modern-lock-and-security

The Different Types of Locks: Which One is Right for You?

bob@simplesitecompany.com (Bob Hansen) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:25:52 GMT

When it comes to securing your home or business, choosing the right type of lock is crucial. With a myriad of options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which lock best suits your needs. From traditional locks to smart locks, each type offers unique features and advantages. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of locks and help you make an informed decision on which one is right for you.

Traditional Keyed Locks

Traditional keyed locks have been the go-to choice for centuries and continue to be widely used today. They are simple, reliable, and cost-effective. Keyed locks come in various designs, such as pin tumbler locks, wafer locks, and disc detainer locks. These locks require a physical key to operate, making them suitable for those who prefer a more conventional approach to security.

Deadbolt Locks

Deadbolt locks are a popular choice for residential and commercial properties due to their superior strength and resistance to forced entry. They consist of a solid metal bolt that extends into the door jamb, providing extra security compared to spring latch locks. Deadbolt locks can be further classified into single cylinder, double cylinder, and keyless entry deadbolts, each with its own unique benefits.

Single cylinder deadbolts: These locks are operated from the outside with a key and from the inside with a thumbturn. They offer convenience and security, but it's important to note that they can be vulnerable to break-ins if there is a nearby window or glass panel that an intruder could break to reach the thumbturn.

Double cylinder deadbolts: Double cylinder deadbolts require a key for operation from both the inside and outside. While they provide added security, they may pose a safety risk in emergency situations, as a key is required to unlock the door from the inside. Check local building codes before installing double cylinder deadbolts, as they may be prohibited in certain areas.

Keyless entry deadbolts: Keyless entry deadbolts, also known as electronic deadbolts, offer the convenience of entering your property using a PIN code, fingerprint, or smartphone app. They eliminate the need for physical keys and can provide additional features like remote access and integration with smart home systems. Keyless entry deadbolts are ideal for those seeking modern security solutions and enhanced convenience.

Smart Locks

With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), smart locks have gained significant popularity in recent years. These locks utilize wireless technology to connect to your smartphone or home automation system, allowing you to control and monitor your locks remotely. Smart locks offer a wide range of features, including keyless entry, access control for multiple users, activity logs, and integration with other smart devices.

Bluetooth-enabled smart locks: These locks communicate with your smartphone via Bluetooth and typically have a limited range. They offer convenient keyless entry when you're in close proximity to the lock but may have limited remote access capabilities.

Wi-Fi-enabled smart locks: Wi-Fi-enabled smart locks connect directly to your home network, providing greater flexibility for remote access and control. You can operate these locks from anywhere using a smartphone app or even voice commands if integrated with a virtual assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant.

Hybrid smart locks: Hybrid smart locks combine the features of both traditional locks and smart locks. They can be operated with a physical key or via a smartphone, giving you the flexibility to choose your preferred method of access.

When it comes to choosing the right lock for your home or business, understanding the different types available is essential. Traditional keyed locks offer simplicity and reliability, while deadbolt locks provide enhanced security. Smart locks, on the other hand,offer modern convenience and advanced features. Consider your specific needs, priorities, and budget when selecting a lock type.

Whether you opt for a traditional lock, a deadbolt, or a smart lock, it's important to ensure proper installation and regular maintenance to maximize their effectiveness. Additionally, consult with a professional locksmith to assess your security requirements and receive expert advice on the best lock options for your specific situation.

If you need help deciding what type of lock to install in Birmingham, contact the team at Unlock It For Me .

The Importance of Rekeying Your New Home

bob@simplesitecompany.com (Bob Hansen) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:24:44 GMT

Buying a new home is an exciting milestone, but amidst the joy and anticipation, it's crucial not to overlook the importance of rekeying your new property. As a leading locksmith company in Birmingham, AL, Unlock It For Me understands the significance of securing your home and ensuring your peace of mind. In this comprehensive guide, we will explain the benefits of rekeying your new home.

Why Rekeying is Essential

When you move into a new home, you can never be certain who might possess a copy of the existing keys. Rekeying is the process of changing the internal pins of your locks, rendering any previous keys useless. By rekeying your new home, you eliminate the risk of unauthorized access and protect your loved ones and valuable possessions.

When Should You Rekey?

Rekeying is a necessary step whenever you move into a new home, regardless of its age or condition. Here are a few of the reasons that rekeying is essential:

Lost or stolen keys: If you misplaced your keys during the moving process or suspect they were stolen, rekeying is imperative to maintain security.
Home construction or renovation: During construction or renovation, numerous individuals may have access to your property. Rekeying ensures that only authorized individuals can enter your home.
Previous occupants: If you are unsure about the trustworthiness of the previous occupants or their key management, rekeying provides peace of mind.

DIY vs. Professional Locksmith

While some homeowners may consider rekeying as a DIY project, it is highly recommended to enlist the services of a professional locksmith. Here's why:

Expertise and experience: Professional locksmiths possess the necessary knowledge and skills to rekey your locks efficiently and effectively.
Time and convenience: Rekeying can be a time-consuming process, especially if you are unfamiliar with the task. Hiring a locksmith allows you to focus on other important aspects of settling into your new home.
Quality assurance: Professional locksmiths use high-quality materials and guarantee their work, ensuring that your locks are secure and functioning optimally.

Choosing the Right Locksmith

When selecting a locksmith for your rekeying needs, it's essential to consider the following:

Reputation and reviews: Research locksmiths in your area and read customer reviews to ensure you choose a reputable and reliable professional.
Licensing and insurance: Verify that the locksmith is licensed and insured, providing you with protection and peace of mind.
Transparent pricing: Request detailed pricing information upfront to avoid any surprises or hidden fees.

Unlock It For Me checks all the boxes when it comes to selecting a trustworthy locksmith. With our team of skilled professionals and commitment to customer satisfaction, we guarantee a seamless and secure rekeying experience.

Don't compromise your safety and security. Contact Unlock It For Me today to schedule your rekeying appointment and enjoy the peace of mind you deserve in your new home.

Lock up the holiday fun

bob@simplesitecompany.com (Bob Hansen) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:23:50 GMT

Travel Safe This Holiday Season!

The upcoming Fall and Winter Holidays represent the most fantastic time of the year!

No matter if you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa. One thing will be common among us all. We will be traveling to and from near and far to be with loved ones. Therefore, lots of shuffling about , moving packages and parcels to and fro. Moreover, It can become immediately apparent all is not right on this silent night if the car keys disappear this could cause great fright! In fact, even if you DO lose your car keys on Christmas Eve, or Santa loses the keys to the secure location he is keeping the high-tech toys in! Locksmiths are never too far away! Alabama Locksmiths who are lock and key specialists are just a click or call away. To tell the truth, eight days is too long to wait for new car keys! We typically arrive within the hour and you’re on your way in less than 90 minutes.

Home and Auto Door Unlocking Experts

Getting you in is what we do best! Locked out is no way to spend the holidays. Our licensed and insured locksmith service is your best bet to avoid freezing your Boston butts off! Lock picking isn’t what it appears on the silver screen of Hollywood Dreams. Do you really want to fiddle around with paper clips when it’s cold outside and the turkey is in the oven? An Alabama locksmith will come out to your home, and after verifying we are dealing with someone who in fact does have the authority to request entry to the location or vehicle in question, we will work diligently to restore your rightful access! When rendering their services, professional locksmiths will not damage or mar your door and lock hardware.

Beware of “low ball” offers to unlock your vehicle. It’s a common practice of “bait and switch” scammers to offer a $19 Locksmith Service. Later you find out that’s not the entire story. Hire a licensed Alabama locksmith service

Smart Keys are Great Stocking Stuffers!

Nothing quite beats the gift of a new set of wheels for Christmas. Particularly, a new car. In fact, a new car will not fit under the Christmas tree. as an illustration, most thoughtful givers will box the car keys up or place them in a box inside of the stocking hung by the fire with care. Many times a new or used vehicle will only come with one set of keys. We can provide replacement and duplicate car keys. Furthermore, our prices are approximately half of what consumers pay at the dealership. For example, a traditional Toyota Smart Key purchased at the dealership is around $300. Including all respective labor and services to “walk out working”. That is to say, be wise about how much you pay. Don’t give your hard-earned cash away.

We will get you on your way with new car keys!

Lost Car Keys

Car Keys get lost. This happens for so many reasons. Most people never see any of them coming! Furthermore, Several customers this year have even flushed the keys down the toilet! Can you imagine!? Keys fell out of the boat into the lake? No Floaty? One customer had her keys fall down a storm sewer and decided she better phone a locksmith after her son spent hours with a fishing pole in a fruitless attempt to catch the keys.

