Automotive Locksmith: All about replacement car keys

Courtesy of Rocky Mountain Security Group ph. 303-424-4942

Classic Car Keys: Classic Car Keys are keys made by locksmiths from the 1940’s to the 1980’s. Most professional locksmiths can make a key for the car by impressioning the ignition or by reading the ignition. We can also make a working key from a broken or worn key. Many of these keys are available; just contact us if you need a key.

Motorcycle Keys: Most lost motorcycle keys can be made by a quality locksmith. We can use the ignition method mentioned above as well as reading the ignition and other methods. If you have a lost or broken key for your motorcycle please give us a call! Examples are Yamaha, Honda, and Suzuki motorcycles.

Modern Car Keys: Many modern car keys from the 1980’s until 2000 can be made fairly easy by a top-notch locksmith. These key blanks are readily available, and can be made to replace lost or broken car keys for many foreign and domestic models. Some vehicles from this time period have a separate key for the door locks, trunk, and glove box. We can help you with your replacement key!

Transponder Keys: This encompasses transponder keys, chip keys and VATS keys. These keys require a special programming device so that they will work with your specific vehicle. Not every locksmith can replace these keys due to the expensive equipment. We can program keys, copy keys, or originate keys. Keys can also be made to just unlock doors. Also, we can make a working key from a broken or worn key. Just call us for prices!

Factory Remote Programming: Replacement remotes can be programmed and replaced. We can special order many brands and makes of remote or we can program the remote you have already. Contact us for help with remote programming. We can help with many makes including Ford, Chevrolet, GM, Chrysler, and many foreign/imports.

If you have further questions about replacement car keys please contact:

Rocky Mountain Security Group
303-424-4942

For emergency service call 720-663-7674

We serve Denver, Boulder and most of the Rocky Mountain Front Range.

Home Security Tips by a Locksmith

As a Locksmith and Security System installer I typically get two types of calls from homeowners.

The first type is the "price shopper" who knows that their home needs some security upgrade like a deadbolt for instance. However, they are some times reluctant to spend money and they may feel that they are being paranoid. Many times after speaking with the homeowner on the phone they insist that the area they live in is very safe and that their neighbors are always home so they don't worry too much about break-ins.

The second type of homeowner that calls is the victim of a home burglary. They want to repair the damage from the break-in and also upgrade their security. Of course, I also get other phone calls but for simplicity we will stick to the two types listed above. Basically we have a "price shopper" and the "victim" types of callers.

The "price shopper" is easy for us to relate to. We all want a good deal, and we don't want to be accused of being paranoid by friends and family. Generally the price shopper either has locks that need repair or service, or they are aware of a hole in their current perimeter security. Sometimes I get the impression that the "price shopper" wants to be reassured that their current security is satisfactory. This of course I do not do until after I have performed a site inspection!

It is more complicated to relate to the "victim" as many of us have not been the victim of a burglary or break-in. I know quite a few people who have had close calls when it comes to a burglary or theft, or they have lost something in a minor crime that was not really that valuable to them. Another factor is that we sometimes insulate ourselves from crimes so that we don't worry or upset our family by focusing on negative things. It is a sad fact to accept, but houses get burglarized every day.

Rather than go into a statistical analysis of property crime, or argue about the safety of the area they live in I simply offer to perform a security evaluation of the customer's home. Whether "victim" or "price shopper" I offer the customer a security evaluation and generally spend about 30 minutes with them and make suggestions. Many of my suggestions are do-it-yourself type of suggestions but some require the use of a locksmith or handyman. These evaluations are sometimes called a "Threat Assessment". There are no obligations to use my service when I perform an evaluation, but my services are available if the customer decides to follow through on the suggestions later.

Below is a list of the most often suggested tips I give to homeowners.

Outdoors:

• Provide the outdoor perimeter of your home with plenty of lighting.
• Trim back bushes and trees to limit hiding spots for a potential burglar.
• Keep the yard tidy and remove any junk or clutter.
• Cut up large boxes from major purchases instead of placing them by the trash. This is usually a tip to a burglar to target your new TV!
• Use signage like "No Trespassing", "Beware of Dog", and Alarm signs or decals to deter criminals who may be profiling your home for a crime.

Windows:

• Close curtains and blinds to prevent observation into your home.
• Lock windows when leaving home for even short amounts of time.
• Purchase dowels or thumb turn window locks for windows that have a lack or a poor quality of lock mechanism.
• Consider using a window film that makes glass more difficult to break.
• Replace screens when they become damaged or are falling out of the window frame.
• Limit access to windows by locking up maintenance ladders, chairs, and tools.

