FAQ’S

As Durham Region locksmiths we are frequently asked questions about our services and the types of locking systems we service.

Where you don’t see the answer to your question, give us a call at 905-718-5168.

We are happy to discuss and give advice about any lock or lock problem you may have.

Some locksmiths offer an auto locksmith service whereby they can specialise in locks and keys for cars: Work Includes: … Repairing car keys and locks. Programming car key remote keys.

In fact, many dealers utilize the services of outside locksmiths for replacement keys.  and many locksmiths can cut and program the exact same key for about 50% less cost than a dealership. An experienced locksmith will be able to make a replacement key for you even if you do not have the original.

Also known as chip keys and transponder keys, these must be programmed to the vehicle, before they can be used to start the car’s ignition.

Only the transponder key will activate your car, and the key can only be programmed from the car itself. Our locksmiths can program a key in about 20 minutes or less.

Our locksmiths can make and cut replacement car keys on location.

Many times the cost of replacing a lost car key by our locksmiths is most cost effective than the dealership.

Making a car key can run anywhere from $4 to $10 for a standard key or up to $250 for a transponder type.

If your car has a keyless entry system (as most do, these days), an auto locksmith can often use a transponder programming tool to open your car, no physical lock popping necessary. … They will also have the tools to extract a broken key without damaging your car’s lock.

The cost of car key programming can vary depending on the year make and model of your vehicle and whether you take it to the dealership or your local automotive locksmith. Car key programming ranges at the low end of $50 to as high as $500.

As long as you can prove ownership of your vehicle a car key can be made with the Vehicle Identification Number aka VIN number. Once a key code is pulled from the VIN number a car key can be cut. However most vehicles keys also have transponders in them and must be programmed to the car.

Due to the extremely low price of the pins in the locks, rekeying is almost always much cheaper than getting your locks changed. For example, if your home has several locks and each lock has a different key, which can be inconvenient, you may want to rekey the locks to all match the same key.

Can a locksmith make a new key without the original? Yes, if you do not have your original key, there is no need to worry. … Once the Locksmith verifies your ownership of the vehicle, we can cut the key from code with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

No. The police do not unlock your car for free unless its an absolute emergency such as a baby stuck inside the car. … If you are locked out of your car you must call a automotive locksmith. If you are locked out of the car in the middle of the night then you will need to search for a 24/7 emergency locksmith.

Traditional car, truck or SUV locks should only take five to ten minutes for a locksmith to open. Keep in mind that different types of vehicles and vehicle security systems may result in longer work times.

15-30 minutes

Luckily, even if you have to go to a locksmith, it’s not a lengthy process. Our locksmiths typically takes just 15-30 minutes to cut and program a transponder key or fob.

If it’s a lost key a locksmith can make you a key without the original. Locksmiths can make keys to locks by hand. By using a blank and a file and the skills, they’ve developed over the years a locksmith can create a key from scratch without the need for an original key.

With the VIN number and proof of ownership of the vehicle, an automotive locksmith can cut a key for your car. He/she does this by accessing the key code. Without the original key, the key code is used to cut the key.

Newer model vehicles also require a computer chip, or transponder to be present in the key itself.

Getting an auto locksmith is the most cost-efficient option when you need a car key made.

Rekeying a Door Since most homes have multiple doors with multiple locks, re-keying is an inexpensive option . You can rekey a lock at a fraction of the cost of replacing the locks!