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

Security Tips for Movers and Those People on the Go!

Security around the home can be universally overlooked by the average person (including myself) at times. Yes, even Security Experts can get distracted or complacent! Even so, those moving to a new area can have even tougher obstacles. In my case it was distraction and work overload that played havoc with my security. Having just moved my family across the state to a totally new area was difficult and presented many challenges. Not only did my home need to be moved, but also my shop and business. The stress of moving, fatigue, and unfamiliar places can add up to spell disaster.

Some of the things I came up with during this move really assisted me; security disasters were averted, prevented and avoided. I thought it best to share some of the tips used in my move and couple them with some tried and true home security measures. Many of these things I’m sure aren’t new to the average homeowner. Whether you are constantly on the go or are new to an area these tips can be helpful. Are they being implemented? That is the question and my challenge to you.

Vary your schedule and routes to home and work.
Neighbors notice when you leave and when you come home. If you are as predictable as the palace guard you are increasing your chances of being burglarized by a person near your home. Using different routes and varying times can also educate you on the area around your home. Which routes are most efficient at different times of day? Is there more than one way to get to work during construction or traffic problems? You can even learn what your neighbors or your teenagers are doing during your time away by surprising them when showing up unexpectedly.

In my case learning the roads in my new neck of the woods has proven very valuable to me and my wife. My unpredictable schedule also kept potential crooks jumping as I could show up literally at any time of day. Moving vans and boxes are a dead giveaway that someone new is moving in… but counter balancing that with unpredictability helps immensely. Leave to the corner store and come right back, or even go around the block then home. This may seem like paranoia but it isn’t when you are in a new or unfamiliar place. I often did this without even meaning to as I habitually leave my coffee or briefcase wherever I go!

Lights and sound equals ACTION!
Give the impression of activity when you aren’t at home or work. Leave a radio turned on and couple that by leaving a light on as well. Many times people think you are still “there” when they get the impression of activity.

The reverse is of course inactivity. Piled up phone books on the steps, items left in the same spot for weeks on end, no lights or sound; these things create a safe atmosphere for the crook. Ever walk into a place like a campground and just feel like “man, no one has been here for a LONG TIME.” Your home can also give that impression. You want the people around to believe that you are home or that you could be home at any time.

Light timers can be used on both lights, radios, and even televisions. No need for fancy home integration systems when a $15 timer will suffice. You can also have friends, relatives or trusted co-workers visit your place to create an impression of activity. Be careful handing out keys and alarm system codes however. Keys can be copied, and alarm codes can be mistakenly left for others to see. Lend out keys stamped “Do Not Duplicate” available at your local locksmith shop, or have your locks construction keyed. This makes a key temporary until the owner removes it from the construction key system. Then the temporary key no longer works and the lock does not need to be rekeyed.

If you are moving into a previously occupied place, have it rekeyed.
In the last tip it was suggested to have a place construction keyed for friends to create an atmosphere of activity when you are away or on vacation. But when you first buy or move in you must determine if the locks there are new, have been rekeyed, or even if they are already construction keyed or master keyed. You don’t want a stranger to just walk in during the middle of the night, do you? Nope and me either! Have a locksmith service your locks first thing when moving or renting a new place.

This isn’t going to break the bank if you do research and find a good local locksmith. If you are a DIY type of a person you can even replace the locks yourself by ordering them keyed alike from a hardware store or locksmith shop. Just make sure that when you move in all keys are accounted for and that locks are unique and in good working order. You also don’t want to get locked out by a malfunctioning lock or worn key.

The first thing I did upon getting our new home was have the locks replaced and rekeyed as needed. I was handed a pile of keys when I arrived by the previous occupant. Some of these keys did not work, some did, and a few I think were just pawned off on me. The lock to the shed didn’t work or have a key, the privacy locks in the bathroom and basement didn’t work, and the exterior door locks had worn over-copied keys that worked intermittently. I spent some money, replace those that needed it, lubricated locks, rekeyed locks and fixed the ones that were easily repaired or adjusted.

Not only did this help my overall security. It gave my Wife and myself peace of mind and lessened sources of possible stress. Yes it cost us some money to improve security but it would have been more stressful if we were locked out and more expensive to have a locksmith come afterhours to let us in. Also, no one has let themselves in with an unaccounted key as the locks are brand new! Seems like a no brainer to me!

Make eye contact and introduce yourself.
Another idea that can really help you and although it is obvious it is still overlooked. Be friendly to your new neighbors and introduce yourself! Make eye contact, smile, and stand up straight. Yes I am a Dad, but that isn’t the reason I’m lecturing you. Crimes happen less frequently to confident people who create boundaries and to those who don’t act like a victim.

By making eye contact you are displaying confidence. When you smile and introduce yourself you are asserting yourself, and setting a social boundary. You are saying “I’m here and I’m not afraid to talk to you and let you know I’m here.” If you are a nice person your new neighbors might even look out for you and help you out with local problem people or situations. Most people are good and want to help you out. The people who aren’t nice will show their colors in this situation and ignore you or display behavior that tells you “go away”. This is good to know and is actual a good way to gather intelligence on your new neighbors. If they frown, avert their eyes, ignore you or refuse to shake hands you can bet that they might be someone to watch or avoid.

