How to Replace a Lost File Cabinet Key

When you can't find the file cabinet key, it could cause a huge interruption to your workday. You need a file and you cannot get to it without the key. Most filing cabinets are designed with safety features to keep anybody from bypassing the lock. This means you need a key replacement to get into the filing cabinet.

It doesn't matter if you have a lateral or vertical file cabinet, replacing a lost file cabinet key isn't difficult. You will often just need the right help from the cabinet manufacturer, but this can take time. You may be waiting for weeks to receive a new key and that may be too long.

When you cannot wait, you need to know how to replace a lost file cabinet key quickly. Start by writing down the brand name, model number, and style of your file cabinet, including the serial number and the model number found on the cabinet drawers. Once you have this information, calling a skilled Chicago locksmith should be your next move.

How a Locksmith will Help You with File Cabinet Key Replacement

When you cannot get a key replacement from the manufacturer or you cannot wait as long as they need to send them, a skilled locksmith can create a new key for you. Even if the locksmith doesn't have the right key template to make a replacement, they may be able to make the current key fit (if it's not lost) or pick the lock so that you can get into the file cabinet.

What Not to Do About Your Lost File Cabinet Key

You may be tempted to break into the file cabinet yourself. This is a bad idea. You never want to pry open the file cabinet unless you're ready to replace it after you do so. Once you pry into the cabinet, you will void the warranty and it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to fix the damage. It's better to call a Chicago locksmith and let a professional get you into your file cabinet.

How to Prevent This in the Future

After you've accessed your file cabinet, you'll want to take measures to prevent this in the future. It's important to have additional copies of your file cabinet keys in a safe place just in case they are lost again, break or bend. Have a professional locksmith make you extra keys and either give them to another trusted person in your business or keep them in a safe you have access to.

Having an extra key or two for your file cabinet can take a large interruption to the workday and turn it into a small inconvenience. Instead of having to call a locksmith the next time, you'll just need to retrieve the extra key. Then, you can call the locksmith to have another copy made at your convenience.

Dealing with a lost or broken file cabinet key isn't an easy situation. It's annoying and can screw up the entire workday. Make sure you have a professional locksmith in Chicago ready to go in case this issue happens to you.

What Types of Keys can a Locksmith Duplicate?

When you need a new key, a locksmith will be able to provide duplicate keys for you. Even if you don't have a key for a specific lock, it's possible a locksmith can help.

There are several types of keys and it's helpful to know which ones a locksmith will duplicate for you. Here's a look at the most common keys a locksmith will be able to duplicate.

"Do Not Duplicate" Keys

The biggest question many people have when it comes to keys being duplicated by a locksmith are the keys labeled as "Do Not Duplicate". These keys seem like they shouldn't be able to be duplicated, but that's a myth.

There are no regulations or laws keeping a key with "Do Not Duplicate" on it from being duplicated. While chain hardware stores may refuse to duplicate these keys, locksmiths will often be able to provide a duplicate key.

Restricted Keys

While "Do Not Duplicate" keys are not considered restricted keys, there are some keys Locksmiths refer to as "restricted". These types of keys may not be able to be duplicated due to the duplication rights of the original manufacturer. In addition, these keys are harder to copy due to the type of equipment necessary and the patent-protected design.

Any key classified as "restricted" is covered by U.S. Patent Laws, making it a key you will likely not find a locksmith willing to duplicate. The penalty for duplicating this type of key can be a fine of up to $10,000.

Keys Locksmiths Will Duplicate

Most keys a locksmith can create a duplicate for. Some of the more common options include:

• Yale Key - This is a standard, smaller key and can be cut pretty quickly by a locksmith.

• Chubb Keys - A larger key with a unique design, Chubb Keys take longer to duplicate, but they can certainly be duplicated by a locksmith.

• Safe Keys - All types of unique safe keys can be duplicated and may take longer, depending on the type of key.

• Car Keys - Some car keys can be duplicated by a locksmith, while others require a brand new key to be created. Most modern car keys have to be created and cannot truly be duplicated by simply cutting a new key.

• House Keys - Keys for locks on the front door of a home can easily be duplicated by a locksmith.

