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

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 over 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.

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 5 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.

Where I work we recently installed Medeco X4 SFIC and have semi-frequent issues with pin chamber misalignment (key won't pull out of lock). I know the work around of holding the plug in place while extracting, but is there an actual fix for this?

Asked by Sabin about 5 years ago

Yes, there is a C clip on the back of the core. Pop that clip off, and SLIGHTLY twist it. Doing so will put retention on the plug. That should fix your issue.

I sent you a question about being unable to depress the detent on my door knob. It was a home hardware "home security" brand lock.

Asked by Shannon Balaski about 5 years ago

You could try putting it into the lock position, push the detent, and then put it into the unlock position and try the detent. That might do it. If it’s still not coming off, you may have to punch it with a flat head screwdriver and hammer. It’s quite possible it could break it, but it’s probably broken already. I highly recommend sticking with a name brand lock like Kwikset, Schlage, Dexter, Master, etc.

What made you want to do this?

Asked by Mario over 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!

How can I find a dummy lever door handle for a set of exterior french doors that match the inside depth of the keyed side?

Asked by Dreppun over 5 years ago

Not sure what you mean by the “inside depth“. Feel free to text me if you’d like further help. (737) 757-0004

There is a lot of lock smith porn on the internet. Does this really happen? Have you ever done something like that? Is it legal? And would you loose your job?

Asked by Cecil over 5 years ago

Haha you must watch a lot, can’t say I’ve ever even heard of locksmith porn. I had a woman ask me to have sex with her once, but I turned her down. She was going through a really hard time & was looking for affection. That’s not the kind of person I am to take advantage of someone like that. I doubt I would lose my job if it wasn’t interfering with work. ¯\_(?)_/¯ Is 2 contenting adults having sex legal? Pretty sure.