Two sets of eyes are better than one.
When you are busy it is difficult to notice the little things. If you are stressed out, tired, or overwhelmed it can be worse. Is that a snake or a garden hose? Try to buddy up with someone during your move or travels to make it safer.

My sixteen year old daughter is often texting away obliviously, but she noticed that I left my front door unlocked. My wife can’t move heavy things, but she was good at pointing out strategies and missed items during the move. Even my cat helped by finding things dropped under the appliances! Another set of eyes is vital when you are on the go or are moving. At one point I had a moving truck hit my work van… but it was under the watchful eye of my friend helping me move and we spotted the moving truck before it could leave the scene unnoticed by me. Another disaster averted!

Final Thoughts
Be sure to vary your schedule and routes. Create an atmosphere of action by using lights and sound to give the impression you are home or nearby. Replace or rekey locks and make sure you can secure your property and loved ones at night. Make eye contact, smile and introduce yourself to learn about the new people that surround you and to display confidence. Being friendly with new people can help you and your family. Lastly, travel with a buddy. Get a second set of eyes to increase your awareness and point out the things you miss.

True security is not simply knowing about security tips, it is in the implementation. Security measures must be part of your daily routine, so much so that when you are stressed out or tired, they practically implement themselves. Added stress like moving or hectic schedules should not derail your security program.

To my amazement and to my families’ amusement, I made many errors during this strenuous move. I left my work truck unlocked overnight with tools and products inside. I simply forgot to lock the deadbolt on the old place with our belongings still inside. I even lost important paperwork and misplaced many vital business documents! But in the end nothing was stolen, we weren’t burglarized, and we were always safe. By implementing these security tips regularly I was able to have a safe move, and in the end my family’s safety is more important than financial or business concerns. Make sure to implement these security tips when you travel, are on the go or are in the middle of a project or move. They made my difficult move safe, and hopefully they help you too.

Contact:
Rocky Mountain Security Group
http://www.rockymountainsecuritygroup.com/
303-424-4942

Old Locks: Repair and Reuse

The love of used and antique items is a simple affair. Sometimes the item is a memento of a time or place held in your memory fondly. Other times an older item reminds one of their childhood. Many people like to collect items like this. But when we have something that doesn't work properly, even though it may vintage, how much value does it really have? Old broken stuff is just junk.... right?

It is much more rewarding to have an antique that works! Granted you may not want a working 8 track player, but a working Atari is pretty neat. The same goes with antique locks. There is something really fascinating about a working lock with a barrel key or "skeleton key". Sometimes older items have class that new things just don't hold a candle to.

There is also an argument that reusing items is environmentally responsible. All the old stuff eventually ends up in a land fill and how many of those do we have? Taking care of your locks will make them last a surprisingly long time, and will make you feel practical rather than wasteful.

Many Locksmiths can repair older locks, or restore them to their original function. You may even have a newer item either with a missing or broken key. Don't throw it away, you may be able to reuse it! This is actually a very affordable service, and easy to make happen.

Here are a few tips:

• Get an estimate. Most locksmiths do this for free either over the phone, or in person. Look at your lock and check for stamps, numbers, or brands. Be ready to provide this information to the locksmith; the more accurate your description of the lock the more accurate their estimate will be.


• Remove the lock and take it to a storefront Locksmith shop. If you have a screwdriver and some DIY skills, just take the lock to a shop. You may save some money this way and prevent scheduling hassles.


• Take a picture with your digital camera or cellphone. Send or take the picture to your locksmith and see if they recognize it that way. This could save time, and identify problem locks that aren't worth restoring or repairing.


• Lost keys can be replaced. Locksmiths can "impression" a lock making a new key from scratch. They can also replace keys by code if the lock was coded by the maker. Lastly, locks can often be re-keyed. Basically this involves removing the pins or wafers and creating a new key for the lock. These methods are actually fast and very affordable. This will work for anything from door locks to file cabinets to padlocks!


• Broken keys often imitate a damaged mechanism. Many times a broken key or foreign object can jam the key way simulating a mechanical problem. Locksmiths can take a lock completely apart and remove any items blocking the key way. (Putting the lock back together is usually what separates a locksmith from a non-locksmith!) A broken key is often one of the most common problems... and the most affordable to repair!


• Simple repairs are often less expensive than a new lock. Sometimes the problem is very common and can be repaired for less than the cost of a new lock. Most locksmiths have a back stock of older locks, or can order parts for cheap. Other times the "repair" is actually cleaning and lubrication caused by simple neglect and lack of maintenance.

If your locks are functioning well you may want to have a locksmith come and clean and lubricate the locks. Different brands of locks require different maintenance and cleaning; graphite powder can actually ruin high security locks and void any existing warranty! Ask your locksmith for details on lubrication for your locks.

Don't give up on those old locks that adorn your doors and furniture. They may still have some years left in them, have sentimental value to them, and some could even be worth money. Many old time locks and keys are collectible. Go to Sweeny Emporium online for some examples: http://www.sweeney-emporium.com/Locks/locks.htm

Contact:
Rocky Mountain Security Group
http://www.rockymountainsecuritygroup.com/
303-424-4942