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Frequently Asked Questions
We try to anticipate questions you might have about our locksmith service and provide the answers here. If you need additional information send email to abulletlocksmith@comcast.net . |
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Isn't it cheaper to break a window? |
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No. The cost of replacing a car or house window is more, $100 and up.
Even if you claim it on your insurance, you wil pay with higher
premiums. |
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How do I know I won't get ripped off? |
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First, check for a physical address and legitimate business
name. The phone books and online searches are full of phony operators.
Locksmiths with toll free numbers are suspect. Often the biggest ads
quoting the cheapest prices are frauds.
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Second, make sure the operator answers with the NAME of the business. Not something generic like "locksmith service".
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Third, ask that the price quoted includes the service call AND the actual service.
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Fourth, ask for the name, what they are driving and the direct
phone number of the locksmith responding to your call. Some legitimate
locksmiths may use a dispatch service, but they will gladly give you
this information for your safety.
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FInally, NEVER, EVER give them your credit card number before they have completed the service to your satisfaction.
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Will you damage my car or door lock? |
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We take every precaution to ensure that our service tools do not damage
your car or house door. Sometimes the weather stripping on your car
window is old and brittle and our entry make exacerbate the problem.
Occasionally accidents do happen and we are fully insured for any type
of problem.
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You quote a rekey "per cylinder", What is a cylinder? |
A cylinder in a lock is the mechanism in which a key is inserted. If
you have a lock that uses a key for the outside of the door, and has a
thumb turn for the inside of the door, it is considered 1 cylinder.
If you need a key to unlock the door from the inside as well as from the outside, it is considered 2 cylinders.
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Can I have all my doors open with the same key? |
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If you have hardware produced by the same manufacturer, ie: Quikset,
Schlage, you can. In some instances the locksmith may have to replace
some of the hardware. |
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Can I buy my own locks and have you install them? |
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You may. But check our pricing first. We provide commercial grade
hardware from many manufacturers at prices comparable to your "big box"
stores. Your security needs should be evaluated before you select a
manufacturer and grade of hardware. |
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Can I buy a lock with a key that can't be duplicated? |
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We can install Medeco locks, which provide you with the maximum
assurance that you key cannot be duplicated by anyone else but yourself. |
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What is a Master Keyed System? |
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A master-keyed system involves each lock having its own individual key
which will not operate any other lock in the system, but where all
locks can be operated by a single master-key. This is common in office
suites or apartments. You can even have us install a Grand Master Key
system which enables individual keys to open common areas such as
conference rooms and common areas. |
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Can you make a key when I have lost mine? |
Our expert locksmiths are able to "impression" a key from a lock in
most instances on older makes and models of vehicles. Sometimes it's
easier to just replace the cylinder in a house lock.
New vehicles with "transponder" keys are more difficult. A
transponder is a computer chip embedded in the key itself and requires
another computer to match it to your car's brain. The replacement keys
are pretty expensive and usually your car's manufacturer can supply you
with a replacement key much cheaper than we can. At other times, all we
need is a code from your manufacturer that we can use to program or cut
your new key. Please call us to discuss your particual key. |
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How do we know if the person needing to enter a house actually lives there? |
We generally ask for some form of identification with your address on
it. We also guage the activity surrounding the home to determine if
your story fits. We may ask if you know your neighbors, can we speak
to them, etc.
We are frequently call in cases of domestic disputes or evictions. The
presence of law enforcement, police reports or court document may be
requested before we proceed. |
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How do I know I can trust you? |
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We can supply references, proof of insurance and business licenses upon request. |
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