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

My girlfriend has a deadbolt that has broken. She cannot remember the name of the company that made it and no locksmith can identify the brand. How can I show pictures in this forum to look for help identifying and repairing/replacing the deadbolt?

Asked by Dudley McCalla about 5 years ago

If you’d like to text me a photo, I can see if I can identify it. (737) 757-0004

Asking for a friend :) Bought a key fob online (4.5 stars, great reviews) had it programmed by a locksmith and only the lock and unlock features are working...panic and trunk not working. Locksmith blamed the key fob. Could it be something else?

Asked by Dave over 4 years ago

I wish I could answer that for you. I have never programmed a fob in my life. However I know all 3 of our shops do it and we run into SO many problems with aftermarket fobs that people buy online, we quit offering a warranty for fobs bought online. We realize that they are more expensive to buy them locally, but at least the lock shop owns the whole project at that point, so if something goes wrong, there is 1 party responsible. Now, you’re stuck wondering who’s to blame. I don’t think you’re going to come out ahead on this one unless the shop is willing to try to reprogram it. If not, you could ask them if you can buy a fob through them and program at it for you at no additional charge. You would be out of the cost for the one you bought online, but at least you’d have a working fob & know how to deal with it in the future.

I have a locker style cabinet in my garage with a lock (maybe a cam lock) that when you lock it a rod moves vertically to lock the unit. it is currently locked and when you turn the key nothing happens- no movement. How do I go about fixing this

Asked by Scott about 4 years ago

Sounds like you’re going to have to drill out the lock, stick a screwdriver into the cabinet & manipulate the linkage behind the cam lock. My guess is the nut that holds the linkage to the back of the cam lock probably worked it’s way loose & fell off. Depending what the cabinet is worth, might be a good idea to ask a locksmith to do it. If you bring it in to a shop, they can probably drill & replace it. You can try it yourself, but you risk hitting the linkage & doing further damage. Like I said, depending on it’s worth, might be worth trying yourself to save money.

I bought a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and lost the only key I was given for it. I'm curious if there's a way for me to retrieve the key code and pin code I need to have a new key made myself as the dealership I was told to call can only look back to 06

Asked by Justin almost 4 years ago

I believe an automotive locksmith should be able to make a key for you.

I have a 97 ford expedition i lost the key. I couldnt afford a lovksmith so i researched and was under the impression i could get a new lock cylinderwith key and transponder receiver that matched now car will start but wont run help!!!

Asked by J Fryslie almost 4 years ago

Wish I could help, but I haven’t worked on cars in 15 years. However, usually car keys are a lot more complicated than just swapping out a cylinder. Usually there is programming that needs to be done. My guess is you still need to take your car to the dealer, or call a locksmith to come out & program your vehicle.

Okay so we bought our car on FB and we hadn't gotten the title transfered in our name and my husband lost the keys at work the other day what should we do

Asked by Avery & Isaiah over 4 years ago

Call a locksmith and they might do if if you can show them the receipt from the title transfer, bill of sale, etc. They will also probably ask for a drivers license and have you sign a waiver.

I have a patio door. I believe it is an offset thumb turn lock that is keyed on the outside. After the lock is turned to unlock there is a lever to raise that actually releases the locking mechanism from the hooks in the door jam. What is this called

Asked by Erik about 4 years ago

I believe what you’re describing is called a multi-point lock system. They’re made by various companies, the most popular is Hoppe. Since the systems are made to fit the door, & there are so many different variations, they have to be surveyed by a tech, and special ordered.