| Subject | Date Asked |
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| schlage vs baldwin keys | 11/11/2009 |
Q: How can I tell if a Schlage key will fit a Baldwin key? ANSWER: If the two key blanks insert into ...
A: Actually Access is a Walmart product. But-if, as I said before,the tip you insert into the lock,or ...
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| Removing a Schlage entry handle lock | 11/6/2009 |
Q: I have a newer Schlage lock for the entry door. This is a handle lock set that has a separate handle ...
A: I say paint may be holding it on; try a wooden block pressed up against the outside of the lock,and ...
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| Emtek/Schlage Keyways | 11/3/2009 |
Q: At my vacation home I have Emtek locksets and deadbolts which seem to have a Schlage compatible ...
A: As far as I know,Emtek is obsolete;no longer made. Schlage is everywhere,however. Most do it your ...
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| Segal Deadbolt Not Locking from Inside | 10/26/2009 |
Q: My roommate and I had a Segal deadbolt installed a few months ago, and in the past few days it has ...
A: There are two tabs inside the case of this lock on the thumbturn or inside portion of the lock-these ...
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| Cracking my own safe. | 10/16/2009 |
Q: I posted this question to another locksmith and quickly got a response stating they had no answer. ...
A: I am not a safe technician,only a locksmith. But I will tell you, you will need to contact a safe ...
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| Depth keys for chicago round keys 1137s | 10/7/2009 |
Q: i am in montreal and no one of my furnisher are capable to do come this.they tell me only in usa or ...
A: E-Bay.com is selling these. This email address is for contact information for the particular seller ...
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| mechanical push button combination door lock | 10/2/2009 |
Q: I have a 14 digit Acer push button lock on an apartment that I own abroad would it be possible for a ...
A: Does your lock have a latch or a bolt? A latch is one you will find on a regular doorknob. A bolt is ...
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| mechanical push button combination door lock | 9/27/2009 |
Q: I have a 14 digit Acer push button lock on an apartment that I own abroad would it be possible for a ...
A: Depends-I am sure the information on changing the combination is available somewhere-BUT-unless its ...
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| rekeying knob or handle sets | 9/25/2009 |
Q: I work at a local hardware and am under the gun to be able to do rekeying proficiently. I'm OK now ...
A: Do you actually want to become a locksmith? If so, you can get some training materials on a variety ...
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| Sentry Safe Problem | 9/21/2009 |
Q: I have a small Sentry safe Model #SO407 that I have had for 11 years. I use the lock and the ...
A: Unfortunately, no. The barrel most likely will either have to be re-keyed to your key or replaced. I ...
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| DOOR LATCH STUCK CLOSED | 9/16/2009 |
Q: My back door is stuck shut with the knob not releasing the latch. i have removed the knob and tried ...
A: Try a combination of things-one is use a flat blade screwdriver in the center of the latch where the ...
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| TESA lock | 9/16/2009 |
Q: I am currently living in Spain, and just purchased a TESA cylinder lock (brass, completely ...
A: http://www.tesa.es/PDF/EXPORTACION/TESA%20access%20knobsets.pdf Is about all the instructions I ...
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| ERA multi lock jammed | 9/15/2009 |
Q: We have an ERA multi lock on our bi fold kitchen doors. Only yesterday I couldn't open the door the ...
A: ERA multi lock?? Never heard of that brand.I found it on the internet, and it seems like a European ...
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| removing brass plate on schlage deadbolt | 9/14/2009 |
Q: I'm trying to install a new lock and have to remove the previous schlage lock. It's got a key both ...
A: Do you see two small "caps" or round covers on the inside part of the deadbolt? These cover the ...
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| Mosler safe | 9/14/2009 |
Q: There is no tag on the outside of the safe but the model and serial numbers are as follows. Model ...
A: I pulled the following information from a website: http://www.thesafesource.com/safe_ratings.htm. ...
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| latch sticking | 9/11/2009 |
Q: I purchased a Schlage exterior doorset which has a handle and thumb latch on the outside and a knob ...
A: Try adjusting the strike on the door-and I have to tell you the spring cage is not strong enough to ...
