All-American Lock & Key

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FAQ

Q: How is a lock re-keyed?

Most home or commercial owners don’t even realize that locks can be re-keyed instead of costly replacing all the locks. Below is an example of the re-keying process for a Schlage knob.

Step 1

Photo 1: First we remove the knob by inserting a wire tool into the knob hole and depress the knob's retaining clip. Pull the knob off the door. Deadbolts are completely removed from the door and re-installed once re-keyed.

Step 2

Photo 2: Remove the lock cylinder by removing the collar and then pushing the lock cylinder out the back of the knob assembly.

Step 3

Photo 3: We want to remove the retainer ring that holds the cylinder plug by pushing the retainer ring tool against the retainer ring to pop it off the cylinder. Deadbolts and commercial levers have a cylinder cap that is removed instead.

Step 4

Photo 4: We remove the cylinder plug from the cylinder by inserting the old key and pushing it out with a special follower. We remove the plug by pushing the plug follower through the cylinder casing. Then we dump out the old pins, insert the new key, and re-pin the lock to our fresh new key*.

*Re-keying a deadbolt, rim or mortise cylinder is accomplished in the same manner with a few minor differences. Locks in the pictures above are for demonstrative purposes only. Actual lock re-keying procedures differ by brand and type.
​Q: My landlord gave me the keys, why should I get new ones?

Simple, it’s your stuff inside! Ask them when was the last time the locks were changed? How trustworthy is your landlord? If you don’t know the answer, then your possessions or your company’s possessions are potentially at risk. In an effort to save money, some property management companies simply swap the locks from one unit to another instead of having them properly re-keyed. An angry former tenant with some time to kill could simply try his old key in every door of the complex until he finds one that works. If you are renting, and would like to have the locks re-keyed, we must require either written or verbal permission from your landlord or property management company to do so. The reason is that there may be a master key involved (used mostly to gain access for maintenance reasons or inspections) and the locks will need to be keyed along with their existing master key. Plus, they may also have a maintenance person that may do this for you and not allow us to change anything on the property.

Q: I am moving into a new home, should I rekey the locks? They seem to be working properly.
The answer is definitely YES! I’m sure the previous owners, contractors, or builders were nice and seemed pretty trustworthy, but do you really know them? How many neighbors, old baby or pet sitters, cleaning people, contractors, or maintenance personnel are still walking around with the same key to your new home? Change the locks and then give new keys to the people you and you alone trust.
Q: What is the difference between re-keying & master keying.

Re-keying means replacing the pins in an existing lock so that only the new keys can open it and the old keys no longer work. Many people, who continue to use the same key that they received when they bought their home, have no idea of how many people such as tradesmen, neighbors, and friends, who are no longer relevant, have had access to that key. Most any locksmith can re-key your locks and give you the security of knowing that only you and the people you trust will have access to your home. Lost your keys? Relax, most locks can be picked or shimmed open to determine what the old key cuts are (even the newer Kwikset SmartKey locks), and then the rekeying process can go forward.

Master keying enables two or more different and distinct key combinations to open one lock. One combination may regulate access to a specific zone while the master key can access all zones. Master keys are usually established in buildings such as hospitals, office buildings and rental properties. Own your own business? It’s even possible to master key your home and your business so that one key opens them all.

​Q: Why should I use a professional locksmith?

A skilled professional locksmith brings experience and knowledge and we are better prepared to solve security issues for your unique situation. A professional locksmith can recommend state-of-the-art products, provide repairs and maintenance and give you or your business a more effective solution in a timely and efficient manner. Plus, so many stories have been told about the damages caused by police and firemen, tow truck drivers, and even friends who tell you “I’ve done this numerous times before” or “I can fix that for you easy”. And remember, the State of Iowa does not require a locksmith to be licensed. Make sure that you hire someone with great reviews and who is bonded and insured to keep you protected from those scam artists who just take your money, charge outrageous fees, and can’t back up their so called work (see article on the bottom of my Home page)

Q: Why do I have to wiggle my keys in the lock to make it work?

As keys age over time, the cuts of the key tend to “wear” down causing your keys to stick or forcing you to jiggle or wiggle the key in the lock to make it work. Most likely the keys you were given have been “copied” several times. The more a key gets copied (especially from another copy), the worse it will become. Plus, most hardware stores (even the big names like Lowes, Menards, True Value, Walmart, etc…) do not calibrate their duplicating machines as often as they should. Sometimes it hasn’t been calibrated for several years, if at all. Plus, retailers are now going to vending machines like Minute Key or similar brands to save having to pay someone to do it properly. If the machine is off, no one ever knows and it never gets aligned or calibrated. That’s why so many keys from these “vending machines” never work. Now you have to go waste time and gas to find someone to do it right. Our key machines are calibrated every month so you can assure yourself that our keys work every time. Remember, making a copy of a bad key will not fix the problem. The other issues that might cause this are older locks have so much wear on the plug over time the pins no longer line up with the shear line, hence you have to move the key up or down to get things to line up.

