Mark's Locksmith

Most of the time it will take about 10 to 15 minutes to rekey each lock. It also depends on the type of lock.

Re-keying is when the cylinder of your lock is changed by replacing the pins so that your current key no longer works with it. Instead, a new key is used. It is like changing the combination on a safe.

The reason people should re-key their locks include; a tenant moves out, a key is lost or stolen, your purse is stolen, new construction you don't know who on the construction team still has a key, you just purchased a new home or moved into a new home as you don't know who still has a copy of the keys - Realtor and/or previous owners. One of the most popular reasons is to have all your locks using only one key. This makes it convenient for you to not carry a lot of keys around with you. This can only work, however, if all your locks are of a compatible brand in your house. (Kwikset, Schlage, Weiser, etc.) Sometimes when hardware is installed into your house you can purchase them to be "keyed alike". This means that all the locks operate on the same key. However, if you decide to add a lock later on, you can either re-key that lock to be on the same key as the rest of your doors or use two different keys. (Remember this only works if the hardware is compatible.)

Unfortunately Kwikset and Schlage have two different key ways. They are not interchangeable.

Yes. I can re-program your EZ Series Keypad Locks, or your Kwikset Smart Keypad Locks, or your Schlage Keypad Locks. I just need to know the Model Number.

No!

I don't give discounts. If you think I'm expensive then call someone else. You will see that I am the cheapest locksmith by far then any of the other Locksmiths out there.

No. I just replace Mailbox locks with a new one.

If you wanted to rekey your own locks then you need the right size pins (i.e.,#1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, and maybe #7) for the existing kwikset key.

You can get the pins on my online store: Mark's Locksmith Shop

It will be up to you to know how to rekey your locks.

Or just call me and I will come out for a fee and do it for you.

The laws states that keys marked “Do Not Duplicate", “Do Not Copy” or “Unlawful to Copy” must have a authorization letter from the owner or supervisor presented at the time of requesting duplication. Even though this is the law, locksmiths and key copying kiosks are willing to copy these keys for an extra fee. The restrictions that are stamped on the keys are merely a deterrent and the only way to secure duplication is with a restricted key.

The answer is most definitely YES. People live in their residence for years and years stumbling in the dark trying to find the right key for the 2 different locks on their front door. We can easily re-key or if necessary replace certain locks on your property so that 1 key works everything. Having one key is very convenient and there is no better way to live.

We highly recommend REKEYING the locks. It is impossible to know if your new manager, Realtor or even construction worker has a copy of your key. It is better to be safe then sorry. Always re-key your locks when you move into a new property. It is the simplest and most affordable way to protect your valuables.

This is very possible and the answer is having your locks on a Master Key System. If they are all the same brand we can have 1 or 2 locks that have their own separate key for the Gardner, babysitter or pool cleaner. They are only able to get into specific doors while the property owner or renter can get into ALL the locks on the property with only 1 key.

Unless you have written down a code number, you need to call a Locksmith. If you force a door, whether it is a home, office or car, you can end up doing damage that will end up costing you more than if you had called a locksmith in. If you have full coverage insurance with road side service on your vehicle, then you might be fully covered to have a key made for your auto. Even if you call a locksmith and end up paying out of pocket, take or mail the invoice to your insurance company and they generally will write you a reimbursement check (as long as you have road side service on your policy).If you own a newer vehicle, you can call the dealer where you bought the car and request the code number from them. Make sure you give them the name of the locksmith you will be using, as they will call the locksmith and give them the code number. This will save you the expense of having to have a locksmith make a trip to your vehicle or house and make a key. If you have lost the key to either of your house, office or vehicle you should think about getting them re-keyed. If stolen from you car or purse, your insurance company - in most cases - will pay for your car to be re-keyed. They find it cheaper than replacing your vehicle.

Professional locksmiths have first hand experience and the necessary knowledge in locks, safes and security options. These skills are necessary for properly securing and making your home safe. There is much more to installing a lock then one would think. Specific adjustments need to be made to the frame in order for the lock to work properly and maximize its life. Proper installation requires minimal if no adjustment in the future. It is professional locksmiths who can suggest state-of-the-art products that can protect your most valuable possessions, your family. Mark's Locksmith offers locksmithing services for many local areas throughout the Portland Area and Washington County.

No. A "master" key is a key which works many locks. In order for a particular master key to work in a lock, the lock has to be set up to work on that master key. Locks are typically master keyed in hotels, office buildings, and schools. Rest assured that there is no such master key that opens all locks.