Broken Bent Cracked Car Keys

If Santa sits on your car keys it’s likely to be bad news. But even if your car keys get run over by a reindeer, all hope isn’t lost and there is no need to cancel Christmas! Did you know: If you have a broken or damaged car key, oftentimes the locksmith can still make a copy even though it’s bent? Key duplication is cheaper than a total key origination. Most locksmiths in Alabama pass this discount on to you as you’ve come to expect the southern hospitality!

Lost House Keys

Baby, it’s cold outside! Don’t shoot your eye out trying to poke prod and pry on that door! Call a professional Alabama locksmith. We will help you get into your house quicker than jack frost can nip your nose. We pride ourselves in a 99% “No Drill” entry. For instance, we typically come out, unlock your door, and leave the lock and lock hardware intact and fully functional just as if we had never even been there. That’s professional.

Stolen Purses

Nothing is worse than being robbed or mugged. Except perhaps discovering that you now have no way to drive your car, and no way to get in your house. To make matters an order of magnitude worse – the criminal has both and your ID has your home address on it! What on earth are you going to do to ensure your car and home are not burglarized, vandalized, or worse! Relax! Pour yourself a glass of eggnog while we come to your home and re-key your locks, ensuring that the old stolen key is just a cold piece of brass not a free pass into your home. Modern vehicles utilize transponder and smart key technology in their car keys. So we can “change the password” and wipe out the old stolen car keys that the crook thinks he’s going to use later to drive away in your sweet ride.

Robbery / Burglary Restoration

So you came home to discover your lock was busted and your door is wide open. Of course, you need to call and make a police report for your insurance, but what about fixing up this mess? What about making sure it never happens again? Our team of licensed Alabama locksmiths will rush out to your location and install new lock hardware and security devices to make sure you lock up tight for the night. Peace of mind can be hard to find, but it’s just a phone call away here at UnlockItForMe LLC where we do so much more than unlock doors! Let us know how we can serve you! Give us a call today! (888) 230-2055.

UnlockItForMe LLC is a Licensed and Insured Alabama Locksmith Company. As such we are registered with SentrySafe and are able to assist you the customer with lost keys and combinations to your SentrySafe Products. Please have proof of ownership available and give us a call at (888) 230-2055

More than just unlocking doors. New Keys + More

bob@simplesitecompany.com (Bob Hansen) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:22:47 GMT

UnlockItForMe Alabama Locksmiths

Locking & Unlocking + Cutting New Keys

Misplacing the keys to your car, getting them stuck in the lock, or getting them broken can be really frustrating, particularly when you’re in a rush! It is super inconvenient to be locked out. On the other hand, for a child, or elderly person, getting locked inside of a vehicle is a highly unbearable experience. Even life-threatening. It can regularly lead to ailments, for example, suffocation, hyperventilation, and even lack of hydration. What do you do when you find yourself in this kind of circumstance? When you need door-unlocking services, you know who to call. Contact UnlockItForMe. Our team is located across Alabama . Therefore we are also different cities such as Auburn, Birmingham, Gulf Shores, and Huntsville.

Similarly, forgetting the keys inside your car and locking it is likewise to a great degree an extremely panicking experience, especially on a hot summer afternoon when you are carrying heaps of stuff and are getting amazingly late with a few urgent things to attend to. At UnlockItForMe, we are able to provide the solution to any type of car lock issues you find yourself in.

Provide Solutions to Auto Lock Unlocking Issues

At UnlockItForMe, we can create duplicate car keys on the spot and likewise program them to your ECU or immobilizer box in a short timeframe, getting you back on the road at the earliest opportunity. We can help you with all your lock key issues, not just unlocking the doors. What if you don’t have a key inside! Therefore we do more!

We are able to handle all the replacement of auto keys irrespective of the make and model of your car. We professionally get your car open you with no damage in case it gets locked. We are capable of fixing any auto lock problem and also provide you with new keys.

On the off chance, you also have difficulties concerning your ignition, we can get this fixed. Programming of car keys is our specialty regardless of the model and make of your car. Repairing broken and jammed keys and locks? It will be professionally handled by us.

Well Trained Professionals

Our team is profoundly qualified and highly trained. Their wonderful expert aptitude and productivity permit them to give you successful and brisk locksmith services. In a split second, we alleviate you of your inconvenience, bringing no form of damage to the inside or security system of your car, despite what might be expected.

We also help in improving the lock efficiency and safety of your auto. Whether you require replacement of your auto key, a duplication, or even if you want to replace the chip of your auto keys, or whatever other auto locksmith issues in which you require dire and prompt attention, UnlockItForMe has to be your first point of contact.

Save Time and Minimize Cost

At UnlockItForMe, our services are provided at a competitive and fair rate. Our main concern is customer satisfaction rather than making profits. We understand that cash and time for you are valuable. We will be with you and provide an adequate solution to your needs both in general auto locksmith systems and in the case of emergencies. Once you contact us, expect our emergency response team within a couple of minutes.

Most Recent Equipment

Using the latest tools and equipment, we guarantee you get the best with regards to your auto. We utilize computers and various other state-of-the-art gadgets. Our locksmiths can fix your auto lock issues. We will get your car opened fast. He or She will do so without causing any form of damage to the vehicle.

UnlockItForMe has broad experience in key duplication, ignition, replacement, repair of lock and various other services which distinguish us from the rest of our competitors, making us the primary point of contact for your auto lock issues.

We Handle All Leading Car Brands

We are able to handle all locks of different auto makes and models including Porsche, Nissan, Jaguar, Toyota, Honda , Hyundai, Land Rover, Subaru, Infiniti, Volvo, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Lexus, Acura, Pontiac, GMC, Chevrolet, Jeep, Ford, Lincoln, Dodge, Buick, Chrysler, Plymouth, Mercury, Hummer, Cadillac, Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Saab, and so on.

In case you accidentally lock yourself or your key inside your auto, or you may even be traveling and your ignition begins to misbehave all of a sudden, relax and simply give us a call. The solution is already on the way. Contact us today at UnlockItForMe, to fix an appointment or to learn more about our services. A trial will definitely convince you.

How to Deal with Keys Locked Inside your Car on the Highway?

bob@simplesitecompany.com (Bob Hansen) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:21:28 GMT

When Things Go Off Key Call A Locksmith Service

You're en route to Memphis from your hometown in Birmingham, Alabama driving along I-22. You receive an urgent text foreshadowing bad news. After a frantic scan of the highway landscape, you pull off and park along the roadside, exiting the car hastily to call your family back home. You talk for a few minutes, however, when you return to your car, you cannot find the keys in your jacket pocket. Searching for the keys in all other pockets you find they are not there. Frantically you search for the keys on the road near the car but do not spot them. Exasperated, you look inside the car and find the keys lying on the front seat near the steering. Although you're somewhat relieved but also worried about how to open the door. It quickly becomes apparent you are in need of a locksmith service. Call Us! We're professional Alabama Locksmiths.

Beware of "low ball" offers to unlock your vehicle. It's common practice of "bait and switch" scammers to offer a $19 Locksmith Service. Later you find out that's not the entire story. Hire a licensed Alabama locksmith service

Deal Only With Licensed & Insured Alabama Locksmiths.

Fraud and Scams are So easy to find on the internet. This, unfortunately, does not pass by the locksmith industry. Therefore, it is critical to be sure you are dealing with an AESBL licensed locksmith. Alabama law requires that all locksmiths be licensed for doing locksmith service, residential door unlocking, lock service & repair and related work such as lock rekeys car keys, remotes etc. Dealing with an unlicensed fraud can be cheap at first. Buyer beware. Bait and switch locksmiths quote a low price on the phone, then once they arrive, the price skyrockets. Alabama has plenty of search results for locksmiths, verify that your locksmith is legit. UnlockItForMe LLC is Licensed & Insured. We work and live right here in Alabama. Our technicians in Auburn, Birmingham, Huntsville, and Gulf Shores live in the service area. Support small business, shop locally.

Keys Flushed Down the Toilet? Don’t Flush Your Wallet.

You must be joking right? Don't worry, we know you're not! We've had this call before! These automatic flushing toilets are something else! If your car keys have been flushed down the toilet, don't call a plumber, and don't be stranded at a gas station. In Alabama, UnlockItForMe LLC mobile locksmith service can assist! Furthermore, our prices are so much lower than calling a plumber to dig up your bathroom. You may think that because you flushed the keys down the toilet you are going to spend over $500. Not at all true. The lost key replacement comes in below $200 for most vehicles, excluding some advanced models such as smart keys. Our locksmiths show up quickly and replace your lost keys. Please note we will not be providing any services related to the toilet :-). You've already flushed the keys, don't flush your money. Call UnlockItForMe locksmith for a quote.

But You Don’t Understand...locked Out Is Not the Issue.

