locksmith – Page 4 – Locksmith Security Services

Home » Posts Tagged "locksmith" »

Vehicle Ignition Switch Repair Services

Posted by Paul Murphy on May 31, 2016 in Locksmith |

Starting and ignition systems are vital for the car and they both require electricity to operate.

Here are some guidelines for troubleshooting:

One should make sure that the automatic transmission is in the correct gear and the clutch on a manual transmission is completely depressed. If the car doesn’t make a noise when it is started, check the battery terminal connections and then look for other loose connections in the ignition systems.

Replacing the Car’s Starter

For replacing the starter motor or starter solenoid, follow these steps:

First, remove the negative cable from the battery.

Locate the starter, it is a nearly three inches round motor located at one side or the other of the flywheel. The solenoid is probably mounted on the side of the starter.

Disconnect the battery cable and other wires attached to the starter or solenoid.

Remove the solenoid and starter by removing two bolts that mount the starter. Be careful not to drop the starter. In case the solenoid is not attached to the starter then remove it from the firewall.
Replace or repair the starter and solenoid. It is better to buy a replacement from an auto dealer. It should be tested before buying.

Reinstall the solenoid and starter. All the connections should be tightened and checked before using the starter.

Diagnosing and Treating Ignition Ills

The job of an automotive ignition system is simple, it supplies a spark to the engine at the time it’s most needed. Fortunately today’s technology has stabilized and the newest cars at least have some logic. Not even mechanics repair ignition systems, they replace bad components. By using a simple volt-ohmmeter, many problems can be tracked down and many ignition system problems can be solved.

Repairing Ignition switch

The ignition switch of today has become more complex, earlier it was simple, three-position switch with Off, On and Start. The ignition switch is now linked to sensors, interlocks, anti-theft devices and the bank. The failure of an ignition switch typically is fortunately traced to a loose wire.The ignition coil takes the weak battery power and turns it into a spark that is powerful enough to ignite your fuel’s vapor. There are two coils of while in the ignition coil and they are right on top of each other called windings. The windings are differentiated as primary and secondary. The primary winding gathers the power to create a spark. The secondary winding sends it to the distributor.

For repairing an ignition switch and wiring, follow this simple guide:

1. Locate the electrical schematic of your car’s ignition system. The schematic tells what is in the ignition wiring system such as sensors and interlocks, besides the switch. Usually it is printed in the car manual or an aftermarket service manual.

2. Visually inspect the ignition switch and wiring for any loose wires, burns or any other damage. It can be reconnected and replaced as needed.

3. An ohmmeter can be used to test the continuity of wiring and ignition switch. The defective parts have to be replaced as needed.

Replacing Sensors and Control Modules and Distributors

A car’s ignition system has many electrical components like sensors, control module and distributor.

For testing and replacing electronic ignition components, follow these steps:

1. Locate the car’s electronic ignition and distributor. It is also called ignition control module or ICM. It controls the ignition system and is mounted either within the distributor or nearby.
2. Move the ICM cover as needed, inspect it for any problems such as loose wires, cracked cap or rotor. It has to be cleaned and replaced as necessary.
3. Use an ohmmeter for testing continuity of each component. Locate the sensors and test it along with the ignition control module.
4. Remove and replace the distributor if necessary. Note the rotor’s exact position so it will help in reinstalling the new distributor with the rotor in the same position.
5. Document the required steps very carefully for easy reference.

Basically, a car engine is like a large pump. Air and gas are being pumped in and exhaust is being pumped out. There is a by-product of excess energy that is being sent to the wheels and exhaust (which exits through the tailpipe). Your car’s engine combines the air and the fuel, and adds a spark. This is what we refer to as ignition.
The ignition system contains an ignition coil, a distributor, a distributor cap, a rotor, plug wires and spark plugs. Older ignition systems use what is called a “points-and-condenser system” in the distributor. Current ignition systems like the one your car most likely contains uses an ECU. An ECU or an engine control unit controls the spark and ignition timing.

Why Getting Your Key Stuck In The Ignition Isn’t The End Of The World

Posted by Paul Murphy on May 28, 2016 in Locksmith |

Cars are machines. And, as with most machines, they tend to cause more trouble than they are worth, especially if they are not properly maintained; that isn’t to say that proper maintenance will keep all the mishaps away.

Sometimes complications just arise, and there is little you can do about it. Most vehicle owners will attest to the irritation they feel anytime their keys get stuck in the ignition.