Should I add a double sided dead bolt (key on both sides) on the exterior doors of my property, is it safe?

Double sided deadbolts are used on doors that have glass less then 18 inches from the lock. If someone breaks the glass they will not be able to unlock the door and leave with your possessions so easily. Fire code on rental properties, states that double sided deadbolts are not permitted. In a private property you should check with local laws and use your own discretion.

The best and easiest way to explain master-keying is to think of a hotel. The owner has one key that fits everything - all the rooms, store-rooms, offices, etc. The office manager has a key that fits only the offices. The maids have a key that only fit the rooms. Then the guest have a key that fits only the room in which they are staying.

If one of the guests leaves and takes their key, then a locksmith can come and invalidate that key and re-key the room to a new key. This will not, however, affect the other keys - unless the locksmith is poorly trained. Or if one of the house-keeping personnel leaves, the doors can be re-keyed to replace that key which will not affect the rest of the keys.

Re-keying a Lock is when the cylinder of your lock is changed by replacing the pins inside so that your current key will no longer work with it. Instead, a new key is used.

Changing a Lock is when you replace a Bad Lock with a Good Lock.

Not just deadbolts and doorknobs, but automobile door locks and ignition switches can be re-keyed. Sometimes replacement is a better option, depending on whether there is any damage present. However, an honest locksmith will evaluate the situation and let you be fully informed to make a decision that will best suit your needs and pocketbook.

Putting together a 'project car' or replacing a damaged lock from the junk yard? Have a current key and want it to fit that lock? Those are items that can be re-keyed as well. If you have a lock cylinder with a correlating key that fits, it can be re-keyed to your key or to a new key.

Below are the two Residential Locks that cannot be picked opened.

The BAD News is that if you get locked out the Locksmith will have to drill the lock to open it.

The first one is: 

Schlage Secure Key

Notice in the image below the Schlage Secure Key has a PLUS just above the keyway.

The second one is: 

Kwikset SmartKey

Notice in the image below the Kwikset SmartKey lock has a small slot just next to the keyway.

If your key looks like this key below,

then you have a Schagle or a Dexter Lock:

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If your key looks like these keys below,

then you have a old Baldwin lock, or a Schagle Lock:

 OR 

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If your key looks like this one,

then you have a new Baldwin lock (SmartKey) or a Kwikset or Defiant Lock:

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If your key looks like this one,

then you have a Kwikset Titan Lock:

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If your key looks like this one,

then you have a Best / Falcon Interchangeable Lock:

Any person, business, institution or government agency that needs to have the ability to change locks quickly and economically as needed. This includes retail stores, office buildings, restaurants, apartments, hospitals, government offices, schools, colleges and major universities. As you conduct your daily activities, look at each door that you enter to see just how many have the distinctive figure 8 shaped interchangeable cores.

As does everything, locks wear over time. The small parts in the locks tend to wear down causing your key to get stuck or stick at times. Many times we get used to "jiggling or wiggling" the key repeatedly in order to get the lock to work. There are many different reasons for this problem and a professional locksmith can resolve the problem and make opening your door enjoyable. Most of the time the key being use is a copy of a copy of another key. Some keys will not work if it is a copy of a copy of the original key.

The reason people should re-key their locks include; a tenant moves out, a key is lost or stolen, your purse is stolen, new construction you don't know who on the construction team still has a key, you just purchased a new home or moved into a new home as you don't know who still has a copy of the keys - Realtor and/or previous owners. One of the most popular reasons is to have all your locks using only one key. This makes it convenient for you to not carry a lot of keys around with you. This can only work, however, if all your locks are of a compatible brand in your house. (Schlage, Baldwin, Dexter, Defiant, Master, Ace, and Kwikset , etc.) Sometimes when hardware is installed into your house you can purchase them to be "keyed alike". This means that all the locks operate on the same key. However, if you decide to add a lock later on, you can either re-key that lock to be on the same key as the rest of your doors or use two different keys. (Remember this only works if the hardware is compatible.)

One of the other reasons people choose to re-key is to prevent theft from someone who had a key but no longer works/lives there. This is less expensive than replacing all the locks. It invalidates the previous keys from working. This also serves as a preventative measure to theft. If a person has a key and steals, then it is more difficult to 'prove' that they did it. After all, they had the key, that meant that they could come and go. If you change the locks, then it becomes a felony charge of breaking and entering - which holds a much stiffer penalty.

No!

I am a small local mobile Locksmith, so I will be the ONLY one answering the phone.