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330 Questions

Last Answer on June 11, 2024

100 yr old office secretary w/ mult. drawers, ea. w/ old pin type lock which is unlocked with separate keys. I only lock one drawer as the other drawers locks are in open position and the brass key I have does't unlock them. Is there a universal key?

Asked by Matt almost 9 years ago

If it is a warded lock, aka "skeleton" key, there may be. You would have to either take it to a locksmith or have a locksmith come out to you & bring a set of "tryout" keys. If its not a warded lock, a locksmith might be able to rekey them all alike, or replace the locks so they all match.

813 Votes

I have to sort through a very large collection of various types of keys, of which, many will be duplicates. Are you aware of any apps that would scan each key into a database and send an alert when a duplicate is found?

Asked by chip over 8 years ago

Nope never heard of such a thing. There are such a small handful of locksmith apps as it is, that would be such a niche market, I can't imagine that app would ever get made.

806 Votes

Hi Josh! Is there a means by which I might obtain a working, replacement skeleton key for an antique dresser?

Asked by Arrabella almost 9 years ago

Absolutely. They sell rings of "try out" skeleton keys online, or if you're lucky enough to live by a good experienced locksmith, they should carry them. They can come out to you, or you can bring the lock or dresser into the shop & they can make you a key.

806 Votes

Thank you again for your expertise. Last question (I think) for now. I had done as you suggest. I could not budge that drive-in latch in the least. That's why I wanted a lock to fit it. Any more ideas how to get it out w/o damaging the door?

Asked by shieldvulf about 8 years ago

It sounds like something is not right. If you have Twitter, send me a photo of the edge of the door and inside the hole. @ATXJOSHL Other than that, I would take a pair of big pliers and grab the latch inside the hole and shake it back and forth to try to loosen it up. Then try to pull it out again with that big screwdriver.

803 Votes

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My mother says there are only so many possible keys, so if you save up a bunch of keys, you will eventually find one that will work for almost anything.... is this true?

Asked by Shelley over 9 years ago

Yes that is true. You'd only have to save between 7,000 and 9,999,999 keys depending brand/type of key and the key system.

800 Votes

I have a set of Kwikset keys that works with every door in my house. I am buying a specialty lock that looks like it has Schlage keys and cylinders. Can chage them to Kwikset cylinders so that this new lock matches my key? If so, where can I buy them

Asked by Jguy about 8 years ago

Sometimes you can buy an aftermarket cylinder that will fit into some locks. Really just depends on what "specialty lock" you're referring to. If it is indeed a lock that will accept an aftermarket cylinder, a locksmith should carry it and be able to key it to your key for you. What you'll be looking for is called a "key-in-knob cylinder". I would take your specialty lock in with you and let them see if it is possible.

799 Votes

My son works for a company that gives him 30% of whatever he makes on each job. Period. My son uses his own tools, his own car, pays for his own gas, and any tolls acquired the way to a job. There is no insurance and he works 24/7. Is this legal???

Asked by Mom over 9 years ago

I'm not an insurance expert, but as far as I know, if he's considered a contractor (which is what it sounds like), then the company doesn't have to insure their employees, or provide insurance. If he's hired on, & receives a W2 every year, I believe they're legally supposed to carry liability insurance- workmans comp, which protects employees in case they get hurt on the job. But I believe depending on the amount of employees, if it's under 50 (I think) they're not legally required to provide insurance.

798 Votes

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Locksmith

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

100 yr old office secretary w/ mult. drawers, ea. w/ old pin type lock which is unlocked with separate keys. I only lock one drawer as the other drawers locks are in open position and the brass key I have does't unlock them. Is there a universal key?

I have to sort through a very large collection of various types of keys, of which, many will be duplicates. Are you aware of any apps that would scan each key into a database and send an alert when a duplicate is found?

Hi Josh! Is there a means by which I might obtain a working, replacement skeleton key for an antique dresser?

Thank you again for your expertise. Last question (I think) for now. I had done as you suggest. I could not budge that drive-in latch in the least. That's why I wanted a lock to fit it. Any more ideas how to get it out w/o damaging the door?

Also on Jobstr...

My mother says there are only so many possible keys, so if you save up a bunch of keys, you will eventually find one that will work for almost anything.... is this true?

I have a set of Kwikset keys that works with every door in my house. I am buying a specialty lock that looks like it has Schlage keys and cylinders. Can chage them to Kwikset cylinders so that this new lock matches my key? If so, where can I buy them

My son works for a company that gives him 30% of whatever he makes on each job. Period. My son uses his own tools, his own car, pays for his own gas, and any tolls acquired the way to a job. There is no insurance and he works 24/7. Is this legal???

Locksmith

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

100 yr old office secretary w/ mult. drawers, ea. w/ old pin type lock which is unlocked with separate keys. I only lock one drawer as the other drawers locks are in open position and the brass key I have does't unlock them. Is there a universal key?

I have to sort through a very large collection of various types of keys, of which, many will be duplicates. Are you aware of any apps that would scan each key into a database and send an alert when a duplicate is found?

Hi Josh! Is there a means by which I might obtain a working, replacement skeleton key for an antique dresser?

Thank you again for your expertise. Last question (I think) for now. I had done as you suggest. I could not budge that drive-in latch in the least. That's why I wanted a lock to fit it. Any more ideas how to get it out w/o damaging the door?

Also on Jobstr...

My mother says there are only so many possible keys, so if you save up a bunch of keys, you will eventually find one that will work for almost anything.... is this true?

I have a set of Kwikset keys that works with every door in my house. I am buying a specialty lock that looks like it has Schlage keys and cylinders. Can chage them to Kwikset cylinders so that this new lock matches my key? If so, where can I buy them

My son works for a company that gives him 30% of whatever he makes on each job. Period. My son uses his own tools, his own car, pays for his own gas, and any tolls acquired the way to a job. There is no insurance and he works 24/7. Is this legal???

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