Doors:

• Make sure every exterior door has a deadbolt properly installed.
• Make sure the door jamb is reinforced with wood and long screws. This is usually the critical weak point when a door is pried or kicked in.
• Glass sliding doors should have a dowel placed in the frame to prevent opening. There are products available for this often referred to as "Charlie Bars".
• Consider replacing screen doors with security doors made of steel or iron.
• Replace screens on all screen doors, insure locks are functional, and you might also replace screen door glass with "Pyrex" or "Lexan" glass.

Keys and Key Control:

• Never give out a spare key to a neighbor. Place spare keys in locking boxes mounted to a door or garage. These are often called "Realtor Boxes" and they lock the key in an armored box only opened with a numerical code.
• Never leave your house keys unattended, or on the key chain when you have work done on your vehicle.
• Never leave keys in the open when shopping, socializing, or visiting friends or co-workers.
• Always carry a spare house key or car key in your wallet or pocket-book.
• Consider keying your doors alike except for one door used only by the baby sitter, cleaning staff, or delivery workers. Then if this person is let go from service you are only paying a locksmith to rekey one door rather than ALL of your exterior doors.

Other Security tips for the Home:

• All doors should have a peep-hole viewer or camera to identify visitors prior to opening the door.
• Consider adding a locking mail drop box to prevent mail theft.
• Firearms and important documents should be locked in a quality safe or lock box. The safe should be bolted down or otherwise tethered to prevent theft of the entire container during a break-in.
• Consider adding a basic burglary alarm system that communicates with an alarm monitoring Central Station.
• CCTV or surveillance cameras are becoming easier to install and more affordable. Consider adding a system as they are excellent deterrents and can often help identify an intruder when viewed after the crime.
• Review your insurance coverage with your insurance agent to make sure you are protected for all of the valuables in your home. (Alarm systems are a great way to get a discount on your home owners or renters insurance.)
• Record to video media all of your personal property; especially collectables, jewelry, firearms and other items. Keep this video media (DVD, CD, Thumb Drive, Tape, etc.) in a safe, or in a safe deposit box off site.
• Mark your property with a unique mark or name with a scratch pen to easily identify your goods if they are recovered later.

As far as the two types of callers, my opinion as a Locksmith and Security Professional is that as a "price shopper" this person is on the road to making a good decision regarding their home security. They are aware of a need and are moving forward on it, sometimes with a gentle nudge in the right direction. If a caller is a victim of a burglary, I request that they please teach what they have learned to family and friends. This information from a respected peer can make a difference, and can prepare them to take steps toward crime prevention n their home.

In closing, please consider these tips regardless if you rent or own your current home. Do not assume that the current security features of your home are satisfactory. Have a security professional evaluate your home security. Every home can benefit from a security evaluation, and the peace of mind that comes with one is worth the time and effort. Discuss home security with all of your family members and other occupants to develop a plan for upgrading security and establishing a protocol to utilize during an emergency or crime.

To set up a security evaluation of your home in Colorado please contact:

Rocky Mountain Security Group

303-424-4942

web: http://www.rockymountainsecuritygroup.com/

email: info@RockyMountainSecurityGroup.com

How to avoid being overcharged by a Locksmith

The Problem: Price con game
You see the ads that read “19 Dollar Locksmith” and “$15 Service charge Locksmith” but don’t be fooled! Many unethical locksmiths use the bait and switch con to get your call. And it works more than you think!

Imagine this:
You are loading groceries into your car and set the keys in the trunk as you load. Then suddenly you close the trunk and it hits you… The keys!

What do you do? You call a locksmith to get the keys and you do it in a hurry. You might call more than one and hope they are quick! Whoever is fastest to arrive gets your business, right?

Hey and this ad on my smart phone says $15 locksmith! Maybe this won’t be so bad!

Wrong. There are some things not right in this equation as Einstein would say. (Okay, maybe not but let’s proceed)

First there are some very unethical people out there that are counting on your desperation. They are also counting on you being frugal with your hard-earned cash. So when you see the $15 locksmith ads you are being lured into a web.

When they show up they change the price. You are furious! This is illegal, you say to them and you refuse to pay. On the other hand, your dinner is spoiling as you speak. You would be surprised, but many people just pay and grumble the whole way home!

How much do they up charge? Usually about 400 to 500 percent! So a $15 phone quote turns into $150 dollars instantly! Not only are the unethical locksmiths counting on your desperation and naiveté… sometimes they bully customers into paying. Follow this link and read a news story detailing the scam: http://www.kpho.com/news/15291073/detail.html

An ethical and professional locksmith that wants your repeat business will give you an accurate quote on the phone before he arrives! He won’t dodge your questions or give you a line. Reputable locksmiths need your repeat business and want to provide good prices and great customer service so don’t be fooled.

