FAQ

There are many situations in which it is a good idea to call a locksmith. At Mobile Locksmith San Francisco, we can provide you with any locksmith service that you need. We make keys for homes, offices, and cars. We install security hardware (such as deadbolts) and access control systems. We can give you advice for your particular security need. We can help you gain access to your home, office, or car if you happen to get locked out. You name it, we can help you with it. If for some reason we cannot help you with something, we will work with you to assist you to find someone who can. Your safety is our main concern.

At Mobile Locksmith San Francisco, we are equipped to handle emergency situations as well as scheduled appointments.

A key that has a device imbedded inside which transmits and receives data. These devices contain one of over a trillion unique codes. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the transponder sends a signal to a disc-shaped antenna mounted behind the steering wheel. If the signal is recognized by the vehicle’s immobilizer, then the engine will start. If the signal is not recognized or has been weakened by damage to the transponder then the immobilizer will shut down vital operating systems to the engine and it will not run. This technology greatly reduces the risk of auto theft and provides peace of mind for the vehicle’s owner.

Some vehicles that are equipped with transponder technology require all previous keys to be removed from the system before a new one can be programmed in. This is not a cause for alarm. In many cases, you can add these keys back into the system yourself. In some cases, however, one of our techs will have to add it in for you. If this has happened to you, then please e-mail or call us, we will be glad to help you.

Every car is programmed differently. Most transponder keys come preprogrammed with a fixed code. This means that it cannot be changed to match the vehicle. The solution to this is to program the vehicle to recognize the new code. This is done with a variety of equipment depending on the year make and model of the vehicle.

Contrary to its name, lasers are not used to cut these keys. This term refers to keys with the milling on the side rather than on the top and bottom. For years, only high-end manufacturers like Mercedes and BMW used this style of higher security. These days, however, A good number of vehicles including Honda, GM, VW, Lexus, Infinity, Volvo, Saab, Audi, and many more use them. Getting a copy of one of these keys can sometimes be very difficult. Getting a key replaced when there are no keys can even be a nightmare. That is, of course, if you don’t call us. We have the ability and equipment to copy, or even generate a new one of these “laser cut” keys. To sweeten the deal, we come to you! No driving, no waiting rooms, no hassle.

Unfortunately, there are many individuals out there who are working as locksmiths but are not licensed. Most of the time these unlicensed, inexperienced, unprofessional, locksmiths are simply trying to earn as much money as possible and therefore will give deleterious and misguided advice. Often these people do not have any real experience or training in the security industry and are motivated by greed. Only a licensed locksmith can give you qualified advice and recommendations regarding security solutions (both physical and electronic) for your home or business.

Buildings tend to shift and settle. Wood has a tendency to expand during humid weather and contract during dry weather. This all affects the alignment of the hardware on your door. Our expert staff can determine a remedy that best suits your specific situation.

Exerting force will likely break the key off in your lock. It sounds like the key you are using has gone out of the manufacturer’s specifications due to excessive wear. Your best course of action is to call a Professional Locksmith to help deal with this situation.

The only way to know for sure is to have a Professional Locksmith disassemble the lock in question. Most apartment buildings are Master Keyed out of convenience to the Landlord or Property Owner. In the event of an emergency, only 1 key is required to enter any suite in the building. The problem that exists is that up to 32 different keys could operate a Master Keyed lock. We recommend adding a second deadbolt to your Apartment door that operates with only one key.