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330 Questions

Last Answer on June 11, 2024

Is it possible/practical to change a lockset from binary to momentary? I.e, so that you cannot unlock the lock and remove the key leaving the lock in the ‘unlocked’ state?

Asked by Puddleglum over 8 years ago

I don’t recall there being a lock that can be converted to that function. Possibly a full mortise lock made by Sargent. Their mortise locks carry multiple functions. Most locks have to be purchased with their specific function. It sounds like the one you’re referring to is called Storeroom function. It can be opened with a key, but once the key is removed, it remains in the locked state ensuring that once the door is closed, the door is locked.

962 Votes

Hi. I can’t get my side gate to open. The key turns but the bolt doesn’t move. Can I fix it myself? How can I find a locksmith in New Orleans I can trust?

Asked by Stephen over 7 years ago

“Can I fix it myself” that’s something only you can answer. You can do anything with enough determination. Since I don’t know what kind of lock you have, I can’t offer any tips. Just some good practices to follow if you do try it yourself- Take pictures, take something apart. Take more pictures, take another piece off. Etc. To find a reputable locksmith in your area, try using findalocksmith.com. It’s owned by the most reputable locksmith association in America.

960 Votes

I want to change the deadbolt on my apartment door. I was told by a lawyer that the landlord likely has a master key that will open anything, even if it is a different brand of deadbolt. How can I ensure that a master key will not unlock my door?

Asked by svak216 over 7 years ago

Haha there’s no such thing as a “key that will open anything”. That’s some terrible information, whoever told you that. You can’t lock your landlord out, they own the property. If they find that you have changed the lock without their permission, they have the ability to charge you to correct the problem, assuming that is in the contract you signed. They make privacy deadbolts that allow you to lock the door from the inside with no way to access it from the outside. It’s called a one-sided deadbolt. They require them on all rental properties here in Texas for that very purpose, for privacy so your landlord doesn’t walk in on you. You could request 1 that your landlord let you get 1 of those installed?

959 Votes

I'm trying to determine the brand of my Mortise lock mechanism that's inside my door so that I can get the right cylinder with the right cam for it. The logo on the side of the latch has an "E" with 3 arrows pointing from each leg of the "E". HELP.

Asked by Mike almost 8 years ago

The company name is Emhart. It uses a Corbin Russwin cam called a “cloverleaf” cam.

959 Votes

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I’m buying a new/used lock cylinder for my 05 Chevy Malibu for a salvage seller that comes with transponder keys for it already. I assume those keys are already programmed to a different gym vehicle. Will I be able to reprogram those keys to my vehic

Asked by Robert about 7 years ago

Yes you should be able to do that.

955 Votes

Whats the funniest Situation you had while on the job?

Asked by Basti83 over 8 years ago

Some locksmiths have some awesome stories. Unfortunately I haven’t had many hilarious ones. I unlocked the wrong car one time. I figured it would be a good idea to get a head start before the customer came out to the small parking lot. I didn’t even notice there was an identical make, model, & color car right next to it! Another time I cut off the wrong padlock on a storage unit. That time it was the renters fault. After she slid the door open, “Oops! That’s not mine. Sorry! Oh yeah! It’s this one over here!” ????

953 Votes

We have outdoor activities for which tourists have to pay. We have metal boxes where they can put in the fee. The box is secured by a padlock. But so far we haven't been able to find a padlock that can withstand a boltcutter or angle grinder. Help?

Asked by Ron Werner over 8 years ago

Being that I don't know exactly what kind of application you are dealing with, I can only give you some ideas. First off, I've never seen a padlock hasp material that can't be cut with a grinder. What you need to find is something pick-resistant, and something that hides that shackle so bolt cutters and a grinder can't even GET to it. Just for some ideas- https://youtu.be/L6iMmCSayBQDepending on the design of the hasp, a "hockey puck" padlock might be an option. Mul-T-Lock makes a pick-resistant one with restricted keys. Look up model KW-TR100. Other brands make similar more inexpensive ones such as Abus & Master.

948 Votes

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Locksmith

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

Is it possible/practical to change a lockset from binary to momentary? I.e, so that you cannot unlock the lock and remove the key leaving the lock in the ‘unlocked’ state?

Hi. I can’t get my side gate to open. The key turns but the bolt doesn’t move. Can I fix it myself? How can I find a locksmith in New Orleans I can trust?

I want to change the deadbolt on my apartment door. I was told by a lawyer that the landlord likely has a master key that will open anything, even if it is a different brand of deadbolt. How can I ensure that a master key will not unlock my door?

I'm trying to determine the brand of my Mortise lock mechanism that's inside my door so that I can get the right cylinder with the right cam for it. The logo on the side of the latch has an "E" with 3 arrows pointing from each leg of the "E". HELP.

Also on Jobstr...

I’m buying a new/used lock cylinder for my 05 Chevy Malibu for a salvage seller that comes with transponder keys for it already. I assume those keys are already programmed to a different gym vehicle. Will I be able to reprogram those keys to my vehic

Whats the funniest Situation you had while on the job?

We have outdoor activities for which tourists have to pay. We have metal boxes where they can put in the fee. The box is secured by a padlock. But so far we haven't been able to find a padlock that can withstand a boltcutter or angle grinder. Help?

Locksmith

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

Is it possible/practical to change a lockset from binary to momentary? I.e, so that you cannot unlock the lock and remove the key leaving the lock in the ‘unlocked’ state?

Hi. I can’t get my side gate to open. The key turns but the bolt doesn’t move. Can I fix it myself? How can I find a locksmith in New Orleans I can trust?

I want to change the deadbolt on my apartment door. I was told by a lawyer that the landlord likely has a master key that will open anything, even if it is a different brand of deadbolt. How can I ensure that a master key will not unlock my door?

I'm trying to determine the brand of my Mortise lock mechanism that's inside my door so that I can get the right cylinder with the right cam for it. The logo on the side of the latch has an "E" with 3 arrows pointing from each leg of the "E". HELP.

Also on Jobstr...

I’m buying a new/used lock cylinder for my 05 Chevy Malibu for a salvage seller that comes with transponder keys for it already. I assume those keys are already programmed to a different gym vehicle. Will I be able to reprogram those keys to my vehic

Whats the funniest Situation you had while on the job?

We have outdoor activities for which tourists have to pay. We have metal boxes where they can put in the fee. The box is secured by a padlock. But so far we haven't been able to find a padlock that can withstand a boltcutter or angle grinder. Help?

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