Is your situation different? Don't assume we can't help. Local locksmiths are highly resourceful. Therefore, help is but a call away. Haven't you locked the keys inside your car? Broken Car Keys? If not perhaps a list of other things has occurred. We have run across some crazy lock and key situations. This one time, (nowhere near any band camp we're aware of) a kid really didn't wanna go with the family, so he popped the key inside the microwave! He got his way! Until we arrived to make a new key for the frantic parents. We have rescued thousands of customers. Some keys flushed down the toilet. Others dropped into a storm sewer. Even still some, run over by the very car they go to... Quite a few situations where the keys are locked in the trunk of a Hyundai Sonata or Elantra.

Our Team of Alabama Locksmiths Can Help You With a Number of Situations.

LOST CAR KEYS
SMART "PROXIMITY" KEYS AND FOBS
TRANSPONDER "CHIP" KEYS
BROKEN CAR KEYS
KEYS STUCK IN IGNITION
KEY BROKEN IN LOCK
SNAPPED KEY IN HALF
WRONG KEY STUCK

Just Calm Down and Place a Call to a Licensed Alabama Locksmith Service

There is no need to panic and call for help from friends and relatives on phone. Being that you are far away from your home, it will take a lot of time and effort to bring the duplicate car keys to where you are stuck right now. A far better option is to make a call to a reliable and honest locksmith in Birmingham. There are many companies providing locksmith services to their customers in Birmingham. Out of these, the most popular and highly trusted by the customers is ‘Unlock It For Me’. The name of this company is such that it is hard to forget it. It is a professional locksmith service providing company that is known for its high-quality services at very reasonable prices.

Keys locked inside your Toyota Camry? We can assist!

Your Car Will Be Unlocked in a Short Time. Safely.

If you have searched the car keys and cannot find them, it is better to call up a licensed locksmith from UnlockItForMe. He or she will turn up in a short time once you have made the call and given details about your location. This locksmith will unlock the door of your car. If you would like, for an additional charge we can hand over a duplicate key to you so that you can resume your journey with confidence. Acquiring a duplicate home or car key beforehand is wise. Being locked out, wishing you had a spare... not so much. Plan ahead. Prepare for life's little speedbumps. We help you be secure and prepared.

Relax. We’ve Got This.

The biggest dilemma that most people face when they have lost their keys is to have complete faith and trust in the Alabama locksmith service. Some customers fear they will cut another copy key for nefarious purposes... Furthermore, customers are unsure if their vehicle will be damaged. Therefore many attempts at "self-service" are made. We understand your concerns. Let us erase your locksmith fears. Rest assured that Unlock It For Me is a highly professional and fully licensed company operating in Birmingham for many years. Our unlock service is safe. Weindustry-standardndard tools. Rest assured UnlockItForMe will not misuse the information about your car keys. Our locksmiths are background checked, licensed & insured.

We sell and program smart keys to most vehicles including Acura, Honda, Toyota and Lexus.

Lost Keys for a Rental Car Can Be Expensive - Without Us!

Time and time again. Frantic calls come in. You must return the rental by close of business. You cannot find the keys anywhere. This is what locksmiths exist for. UnlockItForMe employs a team of well trained professional Alabama locksmiths. We make car keys. Keys are made from "scratch", or a broken key. The locksmith will have a working key for you in minutes. Of course, we do need to verify your rental documents and identification to be certain everything is in order and legitimate. We sell car keys and remotes. Keys to most vehicles are in stock. We work with most insurance companies to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. No matter the time or weather, if you have a key or lock issue. UnlockItForMe is here to help.

“But My Car Doesn’t Have Regular Key” - We Do Smart Keys!

There is no doubt. Smart things are the future. Losing them can make you feel dumb. Calling UnlockItForMe can save you from overpaying for your mistake! Car keys have already been upgraded to be mini 2-way transmitters. A common misconception is that a locksmith is not able to replace lost smart keys. A call to the local dealership leads you to believe your car must be towed to them. It is not true. The dealership is no doubt capable. It's Friday at 5 pm, you have to be in Atlanta by 5 am tomorrow. You have no time for all this. We stock many smart keys for Acura, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Nissan, and Toyota vehicles. Typically we can have most products within 48 hours or less should they be out of stock.

We Come To Your Location or You Can Meet Us

Our locksmith team stays on the go. It can be hard to catch us! Receive service on location at your home or meet us in a parking lot! Our tools are mobile. We can cut a car or house key just about anywhere! Whether you need car keys, house keys or some other keys, give us a ring. It's best to make an appointment with our locksmith to ensure timely service. Please understand each job is unique and some jobs may require "extended care" to accomplish the process of programming new keys when you have lost all keys. Modern vehicles have immobilizer and security features which prevent starting with an improper key. If your alarm won't stop honking when you unlock your door with a key, give us a shout! Many Jeep Chrysler Dodge vehicles require a remote key to stop the alarm. Stop waking your neighbors and call us.

Special Order Car Keys That No One Else Has!

If you've searched high and low and are unable to find a locksmith to make a key for your car, have you called UnlockItForMe? We have several sources for quality OEM car keys, smart keys, remotes, fobs, key blanks and so much more. All of our products are assembled in Alabama. Sourced from quality USA locksmith supply companies. We are able to provide keys cut by VIN to the legally registered owner of the car or truck. Most modern foreign and domestic car keys are available on hand, in stock, and on demand. Car Keys are typically in stock at most locations for vehicles manufactured by Acura, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Nissan Toyota, and more! Certain smart keys for push-button ignition, or push-to-start vehicles may require a special overnight order. Give us a call to discuss your options and the price.

Lost keys to car or apartment? Purse stolen with your date alongside?

bob@simplesitecompany.com (Bob Hansen) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:19:29 GMT

LOST KEYS TO HOME OR AUTO? THIS ALABAMA LOCKSMITH CAN HELP!

Football Season Is Here!

Hide ya keys hide ya wife? Perhaps. One thing is for sure. Fans will be hitting the road this fall. Be it to the loveliest village on the plains, Auburn , AL or perhaps you're driving down from Huntsville to cheer for UAB. In any case, we've got you covered. It's always smart to go ahead and get an extra key made before you hit the road. If you live near the Hoover, AL or Pelham, AL Area, you should make an appointment at 261 Lock & Key. Please be sure to set an appointment before dropping by as we are often out and about assisting customers with their locksmith needs. If you find you have lost all keys to your car, truck or home. Let us help. We are more affordable than you might think. Some folks equate locksmiths to highway robbery. You won't find that here at UnlockItForMe. We treat our customers with southern hospitality!

Lost Keys and Lost Hope Are Two Separate Things

So you are a bachelor living in a rented studio apartment in Birmingham. Chances are, you enjoy the nightlife and spend time in clubs and bars during weekends. Tonight, you have just returned home with a girl and trying to find the keys to your apartment inside your jacket pockets. You are high on spirits and searching frantically but cannot find the keys anywhere. Lost Keys. Great. Maybe you forgot them on the counter of the bar. Perhaps accidentally dropped them on the road coming out of the bar. You are cursing yourself and do not know how to handle the situation with your friend standing outside the apartment. Well, there I no need to become mad at you or start shouting as it will not solve the problem. The best course of action is to take out your smartphone and call a locksmith to unlock the front door. Lost keys is an easy fix for a locksmith. We can make new keys for your home and your vehicle in one stop!

Lost Keys? No Need to Worry About Your Safety and Security. Hire a Locksmith.

It is a catch 22 situation for you as you are not sure whether you should hire the services of a locksmith to make duplicate keys of the front door of your apartment. You start to worry about your safety and security and also the valuable household items inside. This is where the trust and confidence of customers come into the picture. Unlock It For Me is a professional locksmith company in Birmingham that has been providing its services to the residents of the city and the surrounding areas for quite some time. It has carved a niche for itself as a highly professional company that can be relied on and trusted upon. You can trust the mechanic sent by this company to maintain the confidentiality of your apartment lock. He will turn up within 15 minutes of placing the call and open the door for you in no time.

Unlock It For Me is a very professional and dependable locksmith service that has upheld the trust of its customers all these years. Their mechanics are so fast and efficient that you will not believe your eyes. They will open the door and give you another set of keys. They also charge a very reasonable amount for their services. UnlockItForMe provides their services on a 24/7 basis and you can call them up on any day and even in late hours. Just keep the mobile number of the company on your smartphone to be prepared whenever you face an emergency like this in the future.

We sell and program smart keys! We cut the insert key too!

More Than Car Door Unlocking Services

Often times people think that locksmiths are just trained burglars. This is far from the truth. Locksmiths do much more than just unlock your door. In Alabama, professional locksmiths can help you secure your home. All too common are stories about a home burglary. You need more than a cheap lock these days. The trained locksmiths at UnlockItForMe can fortify your homes entries. Products such as high-security locks, or door jamb reinforcements can buy you time or save your life. If installed improperly, they could be useless! Don't risk your home security. Hire a professional Alabama locksmith service.

