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

329 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on June 11, 2024

Best Rated

What made you want to do this?

Asked by Mario almost 5 years ago

My uncle needed some help, a part time employee. I was ready for a career change so I tried it out. Eventually that turned into full time. I said I would do it until I found something better...still here!

I bought a lock cylinder for a deadbolt today, and the cylinder tailpiece will not turn without the key inserted. Does that mean I bought the wrong type of cylinder and tailpiece or does installation make it so the tailpiece will turn via bolt?

Asked by Ria over 4 years ago

You should have just purchased a new deadbolt, it’s much easier for a homeowner rather than trying to replace the cylinder. It sounds like you purchased a rim cylinder. The tailpieces on rim cylinders only turn when the key is turned. Tubular deadbolts, such as residential, use what’s called a “lazy tailpiece”. It turns 180 degrees, or so, independently of the key. Depending on which brand and model your deadbolt is, chances are more than likely you can’t just replace the cylinder like you’re thinking anyway. I would highly recommend returning or discarding the cylinder, and just purchasing a replacement deadbolt instead.

I have an electric bike with a locked battery but the key doesn't work. Could a locksmith help me get the battery out of the bike and fix the key?
https://photos.app.goo.gl/skTzajQQiRNPdMDj8

Asked by Adam about 4 years ago

Hey Adam. Any automotive locksmith should be able to help you. They should be able to pick it open and make a key to it. Worst case, they get it unlocked and you order a new one from the dealer/manufacturer.

1 thing I would recommend trying first is it’s possible there is pressure on the lock itself, which can prevent the key from turning. Push in on the panel with 1 hand while you turn the key with the other hand. Letting that pressure off might do the trick. If that doesn’t work, it’s possible they either sent you the wrong keys or installed the wrong lock.

What do you think is the easiest and hardest thing to do with your job. Another question would be what is the thing you hate the most and the thing you love the most.

Asked by Mr. Smith almost 5 years ago

As a tech, I would have said the easiest thing to do is residential rekey jobs, the hardest and thing I hated the most was automotive work. Having your arm buried in a door panel in 100 degrees sitting in the sun trying to dig a door lock out; or laying on a customers dirty floorboard working on their ignition. It was the worst.

Love the most, probably all the amazing different places I have been and people I’ve had the opportunity to meet.

Can a Round cylinder Key for a wall safe be made without a key as a sample

Asked by Nick Presher almost 4 years ago

Depending on the cylinder, the pins/wafers should able to be removed from the cylinder and have it used the way you are asking. If it’s a cam lock like what you would see on a cabinet, they sell thumb turn style cam locks.

I had a quick question on how I purchase a key blank that has do not duplicate And have my key matched to it?

Asked by Nate over 4 years ago

“Do not duplicate” is nothing more than an honor system. It’s can be a normal every day house key with the words “do not duplicate” stamped on it. Some go as far as to have different key heads, or “bows”. At that point it’s up to the person working at the store on whether they want to duplicate the key or not. True key control is done through a patented key system such as Medeco M3, Schlage Primus, or Mul-T-Lock. Some require special machines to cut the keys, some don’t.

Will you do this until you retire?

Asked by Don almost 5 years ago

I wonder the same thing all the time. I have moved into project management, and our company now covers a lot more than just locks. We do commercial doors & frames, glass, aluminum storefronts now too, so I help manage a lot of those big projects now. It’s almost like a career change.