• Padlock Keys - Often, padlock keys are Yale Keys and even those that are not Yale Keys can be duplicated.

The Professional Locksmith will not only duplicate most keys but will also be able to ensure you know which keys can be easily duplicated and which might provide a better form of security. Whether you're trying to choose a lock to ensure the keys cannot easily be duplicated or you need a copy of a key created, The Professional Locksmith can help.

Having the right key matters and you want a duplicate made by a professional. With the right duplicate, you won't have to worry about whether the new key will work or not. If you need a key duplicated, call your Chicago locksmith today!

Key Duplication Tips: Trust Your Locksmith to Get a Key Made

When you need to get a key duplicated, you usually need it done quickly. Whether you’ve found yourself locked out, you’ve changed your locks and need more copies, or your living situation has changed requiring a duplicated key, it’s important to be able to get what you need efficiently.

That is why you should work with your locksmith to get the key made when you need it. What is great about working with your locksmith is that they can duplicate keys on the spot, making it convenient but also affordable. Take a look at how your locksmith can help you when you need it the most.

Why you can trust your locksmith

You may have tried duplicating keys at the hardware store before, but they don’t always have what you need and it’s an extra errand to add to your week. Instead, you need fast results and a simpler solution. Getting keys duplicated from your locksmith is the best and easiest way to get your key needs handled.

They not only can do it on the spot for you, but they will make sure there are no issues with it before they leave. You’ll have a key made for a specific lock that they’ve assisted you with and you can guarantee it will work properly and be available right now. Your locksmith offers professional services for your home and office security needs, so it makes sense that you’d also use their services to get your key copy needs handled by them as well.

Why a locksmith is better than the hardware store

Going to the hardware store takes time, energy, and cash to accomplish when your locksmith can come to get you and get the job done quickly and affordable on the spot. You already trust your locksmith to handle other jobs for you like being locked out or changing the locks to the house, so it only makes sense that you’d use the same professionals to duplicate your keys. Your locksmith already makes thousands of key each year through their key cutting process in which they can take a blank key and cut it precisely to your lock.

You can get everything from your house keys to your car keys and even your mailbox keys duplicated you’re your professional locksmith. They keep the newest technology in key cutting which definitely outweighs going to a local hardware store with outdated technology.

Many times hardware stores don’t have what you need or cut it inaccurately which means you’ll have to make another trip to get it done right. You’re wasting your time and energy when you could have gotten it done accurately and affordably right on location.

Key duplication services your locksmith will provide

Save yourself the stress when you need all kinds of new keys made and call your trusted locksmith. You can get everything made on the spot from house keys to car keys to a new copy of a broken key or a new key when the original was lost. Key copies and replacements for your home, office, and a vehicle can be made to order on the spot with a quick phone call.

You’ll find your locksmith commonly works with brands like MUL-T Locks, Kwikset Keys, Baldwin Keys, Master Lock Keys, Schlagle Keys, and more. It’s a small cost to have the locksmith come out and make that spare key that you desperately need and you can guarantee it will work before they leave. In a scenario where you have lost all keys, it’s possible for your locksmith to make a key directly from a lock, but it’s much easier to make a copy from a copy.

Store your copy in a safe place and if you ever lose your original, you can access your copy and have a locksmith make another copy for you. You’ll be quoted based on your individual key needs with affordable prices for all. Almost any key used in the US can be duplicated and you can feel safe and secure knowing that no information is stored about the key being cut.

You can trust your locksmith when you need to get a key made today!

Simple Tips to Not Lose Your Keys

Do you ever have that problem of losing your keys? Your day is going along just fine and suddenly you can’t find your keys to get in the car and head home for the day. Maybe you made it home and you can’t find the keys to your house. Perhaps your teenager misplaced your car keys or you can’t find the key to your office.

Whatever the case, losing keys you use every day can give you that sinking feeling of worry, dread, and panic. Not only are you wasting time searching everything you own to find them, but you may be missing out on important obligations because you can’t get into the office, the car, or the house. Fortunately, there are some easy tricks that you can learn to ensure you don’t lose your keys anymore and the likelihood of losing them in the future will be slim to none. Try these tips to stop losing your keys.