What to do
Call around and find a locksmith company that is registered with your local Chamber of Commerce or that is a member of a Professional Locksmith organization. Ask their prices, hours, and most of all ask about their business license and professional licensing or credentials. The best locksmith is one who cares about your concerns and wants to help.

They will quote prices and hopefully a flat rate on certain calls with no hidden prices or bait and switch scams or con games. Beware the Locksmith that refuses to quote a price… this is a dead give away to a con artist.

Once you have researched and found a Locksmith you trust put their phone number in your cell phone, wallet, or phone book. Also, promote this locksmith to your friends and business associates to save them a hassle as well.

Summary
Avoid scams and con artists by doing your research BEFORE you need a locksmith. Find a locksmith that is reputable and has good references and who is certified and insured. Keep their phone number on you so that you can reach them when you need them. Give the number to friends and co-workers to help them out.

Also, report unethical locksmiths to the BBB and the Federal Trade Commission.
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt032.pdf


Contact:
Rocky Mountain Security Group
303-424-4942
web: http://www.rockymountainsecuritygroup.com/
email: info@RockyMountainSecurityGroup.com

Replacing Lost Car Keys

Almost everyone has locked their keys in their car and either fished them out with a hanger... or called a locksmith.

But have you ever lost EVERY key? Including your spare car key?

Replacing a lost set of car keys can be easy and affordable in most situations. Usually a competent locksmith or dealer can originate a new key. Your mechanic can sometimes replace the ignition if you still have the door key. On the other hand, some of the high security car keys can be more difficult to replace.

Newer makes of cars use two technologies to increase security for your car. Firstly they use a transponder-headed key. Transponders are small chips that are programmed with information that matches other information in your car's computer. When you start the car with the correct key the computer recognizes the information, authenticating your valid key and starts the vehicle. A non-programmed key or incorrect transponder will not allow the vehicle to start even if the cuts on the key match your original key.

Secondly, many new makes and luxury cars use high security keys. These high security car keys require special equipment to duplicate, and are very difficult for the locksmith to pick. They are different-looking than a regular car or house key. These keys are expensive to replace if you lose the original. See the "Sidewinder Key" pictured here.

Well, what do you do if you lose your high security car key or transponder key and have no spare?

Search online or in your yellow pages for an Automotive Locksmith. Locksmiths specialize in different areas of their industry and automotive is one area that is expensive for them and requires training classes to master. It also requires special machinery and expensive blank keys. It is important to note that an automotive locksmith specialist DOES NOT JUST OPEN LOCKED CARS. Skilled automotive locksmiths actually are specialists in originating keys and programming transponder equipment.

Your automotive locksmith will ask you many questions about your vehicle including the make, model, year and VIN number. This is perfectly normal as many makes and years use different keys and transponders. Sometimes a 2008 car will actually be a 2009 if you look at the VIN. The locksmith will then come to your location and originate a key. This may take a few hours, but is much faster than having your vehicle towed to the dealer and waiting 1-2 business days for them to do the same procedure.

When the locksmith is finished with the work, it makes sense to test your new key on the trunk, doors and ignition. If the key is working poorly, this is the time to have the locksmith address the issue before you pay and he leaves to go to the next job. Once you are happy with the keys (make a spare this time!) pay your locksmith. Sometimes your roadside assistance or car insurance will cover some or all of the fee. Call your agent to verify your coverage.

In closing, duplicating a car key for a spare can sometimes be an expense... but having to originate a car key from scratch can be very expensive and takes some time. Inconveniences like lost keys seem to happen when we are in a hurry, and replacing them takes time and does the locksmith know what he's doing anyway? Find a locksmith before you need one and verify his competence with referrals and business references.

It really pays to have a spare car key!

Here are some quick tips on auto keys and locks:

1. Never shoot graphite into your ignition! Mechanics and locksmiths lubricate the dissembled ignition with a special lubricant; graphite will help temporarily but will cause more problems in a short time.
2. Frozen door locks can be fixed with a blow dryer, hot water, or heated key. If you heat your key, use pliers to hold the key!
3. Look for a locksmith BEFORE you actually need one. Search diligently for a reliable locksmith with a business license and referrals. Then, put their number in your cell phone or pocket book. Don't call random locksmiths when you really need one; you may be charged unfairly by bad business people preying on your desperation.
4. Keep a spare car key at work, home or even in your purse or wallet. A spare car key does not have to be a transponder to work the door and trunk. A regular key will get you into the car to recover your actual transponder key for the ignition.
5. Poorly duplicated car keys can ruin your ignition. Make sure your key copy works smoothly and without undue force.

Contact:

Rocky Mountain Security Group

303-424-4942

http://www.rockymountainsecuritygroup.com/

info@RockyMountainSecurityGroup.com