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| Dexter entry lock | 9/8/2009 |
Q: I recently bought a home with a dexter entry door lock. the lock did not come with a key. How do I ...
A: This because there is a rose on the inside of the door knob. Turn the door knob on the inside slowly ...
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| set screw into cylnder | 9/5/2009 |
Q: at a school project we are installing "motel" locksets where the outside handle is just a pull and ...
A: My only suggestion is if you are using a rim cylinder-a little bit of the tail piece will have to be ...
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| help with a Mosler safe | 9/4/2009 |
Q: I have a Mosler safe at our church that needs to be used, Its open, but I don't have the ...
A: Since I am just getting into safes,I wouldn't know about the value. Try calling around to several ...
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| drilling out locks | 9/1/2009 |
Q: I have evicted a tenant, we will be doing the lock out today, How does one go about drilling out a ...
A: Is your lock high security? What brand of lock is it? If it is Kwikset,Schlage,Yale or a knock off ...
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| Marvin sliding door lock | 8/31/2009 |
Q: I have glass sliding doors by Marvin leading to my patio. The lock on the door was always touchy, ...
A: It is possible to do the repairs yourself if you are able and willing unless it involves removing ...
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| Victor safe | 8/29/2009 |
Q: I am cleaning out a storage facility for my step-father who once owned a jewelry business. He has ...
A: For Yale Safe lock: 4 times right to the first number, 3 times left to the second number, 2 times ...
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| kwikset deadbolt /latch. | 8/28/2009 |
Q: On a typical dead bolt,key 1 side thumb turn on the other.Can i replace the dead bolt with a dead ...
A: Although I have never tried this,Kwikset does make a latch for a deadbolt.It is called a gatelatch ...
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| Defiant Deadbolts | 8/27/2009 |
Q: In researching a deadbolt purchase, I came across a posting on another website from someone who had ...
A: Good for you for doing your research! Most of these locks are about the same..I don't feel Weiser is ...
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| Hoe to Rekey a Almont Re Key padlock | 8/24/2009 |
Q: I have two Almont Re-Key padlocks with the key that works the each lock. How do I go about getting ...
A: Larry,in 10 years I don't think I have ever had a reason to re-key one of these. However,"James",one ...
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| Lost key for 85 Toyota Tercel | 8/18/2009 |
Q: My son lost the key to our 85 Toyota Tercel, and I need some help with finding the most economical ...
A: Actually no it isn't costly,but then again unless you have some picks or a key(defeating the ...
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| door locks/replacement | 8/15/2009 |
Q: I am trying to change a door knob with a lock in it. I have removed the knob itself, both ...
A: This is called a "drive in latch"...take a flat blade screwdriver and insert it into the hole where ...
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| Lateral file cabinets | 8/14/2009 |
Q: How do you fix two lateral file cabinets that when you open one draw, the other three draws open at ...
A: The file cabinet with the lock-does it have numbers or letters on the face of the lock? If so,you ...
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| broken handle on garage door. | 8/11/2009 |
Q: I closed the garage door without knowing the cables that were connected to the handle were broken. ...
A: There is a tool I have seen in some locksmith supply books-it goes into the top of the door and ...
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| Drive In Faceplate | 8/5/2009 |
Q: I am trying to remove the drive in face plate from a bolt so that I can use the lock on a different ...
A: Remove the lock,and take a flat blade screw driver and wedge it inside the hole where the lock was ...
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| bath/bedroom privacy locks | 8/4/2009 |
Q: I would like to find the privacy lock style that you push the door knob in and turn the knob to the ...
A: Have you tried looking at the edge of the door beside the knob-on the part that sticks out? On the ...
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| Jammed Door Latch | 8/2/2009 |
Q: We woke up this morning and discovered that our door knob on the door to the garage would not turn. ...
A: Rick-either a small flat blade screw driver inside the u shaped part of the latch (inside the hole ...
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| Weslock | 7/28/2009 |
Q: the door knob suddenly froze and would not turn. I took the door hand off and found that the latch ...
A: There is a way to open it-first a old credit card or similar device on the edge with the ...
