, and I did it. But now my key only goes in half way and it won't work. Please HELP ME!

Asked by Grungekitten almost 10 years ago

Sounds like you may have had some master pins fall into the key hole. You need to have someone take it apart & repin the lock. Take it to a lock shop, have someone come out, or buy a new deadbolt.

We just bought a new modular home. Concerned that several laborers were coming into the house doing work on it using a "master key" Was told that when we turned the lock for the 1st time it would reset it? IS this true or made up?

Asked by Crystal13 over 9 years ago

That is true. It's very common with new housing projects. I have seen contractors returning to the home on their lunch breaks while the homeowners are gone. If you feel like they're still coming in somehow, get your house rekeyed.