What is a locksmith?

The term locksmith originated when certain metal-smiths began to specialize in making locks. As there became more demand for lock making, many smiths began to specialize in the trade and a new name was born: Locksmith.

Today locksmiths don’t spend as much time making their own custom locks, though some do. That isn’t to say that locksmiths don’t know how to take apart, and rekey a tumbler lock or unjam the most complicated locks on the market today. Modern locksmiths have evolved to work with security systems in general and have adapted to changing trends, such as Radio Frequency ID (RFID) equipped keyless and remote entry systems and even some types of keypad based access control systems.

Of course, since locksmiths know their way around all types of locks, they are the ones to call when you have trouble with your lock systems. Today, locksmiths are lock professionals that can get you in and keep others out so that your family is safe. 

What areas in Washington do your locksmiths serve?

Guardian is proud to serve most parts of Southern Puget Sound. We service West to the Coast, East to the Cascades, South to Centrailia/Chahalis and North to Seattle. Areas outside of that area are served by trusted members of our strategic alliance. They are Locksmith we have vetted for their quality of work and integrity.

What types of locks do your locksmiths use?

Our locksmith technicians can custom tailor their work according to your needs. Of course, we prefer to use high quality lock brands, such as Medeco and Schlage locks and locksets. For Automotive transponder keys and remote head keys sometimes we can use generic options or we use the original keys created by your automobile manufacturer.

Are Auto locks that you supply the same quality as the vehicle manufactures locks?

Most of the automotive locks we carry are made by the manufacturers that make the locks for the auto makers. Most of our “domestic” vehicle locks we carry in stock are made by Briggs and Stratton. This well known name although best known for the gas engines is actually the original manufacturer for G.M., Ford, Chrsyler, Jeep and various other vehicle brands. They started manufacturing locks for the auto industry in 1924.

Truth be told we actually sell new locks to some of the new car dealers in the area. You won’t see them at the dealership because the package says Briggs and Stratton on it not G.M. or Ford etc.

How can I recommend your services to a friend?

Simple! Send them to our website or give them our phone number. Much of our business comes from referrals given by happy clients. And remember to program our number into your cell phone for any future needs. When you are locked our or have an emergency, its not always easy to get to a computer and visit our website.

I’m locked out of my car. What do I do now?

First of all, Stay calm! Check all doors and even the trunk. See if the moon-roof is open. When you are sure you can’t get in, the answer is simple: just call us!

My car key has a transponder. Can you help?

Most newer cars have transponder keys. This is a great thing for security, it means that only a transponder key with a matching digital chip can start your car. However, since every key has a digital chip in it, it makes losing your car key much more expensive – especially if you go to your dealership for a replacement transponder key.

Guardian is able to duplicate and create new transponder keys for most makes and models of cars. There is a more complete list of cars and more details about our transponder key services here.

How long will it take for a locksmith to arrive?

Guardian’s locksmiths are on call 24/7 to take care of your lock and security needs. At the time of your call, you will be quoted an arrival time. This time takes into account your specific needs and location.

Do you make new keys?

Of course! Guardian can makes keys of all kinds. We can make house keys, car keys, padlock keys, file cabinet keys, safe deposit costs and, gosh, pretty much any type of key you need! We can generally make them while you wait, though certain types of keys may take longer.

Why should I use a professional locksmith company?

Skilled professional locksmiths bring experience and fund of knowledge in lock, safe & security problems and are better prepared to solve security issues to your unique situation. A professional locksmith can prescribe state-of-the-art products that work, and more effective solutions in an efficient manner. 

I have a key marked “Do Not Duplicate.” Can I get a copy of it anyway?

Keys marked “Do Not Duplicate,” ” Do Not Copy,” or “Unlawful to Copy” (other than some very specific US government keys) indeed may be duplicated legally. Prior to the advent of true high security keying systems such as Medeco, stamping ordinary keys with “Do Not Duplicate” was a precarious way to control key duplication. Locksmiths are well able to duplicate keys when the head of the key covered up or has been brocken off. That is where the “Do Not Duplicate” is located. Therefore many locksmiths recognize that having the “Do Not Duplicate” is at best a false sense of security. There could easily be many duplicates of that key made without your knowledge or permission. 

My key does not insert or withdraw easily or it has difficulty turning.

First spray the lock with good quality penetrating lubricant such as Balistal. Don’t be afraid to spray too much, but have a paper towel handy to pick up the excess. Spray the lubricant into the keyhole and onto the bolt mechanism. Move the bolt in and out to allow the oil to penetrate into the lock. Do not take the lock apart if you are not confident you can put it back together. 

The lock doesn’t lock and unlock smoothly.

After you have tried the above solution, check to see it the lock operates smoothly with the door open. If it does, your The lock problem is not in the lock, but rather in the alignment of the door and frame. Look for obstructions at the threshold and in the door jammed. Also check the door and frame for twists and warps. The door should completely rest against the door stop and stay there. If the door rests at the stop at the top or bottom only then the door or frame is twisted. If the door springs open then the hinges are probably binding. If you have weatherstrip on the door, it could be obstructing the path of the door. Keep in mind, wooden doors and frames will warp and swell with temperature and humidity, and metal doors and frames will twist and rust with age.

I have lost my car keys.

Sometimes a key code is available. You will only have access to this code if you are the original buyer of the keys. This code is typically written on the original bill of sale which you may have or the car dealership may have. Rarely, these codes are written on the cover of the owner’s manual. So check this as well. A key by code can save you money over having a key fitted to the car on-site. Expect to pay from fifteen to fifty dollars for a key by code.

What is the difference between rekey & master keying.

Did you know that you might need only one key for all the locks in your house or business? Locks of the same manufacture can usually be keyed alike. This means replacing your bunch of keys with a single key.

Master keying enables two different and distinct keys to open one lock. Master keying regulates access to specific zones while having one master key that accesses all zones. Master keys can be supplied for all buildings such as hospitals, office buildings and residences in which there are a number of compatible locks.
Now its possible to re-key your home, gate, garden shed etcetera so that one key opens them all.

In order to maximize the scope and flexibility of a new system, you should evaluate your current and future organizational needs.

Can I buy lock opening tools?

No, it is illegal in most states to sell or possess burglary or entry tools. Locksmiths will not sell entry tools to anyone.

I can install the hardware, why not just buy it at the home center and do it myself?

Products typically sold in home stores are residential quality at best, at worst the shelves are stacked with low end products meant to increase profits for the manufacturer and the retailer. High quality goods offer characteristics such as, pick and drill resistance, access control options, protection against the unauthorized duplication of keys. The question you have to ask is what is your time really worth?

Why do I have to wiggle my keys in the lock to make it work?

As locks age over time, the pins in a lock cylinder tend to “wear” down causing your keys to stick and forcing you to “jiggle or wiggle” the key in the lock to make it work. Most likely the keys you were given have probably been “copied” several times and this, plus pin wear, can cause your lock to act like it is breaking.

I am moving into a new home, should I rekey the locks? They seem to be working properly.