Your life is too cluttered

One of the main culprits behind losing your keys or anything in your life is that you are lacking organization. It’s time to get rid of clutter once and for all, allowing you to easily see where you’ve placed items without things other visual distractions along the way. Minimizing your belongings to only keep on you the things you really need allows you to more easily find missing objects since there are fewer hiding spots.

Make a home for everything

Once you’ve started paring things down, you can start to make a “home” for everything you own. Now that you have less stuff, you can dedicate a place to where things go when they are not in use and this allows for you to eliminate excuses about why things are missing. As long as the keys, wallet, and phone have a spot that it’s supposed to go, it would be much harder to lose these items.

When you arrive home at night, make sure to put each item you’ve brought home with you in its dedicated spot, whether it’s the key rack, the bowl on the counter, or the hook by the door. Do this for each household member so that everyone knows where things go after using them and things stop getting lost.

Use technology for help

Now that you’re organized, it’s time to use technology to your advantage. For starters, it’s much harder to lose a phone when the ringer is on and you can find it by calling the phone. Sometimes you can’t find an item when looking for it or feeling for it in a bag, but you’ll eventually hear it and see it light up. Next, use technology to help keep track of your phone even easier.

You can attach a BlueTooth tracking device like Tile or download apps like “Find my Phone” to help you track the item in the event that it is lost and nowhere to be found. Just get on a desktop to locate your phone through these tech options.

It’s important to remember that life gets busy and forgetting things is bound to happen. By implementing tricks like these, you’ll find it easier to keep track of your stuff and have methods in place to find them if you were to lose it again. When you dedicate a space in your home for things to live, hang a motivational sign to remind you to put things in their place, stop collecting clutter, and use technology as an aid, things can stop getting lost and life can get a little simpler.

Use these tips to make sure you don’t lose your keys anymore! If you do get locked out, please call The Professional Locksmith and they'll get you in!

Is a Keyless Lock & Entry System Right for your Home

You may have considered making the switch to a keyless lock and entry system for the house after seeing how easily it works in your car or a vacation rental property. We even covered it just a couple of week ago because it is a hot topic - https://www.theprolock.com/blog/2018/2/7/is-keyless-entry-really-more-secure. You don’t have to carry a key around and only your family knows the password to get in, making it really secure and simplified.

It’s trending these days because it gives the owner more control over the property and it’s convenient compared to carrying around spare keys, but some worry about how easy it is to transition. Take a closer look at keyless entry and what a remote keyless system is like so that you can understand more about it before getting it for your home.

Benefits of electronic door locks

If you are thinking about getting keyless locks, you may be wondering what benefits a remote keyless system would bring to your daily life. There are many benefits including better safety, how automatic it is, personal security, and even as prevention for forgetfulness.

No more trying to remember to grab the keys or to wondering where you last saw them since the remote access allows you to enter without access to your keys or a spare key.

If there comes a time when you are in a situation where you need to get in or leave the house quickly, you’re not longer fumbling through your bag, purse, or pockets trying to locate a key. This could be extremely beneficial in the case of an emergency or a safety situation in which someone is following you. When the kids need to go to school quickly or you are trying to get in the door with a handful of groceries, avoiding the fumble for keys can be extremely beneficial.

Another benefit of this system is that you can do extra things with it, such as having your porch lights come on while trying to unlock the door, have access to your window and door locks from a computer, and hiding the system by disguising them to resemble traditional doorknobs. You’ll also be able to get as many remotes as you want.

Keeping your keyless entry home secured

One of the tips you’ll need to remember with this system is that you’ll need to keep it secured. After your keyless entry installation, divvy up the codes for different people that you want to have access. for an office, each employee could have their own passcode, while for the home, you may want to give access to children that live outside of the home or for any hired help like a maid or nanny. These come in handy in the situation where someone no longer is welcomed in the home and the code can just be deleted for that person.

Be sure not to record your code that could potentially be found, such as in your computer that gets hacked or a notecard in your purse that could get lost. If you are going to write anything down, just write down a clue to yourself to remember it later. It may be difficult to make the code long enough, but it’s smart to max out the digits to make it harder for a thief to hack.