This isn’t even that rare a phenomenon and most people are often at a loss. And why wouldn’t they be? Sometimes the key simply refuses to budge, no matter how hard you twist and turn it. In such cases, it is important to proceed with a cool head, even when things seem dire.

Why Getting your Key Stuck in the Ignition Isn’t the End of the World?

The first thing most people do when their keys get stuck in the ignition is to panic, which doesn’t really change anything. The second thing most people do, once the panic fades away, is to call the nearest mechanic.

Where the mechanic proves ineffective, they turn to a locksmith. For the most part, though, these problems are rarely as complex as they might sound. If your key is stuck in the ignition, there are several steps you can take by yourself to remedy the problem, this as opposed to spending money on a mechanic:

1). Position

The first thing you need to do when your key gets stuck is to check the position. Ensure that the key is in the lock position. There are a lot of drivers that turn their key too far, so much so that it becomes impossible to remove, not because it is stuck but, rather, it is in the wrong position.

This is very common in vehicles where the cylinders have aged, making it that much easier to turn the key beyond the required point. If your car is off but you can still play the radio, then you shouldn’t be surprised to find the key stuck.

You should remember that automatic vehicles will not allow you to remove the key from the ignition if the gear is not in the park position. Most people find that their keys are more than willing to slide out of the ignition when they put their cars in park and turn the key to the proper position.

2). The Steering

The most common solution for a key stuck in the ignition is moving the steering wheel. Gently jiggle the steering wheel back and forth as you try to pull the key out of the ignition.

There are situations where the steering wheel locks in place, this, in turn, causing the ignition switch to lock your key in place. Unlocking the steering system should allow you to safely remove the key from the ignition; though, you shouldn’t pull too hard on the key. Rather, focus your efforts on the steering wheel.

Once the steering unlocks, you should be able to pull the key out.

3).The Battery

There are a lot of modern cars that will lock the key in place when the battery dies, primarily because the chip in the key cannot be accurately identified by the car’s anti-theft system. If the dashboard fails to light up when the key is in the On position, you will need to partially charge the battery before the key can be pulled from its position.

4). Bobby Pin

Where these basic solutions to remove stuck keys fail to deliver results, you will have to get creative. It is possible to succeed by using a pair of pliers; though, care is required. You cannot jerk the key from one side to another, lest you cause it to break.

A bobby pin might prove to be more effective, but only if you actually know what you are doing.

The Locksmith

If everything fails, this including the use of silicon sprays to get the key free you will have to seek out the services of a professional locksmith. Emergency Locksmiths are the safest option, even safer than you trying to solve the problem yourself.

Because you lack the necessary knowledge, you are likely to cause damage. If you doubt your ability to utilize the approaches above without breaking your key in the ignition, you are better off contacting a Locksmith from the very start.

The right locksmith should be able to successfully remove the key even while telling you why it got stuck in the first place. Be sure to leave the key in lock position while waiting for the locksmith. You do not want to deplete your battery.

Leave It To The Professionals – Home Lock Repair

Posted by Paul Murphy on May 27, 2016 in Locksmith |

If you have ever searched for home lock repair tips on the internet, chances are that you found thousands of articles on how to do it yourself. The first instructional step you may have been told is to remove the inside of the panel. Unless you have a depth knowledge on door mechanics, this is usually a scary thought. Let’s face it, most of us hardly have door lock repair knowledge and the best thing is to leave to professionals. They know what they’re doing. It is way better to call a home door lock repair locksmith who can handle the repair problems in minutes. Doing it yourself could take two days of fumbling trying to figure out how to get the door panel right.

Tools

One reason for leaving lock installation to professionals is that they have appropriate tools. Tools ensure that the job is done in the fastest and easiest way possible. When repairing door locks yourself, chances are that you will not have the right equipment to change locks in the house yourself. Using wrong tools within your locks could even have more damage to the lock. Installation of door locks could cause more damage when the new installation is not done correctly.

Different door lock systems

What many people do not know is that locksmiths deal with all types of locking and security systems. This could include devices where one may not think to relate with locksmiths. Home lock repair options is one of them. Apart from basic door locks, home locks could have other enhanced systems to improve on security. Handling complicated door lock systems will not be an easy task. Sometimes hiring any general handyman for door lock services may not understand the exact door lock and its repair option. Do not leave your safety on someone who is untrained.

