Things a Locksmith Can Do

The most basic service provided by auto locksmiths is simply unlocking a vehicle. They can, however, extract broken keys, copy or replace keys, and, in certain cases, replace entire locks and ignition switches.

1 - Removing Broken Keys

First and foremost, you must return to your vehicle. How does a car locksmith get into your car without a key? They use a variety of tactics to break into cars, all of which differ depending on the type of vehicle and the type of lock system used.

The most popular method is to "jimmy" the automobile lock open. To gain access to the lock, slide a slim jim — or thin piece of metal — between the window and the weather stripping on a car door.

You've definitely seen hangers in movies, but the more current slim jim is a safer alternative with a lower risk of harming the vehicle. When circumstances get difficult, though, many objects can be utilized as a slim jim if necessary. Older automobiles that still use genuine keys and don't have state-of-the-art alarm systems are the finest candidates for "jimmying" a car open.

Keys, as we know them, are no longer utilized in newer cars with more advanced security systems. The auto locksmith reprograms the code (typically using a VATS passcode detector or the like) to get access to a vehicle that does not have a car lock and instead relies on "keyless remotes."

2 - Removing Broken Keys

Natural wear or a sudden wrong turn can cause car keys to snap off. It's not a common event, but it happens frequently enough to warrant specialized services. Though it's usually not your fault if a key breaks in the lock, it can be quite difficult to remove, and you won't be able to start your vehicle if the key is damaged.

When a key snaps in a door or ignition, the grooves of the slender part of the key are frequently exposed. To attach to these fissures and remove the key, auto locksmiths use both key extraction kits and key extraction tools.

A kit includes a standard extraction tool as well as some additional benefits. A key extraction tool is a little, thin metal item with two small hooks on the end that connect to the key. To grab both sides of the key, thin plier-like tools are sometimes utilized.

It is not suggested that you try to start the car yourself if the key has broken off in the ignition. If the extraction process goes wrong, it can cost you a lot more money and cause a lot more harm than removing a broken key from a car door.

3 - Duplicating Or Replacing Keys

Auto locksmiths operate with two different types of car keys. The first category includes automobile keys that are not connected to a fob or other electronic device. These are really simple to create and are not dissimilar to obtaining a duplicate house key from a conventional domestic locksmith.

When it comes to automobile keys that are tied to a fob, things get a little more complicated. Many of these keys are transponder keys, which feature a chip that is programmed specifically for that vehicle.

The automobile will not start unless the ignition reads the code stored in the chip. You can have a car locksmith duplicate only the key portion of the key fob; however, if it's a transponder key, you'll need a little more humph!