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You'll be glad you "PICKED" us

706-878-LOCK (5625)

 

 

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       We are pleased to offer quick, efficient and non evasive methods of  entry to most  of the vehicles on the road.  From High end imports to today's most popular SUV's we can get you back on  your way in most  cases less than thirty minutes  from the time you call. 

 

 

 

Have you been locked out of your car?
Do you need to extract a broken key?
Have you lost your key?
Are you having difficulty removing the club from your steering wheel?

These are just a few of the reasons to call Alpine Lock and Key.


 

Why a Locksmith for Automotive Locks and Key's ?First the keys:

Today's Automobile locks are much more complex than those of just a few years ago. A poorly cut or badly worn key will lead to early failure of most auto locks. The equipment needed to duplicate these keys must be calibrated and adjusted often to make good duplicates. For the most part this is not done at retail businesses that cut keys as a side line, they depend on their supplier to show up every month or so.

Your Locksmith tests his equipment daily and keeps it in proper adjustment at all times. about .002" is the maximum error that should be allowed for auto locks. Keys for your house may be off .005" - .008" and still work ok.

The second problem is selecting the correct blank for the vehicle. To cover the majority of the cars we see every day requires about 400 different blanks, many look  alike but are not. An untrained person may use the wrong blank and cause real harm to the vehicle.

A common example that we deal with is Honda autos 1989 and up, if the blank for a 1988 is used [they look identical, the newer one is about 1/16" longer], the key will work in the ignition but will not turn back to the lock position for removal. To repair this "error" may cost upwards of $100.00.

Now the Locks

Your dealership service technician and your local mechanic are both highly trained to work on carburetors, brakes, power steering etc. very few have a clue about auto locks. The most common answer from a mechanic is to replace the lock with a new one and another key. This is usually worst choice.

Very often the problem is the key not the lock [unless the lock has been vandalized] and a key cut by code will cure the problem.

If a lock does need to be replaced 

Most of today's cars come with only one or two keys when a new lock is installed with another key all of the built in convenience is lost. A locksmith will usually supply a new lock which he purchased un-keyed [less expensive] and key it up to match your auto, your original keys still work. and when you go to sell your used car in the future it will be as original not pieced together with spare parts.

 

Unlocking a car with keys locked inside

The day's of the coat hanger or "slim jim" are gone. A tow Truck driver, the police department or a helpful friend may use these methods to get the door open and be successful, beware. Many of today's vehicles have a lot going on inside the door, vacuum lines and electrical wires for power locks, side impact air bags, plastic connectors for inside and out side lock linkage, tinted windows, etc. all of these items can be damaged easily.

When a trained locksmith opens a vehicle he uses methods gained from research as well as experience and help published in several hundred dollars worth of manuals he has purchased. With tools specifically designed for each make and model vehicle, skill at picking the locks on vehicles with a lot of "stuff" in the door, or sets of specially cut keys that will work the locks without any damage to the inside of the door. When you see a locksmith checking a book before opening your vehicle it is not because he doesn't know what he is doing it is because he wants to do it with no damage. It may cost a bit more to call a locksmith but in the long run it is almost always a better choice.