Locksmiths have a proper training in all aspects of technology too. Not all locksmiths can work comfortably with home door locks, ensure you find out when by calling over the phone. Most residential locksmiths provide home door lock repair options as one of their main services. With depth training, professionals can determine the cause of your problem and an effective quick fix. When you find yourself with an intricate door lock problem, do not hesitate to call professionals for the best solution.

Door lock replacement

In case you have had problems with your lock system, the solution could be repairing or replacing with an entirely new lock. Professionals will best determine the best solution for the problem. Knowing the right fix with professionals will save a lot of time. They will quickly repair or replace the locks correctly and improve security in a better way than if you did it yourself.

Rekeying and copying services

Apart from simply lock repair and installation services, professionals provide copying and rekeying of locks. You may want to have all your locks rekeyed and have a key that can open all locks in your home. This could be much better as opposed to having different keys which you have to make copies for. You can handle any such services on your own. It is way better as compared to having different keys which you can make copies.

The truth is that most of us do not know how to repair our own home. It is rather better to pay someone and have the work done right. It is way better to have a professional do the work. In the long run, you will probably save a lot money. Hiring professionals gives you an opportunity to prevent problems in the future. The next you are thinking of carrying out your door lock repair yourself, think of the consequences. Then look up at for your locksmith and give them a call.

Professional locksmiths can do anything with their lock and key systems. This is why they should be the first option when your lock repair breaks. You cannot ensure ultimate safety of your home unless you have locks to your home working correctly. Simply call your favorite and reputable locksmith. Within a short time, the entire lock system will be working perfectly. Leave it to the professionals – home lock repair options with professionals will assist you in all your door lock repair woes.

The Most Expensive Car Keys In The World!

Posted by Paul Murphy on May 27, 2016 in Locksmith |

Vehicles are expensive items. This much is true. Most people have come to accept the fact that buying a car requires financial sacrifice. After all, a lot of work goes into making a car, and the various parts used to construct the car cost money.

While most people understand and even expect the expense that cars attract, very few individuals give such leeway to expensive car keys, of which there are many.

+The most Expensive Car Key in the World

The most expensive car keys in the world boggle the mind. The idea of spending hundreds and even thousands of dollars, not merely on the car, but the car key on its own just doesn’t compute for most people, and for good reason.

Car keys have always been relatively inexpensive items, purposed towards opening doors, setting alarms and starting vehicles. The recent proliferation of ridiculously expensive car keys can be blamed on the new trend by some minds in the automobile industry to amalgamate cutting edge technology with expensive jewelry, packaging the result inside car keys whose value exceeds that of entire cars, some contenders for the most expensive car key including the following:

1). Swarovski

The Swarovski crystal key is something to behold, a key fob that has been studded with crystals. This particular key is made-to-order, so you shouldn’t expect to find one lying around your local mall. What sets the Swarovski key fob apart is the genuine Swarovski crystals that encompass its entire length.

The key is customizable, available in crystals of different colors. If you want to enjoy the pleasure of using this key, you must be willing to part with an estimated $500.

2). Pagani Huyara

You cannot really expect a supercar like Pagani to have an ordinary car key. For a vehicle like the Pagani Huyara, you need something special, a key crafted from the same metal as the car and encased in a metallic shell designed to mirror the appearance of the supercar it opens.

This particular key breaks into two parts, with one-half holding the key while the other section hosts a USB flash drive. For a car that costs more than a million dollars, you will have to part with no less than $3,700 to use this amazing key.

3). Gumpert Apollo

This is truly unique as far as expensive keys go. With Gumbert Apollo, what you have is a key that isn’t a conventional physical key but a fob that you can store in your pocket.

Built from the finest leather (which accounts for the ridiculous price tag), this is one beautiful key, boasting silver and gold paneling. The key, which can split into two, plays host to an inbuilt remote control for the vehicle.

The $7000 price tag for this key will probably shatter the understanding of most normal people, yet this is hardly exorbitant when you consider the amount of money you have to spend on the actual car.

4). Diamond Key

Bentley’s diamond key is amazing. The Bentley on its own is the sort of luxurious car that tends to hold people in its thrall. The vehicle’s diamond key only complements what was already an amazing car, essentially completing the package.

You cannot help but swoon over this rare accessory, designed to represent exclusivity and class. When you handle this key, you are handling over a hundred diamonds scattered across the key’s surface. This is a 1.09carats key with a price tag of $7,895.

The key is well worth the price, a perfect complement to the Bentley.

5). Ferrari Key

The reason the bejeweled Ferrari key is so widely renowned comes down to its simplicity. This is just a traditional key. There is no voice-recognition system, no advanced technological mechanisms integrated into the key.