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| Broken lock in Storage Shed | 7/26/2009 |
Q: Someone tried to bread into our storage shed and broke the lock. We can not get the key into the ...
A: Yes,there is a plate you can buy to cover the latch-or the crack in betwen the door and the ...
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| marks mortise lock | 7/25/2009 |
Q: I need some help with a marks mortise lock I just purchased and installed. The lock is installed ...
A: By trim I mean the knobs-the knob with the screw holes in the round part beside the knob is the ...
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| key alike euro cylinders | 7/23/2009 |
Q: Please can you explain the process of keying alike euro cylinders. Aree this on the same principle ...
A: I'm not that familiar with euro cylinders-they are not that common here in the USA,except for Papaiz ...
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| Opening a curio cabinet w/ skeleton key: | 7/19/2009 |
Q: Curio cabinet is maybe 20 years old? its one of those types that has the style of 1/2 circle with ...
A: All of these cabinets are made differently-I wouldn't know what to tell you in terms of which way to ...
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| marks mortise lock | 7/16/2009 |
Q: I need some help with a marks mortise lock I just purchased and installed. The lock is installed ...
A: Are the "hubs" on the correct side? The hubs are the square portion that the knobs go inside of.The ...
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| Schlage vs. Medeco | 7/15/2009 |
Q: Lynn, I have been reading the literature and reading online about high-security locks. There is a ...
A: Actually,I have SEEN Primus picked, the Everest. And I have used,installed and re-keyed ...
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| marks mortise lock | 7/15/2009 |
Q: I have an issue with a brand new Marks mortise lock. It seems whenever I lock the deadbolt from ...
A: I have this same problem all the time with different mortise locks;and I admit it makes me crazy ...
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| 1970'S FRONT ENTRACE | 7/14/2009 |
Q: NEED TUBULAR LATCH...DOUBLE SPRING TYPE WITH THUMB LATCH AND KNOB TYPE...I CAN SEND PICTURES TO SHOW ...
A: Sounds like a weiser or kwikset pitcher handle set. Pitcher handle on the outside and knob on the ...
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| re keying to master key | 7/13/2009 |
Q: I am interested in re-keying all of my rental house locks & deadbolts(approx 60 sets) to be able to ...
A: Yes it is-as long as all the locks accept the KW1 key blank-Kwikset. You will need a box of KW1 ...
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| Handleset that locks when closed | 7/3/2009 |
Q: Just moved to a new home with a handleset lock. There is a deadbolt on top and a paddle over the ...
A: You mean a pitcher handle? Just press the button down with your thumb and go in? If that is what ...
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| Locked out of my storage shed | 6/30/2009 |
Q: I have a standard steel exterior door on my shed.I can unlock the door with the key and then turn ...
A: Not true-if what you're explaining is a door much like any interior or exterior door in your home-I ...
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| Replacing Kwikset deadbolt | 6/29/2009 |
Q: I am attempting to replace the Kwikset deadbolt on my front door. When I removed the screws on the ...
A: Must be that is a Kwikset titan deadbolt. The black screws are "female"-that is they have a female ...
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| broken lockset | 6/22/2009 |
Q: A friend has asked for my help removing a lockset from an interior door in her home. The door was ...
A: No,not in that case...try shimming the latch (use a credit card or similar item) and wiggle between ...
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| broken lockset | 6/20/2009 |
Q: A friend has asked for my help removing a lockset from an interior door in her home. The door was ...
A: Drill right above the keyway-where the key goes in-1/8" drill bit,slowly drill through until you ...
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| Glass in rear auto lock | 6/18/2009 |
Q: This may be more of an auto question, but I hope you can help. I recently bought a 1997 Subaru ...
A: I would say on anything you take apart for the first time,get a digital camera and take photos of ...
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| Double Cylinder Deadbolt Lock | 6/17/2009 |
Q: I need to have a double cylinder deadbolt installed. I was told that the locking mechanism in the ...
A: There is a lock I installed once in the French Quarter,New Orleans. It was installed on a pair of ...
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| older dead bolt lock exterior or door surface mounted | 6/16/2009 |
Q: I would like to find a replacement lock of the same type that is currently on my back door. It is a ...
