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330 Questions

Last Answer on June 11, 2024

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 9 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.

1025 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 9 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.

1024 Votes

can an actuator be rest on manual combo and key pad safe?

Asked by sam over 9 years ago

If you're asking can safe combinations be reset, yes, if you know the current code, or if the safe is already opened. If not, they usually have to be professionally opened by drilling, or a few other techniques.

1024 Votes

I had to replace my ignition, keys and all. Original key was broken, can i get a key for the doors only without the original?

Asked by Dg about 10 years ago

Absolutely. If you still have the pieces to your original broken key, they can cut you a new one off of that, otherwise make one from a door/glove box lock, depending on the car.

1022 Votes

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I bought a used Fender Strat TSA lock case for my guitar and it did not have a key with it. If I want to be able to lock the case, should I replace the entire lock or should I try to get a replacement key or have one made?

Asked by Ken D. over 8 years ago

I would guess you could probably order a key for it with a google search. Those cases are just a deterrent, nothing more. Probably not even worth locking in my opinion. Someone can just carry the whole case off and open it later with a big screwdriver.

1020 Votes

Thanks very much for your answer. Can you give me or direct me to a method to remove the drive-in latch without damaging the door? I can't budge the thing one hair.

Asked by shieldvulf about 9 years ago

What I always do is take a big screwdriver and put it through the 2" hole BEHIND the latch. Grabbing a hold of each end of the screwdriver, pull towards you. The latch should shoot out at your chest. That way you're my prying against the door.

1019 Votes

I want to install a new deadbolt. The one I have now is one of those "jimmy-proof" models that latches externally to the frame of the door. The door is metal, there is no cutout now. Is this a hard job to convert to a new deadbolt thru-the-frame?

Asked by Mark about 9 years ago

Its not an easy job! You're better off installing a cylindrical deadbolt ABOVE your surface-mounted deadbolt. Still not easy if you're not used to doing it, and takes a lot of specialty tools- 2-1/8" hole saw, chisels, 1" paddle bit or hole saw, etc. If you care about the cosmetics of your door, you might be better off hiring a locksmith do it a proper job.

1016 Votes

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Locksmith

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

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?

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?

can an actuator be rest on manual combo and key pad safe?

I had to replace my ignition, keys and all. Original key was broken, can i get a key for the doors only without the original?

Also on Jobstr...

I bought a used Fender Strat TSA lock case for my guitar and it did not have a key with it. If I want to be able to lock the case, should I replace the entire lock or should I try to get a replacement key or have one made?

Thanks very much for your answer. Can you give me or direct me to a method to remove the drive-in latch without damaging the door? I can't budge the thing one hair.

I want to install a new deadbolt. The one I have now is one of those "jimmy-proof" models that latches externally to the frame of the door. The door is metal, there is no cutout now. Is this a hard job to convert to a new deadbolt thru-the-frame?

Locksmith

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

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?

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?

can an actuator be rest on manual combo and key pad safe?

I had to replace my ignition, keys and all. Original key was broken, can i get a key for the doors only without the original?

Also on Jobstr...

I bought a used Fender Strat TSA lock case for my guitar and it did not have a key with it. If I want to be able to lock the case, should I replace the entire lock or should I try to get a replacement key or have one made?

Thanks very much for your answer. Can you give me or direct me to a method to remove the drive-in latch without damaging the door? I can't budge the thing one hair.

I want to install a new deadbolt. The one I have now is one of those "jimmy-proof" models that latches externally to the frame of the door. The door is metal, there is no cutout now. Is this a hard job to convert to a new deadbolt thru-the-frame?

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