The Ferrari key is just that: a key. It just so happens to have over a thousand diamonds encrusted upon its surface. With a $23,147 price tag, few people have had the pleasure of handling this key.

Of course, impressive as the Bejeweled Ferrari key might appear, it pales in comparison to the Aston Martin AMV0X2. This is a key like no other, a key integrated into a watch with a sapphire surface and various other features. At $34,000, this is the most expensive key in the world, its beauty and technological properties putting every other key to shame.

Posted by Paul Murphy on May 27, 2016 in Featured Lock |

Lockey has always been known for making top quality locks hardware and security systems. Lockey locks come in both lever and deadbolt designs, with either the AutoLock or FlexLock features. AutoLocks have no levers or thumb turn-keys on the inside. Five seconds after closing the door, they will automatically lock. This is great for shops, storage rooms and doors to basement stairways. Don’t worry if you are locked in — there is an emergency button for a panic-free exit. With FlexLocks, turn-keys on the inside allows manual locking.

Remote Unlocking and Keypad Access

One of the best new features of the Lockey lock’s hardware is their network capability. Their keypads can communicate via Z-waves, making them accessible online through the Bridge secure software. This allows you to manage pass code assignments through a computer or phone, wherever you are. You can remotely unlock the doors, or wirelessly block pass codes and assign new ones. If you are the administrator of the lock, you can receive emails and text alerts whenever someone uses the door. The Bridge identifies the person with the assigned four digit code. This is best for high security rooms which may contain cash, land titles, bonds and other important documents.

Also with the Z-wave network, you can add lighting and video camera accessories to your Bridge remote access. Even if no one is home, you can turn the lights on or off. You can also set the house lights to “greet” you and turn themselves on ahead. The network capability needs no extra wire or locks hardware. The necessary tools are already built-in with the door piece, together with a 9-volt battery. This alkaline battery has a lifetime of 3 years. There is also no need to remove the deadbolt from the door if you have to program it. The keypad itself can be used to program the locks and assign pass codes.

The Lockey keypad lock has taken security to a new level, combining the best of both style and function. Don’t worry about forgetting and leaving your house and important rooms’ doors unlocked. Turn on the automatic locking feature and your doors will automatically be locked behind you after five seconds. These locks can be installed in your office, basement or workroom doors as well as your outside doors. Each locking set has a commercial grade clutching motor drive that has been tested to survive a million cycles. The knob combines the best in tampering resistance with stylish external levers. These levers come in several designs including the Accent, Elan, Flair, Jazz and Plymouth styles. You can also select a satin nickel, aged bronze or bright bronze finish.

Lockey offers a top of the line keypad security system, providing convenient keyless access. No more worrying about lost of forgotten keys. The external part of the lock is a numeric keypad with a 6-digit programming (administrator’s) key, and two random 4-digit pass codes. Up to 19 entry combinations can be saved in the lock’s memory, from 10,000 possible 4-digit combinations. The lock can also be directly programmed through the keypad, even if it is already installed. This way you can do all the necessary set up without taking out the device. After four incorrect 4-digit entries, warning sounds will be played and the keypad will be disabled for thirty seconds. The keypad can be overridden by a special master’s mechanical key. During emergencies, there is an emergency exit button (from the inside) for a panic-free exit. Each keypad has blue backlit LEDs that are easy to see at night. The buttons are made of tough rubber, which is tear- and water-resistant.

Installation of the Lockey lock is easy and convenient. It fits in American standard measurements of door preps. This allows for simple installation and repair services requiring only a screwdriver. The levers can also be reversed to work for left hand or right hand side doors. Even if the lock is electronic, there is no need for special wiring or external power supply. It comes with a 9-volt alkaline battery, which lasts for at least three years.

One of the best features of this brand is the “Lockey LiNK” system for its products. This is made possible by setting up a wireless Z-wave network at the home. The Z-wave makes your keypad lock accessible through the secure Lockey Bridge, with a computer or an Internet-enabled mobile phone. The Bridge allows long distance management of your doors: unlocking, blocking access and reprogramming codes. The application can also keep logs of people entering the door, since the 4-digit code serves as the identification of the user. This makes sure you will always know who has been in your house and when. You can also set the Bridge to give you emails or text message alerts when certain codes were used. The Z-waves of the Lockey keypad lock can also be extended with certain accessories that allow remote control of the lighting features.

« Older Entries

Next Entries »