A: Without a photo I cannot tell you what it is either. It is a surface mounted rim lock of some ...
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| How to remove Medeco deadbolt? | 6/12/2009 |
Q: My father in-law has a Medeco deadbolt on his front door that is keyed inside and outside. We can't ...
A: I will need a photo to help you;try looking at the edge of the door to see if this lock is in fact a ...
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| broken Yale deadbolt | 6/5/2009 |
Q: I have a Yale lock that broke. It is a deadbolt with one cylinder, opening with a latch that you ...
A: Yes I believe you can replcae it,however the bolt pattern obviously wont be the same. The new ones ...
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| Old Dexter entry door handle replace or repair | 6/4/2009 |
Q: I have and old Dexter entry door handle with the separate keyed lock above it on the outside. ...
A: Well,I dont think you can buy just the inside knob;so yes you have to replace the entire knob. ...
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| Baldwin Mortise Lock Case | 5/27/2009 |
Q: I am a rookie locksmith in Sacramento. I have a customer with a Baldwin Mortise lock in his front ...
A: Yes I do believe Baldwin may have some certification classes; most lock manufacturers do;contact ...
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| filing cabinet lock is not reliable | 5/19/2009 |
Q: My once-perfectly-locking filing cabinets are no longer reliable since they have been moved. They ...
A: I would say the cabinet was tilted and perhaps the middle of the locking bar was bent just enough to ...
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| Car door lock merc. 1983 | 5/18/2009 |
Q: I have a mercedes benz 1983 280SE. The key won't unlock the door- neither drivers nor passenger now. ...
A: This key is it the original key given to you with purchase of the car? If it not,and is a copy try ...
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| How to start a automotive lockout business. | 5/15/2009 |
Q: I want to open a lockout automotive business, I was wondering if somebody can give me information ...
A: A good catalog of locksmith equipment will help you decide how much you want to invest in equipment. ...
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| Lock fell out of the door knob | 5/14/2009 |
Q: I used a newly created key to verify that it worked in the door lock (not a dead bolt) and the ...
A: Maybe-if the springs fell out of the plug (the piece that fell out),then no you cannot repair it. ...
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| Locksmith training | 4/29/2009 |
Q: I am 52 yrs young and been laid off 10 times in the last 4 years. I had a good career in ...
A: I couldn't catch the email Kathy. My best advice is find a school or similar such job-once you get ...
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| Key won't make a full rotation | 4/28/2009 |
Q: I have a storage room that is attached to my garage. I have always kept it unlocked, but used it ...
A: The lock is indeed broken-most likely the plug is not rotating due to some microscopic abrasion or ...
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| french door locks | 4/28/2009 |
Q: My daughter who just recently was widowed lives in a home with 2 french doors. There are deadbolt ...
A: Without a photo,I am not sure I can help, but I will try. Basically, you need to look throughout her ...
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| Short backset Schlage deadbolt - 1 of 4 | 4/27/2009 |
Q: I have a Schlage deadbolt, keyed both sides, with what I measure to be a 1-3/4" backset. I'd like ...
A: Any locksmith can order this bolt for you;I am not sure but I believe these are no longer made. I ...
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| Segal dead bolt | 4/27/2009 |
Q: I changed the cylinder of a Segal deadbolt...it was working fine, then suddenly my key was getting ...
A: The silver piece has a hole that fits over a pin on the bolt unit. The spring coils behind the ...
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| remove trunk lock on 87 Pontiac firebird | 4/24/2009 |
Q: I lost my trunk key for my 1987 Pontic Firebird and cannot replace it, I tried to get one using ...
A: You can try drilling out the lock to open it and popping the trunk with a screwdriver. A locksmith ...
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| Gate Lock Does Not Engage | 4/23/2009 |
Q: I live in a townhouse with a shared gate. The lock on the gate is a Schlage, but instead of a bolt ...
A: The tailpiece has become disconnected from the latch mechanism.There are screw covers hiding the ...
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| Locksmith training | 4/23/2009 |
Q: I am 52 yrs young and been laid off 10 times in the last 4 years. I had a good career in ...
