Frequently Asked Questions
Update:9/26/98
Well, when I signed up here at Geocities, the obvious names like 'Locksmith', 'Lockguy', and 'Keyguy'
were already taken. Something you may not have had the occasion to notice is: a lockshop is just plain
full of brass shavings, thats what the majority of keys are made of after all. The good modern
key machines use a nice sharp carbide tipped cutter which makes these shavings as needle sharp little slivers,
perfect for slipping into shoes and clothing and sticking your friendly neighborhood locksmith. Since
there is no such thing as a magnet for brass, sometimes it seems that one's own body is a "Brass Magnet".
No. Virtually all house locks are designed to be "Rekeyed". Most other locks can be also, though it is not
quite as universal a rule, though as many inexpensive padlocks are not. If in doubt or need, call your locksmith,
they will be happy to let you know whether your lock is rekeyable.
You most certainly can. In many cases, no locks will need to be replaced. Just as with changing the
combination of the key, your locks can be taken apart by your locksmith, and the tumblers inside are
replaced in order for a different key to work. The main deciding factor on whether or not the locks can
can be "Keyed Alike"(one key for all) is the "keyway" (the shape of the keyhole). There is an easy way
to check your locks for compatability: take the key from one lock, say your front door key, and try to
insert it into the other locks, don't try to force it. If it slides easily into a lock that it doesn't
open, that lock can be rekeyed to match that key.
On a house, your locks should be changed any time you feel it necessary.
