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

330 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on June 11, 2024

Best Rated

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 about 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.

I purchased a new keyless remote fob for my car and was told a locksmith has the tool to program it is this true and how much do you charge for this service? Thank you

Asked by Kristin over 8 years ago

Our company does, but I can't speak for most. We charge $50. It will vary depending on what market you're in. You would have to call around to locksmiths in your area to get a realistic price.

Locked myself out of the bathroom. No key or keyhole, just a small round hole. Been sticking coat hanger wire in the hole. Can't figure it out. Thank you.

Asked by Tom almost 8 years ago

Sounds like you may have a Kwikset privacy lock. You need a small flat head screwdriver, or privacy key. Stick it in that hole as you twist the key left and right slowly. Eventually you will feel it engage into a slot. Once you do, twist the screwdriver, or key, I think it’s counter-clockwise. It will only turn 1 way. This is what the key looks like. http://www.mrlock.com/tools-equipment/tools-rekey-kits/lock-service-tools/kwikset-emergency-tool-81087 If you don’t have access to either, those locks will open with a credit card, stiff cardboard, or flexible sheet of plastic. Just stick it between the door & frame next to the lock. They are not made to be resistant to shimming like entry locks are.

We have a retail store. On our front door is the deadbolt with lock access on front and back.
The inside should have a switch inside of a key. Is there an adapter that fits over the key so we can leave it in the lock?

Asked by Michele almost 6 years ago

I assume you have a glass and aluminum storefront door. You can replace that inside keyed cylinder with a thumb turn, they are very inexpensive, usually $10-15. Labor time is 2-5 min. You can have a locksmith come out and do it for you, or probably YouTube it if you’re trying to save yourself money. https://youtu.be/nJT0moSoNJM

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 over 7 years ago

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

What do you call a lock, that when you enter with a key, when the door shuts behind you It self locks behind you, so nobody else can come in without a key. However anyone can go out by pushing a bar

Asked by Manu over 8 years ago

If you're referring to a bar that goes across the whole door, that is an exit device. The trim you're referring to for that exit device would be considered storeroom function trim. Also if you wanted the same type of functionality in a lever instead of a bar, that would be a storeroom lever.

can i have my barrel lock plunger key repair

Asked by everette over 8 years ago

Not usually, but you might be able to get it duplicated onto a new key.