A: My answer is YES! I am also a woman and have been doing locksmithing 10 years now. If you can tell ...
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| Schlage | 4/22/2009 |
Q: I broke my key off in our deadbolt...so I removed the deadbolt and got that piece out. I put the ...
A: Yes you did;the tailpieces that connect to the bolt inside the door must be timed correctly. here's ...
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| Anderson French Door Lock stuck | 4/15/2009 |
Q: We have Anderson French doors and (standing on outside, looking at door) the left hand side door ...
A: I would say take it off the door and replace it-I had one stuck open(wouldn't lock)once when I ...
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| Rosette removal | 4/14/2009 |
Q: I am trying to access the screws hidden behind the rosette of a Kwikset lever entry lockset. I am ...
A: Try twisting the rosette clockwise and counterclockwise,while simultaneously prying up the slot with ...
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| removing door knob installed backwards | 4/13/2009 |
Q: The door knob to our pantry is stuck. Whoever installed it, did so with the screws inside the ...
A: I'm not sure what to tell you-the screws must be removed from inside the door,so that means getting ...
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| schlage lock | 4/5/2009 |
Q: i have a schalge deadbolt that is connected to a buzzer system. I am trying to replace it because ...
A: You can replace it with a doorknob-however,the bore or hole on the original lock is probably smaller ...
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| YALE MORTISE LOCK | 3/29/2009 |
Q: I HAVE AN OLD YALE MORTISE LOCKSET. INSIDE ARE THE NUMBERS 2 1/2 BS 7428P. IT HAS A KNOB FOR INSIDE ...
A: http://www.assaabloydss.com/library/partsmanuals/Yale/pdf/42192.pdf Page 39 of this PDF shows the ...
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| removal of 87 Ford Ranger ignition switch | 3/22/2009 |
Q: I am a licensed locksmith with 12+ years in commecial locksmithing but I am basically new to ...
A: If you have the key-there may be a poke hole underneath the column. Get a flashlight and look for ...
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| can't open a deadlatch door lock | 3/11/2009 |
Q: I bought a new door lock, please see the spcification of the lock at ...
A: Really,no he should not have to trim the tailpiece like a knife edge. But,the tailpiece may be too ...
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| Kwikset Doorknobs | 3/5/2009 |
Q: I used to have schlage entry knobs that could be turned to open from the inside without "unlocking" ...
A: Ok, you have the Kwikset Tylo style or similar knobset. Again no, you can't modify these locks. You ...
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| Door latch | 3/3/2009 |
Q: I have a Schlage door knob on my back door. For the last few days, it has been cool and windy. When ...
A: Is this the only time you have had this problem;has it happened before when it has been raining or ...
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| Manual door lock sticks in Toyota Echo | 2/26/2009 |
Q: I have a 2000 Toyota Echo with manual key door locks (no power or remote). For about 6 months my ...
A: Does this key operate all the other locks fine? If so,then the door lock may have some trash in ...
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| How to master key | 2/25/2009 |
Q: I am a locksmith and I have a customer who has 3 mortise locks he wants re keyed to one key.I can do ...
A: There are books on decoding master keys.I know of no simple formula. Decode the existing operating ...
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| dexter pantry door knob | 2/22/2009 |
Q: We removed the door knob to be replace it...could not find a replacement that fit. Now we are ...
A: Replace the lock! Any Home Depot or Lowes will have a replacement. Kwikset usually works fine for ...
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| Schlage master key set | 2/17/2009 |
Q: Our church has master keyed locks with I think 2 individual keys for each lock as well. Over the ...
A: If you have a knowledge of master keying,then you can I believe get a pre-cut set from Foley ...
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| 2.75 THICK DOOR LOCK SET | 2/15/2009 |
Q: WE NEED A LOCK SET FOR A 2.75 THICK BEDROOM DOOR WE WANT IT TO HAVE A KEY . THE FINISH DOESN'T ...
A: Your local home center probably has what you need. Check the package for application information but ...
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| Baldwin lock turns, won't retract bolt | 2/12/2009 |
Q: I'm trying to get a stuck door open for my friend. The lock is a Baldwin handleset, looks most like ...