Car Keys, Smart Keys, House Keys, Your Keys!

Technology has changed over the years. Chances are you have a variety of keys. UnlockItForMe is your one-stop shop. We can cut a house key, a new truck key, and even program a smart key to your brand-new car! Tragically consumers are led to believe that the dealership is the only route. Car keys are far too often assumed to be much more expensive than they need to be. A local locksmith in Alabama can easily replace lost car keys. We have heard reports from customers that the dealership was charging $200, $300, or even $400 for a new set of keys due to a customer has lost all keys. Let's not even talk about early 01 Toyota keys. Dealerships can quote $1000 or more! Keep in mind, our locksmiths are available 24 hours a day.

Prevent Burglary Before It Happens. Harden Your Home.

While you are away on travel, who's keeping an eye on the house? Sure, you have an alarm. How's your police response time? On average a crook spends less than 5 minutes in your home. Let's keep them guessing, on the outside. Don't make yourself a target. In addition to Security Cameras, your home needs to have locks that are not easily picked, bypassed, or manipulated. Conveniences are the number one enemy of true security. We take the extra steps needed to secure your home properly. Ask us how we can reinforce your doors against being kicked in. Can your locks be easily picked? Call us out to find out! Our locksmiths can discuss, then implement a security plan for your home. Don't think you're safe . Be Secure.

Lost Keys, Stolen Purses, Pranks Gone Wrong & More. We Make Keys.

We could honestly spend a while telling you about the ways we know of car keys being broken. Even more numerous are the stories about how they were lost. I can't say we've seen it all. Indeed we have seen a lot.
Our locksmiths have replaced car keys and house keys for numbers of customers. If you have lost keys to your vehicle or home, there is no need to panic. A licensed Alabama locksmith can gain entry for you. Should you require a key made that is an additional task the locksmith is happy to undertake. If you took a swim in the ocean, before taking the car keys out of your pocket, you may be in trouble. Saltwater and electronics don't mix. We have replaced the keys to a Toyota Camry, Nissan Sentra, and a Kia Optima where their car keys were flushed down the toilet!

A Locksmith for Lost Keys? I Have to Go to the Dealership for My Smart Key?

We don't aim to hurt any salesman's pride. We're pals with a few parts department guys, and we know they have to make sales too. When it comes to facts, locksmiths can program smart keys. In all honesty, we prefer that you buy the key from us, but in fact, if you are really a penny pincher (no shame!) maybe you want to order the key online yourself and have a locksmith come out and program it. Just know that you do not have to overspend by hundreds of dollars with these new fancy car keys. It's a trick in a way you see because gone are the metal keys, which cost money and must be specially cut. Replacing them are cheap plastic cases filled with fragile electronics, not impervious to liquids or resilient against drops or impacts. Theoretically, if it breaks more, you buy more, the dealership profits more!

Locksmiths Can Save You a Lot of Money When You Have Lost Keys

Go ahead and consider the total cost. It quickly becomes obvious. Hiring a locksmith for lost keys is your best bet Your 2014 Toyota is located in Oak Mountain State Park. You would need to be towed to the nearest dealership which is Hoover Toyota. The average towing bill is $100 or more. You're probably not covered for car key replacement service either. The dealership is professional and polite. They will explain to you why it is they are going to charge you over $200. Some dealerships even go as far as to tell the customer that the aftermarket products purchased from online retailers such as Amazon can damage their vehicles! Lost keys situations present a lot of confusion to the consumer. Do your homework. Don't be fooled. Your local locksmith can easily replace lost keys to nearly all makes and models of cars from 1999-2019. Exotic Cars Not Included

Smart Locks… A Dumb Choice?

bob@simplesitecompany.com (Bob Hansen) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:16:46 GMT

Smart Locks and the Locksmith

Smart Locks. A Dumb Idea or Not?

It seems like everything in our lives is connected to the internet. Our car gives us directions. Our phone can tell us how tall a penguin is. The refrigerator tells our phone to have us buy milk. It’s fairly logical. Of course, smart locks that are connected. It’s really natural. There are, however, a lot of concerns in some circles with this new technology, just as there is with every other technology. It’s critical to remember that true security has an enemy number one. Convenience. First, though…

How Does a Smart Lock Work?

The physical locking mechanism is just like the locks you have now. A bolt extends and retracts into the door jamb to keep the door closed. The internal mechanism is usually identical to old-school locks. In fact, most smart locks had a dumb key that can open it in times of need. The place where the locks change is that there is a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (or both) receiver and transponder in the lock that your phone communicates with. In essence, you open an app on your phone and tell the lock to open. A small motor will slide the bolt back and the door is unlocked. Some of these smart locks also have a touch keypad that allows you to type in a number to unlock the door, in case you don’t have your phone with you. What’s more, it’s wise to select a keypad that offers mechanical key access. These days, the majority of smart locks include “security-appropriate” physical keys and keyways. That is to say, they aren’t “easy” locks an amateur could open with a bobby pin.

What About Hackers and My Smart Locks?

It can happen. In fact, anything attached to the internet or using any type of radio waves can be hacked or bricked. Hacking is getting into a system to either steal something or make changes. Hacking is what people are referring to when they talk about a data breach at a credit card company or on a social media site. Bricking is when someone simply makes an electronic device useless. This happens to people’s phones a lot. In reality, the vast majority of the time, hacking and bricking happens due to the action of the carelessness of the owner. For example, a hacker will usually get in when the owner doesn’t take advantage of all of the security protocols that are provided by the manufacturer. Usually, a lock is bricked when the owner does something wrong, like entering a wrong code. Most of these locks are hard to hack if you follow all of the instructions. So far, these locks aren’t hugely popular in Alabama in general or in Huntsville, but we expect them to catch on quickly.

The Pros of Smart Locks

The best part of smart locks is that if the kids get locked out, you can unlock the door from anywhere. You don’t need to carry around more than your phone to get in and out of the house.
The codes on your phone or fob are encrypted, meaning they’re nearly impossible to break. Even if someone gets your phone or the key fob, the code to enter your house is encrypted so that they can see it.
Smart lock codes are easy to share. If your sister comes into town while you’re at work, you can give her the code and she can get in and out, even if you’re not there.
Smart locks are just as strong as traditional locks. They are just as sturdy any other lock you own.

The Cons of Smart Locks

Batteries. You need charged batteries everywhere. If you phone doesn’t have a charge or you let the batteries die in the lock, you’re out of luck. Being locked out of a smart lock is problematic.
Emergency keys, for obvious reasons, can’t be in your house. If you don’t plan ahead to have your keys someplace where you can get to them when the house is locked, you’re standing outside.
If you lose your phone or key fobs a lot, this might not be the right solution for you. What you need to know about Smart Locks

Although smart locks have slowly increasing popularity in Auburn, Birmingham or Huntsville yet, they will be. In truth, this is likely to be the technology of the future. The technology is new and might have some flaws, but so far, as long as they are properly installed, they aren’t any less effective than a traditional lock. Plus that have the remote control capabilities that can be awesome.

Will It Hack?

There’s a buzzword if there ever was one. Hacked. Hackers. Hacking. Seems like these days everyone is either a hacker or getting hacked. Why? Too many folks do not understand the technology they invite into their homes. Seemingly innocent devices invited into the home and placed on your network. These devices may or may not “see” the traffic from your computer that contains your sensitive credit card data and banking details. Not to mention your Amazon login information, etc. The internet of things can really bring about the vulnerability of things if not properly implemented in your home. Before connecting your smart locks to the internet, the average joe should probably call a pro. It’s not that you can’t do it, it’s just that you cannot afford to do it wrong. Smart locks and other home technology should be used wisely and securely.

If you want to learn more, please give us a call at 205-202- 9824 or 888-404-KEYS

We Install Smart Locks & Smart Home Products

Ready to make the upgrade to smart locks in your home? Our team of locksmiths is ready to help. Locksmiths can integrate your smart locks seamlessly into the home. We will add new locks where there were none before. We ensure proper fit and function of all locks. Fresh Batteries, and proper lubrication with each job. Any lock installation we do also comes with discounted access to our 24-hour lockout service. Having smart locks installed improves the appearance and security of your home. Let us assist you with making the switch. Call us! We will come out and make an assessment. We will present our recommendations to you for your approval. Once you give us the green light we will take care of the rest!

Locksmith Service – How To Get The Lowest Price

bob@simplesitecompany.com (Bob Hansen) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:14:13 GMT

We Care About Your Locksmith Needs!