Finally, be sure to avoid making it something too personal that someone could guess it and always be changing it at least a couple of times a year. Don’t make it something obvious like your home address, zip code, or birth date, while updating it with something that you can remember when you change it every few months.

Keyless entry is a highly desirable system right now for homes and even offices that want more security and a simplified system. Talk to the professionals at ProLock to get your home setup with this modern technology that will make it easier for your family to get in and out of the house every day.

Is Keyless Entry Really More Secure?

Many people are making the switch to keyless entry, especially when it comes to their cars. It’s a handy way to get into the car without requiring you to be at the car opening the lock with a key. When you don’t feel like digging for the keys, you can simply use a wireless fob system, or if you want to unlock it before you even get to the car, you can hit the unlock button.

If you leave the key in the car, you can open the door by using the code on the outside of the car. All of these are different forms of keyless entry and it makes people feel more secure when away from the vehicle. Is it really more secure? Take a look at the vulnerabilities that you could deal with when it comes to keyless entry.

How keyless entry works

Adding a keyless entry to your car or purchasing a car with keyless entry means that you can get into your car in a hands-free capacity. There are cars that allow you to unlock the car doors without pushing any buttons and just by being close to the vehicle with your wireless fob, while others allow you to get in with the push of an unlock bottom or by punching in a code next to the door handle.

You may still use your key to start the car, but getting inside becomes a breeze with keyless entry systems. This is also amazing for those that locked the keys inside or lost their keys while they are out because they can still get into the car and they can have someone bring them a spare key while waiting inside the car. If your keys are buried at the bottom of your purse, simply let yourself in the vehicle and look for ignition key while you are inside the car.

The vulnerabilities of having one

Now keyless entry has become so common and at the same time, criminals are getting smarter about breaking into these systems. While most people feel more secure with their keyless entry, criminals are starting to hack into these systems, stealing items from within the car without any trace of their presence. There are no longer broken windows or signs of forced entry; criminals can now purchase devices that allow them access to your vehicle and anything inside without a trace.

How to protect your car from hacking

How can you protect yourself from these hackers? First is to understand that criminals can now get secret devices to unlock cars and sometimes drive off with them. Do not keep valuables in the car because you are leaving your belongings vulnerable. In some cases, criminals are using laptops with a radio transmitter to figure out the car’s unique code by cycling through millions until they find the right one.

It’s suspected that criminals are using “power amplifiers” to get into keyless entry cars. When you try to unlock the car, your car will wirelessly call out for your key so that you can get inside, and when the key calls back the door will unlock. Since it only searches within a couple of feet of the car, the power amplifier is stretching the distance it can call and allowing the car to unlock if your keys are in a building nearby. One way to avoid this hack is to keep your keys in a freezer to avoid letting the signal get in or out.

In conclusion, it may actually be more secure to not have keyless entry. While the hacking is relatively new, there isn’t much data to determine the source of the hacking and all of the techniques being used to hack these systems. Until more research has been done to stop these criminals from entering keyless cars, you may be safer with your traditional keys. If you do happen to lose your keys or lock them in the car, you can always call a professional locksmith to help you in these situations.

Learn the Difference Between Automotive Key Types

Did you know that not all automotive keys are made the same? It may seem surprising since every car you’ve owned seems to have had a similar key, but there are actually different types with a variety of features and all at different price points.

Aside from your traditional key, you’ll find anything from master keys to smart keys and everything in between. Take a look at the ways cars were open years ago through a traditional key and how technology has brought about modern options like the smart key.

Basic car key

The basic car key or traditional option is what you’ll find if you have an older vehicle or one that you may remember from back in the day. These are the ones that you can easily make a copy of at the hardware store and they can hook easily on your keychain. The reason that car keys have evolved from this option are many, but one reason is that they lack really any security features.

By MediaPhoto.Org (mediaphoto.org Own work) [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

If you still have a car with a traditional key, you may have had a security alarm installed or purchased an electronic key fob to help prevent theft of your car. These inexpensive keys don’t provide any encoding, can be made with any machine that cuts metal, and are outdated since better options have come out.

Master keys

In addition to your traditional car key, you may have been given a master key as well. These were meant to have copies made from them and to not be used for daily use since they were much more expensive than the basic key. Not only are they expensive to replace, but some old owners had to replace their engine management system if they were to lose them. Your used car purchase may come with a master key today.

