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.

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330 Questions

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Last Answer on June 11, 2024

Best Rated

How do you get started in this field?

Asked by Chrissy almost 8 years ago

I got started in this field because my uncle is a locksmith. The easiest way is to apprentice for a locksmith. The pay would obviously start really low. There is also schooling you can do. Depending on the state, many require registration with the state with fingerprints, background check, & yearly continued education credits to keep your permit active.

I found a key with YM-25 on one side and National Lock Company on the other. Can you tell me what it is for?

Asked by Jus over 7 years ago

Nope unfortunately not. National makes locks that go into so many different things, many of which share key blanks. Could be a file cabinet, cam lock, tractor, who knows!

A door has been locked from the inside and I don't have a spare key. Can a key be cut from a picture of the outside lock? I don't want to have to damage the door

Asked by Sam over 8 years ago

No, not possible. It doesn't mean you have to damage the door/lock though. The door can be picked open, lock disassembled, and a key made to the lock. Call a reputable company though, don't just look for the cheapest price.

I have an 09 Honda Civic I broke my key off in the ignition pulled the silver part out glued it to my key fob turn the lights and everything on but will not start now when I turn it over it clicks once went to locksmith he put the guts from my key in

Asked by christie over 7 years ago

Maybe you broke the circuit board in your key, or maybe you broke your ignition antenna when you dug your key out.

Hi I am a newbie locksmith trying to drill a safe friend has, it is an old arthur b. curtis safe from 1870's with a yale dial. I think I hit the relocker, any suggestions? Will pay for your time. THANKS

Asked by russ over 7 years ago

I wish I could help you, but I do not do safe manipulation.

On an L-Shaped wooden desk, we had to get into our locked drawer but couldn't find the key. Picked it open w/ paperclips but when i was trying to relock it, the lock plug came out and can get it in til last bit. Can you Give steps to get it fully in

Asked by Alex about 8 years ago

The drawer will need to be in the unlocked position to get the plug back in (usually). Put the paper clip all the way in the back of the plug and as you gently push in on the plug, push the spring-loaded wafer with your paper clip positioned all the way in the back.

Updating my question: So here is a video of me putting the key in the lock: https://photos.app.goo.gl/6kfaAkmxrkTiaWDz7
A locksmith quoted me $170 but they haven't seen it. Does that seem high? key works the same on both sides of the door. Thanks!

Asked by Stephen over 6 years ago

Thank you for the video! That’s very helpful! So it looks like there’s nothing wrong with your deadbolt, your gate has shifted and is putting pressure on the bolts. Grab the gate right above the deadbolt and pull down as hard as you can while you turn the key counterclockwise. That should allow you to retract the bolt. As far as fixing the problem goes, you will need to elongate the hole on that the bolt goes into upward. That won’t be easy or fun, maybe 20 minutes labor for an experienced tech.