UnlockItForMe want’s to be sure that citizens of Alabama , and everywhere in the United States, stay safe at home and abroad when traveling in their vehicle. Everyone has heard stories about having a tire blowout on the interstate or having a dead battery. Perhaps you have even run out of gas. Most people forget about the locksmith services until it’s too late. Honestly less expected, but nonetheless “on the list” of things that could happen, is flushing the keys down the toilet, your kid putting the keys in the microwave in defiance and protest of going to the family reunion, or your purse getting stolen from that sketchy bar in Southside… We’ve got your back when and if you need locksmith service in Alabama. We proudly offer services from our Auburn, Birmingham, Huntsville, and Gulf Shores Locations.

UnlockItForMe locksmith services residential and automotive needs. Keys cut on site.

Give Us a Call if You Need Any Locksmith Services!

Have you ever wondered about sites like HomeAdvisor and AngiesList? The offer so many different things to the customer but no one ever stops to consider what is going on in the providers’ side of things. There is no doubt you can get excellent locksmith services from these sites, and by themselves, they are fantastic companies. There is something you may or may not know about hiring locksmith services and other professionals. Oftentimes, you are paying a premium for going through these services, which may be perfectly fine. But let’s take a look at a few points here

Advertising Isn’t Ever Free.

In 2018 Everything is on the internet. This includes locksmiths. There are TONS of ad’s on Google and the like, for “ locksmith near..”

but how do they get there? They are paid for of course. This, in turn, means they want to get their money back! Another well-known fact about “The American consumer” is that we pay for convenience. Don’t you deserve a choice? It’s not criminal to charge you upwards of 50% more than the service should cost…it’s called markup and resale. But again, you’re a bargain hunter. not a big wig big spender looking to blow as much money as possible on a locksmith service. Finding a true local locksmith will always save you money. Anytime a locksmith is having to pay for advertisement placements any “deal” or “discount” you may be offered is generally not actually a bona fide deal because they are simply marking it up 120% before your “20% Off Special” on the locksmith services.

Why Would I Even Need Locksmith Services Anyway?

Far to often we hear the chuckle from a cashier, normally who drives a Nissan Altima, or Ford Vehicle, “Oh I can’t lock the keys in my car because….” but nonetheless in the future they end up calling us, half embarrassed, half thankful. It’s not a horrible deal. You’ve locked your keys in your car, you haven’t shot anyone. There’s no need to be ashamed or fearful. Locking the keys inside your car is just one of many reasons normal everyday people end up calling a locksmith in Alabama. We’ve had at least 5 people in 2018 who lost their car keys because they were flushed down the toilet! At least one key has in fact been cooked in a microwave by a child who did NOT want to leave the hotel. So… it happens, folks! We’re here!

Save Yourself Money by Saving the Locksmith Money

Some websites charge the professional or service provider a monthly fee or lead fee per job.
We won’t point any fingers here because it’s a “common industry practice” no matter if you are searching for a locksmith or a plumber or an electrician. “Lead Sites” Such as those you see on TV offering a “one-stop shop” for home services, are offering this to you for free because they have the service providers credit card on file. They spend money on TV ad’s to yell at you in your living room. In most cases, as soon as you contact a professional or reach out for assistance on these home services resellers, one, if not all the providers in your area will be charged for the LEAD (assuming they’ve signed up). So take this Scenario:

Lead Fees Increase Your Total Cost for locksmith services!

Susan “lost” the key to her 2010 Toyota Camry. She has looked everywhere (Honestly!) 4 hours later she decides to go to a website that offers a professional for any job you could imagine. She types in “ Locksmith in… Alabama”. The First Name on the list says

Alabama Locksmith and Key Services, so she clicks “Get a Quote”, She speaks to a very helpful individual etc, but right as they are sealing the deal and hanging up the phone the toddler runs in and pulls the keys out of her diaper! Hilarious! We’re so glad you found them….buuuttt….. We just got charged $12 for this…. for a “lead”. You can imagine how this gets really old, not to mention expensive, after some time, (and believe us…it’s common!)

On sIte locksmith services We come directly to you!

Go Straight to the Source!

Many Phone Books or other common groupings of advertisements will replace a locksmith services phone number with a special “tracking number”. The locksmith is billed for the phone call. Even if you just call up to say, “Hey it looks like it might rain this afternoon, you should pack an umbrella” this could result in the local locksmith being charged $5-$10 or more! Calling a locksmith directly is always the best way to get a good deal. Once you have met a trustworthy locksmith, be sure to make friends with them, get a business card to keep close by, and two or three more to give a friend! You never want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere, in need of a locksmith service you cannot find. A lot of locksmiths these days are friends and members of private groups on Facebook. This means, even if you are outside the coverage area of your usual locksmith, he may still be able to get you in contact with a trustworthy provider.

24-Hour Locksmith Services in Alabama

Your life doesn’t run from 8 am to 5 pm. You get up at 4 am every day. There is no time in your schedule for lost keys. We will do our best to make it as painless as possible! Most of our services are available ’round the clock where it is safe to provide services*. We will come out to your home after a break-in to repair damaged locks. The best time to rekey your home locks is move-in day. We will come directly to your new home and ensure your locks are in top condition. Be certain you have plenty of keys and avoid lockouts. We will provide you with duplicate copies of your house key, just ask! Did you lose your only car key? We can assist with that too! Your local UnlockItForMe offers a multitude of locksmith services.

*Safety is always our number one priority. Certain services may be unavailable at certain times and in certain situations. We will always work with you as best we can to provide seamless service for your locksmith needs.

A Locksmith for Your Home

bob@simplesitecompany.com (Bob Hansen) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:11:46 GMT

There Can Be Any Number of Reasons Why You Might Need a Locksmith for Your Home Locks.

In this article, we wanted to take a look at some of these reasons you may need to hire a professional locksmith to service your residential locks and help you to discover when a locksmith might be helpful in saving both money and hassle. Knowing when to hire a pro is key. We will be here to assist.

Rekeying Locks When You Move In/Out

There’s that moment when the real estate agent hands you the keys to your new home. It’s exciting and scary, even if you’ve done it before. You can't be certain of who may have an unauthorized duplicate key. Moving your personal items into a home a could be thief has a key to is the last thing you want to do! The next thing you should do is call a locksmith and have them change the locks. You can ask for new locks if the ones in the house are old or you can simply have them rekeyed. Even if you’re moving into an apartment, you need to make sure having the locks rekeyed is on your checklist. UnlockItForMe's team of professional locksmiths is on call for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to prioritize your security needs.

Garage Door Locks

One of the weakest parts of your home is the garage door. The locks are usually very simple and easy to break into. If you haven’t ever had the lock on the garage door replaced, now is a good time. There are some strong, modern garage door locks that can add an element of security to your home. Another place where your home is vulnerable is the other door into the garage. Often there is a regular door that leads into the garage. So often, we will ask and people had no idea where the key is. That means someone else might have it.

High-Security Locks

High-security locks are designed to be extra difficult to defeat. Whether they require a code or a key or both, there are elements of the lock that are designed to make breaking in extremely difficult. Installing locks like these can make the homeowner more secure. Intercom System - An intercom system is a simple and classic security system. You can use an intercom to communicate with someone in another room or hear what’s going on in another space. Take a step ahead. Upgrade your home or business to high-security locks, today!

Access Control Systems

A residential access control system is a complete home security system. It will include a video doorbell, high-security locks, gated entries, individual key codes, and remote access systems. In essence, this can be the most secure your home can be. It’s a web of security that we can install that will keep you and your home safe. At the heart of everything that we do at UnlockitForMe is security and peace of mind. Our team looks for ways that we can make your home more secure from the lawn to the garage to the living room to the bedrooms.

The car keys are lost or stolen… What do I do???

bob@simplesitecompany.com (Bob Hansen) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:08:32 GMT

Affordable Car Key Replacement !

We cut OEM quality replacement transponder keys, on-site, at your location.

Acura, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford Infiniti, Jeep, Nissan , Scion, Toyota & More!

Lost Car Keys Replaced in as little as 1 Hour*

What to Do When the Keys to Your Car Are Lost or Stolen.

This can become a frustrating reality, seemingly out of nowhere. Lost or stolen car keys can bring about confusion. When you turn to the internet for answers, even more, confusion. The internet is flooded with advertisements. Shocking right? Simply typing the word keys or locking in certain searches will trigger these ads. They want one thing. For you to call them so that they can send out their guy to collect your money. Beware when searching the internet for locksmiths in Alabama, or anywhere else for that matter. Advertisements are often best skipped. $15-$20 Locksmith advertisements often lead down a path to scams. Legitimate locksmiths typically gauge the severity of the situation over the phone and are familiar with many types of lock and key situations. Being forced to "have someone get out there to look at it" before a quote can be given, is fairly shady. Proceed with caution.

So You Lost Your Only Car Key?

