Frequently Asked Security Questions in Burlington, Hamilton and Waterdown

Choosing what kind of security system to install in your home or business is not a decision to be made quickly. The Lock Hut has been helping residential, commercial and industrial clients in the Hamilton and Toronto areas choose the right security system for 28 years, and we have gathered some of the most frequently asked questions we have received during this time. If you need an answer in a hurry, check out our FAQ section below. If your answer isn’t there just give us a call and we’ll get the information.

If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

General FAQs

Q: What does a locksmith do?

A: We perform the installation, repair and maintenance of door closers, automatic door operators, panic bars electronic keypad locks, access control systems, biometric locks, doors and door frames, high security locks, emergency lock picking/opening, lock installation, lock rekeying, master key system creation, video surveillance systems and more.

Q: When should I call a locksmith?

A: There are several scenarios when a locksmith can be of assistance, such as to physically secure your home, office, premises, assets and valuables from unauthorized access, intruders, theft, to satisfy insurance requirements, to change the locks if you lose a key or move into a dwelling or premises which has been previously occupied, or if you are locked out of your home/premises, car, or safe a locksmith can gain access for you with minimum damage and cost. In short, when you need help with anything to do with keys, locks and safes, one of our experienced locksmiths can help.

Q: What should I look for in a locksmith?

A: A qualified tradesperson who is bonded and fully insured – this should ensure competence and no criminal record. Also look for a locksmith business that is well established and has a proven track record for reliable professional service – and takes responsibility for the results – and provides a warranty for their products and workmanship.

Q: Why use a locksmith when I can use someone else cheaper?

A: A qualified experienced locksmith is more efficient, will do the job quicker, provide quality workmanship, provide a warranty for products and workmanship, provide quality security solutions with better protection. This means peace of mind and saves you money in the long run. Only a locksmith has the necessary skills, experience, qualifications and authority to perform your security work to a high standard to protect you, your family and your possessions.

There are three types of service:

GOOD – CHEAP – FAST

You can choose any two.

GOOD service CHEAP won’t be FAST

GOOD service FAST won’t be CHEAP

FAST service CHEAP won’t be GOOD

Keys & Locks FAQs

Q: I’m locked out of my house, can you help?

A: Yes we can. We have an emergency 24/7 service – 365 days a year.

Q: Do you cut keys?

A: Yes. We have an extremely large range of keys; they range for keys that are of quite an old design to the most modern high security and limited access keys.

Q: Can I get all my locks working from one key?

A: In most cases, yes. The basic principle is if one key fits in to all the locks then we can change the pins so that the key turns. If you have locks of different profiles (shape of the key) we may have to replace some of the locks.

Q: I have lost the keys to my office or house, what do I do?

A: You have several options. We can come out and fit keys or rekey your house and give you new keys.

Q: Can I buy multiple pad locks all working with one key?

A: Yes. We have padlocks from 20mm to 80mm that we can get keyed alike or key alike to your existing key.

Q: Can you cut my key from the number?

A: Yes. In the vast majority of situations we can. We may need some additional information such as key brand name or a photo. Feel free to call for us to check for you!

Q: I have an old lock, can I cut keys for it?

A: Yes. In most cases we can, if we don’t have the blank key we’ll try our utmost to get it.

Q: I want keyless/digital locks for my house, do you sell them?

A: Yes. We stock, supply and fit both mechanical and “stand alone” electronic digital locks. We even have wireless remote control locks!

Q: Do you sell deadlocks?

A: Absolutely we stock, sell, supply and fit several different types and brands of deadlocks.

Locksmith Terminology – FAQ

Lockout: When you are locked out of your property, car or safe – because the keys are locked inside – or the keys are lost – or the combination is lost or forgotten – or the lock has failed. A locksmith can gain entry or access with a minimum of disruption, damage and cost.

Key Fits: When keys are made to fit and operate the existing combination of a lock.

Rekey: Also called “changing the locks”. A locksmith can reconfigure the pins or wafers inside the lock(s) and cut new keys. The rekeyed lock(s) will only work with the new key(s). This prevents previous keys being able to open the rekeyed lock(s).

Master Key System: A master key system comprises a hierarchy of keys and a number of cylinders and locks that allow different groups or individual key holders to gain access to all or specifically designated areas of a building or buildings. Put simply, a master keyed lock is a lock that is designed to be opened by a specific individual key or keys, and can also be opened by using a master key.

Master key systems play a critical role in the area of physical security and are used to control access to facilities such as perimeters, entire buildings, and specified spaces within a building. Usually fitted across one or more sites they range in size from a few doors to multiple buildings or assets across the city, country or indeed the globe. More often than not they are built up on a restricted key system to allow for key control. Their design can be from a very simple master key and user key design to complex keying structure.