Frequently Asked Questions
When should I change my locks?
You should have your locks changed as soon as you move into a new residence or as soon as possible if your keys have been stolen.
Do I REALLY need to change the locks?
If you don’t have your locks changed and the old keys are used to enter your property, your insurance company may not cover any losses because there may not be any proof of unauthorised entry.
Does the whole lock need to be replaced?
No, in 95% of cases, the only parts replaced are the tiny pins inside the lock, from the outside, you would not notice any difference.
Can all my locks use the same key?
Yes, the vast majority of door locks in Australia use the same key profile, (known as “C4”), meaning that your locks can all be keyed alike. However, there are a couple of lock manufacturers that use different key profiles. In most cases, the lock cylinder (the part the key goes into), can be exchanged for a “C4″equivalent.
What is a key profile?
A key profile is essentially the shape of the key, specifically the part of the key that goes into the lock.
By far the most common profile in Australia is known as the “C4” profile, also known as “LW4”.
This profile is used by most of the brands we all know and trust such as Lockwood.
The next most common is the “TE2” profile by Gainsborough, which is a brand popular with builders and developers.
Some Gainsborough locks can have their cylinders changed to a “C4” equivalent, unfortunately, some locks may need to be replaced entirely to achieve a single key system.
Are my locks "deadlocks?"
Most insurance companies require double cylinder deadlocks on all external doors.
A double cylinder deadlock is any lock, that once locked, requires a key to open the door from either the outside or the inside.
The idea is that if an intruder breaks the glass in or beside your front door, they can’t just reach in an open the door.
It also means that if they break in through a window, they cannot open the front door to carry out large items like televisions etc.
What is the chance someone else has the same key?
With the standard “C4” profile, there are 10s of thousands of possible keys so the chance that your neighbour has the same key is very unlikely.
If you are seriously concerned about someone having the same key, the next step is a restricted profile key system.
What is a service call?
A service call is a charge that covers the cost of bringing an entire Locksmith service department to your front door. We carry a huge range of locks and parts so the vast majority of jobs can be completed in one visit. This saves you time and let’s you get on with the things you would rather be doing.
When can my locks be changed?
While we are available 24 hrs a day for emergencies, most of our work is done during normal business hours.
However, if there is an urgent situation, we can rekey your locks at anytime.
(A higher service call may apply).
What are your normal hours?
Our standard hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday.
We are flexible with times and will try to work around your schedule.
What is a restricted key system?
A normal domestic key can be cut anywhere from the local shoe repair guy to a professional locksmith and requires no authorisation or any proof of ownership.
A restricted system uses different key blanks that are not available to anyone except the authorised locksmith who built the system.
This means you can rest assured that no copies have been made without your permission.
Only the authorised person who purchased the system can request more keys, and they will have to fill out and sign a form which is cross checked with the original signatures and details to ensure the integrity of the system.
What is "construction keying"?
Construction keying allows a builder to have one key that opens all the buildings in a development.
When you use your keys for the first time, one or two tiny ball bearings fall out of the lock plug to prevent the builder’s keys from operating the locks.
This is not a good system and leaves your brand new property vulnerable to unauthorised entry.
We STRONGLY advise having your locks rekeyed as soon as you move in, to prevent unauthorised persons having access to your property.
How hard is it to pick a lock?
While we can sometimes make it look very easy to pick a lock, this ease comes after years of practice and training.
All good locksmiths hone their lock picking skills and constantly research new techniques and tools to get you back into your property as quickly as possible without damaging the locks.
Does picking damage the lock?
No, picking a lock does no damage if done correctly.
There are NO domestic locks that can’t be picked, but some can be harder than others.
lock brands We use
We are proud to use and recommend the following lock brands. Each one has a proven track record of reliability and performance.