This can be so terrifying! Your freedom, crippled! Your main method of transportation is just sitting there with no way to use it. It happens often. Once we had a call from a customer who was riding a bike with a single key inside his pocket, over the miles of the journey, the key wore a hole in his pocket. It was through this hole that his key found freedom. Upon arriving back at the trailhead he sadly discovered what happened. Believe it or not flushing the keys down the toilet also seems to be pretty common. Well, at least sort of common. We've had about 5 calls this year so far for that exact situation. Replacing your car keys does not have to be a hassle. UnlockItForMe is able to come right out to your location and offer lost car key replacement services at affordable rates.

But the Dealership Said Only They Can Make New Car Keys

The dealership also wants you to change your oil every 3000 miles, and bring your car in regularly for service. The reason is simple. Dealers look to the service and parts departments to tap a revenue stream in the aftermarket. Lost car keys can be quite profitable for them. What's worse is they make you tow the car into the service department for the job. This runs up your total costs even higher. This is where a locksmith can become a super efficient service provider. Locksmiths come equipped to cut and program automotive keys and remotes, pretty much anywhere you need them to. Transponder keys and remotes cost hundreds of dollars at the dealership. Locksmiths have access to the same suppliers. OEM quality car keys and remotes are delivered at a fraction of the cost. That's what you get with a locksmith service. Why overpay?

Can I Get a Copy of My Key at a Local Store?

While it is true that the big box stores cut car keys. The locksmith has the better price. If you have a key that works just fine, give us a call. We offer affordable car key duplication. Our prices are low because we leverage the global economy to provide you with quality parts you can afford. If you want an OEM car key or keyless entry remote that bears the manufacturer logo, let us know! Typically for a spare key, our prices are up to 30 percent more affordable. We stand behind our work, and you will know its right before you pay. No more making return trips to say..."Uh hey this key doesn't work". We will verify proper fit and function of your key before we leave the scene. Save your money and your gas, call us out today.

Smart Keys? Spare Keys? Transponder Keys?!?

bob@simplesitecompany.com (Bob Hansen) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:06:22 GMT

Make a Back up of Your Keys!

Regarding Information Technology, a backup, or the process of backing up, is when you duplicate and archive data so that it may be used again once restored. Many folks don't know that locksmiths can do this with your house or car key. Lost key replacement can be expensive. Located inside your key is a tiny computer. Essentially comprised of a small flash chip, a capacitor and a tiny antenna, these keys talk to your vehicle each time you insert them in the lock. Speaking of Keys, you probably have at least 1 or 2 right?. Keys are a critical part of physical security. All locks and keys are unique. The cliche adage "You get what you pay for " definitely applies to the lock and key world, however. A $5 lock can provide a false sense of security. Here's some... Key tips to keep your keys safe and secure.

Get a Spare Key

Getting a spare key may sound like a no-brainer. It's economical and sensible, right? Unfortunately, we've met many a customer who kept putting it off. That may seem ridiculous, however, believe it or not, a lot of people simply can't spend money they don't have. Dealerships often charge between two and five hundred dollars for even a spare car key. Getting a house key cut at a store, and making it home to find out it doesn't work is frustrating. Spare Keys from UnlockItForMe's locksmiths are always affordable and cut on-site while you wait. UnlockItForMe guarantees fit and function. Before you pay you will see your key doing its job! Having a spare key is the difference between easy access and being stuck outside. Getting spare keys cut for your home or auto is a phone call away with our locksmith service. Call us today for a free estimate!

Take a Photo of the Keys

In today's digital world, we have plenty of data in the cloud. Most people don't think that they can keep a copy of their key safely on Google Drive. As a matter of fact, this is actually a very clever way to keep your keys safe and secure. We do advise you encrypt this data before uploading it, and treating it as if it were an actual key. A security breach of the storage service you upload it to due to hacking or other compromises puts your keys at risk. A professional locksmith will be able to cut a key based off a photo in most circumstances. Be sure to take clear, well-lit photos. Avoid shadows or blurring. A crisp photo of your key from the side showing all the cuts can save you time and money.

Give a Friend a Copy

Giving a copy of your car or house key to a family member is common. It can really be a lifesaver in a tough situation. Lost or broken keys leaves you stranded and vulnerable. Unfortunately, many citizens don't have the close-knit neighbor relationship of days gone by, thus, having a family member an hour or so away, though they may have a key, is not always timely or convenient. Nonetheless, if you do have a trusted contact which you can leave a key with, this can save you big time in case of a broken car or house key. If you end up having lost all keys to your car, even if your friend can't make it, you could still ask them to send a photo and call your local UnlockItForMe locksmith service.

Keep a Copy on File With Your Locksmith

As with the previous suggestion, this one definitely is a trust-based decision. Locksmiths are background checked, bonded and insured. Their fingerprints are on file with local, state, and federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A locksmith would have to be a complete fool to “go rogue” and begin stealing cars or breaking into homes. It would take a good detective or police officer approximately 45 seconds to open and shut the case. A locksmith can keep an encoded version of your key on file. This way there is no photo to steal or lose. The information is documented in such a way that a non-locksmith or untrained individual is not able to do anything with the information. Assuming they even get their eyes or hands on it in the first place.

No matter what choice you go with. The important idea is that you go ahead and get a spare key made to your home, car or truck. Just like it costs much less to change your oil, instead of wait for it to fail and replace the engine. Having a spare key cut and programmed into your vehicle by a vehicle security professional at UnlockItForMe saves you money. Our locksmiths come directly to your location and cut and program transponder keys, and newer “smart keys” included with newer GM, Toyota and Nissan vehicles, coming soon to probably every car in the future. These smart keys can be costly at the dealership. UnlockItForMe can supply and program smart keys and intelligent keys for nearly all makes and models of vehicles equipped with push-button ignitions.

Keyless Cars Don’t Mean You’re Out of Options

Today it is very common to push a button and get a result. The traditional car key, as you would expect it, has undergone a transformation. You see, over the years, many car companies have altered the ignition system on their vehicles. They do this, under the guise of security and convenience. Perhaps, they don’t. Maybe they just need a fresh or innovative product. At any rate, over the years, the little gadgets are known as “car keys” have evolved dramatically. In days gone by cars would feature a plain metal key. Insert this key into the ignition, give it a turn, and vroom! Well you see then the bad guys discovered that if you can copy that key, you can steal that car, therefore, something had to be done.

Security Measures in Car Keys Are Needed

In the initial days of car anti-theft measures, you had VATS keys. Among others, VATS keys were a type of security key. The way they worked was simple. Once inserted into the ignition, the left and the right side of the key bridged a connection. A low-voltage current then passes through the key. Inside of the key lives a special resistor. Upon leaving the resistor, the voltage remaining is measured by the cars computer. The computer was to see a very specific voltage before allowing the engine to crank.

From Vats to Transponder Keys

Eventually, the technology was thoroughly used and exploited. the car manufacturers moved on to small computer chips capable of receiving and responding to a signal. These so-called transponder keys were implemented in vehicles as early as 1998 or sooner in some cases. Transponder keys are different than VATS keys. Transponder keys do not have a resistor. Instead, they contain small glass or carbon chips. On the ignition, there exists a special reader built into the car. When you insert the key into the ignition it activates the coil in the reader. When this coil sends out a signal, and the key is in the proper position, it responds to the vehicle. The key and immobilizer must be pre-matched. That is, you cannot simply cut any transponder key so that it turns the ignition and crank the vehicle. Programming transponder keys require special hardware, software, and intimate knowledge of immobilizer systems.

Transponder & Smart Keys

Locksmiths are cheaper than the dealership. Whatsmore, a locksmith will travel to your location. This eliminates the need for towing your vehicle to the shop. Cutting & programming of keys is done at your location. Some modern vehicles don’t have keys. At least…not traditional ones. According to an article by the Detroit News, as many as 72% of 2014 cars and trucks feature “keyless” push-button ignition. As with any technology, as more adopt it, it will increase in numbers, therefore keys will potentially vanish one day. Locksmiths know this and are adapting to fit in. You see, it’s still really a key. Just because you are calling it a fob, or a proximity remote, it’s still a key. Locksmiths have tools and technology to access the security systems of modern vehicles.

Shh the Dealer Doesnt Want You to Know This About Your Car Keys

Programming a key to a 2005 Nissan Altima with a “real key” and programming a key to a 2015 Nissan Altima with Push Button Ignition, it’s the same thing. In fact, in a pinch, you can use an old 2005 Altima Style key on a newer Altima, as a result, you save hundreds not buying a “smart key”. Impossible? No! You see, repackaging an old product in “NEW!” or “REDESIGNED”, packages. This is true, especially in the case of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. Most noteworthy, the Philips 46 Chip is implemented on Nissan vehicles 2005-2015, as a matter of fact. The Philips 46 chip is one of the most commonly used transponders in late-model vehicles, therefore, a good locksmith always has some on hand. A locksmith can literally build a key. You simply get the correct key shell, insert the chip, cut the blade, then program to the vehicle.

