Rapid locksmiths primarily provide vehicle unlocking services. The locksmith can also remove broken keys, duplicate or replace keys, and – in some cases – replace whole locks and ignition switches. Getting a car unlocked is the first step.
Replacing or duplicating keys
Rapid Locksmiths works with two types of car keys. The first type is not attached to a fob or an electrical component. You can make these pretty easily, and they aren’t much different than getting a duplicate house key from your local Rapid Locksmith Services.
With car keys attached to fobs, things get a little more complicated. Transponder keys have a chip that is unique to each car, so many of these keys are also transponder keys.
The car will not start if the ignition does not read the code programmed in the chip. A rapid locksmith can duplicate just the key part of the key fob; however, a little more humph is required if it is a transponder key.
Getting your car unlocked
The first thing you need to do is get back in your vehicle. Rapid Locksmith Services unlock vehicles without keys. How do they do it? They use several strategies for breaking into vehicles, varying based on the car type and lock system.
“Jimmying” the car lock is the most common strategy. To access the lock, a slim jim is slid between the window and the weather stripping on a car door.
As you have probably seen in movies, hangers are also used, but slim jims are safer alternatives that may cause less damage. However, many things can be used if you need a slim jim in a pinch. It’s easiest to get into an old car that doesn’t have a modern alarm system and still uses a real key.
Broken key removal
Natural wear or a sudden wrong turn can cause car keys to snap off. The occurrence is not very common, but it often requires specialized services. Even though you are usually not to blame when a key breaks in the lock, it can be very difficult to remove, and you can’t start your vehicle with a broken key.
Keys usually snap indoors or ignition so that crevices of their skinny part are exposed when they snap. Rapid Locksmiths use key extraction kits and key extraction tools to remove keys from these crevices.
Some perks come with a kit besides a normal extraction tool. Key extraction tools are small, thin metal pieces with two small hooks at the end that hook onto keys. As well as pliers, thin tools can also be used to grasp the key on both sides.
Can a locksmith program a car key?
There are now skilled locksmiths and a growing number of Rapid Locksmiths who can reprogramme transponder keys so that you can get into your vehicle (or have an extra key).
Getting a duplicate transponder key from a car dealership is also possible, but the cost can be quite high. Making a transponder key is generally much more affordable with Rapid Locksmiths.
With many transponder keys and keyless ignition fobs, you cannot lock your car while you have the key in it. Even though this might make life easier, having a duplicate is still a good idea because you never know what might happen to that special car key.