A: The hole on the top of the photo;the one with the plate removed is going to be the thumb turn hole. ...
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| saga safe | 2/6/2009 |
Q: have the #'s - do not remember the sequence of turns to open it. my arthritic fingers are so weary ...
A: I am just learning about safes and have limited information for you,but I will try to help you. ...
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| residential entry and dead bolt locks | 2/5/2009 |
Q: For residential use, which brands (and perhaps models) of entry locks and deadbolts are superior ...
A: It depends on personal taste,but I can make a few recommendations. Lori lock company (now ...
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| dead bolts dying | 2/5/2009 |
Q: A week ago my old surface-mounted deadbolt died (it had been hanging up for a long time before that) ...
A: Those types of locks are very tedious; you have to be exactly on the mark with everything or it will ...
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| Welch deadbolt | 2/5/2009 |
Q: I have a 50's era Welch deadbolt. The key will throw the deadbolt closed (extended), but when I ...
A: There is something wrong with the "timing" of the tailpiece. The tailpiece is located on the ...
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| barn door sliding hw | 2/3/2009 |
Q: I want to place an interior privacy lock on a solid wood door running on barn door track - upscale, ...
A: Send me a photo of the door,inside and out and where it would be latching into the frame if you can. ...
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| deadbolt question | 2/3/2009 |
Q: Is a single cylinder deadbolt less secure than a double cylinder deadbolt? Is the double somehow ...
A: Actually unless used on a door with alot of glass,it can in fact be a fire hazard. I don't recommend ...
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| Baldwin front door handle | 2/3/2009 |
Q: First, thank you for your time in answering my question. Our front door handle just stopped working ...
A: Sure,I don't see why not- any handy man could look inside the handle and see if the spring is ...
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| stuck slider | 2/2/2009 |
Q: The mortise latch on my sliding glass door won't unlatch, and the door is locked shut. I have taken ...
A: The only was is going to be what ever is underneath the thumb turn from the inside. Under the ...
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| replacement key | 1/30/2009 |
Q: my car key is ready to snap and i nedd to get a new one cut. when i went to ask about this i got ...
A: I doubt you need a code: what kind of vehicle is it? Any locksmith worth his salt can make a key ...
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| Lock stuck in door | 1/30/2009 |
Q: With the weather in Cleveland these days it's been single digits, so the lock has been progressively ...
A: There are some flat head "female screws" on the inside-this is what you will remove next.Take a ...
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| Schlage lock | 1/29/2009 |
Q: On my front door it has a Schlage lock, the lock will only lock or unlock with a key. The inside ...
A: You most likely have a double cylinder deadbolt of some kind. The inside knob,unless you have a ...
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| where can i get a replacement key for privacy locks | 1/24/2009 |
Q: well my baby sitter just lost my last key to my privacy locks in my home. I have a 3 year old and an ...
A: This type of lock is known as a privacy lock.Contact a locksmith in your area. He or she will need ...
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| How to disassemble a Schlage dead bolt | 1/24/2009 |
Q: I have a dead bolt on my front door that has to be opened with a key from both inside and out. ...
A: There should be some round holes on the inside of the door close to where you insert the key.They ...
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| 3" thick door | 1/23/2009 |
Q: I would like to install a double cylinder deadbolt on a door that is 3" thick. I have a Schlage ...
A: There is a kit you can buy: this only works for doors that are 2 to 2 1/2 inches thick.It is called ...
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| trunk lock | 1/23/2009 |
Q: i just bought a used 2000 ford taurus. the key wouldn't go into the trunk lock, looking into the ...
A: I would dissemble the lock,or try a broken key extractor to pull the remaining piece out. It should ...
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| Control keys | 1/23/2009 |
Q: I am a maintenance tech. working at an apt complex. Ire-key locks, and able to pick them, but I was ...
A: I would need a bit more information to answer your question. The "control" key";is it the key you ...
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| Auto Locks | 1/22/2009 |
Q: I'm just getting into locksmithing. As far as the auto lock side of it I'm totally confused. I ...
A: There is a book called Fast Facts updated every year,and another called Auto Smart also updated ...
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