In Summary, Call Us if You Need Us! We’re Ready to Help

UnlockItForMe 24-Hour Locksmith Service has 1 Goal. Help our customers in their time of need. We are here to serve you. We handle your locksmith needs as if you were a friend or family member.

Locksmith Vs. Mechanic

bob@simplesitecompany.com (Bob Hansen) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:03:46 GMT

At Unlock It For Me, we have professionally trained locksmith technicians who offer key-related services for vehicles and properties. However, it's important to clarify some key information (no pun intended) regarding the types of services we provide and our fees.

If you call us to make a key, we can come to your location and either originate a new key for your vehicle or duplicate an existing one. Key origination is a service for customers who have lost all their keys, while key duplication involves creating a copy of an existing key that unlocks and starts the car. We encounter various situations where customers may have limited prior knowledge of their vehicle's ignition system, while others may be aware of certain issues and attempt to hide them to avoid additional charges.

In modern cars, many use Transponder Key & Engine immobilizer systems, which require special pre-programmed keys from a locksmith or the dealer. Think of these keys like passwords for your computer. If you lose your password or key, you need to register a new one with the computer. Similarly, if we make a key for your car and it operates the locks and ignition correctly, then we have successfully made your key. However, if your vehicle still won't crank, it might indicate a mechanical or other underlying issue that requires a referral to the dealership or a local mechanic.

Some customers may request their locks to be master keyed, which essentially means having all locks keyed alike. However, they might not be familiar with the specific term. Master keying allows for a single key to open multiple locks, providing convenience and efficiency. For instance, in a building with 500 locked offices, the night cleaning crew can use one master key to access all the areas they need to clean, while each office occupant has their own unique key for their individual space. In a residential setting, having locks keyed alike means using one key to open all exterior doors, similar to master keying but with each lock still having its unique key.

Overall, our goal is to ensure that our customers fully understand the services we offer, and we are always available to explain and assist with any locksmith-related inquiries.

How To Choose a Reputable Locksmith Company

bob@simplesitecompany.com (Bob Hansen) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:01:39 GMT

Have you ever been locked out of your car or home? Either you can't find your car keys, or you locked yourself out of your home. First thoughts are typically to turn to family and friends for help or a set of spare keys, but this may not work out. Next steps are to contact a locksmith in your area. However, before sealing the deal with the locksmith business, you need to consider the reliability and honesty of the company. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, has uncovered that some locksmith companies may advertise in your local telephone book but may not be local at all. Worst, these 'technicians' may not have qualified professional training at all and can cause further damage to your property.

Check Locksmith Locality:

This has been noted and reported by the FTC in the past: A company not located in your area has a name for its business that is similar to the name of other local locksmiths in the area. This company advertises in the yellow pages and online directories using a local address and phone number. However, in actuality, there is no storefront, and the local number is transferred to a place far from your local town. Then, you may not be given a quote for the locksmith service or given a false quote. When the locksmith arrives, he may want more money, and you feel pressured and stuck. If the locksmith only accepts cash, that is also a sign that the business is not a trustworthy local locksmith.

Sometimes, you can detect these falsely "local locksmiths" as they may have multiple listings – sometimes over 30 listings in a single phone number. All these listings are under different names, but the phone numbers are all directed to a single central call center. There, operators, who may not be trained individuals, are sent to your location.

How to Best Choose a Locksmith Company:

There are reliable and honest local locksmith companies out there. The best piece of advice is to do your research and due diligence before you find yourself locked out or in an emergency locksmith situation. Perhaps you are thinking about increasing your home security by installing deadbolt locks, changing locks and door keys, or even installing a home alarm system. This is an excellent time to sit down in front of the computer and research different companies. Be sure to read reviews, check that they have a local address and phone number, and compare quotes over the phone. Additionally, reach out to co-workers, family members, and friends for any personal recommendations they may have.

Once you've found a reputable locksmith, keep the company's contact information in a safe place such as your wallet, phone, or address book. This can save you time, anxiety, and money in the future.

How To Prevent Lockouts

bob@simplesitecompany.com (Bob Hansen) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 22:36:53 GMT

A lockout situation can happen to anyone and anywhere, whether in the home, office, or on the road. There are several reasons you may be locked out, most notably forgetting your keys inside the premises or in the car or getting your keys stuck in a broken lock.

Of course, the first call of action when locked out is to call a locksmith, but there are a few measures you can take to prevent lockouts, to begin with.

Remove Self-Locking Door Knobs:

Most offices and homes today are fitted with self-locking door knobs, the ones that lock automatically as soon as the door is shut. Although this locking mechanism is convenient and designed to be a time-saver, especially in busy environments, it can cause more trouble than it's worth.

The best alternative to preventing lockouts from "keyed privacy locks" aka self-locking door knobs is by replacing them with deadbolts. Your locksmith will then be able to configure your door hardware to make it impossible to lock behind you when shut.

You can even ask your locksmith to install an entry door handle set on every exterior door. When installed correctly, you will have to use a key from the outside to access these handle and deadbolt combos, making them lockout-proof. If you don't want to replace your self-locking door knobs, you can install door restrictors to prevent the doors from shutting behind you.

Maintaining Your Door Locks:

Locks are one of the most used elements of a home, but unfortunately, we seldom pay heed to their maintenance to keep them from working as efficiently as possible. It is not just the locks, but also the keys that are subject to considerable wear and tear over time, so it is important to check them regularly and sort out the issue before it's too late.

Clean regularly: It is inevitable for dirt, grime, and oils to build up on locks and deadbolts and even door handles, especially when used frequently. To avoid this, it is a good practice to clean them by wiping down the affected areas with a little soap and water and drying the surface off with a soft cloth.
Avoid scratching: With regular use, door locks are bound to get scratched around the faceplates and keyholes. Although there's no way to avoid this, you can be careful whenever you put your key into the lock.
Prevent door mechanisms from sticking: Door locks sometimes freeze up owing to everyday use and accumulation of dirt. Many homeowners use WD40 as a solution, but it is best to refrain from using products infused with Teflon and use products such as Tri-Flow that will also stay in the lock a lot longer.

Although you can do a lot of things to maintain your locks, it is best to commission a professional locksmith to get the job done right the first time and ensure the durability of your locks.

Key Don't Work:

Apart from sticky door locks, your keys may fail to work or get stuck in the knob. The cylinder inside a door lock is where all the magic happens and controls its overall mechanism. A corrupted cylinder can result in a host of problems, including the key not turning in the lock. This, in most cases, requires professional help, but here are a few things you can try.

Key does not unlock the Door: You're probably using the wrong key! This does happen! This is actually one of the most common problems when it comes to a failed door lock cylinder. The key and cylinder work hand in hand, and if either is on the verge of wearing out, you may find yourself using excessive force to unlock the door. If the issue is neglected and not taken care of immediately, it may result in an irreparable cylinder and door lock.
Key does not turn in the Lock: Another symptom of a failing door lock cylinder is that the key will not turn in the lock. There may be several things that might cause this issue, most notably the teeth inside the door lock are worn out, and as a result, aren't able to accept the key. You can try to remove the key and reinsert it and hope for the best, but eventually, you will have to get the issue looked at professionally before it worsens.
Key gets stuck in the lock: Reasons for your key getting stuck in the lock could vary from a frozen key to a damaged door lock cylinder. This issue is mostly caused by worn out or damaged keys or a deteriorating lock cylinder. Regardless of the reason, this would be a good time to replace your keys and get your lock inspected. In fact, one of the most common reasons for lockouts is damaged keys, for which frequent inspection and repair is a highly recommended solution.

Easy Ways to Prevent Lockouts:

Have spare keys: Keeping spare keys handy is perhaps the best way out of a lockout situation. There are several ways to go about this, including keeping a spare key in your wallet, an item of clothing you wear daily, or even at an easily accessible discreet location near your home. You shouldn't have to make several duplicate keys, but it is a good idea to at least leave one with a person you trust, such as a family member or neighbor.

The fact is that lockout situations can happen to anyone owing to several reasons, and the best advice is to get professional help and fast before the underlying issue spirals out of control and causes irreparable damage.

10 Tips to Avoid Locksmith Fraud

bob@simplesitecompany.com (Bob Hansen) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 22:28:23 GMT

Aѕ scary as іt may ѕоund, Locksmith ѕсаmѕ аrе bесоmіng a раrt оf оur daily lives. Lосkѕmіthѕ tаrgеt hоmе аnd аutо оwnеrѕ whеn thеу аrе at their most vulnerable ѕtаtе аnd іn dеѕреrаtе need оf hеlр- in аn еmеrgеnсу аnd nееdіng іmmеdіаtе аѕѕіѕtаnсе.