Transponder keys

A key that’s been around since the mid-90s would be the transponder key, which offers a more secure option than your traditional key. These actually have microchips in the key handle so that when you start your engine, the sensor can respond to activate the transponder.

These can be replaced by your locksmith if lost. If you have a rolling code key version of the transponder where the key has to send a new code each time your car is used, it would be more expensive to replace when lost. These keys were the answer to car theft in the 90s.

Switchblade keys

Another popular car key is the switchblade key where the base retracts from the head of the key fob. These are great for keeping your car keys smaller in your pocket since they fold back up when not in use. It folds up like a switchblade knife and can be replaced if lost.

Remote control car key

Your favorite way to open the car, the remote control car key is the device that allows you to lock and unlock your car. Hit the button you need to lock or unlock, and many come with an alarm system too. The infrared signal or radio transmitter sends a coded message to signal to the car what to do.

By Deloreanman14 at English Wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Smart keys

Today, you have the newest version of locking and unlocking your car: the smart key. These were developed by Mercedes-Benz in the late 90s to offer a new, modern version to the old car key dilemma. They wanted to bring technology into the solution and give a new sense of protection to car security. It works as an electronic access and authorization for your system, meaning that it doesn’t actually require you to have a key to use.

You’ll simply hold on to your smart key, keep it in your pocket, and the car will work when it can sense that the smart key is within the presence of the car. Just touch a button to unlock the car and your settings will be applied, like your favorite radio station and seating position. You don’t have to ignite the engine with a key but just with a push of a button as long as the key is within distance of the car. When you walk away, your car will likely lock itself. These are great for security since they use rolling security codes that randomize the immobilizer.

If you’ve ever wondered why everyone has a different car key or what the differences are, this guide explains what the different keys do for different purposes. That’s a look at the difference between your automotive key types.

What to do if a key breaks inside of a lock?

The worst has happened. A key has broken inside of your lock! What do you do? Believe it or not, this situation is not uncommon. It can happen when you’ve turned the key too fast when you’re running late for work or you turn it funny when your hands are full of groceries.

Whatever the case, you don’t need to panic in the event that your key breaks inside of a lock because that is exactly the kind of thing your local professional locksmith can help you with. Instead of trying to figure out what to do, just call a reliable locksmith in your area and they will handle it. Take a look at this guide that will go through the steps of what to do when a key breaks inside your lock.

 Call the locksmith right away

If this situation happens when you’re on your way out the door or trying to get in from being away, it will prevent you from properly locking or unlocking your door, making your home vulnerable to theft. It’s important that you call the locksmith right away to make sure you can leave your home with a secured home or lock your car instead of leaving it vulnerable to a criminal. Your broken key can damage the lock, so rather than trying to fix it yourself, you should call the locksmith to handle the situation properly.

Different scenarios you could encounter

If you find that your key is sticking out of the lock, the locksmith may be able to simply pull it out with the right tools. Since you wouldn’t be likely to have the proper tools to handle a small grab as this, a locksmith will be able to handle it and ensure there is no damage to the lock, in addition to making you a new key.

If the key isn’t sticking out, trying to remove it will definitely damage the lock. A locksmith will be able to efficiently and correctly remove it without damaging your lock. They will also be able to make you a new key and ensure you can be on your way.

Preventing this situation

While it’s easy to call your professional locksmith to help you when your key has broken inside your car or home lock, it would be smart to know how to avoid this situation in the future. It’s helpful to maintain your keys and locks by applying some lock lubrication to your keyhole when you notice any grinding or friction locking or unlocking the doors.

Your keys can simply be replaced every so often to ensure they are durable and unlikely to break. Your car locks are more susceptible during the winter season, which means that you should be extra careful to de-ice during freezing weather to avoid breaking your keys during the locking or unlocking process.

Consider these tips in the event that your key breaks inside your lock. It’s never wise to try to fix it yourself as you could damage your locks and cause a very expensive job. Call your local locksmith to make sure you handle the situation efficiently from the start and take a sigh of relief that they will have the proper tools and knowledge to handle the job for you.