Do you cut keys?
Ummm. Yes we do. There are over 5,000 different key blanks used worldwide – in Australia we use over 3,000 of these. A professional Locksmith will usually stock about 2,000 of these. Some mass-produced keys for padlocks may not be easily duplicated. We have found that there is something lost in the translation when the Taiwanese copy the Koreans who copied the Chinese who in turn copied the Italians. These keys may require the padlock being taken to the workshop

Can you make one key work all my locks?
Yes, no and probably. If one key will fit into all your locks now then the answer is yes. Some locks we can upgrade the barrels in the locks and key all locks alike without much additional cost. In a worst-case scenario we would need to replace some of your locks completely to do this. The convenience of only one key and the ease with which you can lock and unlock your property makes this a very worthwhile improvement to your security in general.

My Insurance Company has insisted on us installing window locks – can I fit these myself?
Sure you can. Only a few hand tools, a power drill and a steady hand are needed to fit these lock. Extreme care needs to be taken on some window profiles as the glass extends well into the aluminium frame – only one touch with a drill or screw will break the glass. (Hint – bathroom windows with obscure glass always surprise you) If you arrange for a Locksmith to supply and fit the locks to your window and glass becomes broken then it is the locksmith’s problem (and loss) not yours. Whichever way you choose to go make sure that you buy your locks from a locksmith. They will supply all the locks on one key – not just packs of four. Ask about keying the window locks to the same as your front door – in most circumstances this is possible.

Can I trust a Locksmith?
In NSW all Locksmiths are required to be licensed. (Security Industry act 1997). To gain a license the holder has to satisfy a number of criteria, which are set by the NSW Police. One of these is to pass a comprehensive background check to ensure that the applicant is a “fit and proper person”. All Locksmithing businesses also have to operate under a Master License. As part of this the business is open to full audits for procedures and operating methods.
Another big thing, which keeps us honest, is that if we are caught doing anything even remotely illegal, then we loose our license forever. One has to weigh up a lifetime’s earnings as a locksmith against any possible small windfall from a theft.

Do you do work on car locks/keys?
YES. Many car service centers will tell you that only the dealer is able to service your locks or keys, this is false. Any Locksmith can change the keying, repair or replace any car lock for a fraction of the cost of new genuine locks. As newer technologies come in some service work (programming of some transponders) is controlled via a monopoly of dealers. This however is only a fraction of automotive service work. In fact even dealer supplied transponder keys usually are cut for them by a locksmith. We have invested 10’s of thousands of dollars in computerized code cutting equipment and software, which allows us to make a new key to the original manufacturers specifications. Sometimes this is all a car needs to have done to make all locks operate smoothly.

Do you have any cheap safes?
Yes. All safes we sell should be considered cheap. All quality safes are built to an insurance recommended level. If you have a million dollars worth of heirloom jewellery locked up in a $90 tin box then you are asking for trouble. A safe designed for “petty cash” will be a lot cheaper than a safe built for a bank or jewelers shop. When looking at a safe beware of the imitators – they look like a safe however they are made from tin plate and filled with aerated cement. These can be opened with a screwdriver or a can opener in a matter of minutes.

I only need a cheap lock!
Cheap locks offer minimum security. As professional locksmiths we refuse to sell or recommend locks, which will not pass a certain level of quality. In locks you do get what you pay for. It amazes me that people can spend $400,000.00 on a house and expect a $15 lock to secure their investment successfully.

Can you cut a padlock shackle with bolt cutters?
No padlock is made with a bolt cutter PROOF shackle. All padlocks have a shackle designed to be bolt cutter RESISTANT. The degree of this resistance varies from lock to lock. Excellent protection can be provided by a Boron or Molybdenum hardened shackle, but even these will succumb to a six foot set of quality bolt cutters.
When designing a high security locking system based around a padlock it is important to fit shields to stop a person being able to access the shackle with the jaws of a bolt cutter. A locksmith can advise you of how to achieve this.

What guarantee is there on locks?
As with any other consumer product warranties for locks vary. There are some common points to be aware of. Most warranties apply to workmanship and materials only, the manufacturer’s warranty does not cover installation and is usually voided if incorrectly fitted. (a locksmith’s personal guarantee covers correct installation) All warranties usually include a clause something like this “Polished Brass, antique bronze and similar plated finishes are classed as soft finishes, and as such cannot be warranted against deterioration or discolouration”. What this means is that these finishes are a thin plating which if scratched will allow the base metal to corrode. If a hardy finish is needed then stick with stainless steel treatments.

I can unlock the lock when the door is open but not when it’s closed!
Is it locked? Quite often we hear this, it is easy to mistake the fact that the knob is turning when in fact the lock is not operating at all – it is just the knob being turned with a key.