Ask a Locksmith anything

330 Questions

Last Answer on June 11, 2024

Does anyone try and call you for non lock needs?

Asked by Jim about 6 years ago

Well I haven’t had to answer the phone in over 10 years, but yes, we would get some weird random requests now & then. Seems like they just didn’t pay attention to who they were calling. One time I received a call around midnight from a girl locked out of her car at a hotel. When I told her how much it would be, since she didn’t ask & I didn’t want her to be surprised, she was shocked to find out that we charged for our service, & canceled. ???????????????

760 Votes

An antique cabinet door lock. Looking into the keyhole I see a small round hole at the very top with a flat bottom. No place for anything else at the bottom of a key to turn? What type of ket does it take?

Asked by jk Sinrod almost 6 years ago

Sounds like a barrel “skeleton” key. You could either have a locksmith come out and make a key, or bring that lock into a locksmith shop to get a key made. Another option is ordering a ring of “tryout keys” like one listed on this site. I’m sure you could find something else, this is what just came up in a quick google search. https://www.houseofantiquehardware.com/barrel-clock-key

757 Votes

Can a kwikset or schlage key blank be used for a Weslock lock?

Asked by Jed almost 7 years ago

Depends on how old your Weslock is. The older Weslock you could use a Kwikset key blank, but they had their own keyway. They have revamped their products as the company has been bought and sold over the years, and today you can get Weslock in both a Schlage and a Kwikset keyway.

740 Votes

I lost my keys to a 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2 wheel drive 5.2 I knocked the ingintion out to get it started, I then bought a new ignition switch. I put it in , now it won't start . Can you tell me what to do

Asked by Cathy moats over 6 years ago

Unfortunately I don’t work on automotive anymore and haven’t in 11 years. If your key has a chip in it, you may have bought the wrong ignition or may need to get it programmed by a locksmith. When you start dealing with ignition security systems, DIY ignition swaps aren’t as simple as they used to be. Best way to find out is have a locksmith come out, or call a locksmith and give him the year make & model and he should be able to tell you if it had a chip in it. Some years, SOME vehicles came with a chip, & some didn’t. Makes our job frustrating not knowing what we’re walking into, but more so for the customer.

736 Votes