Mоѕt оf the times wе feel thаt ѕеаrсhіng fоr a lосkѕmіth online іѕ probably a smart dесіѕіоn. Hоwеvеr, we could bесоmе a victim of fаkе оr ѕсаmmіng lосkѕmіthѕ whо are іmіtаtіng legitimate оnеѕ on thе оnlіnе dіrесtоrіеѕ. Thе саѕе іѕ these fake lосkѕmіthѕ іmреrѕоnаtе the local lосkѕmіthѕ, аnd thеу dоn’t еvеn have аnу local wоrkѕhор. Sometimes these ѕо-саllеd locksmiths аrе nоt еvеn properly trаіnеd аnd аrе ореrаtеd thrоugh оut-оf-ѕtаtе саll centers.

A fеw саrеful ѕtерѕ tаkеn bу уоu саn hеlр in аvоіdіng a scamming company оr аn untrаіnеd impersonator.

1. “Lосаl” is the Kеуwоrd

Dо уоur research іn advance. Tаkе a good tіmе and dо not ruѕh wіth the search.

If a lосkѕmіth business іѕ registered wіth a local аddrеѕѕ, Gооglе the address аnd fіnd оut іf any other business is rеgіѕtеrеd wіth thе same lосаtіоn.

Even if уоu are in аn еmеrgеnсу, you ѕhоuld аlwауѕ bе аwаrе of thе ѕеrvісеѕ that answer the phone wіth any gеnеrіс рhrаѕе, ѕuсh as “Wеlсоmе tо lосkѕmіth services.” If the оnе уоu hаvе саllеd is unwіllіng tо рrоvіdе уоu a lеgаl buѕіnеѕѕ name, you nееd to fіnd аnоthеr lосkѕmіth.

Alѕо, ѕее іf thе companies аrе uѕіng аnу “800” numbеr or a lосаl numbеr. “800” number саn іndісаtе that the lосkѕmіth you аrе саllіng could bе аn оffѕhоrе саll сеntеr.

2. Chесk Idеntіfісаtіоn аnd Lісеnѕе

Whеn thе lосkѕmіth arrives at thе dеѕtіnаtіоn, іt is іmроrtаnt tо ask fоr іdеntіfісаtіоn, іnсludіng a lосkѕmіth lісеnѕе whеrе one is аррlісаblе.

Out оf аll the ѕtаtеѕ, оnlу fifteen оf thеm require lосkѕmіth lісеnѕіng, making іt a crime work оr even аdvеrtіѕе as a lосkѕmіth wіthоut valid credentials. Check іf уоur ѕtаtе іѕ оnе of thе 15 ѕtаtеѕ оn Google.

3. Bеwаrе оf low рrісеѕ

Always gеt a quote on thе рhоnе bеfоrе аllоwіng any tесhnісіаn tо meet you. Bе ѕkерtісаl of аnу lосkѕmіth рrоvіdіng an unbеlіеvаblу lоw рrісе. Those аrе mаjоr rеd flаgѕ. Alwауѕ аѕk about the labor соѕtѕ, еmеrgеnсу costs as wеll аѕ thе service fееѕ.

Nеvеr аllоw anyone to ѕtаrt work on thе hоmе оr vеhісlе wіthоut having full knоwlеdgе of the expenditures уоu соuld іnсur.

4. There better not bе аnу hіddеn charges

It іѕ important tо іnԛuіrе іf thеrе are аnу additional charges, еѕресіаllу іn thе саѕе оf еmеrgеnсіеѕ.

A ѕсаmmіng company might аlѕо сlаіm thе lock оn уоur home оr vеhісlе іѕ оbѕоlеtе and іt nееdѕ to bе rерlасеd. They will сhаrgе you аn аrm аnd a lеg to replace thе еxіѕtіng lock wіth one which thеу wіll ѕау іѕ a hіgh-ѕесurіtу lосk, but thаt ѕеldоm is the саѕе. Yоu соuld еnd uр рауіng thеm to rерlасе thе сurrеnt gооd lосk wіth a сhеар one fоr a higher рrісе.

5. Aѕk for Vеhісlе Idеntіfісаtіоn

Alwауѕ keep an еуе оn уоur ѕurrоundіngѕ. In case ѕоmеоnе аrrіvеѕ in аn unmаrkеd vеhісlе and claims they аrе with a ѕресіfіс lосkѕmіth соmраnу dеfіnіtеlу dо not аllоw thеm tо start work. Lеgіtіmаtе locksmith companies always ѕеnd thеіr tесhnісіаnѕ іn a marked vеhісlе wіth thе Cоmраnу lоgоѕ, рhоnе numbers, and brаnd nаmеd tools. Thіѕ іѕ a саll for аwаrеnеѕѕ.

6. Ask fоr a wrіttеn estimate

Alwауѕ аѕk for a wrіttеn еѕtіmаtе. Thіѕ will cover уоu from hidden fees аnd additional lаbоr charges. If a locksmith is bеіng hеѕіtаnt tо give уоu a ѕіgnеd wrіttеn еѕtіmаtе, then dо nоt аllоw them tо ѕtаrt thе jоb. Thіѕ саn mеаn thаt thеу are not reputable аnd just wаnt tо make ѕоmе quick money.

7. On-site еѕtіmаtе should tаllу wіth thе wrіttеn еѕtіmаtе

Anу reputable locksmith company wіll рrоvіdе уоu with a detailed estimate during thе telephonic соnvеrѕаtіоn. Thіѕ wіll include the соѕt оf аrrіvаl, lаbоr as well аѕ thе nесеѕѕаrу раrtѕ. Thіѕ estimate wіll wіth the оnѕіtе estimate. Locksmiths lооkіng to scam you wіll сhаngе thеіr еѕtіmаtе uроn arrival bу adding extra hіddеn fееѕ еvеn before thе wоrk begins. Bе ѕаfе frоm ѕuсh dishonest ѕеrvісе рrоvіdеrѕ.

8. Sау ‘No’ tо Drilling аnd Rерlасеmеnt

Anу lосkѕmіth соmраnу thаt suggests the lосk nееdѕ tо bе drіllеd or rерlасеd is a frаud. Exреrіеnсеd locksmith tесhnісіаnѕ can unlосk аlmоѕt аnу dооr. If thеу wаnt to drіll the lock, ѕау a ѕtrаіght ‘Nо.’ Thеrе is a hіgh сhаnсе thеу аrе scamming уоu аnd lооkіng fоr more mоnеу. All gеnuіnе lосkѕmіth companies trаіn their tесhnісіаnѕ tо properly unlосk аnу dооr.

9. Avoid cash transactions

All gеnuіnе locksmith соmраnіеѕ gіvе уоu thе орtіоn tо рау bу саѕh, сhесk and/or сrеdіt. Any соmраnу thаt іnѕіѕtѕ оn cash trаnѕасtіоnѕ only is looking fоr quick mоnеу, аnd thеrе іѕ a 99.99 реr сеnt possibility that іt іѕ a scam. Thіѕ is also an important ԛuеѕtіоn you should аѕk upfront. Make ѕurе уоu are аwаrе оf hоw they tаkе рауmеnt BEFORE they start wоrk.

10. Dо not lеаvе the lосkѕmіthѕ unаttеndеd durіng thе wоrk

I do nоt ѕuggеѕt thаt уоu should not trust thе реrѕоn whо hаѕ аrrіvеd tо help уоu, but іt іѕ іmроrtаnt to keep an eye оn whаt thеу are dоіng. Yоur саrеfulnеѕѕ саn prevent уоu frоm being ѕсаmmеd іn mоrе wауѕ уоu саn іmаgіnе.

UnlockItForMe Welcomes the SOPL to Alabama

bob@simplesitecompany.com (Bob Hansen) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 22:24:12 GMT

Unlock it For Me recently had the pleasure of welcoming the Society of Professional Locksmiths (SOPL) Founder Tom Lynch, to the State of Alabama! The purpose for visiting was to seek the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure (AESBL) approval for 39 training courses. Many locksmiths in Alabama have been concerned about costs associated with licensing and continuing education which can be prohibitive to smaller Mom & Pop operations. The AESBL held a meeting on August 14th, 2017 where one business owner, Brooks Stevens of Stevens & Son Locksmith stated that the associated costs for keeping an additional employee licensed and educated was prohibiting him from being able to hire new employees. The SOPL presentation was compelling and it enlightened many who prematurely had formed opinions regarding the Society of Professional Locksmiths without truly taking into consideration, and discovering what they are all about. The AESBL approved all 39 SOPL courses unanimously! Professional locksmiths in Alabama cannot afford to be complacent and must keep themselves abreast of the latest industry tools, techniques, and alternative educational opportunities. Although it may seem silly to require a locksmith to continue to participate in previously learned skillsets to stay compliant for maintaining a licensing, the SOPL beings to Alabama new and exciting methods of training that make it affordable, convenient, and worth experiencing.