Q: I can install the hardware, why not just buy it at the home center and do it myself?
Remember, a $10 lock is just that, a $10 lock. Locks are one of those things where you get what you pay for. Products typically sold in home repair or hardware stores are of a lower quality than what a locksmith would order. Their shelves are stacked with low quality products meant to increase profits for the manufacturer and the retailer. High quality products that a locksmith will carry will offer varying characteristics such as being pick and drill resistant or being bump proof. Locksmiths can also offer access control options, protection against the unauthorized duplication of keys, and a better peace of mind. Plus, most people have no idea what brand they’re buying when they want the locks to match everything else on the property. You may have Kwikset locks and you go out and, without even realizing it, buy a Schlage lock that is not compatible with your existing locks. Now you have to carry a separate key for that one lock whereas a locksmith would have ordered exactly what you needed and keyed the lock to match the one you use now. The question you have to ask is what is your time really worth and do I truly know what I’m doing? But we understand, it’s your home, not ours. If you still insist on installing the lock on your own, you can always call us at any time with questions or if you want to purchase directly through us.
Q: I have a key marked “Do Not Duplicate.” Can I get a copy of it anyway?
Keys stamped with “Do Not Duplicate,” ” Do Not Copy,” or “Unlawful to Copy” may be duplicated by us only if a letter of authorization from the owner or supervisor is presented with the request for duplication. The letter should be on company letterhead and will identify the key to be made, the number of keys, the person picking up the keys, and the name and number of the person writing the letter. The person picking up the keys will be required to fill out a “Request for Restricted Keys” form. We reserve the right to refuse to duplicate any key with these markings if we feel there is suspicious activity involved or verification cannot be accomplished. If they are High Security Locks like Schlage Primus, Medeco, Scorpion, etc…, These are protected keyways and can only be duplicated by the locksmith who owns and installed that particular keyway.
Q: My key does not insert or withdraw easily or it has difficulty turning.
First spray the lock with a cleaner/degreaser. This can be found at most auto parts stores, but can even be found at some hardware stores. Do not use WD40, it is not a cleaner, it is a water repellent. In our opinion, the best cleaner/lubricant out there is Houdini, it is readily available online (understand that it’s a little expensive, but worth it). Don’t be afraid to spray too much, but have a paper towel handy to blot up the excess. Spray the cleaner into the keyhole and onto the bolt mechanism. Move the bolt in and out to allow the cleaner to penetrate into the lock. Insert and remove the key several times to lubricate and loosen any corrosion on the pins. Do not take the lock apart if you are not confident you can put it back together. If that does not work, call us at 319-325-5547 and we will make an appointment to come out and determine if the lock is damaged in some way or if the lock just needs to be re-keyed.
Q: The lock doesn't latch and I have to push or pull the door to make it work.
After you have tried the above solution, check to see it the lock operates smoothly with the door open. If it does, your lock problem may not be the lock, but possibly in the alignment of the door and frame. Look for obstructions at the threshold and in the door jam, or if the door is rubbing on the frame at certain points. Also check the door and frame for twists and warps. The door should completely rest against the frame and stay there. If the door is at rest and you can push the door in at the top or bottom, then the door or frame is warped or crooked, either from a bad installation or even slight settling of the property itself. Keep in mind, wooden doors and frames will warp and swell with temperature and humidity, and metal doors and frames will twist and rust with age. If the door springs open then the hinges are probably bent or binding. If you have added thicker than normal weatherstripping on the door, it could be causing the improper closing of the door. Also check and make sure the hinge screws have not loosened which will cause the door to sag as well.
​Q: Is the “Do Not Duplicate” marking on a key enough for controlling key duplication?
Yes and No. While the “Do Not Duplicate” marking on a key is usually respected by locksmiths, many hardware stores do not care what is stamped on the key. To effectively prevent unauthorized key duplication, a lock with a restricted high security keyway should be used.
Q: Is there such a thing as a key that can open every lock?
No, there is no such thing. You can have locks with a “master” key, which is a key that has specific cuts to work multiple locks. In order for a particular master key to work in a lock, the lock has to be set up to work with that master key and be of the same brand of lock. Locks are typically master keyed in hotels, office buildings, apartments, and schools.
Q: Why should you call a locksmith when you are locked out of your car?
It is always strongly recommended to call a professional locksmith to unlock your vehicle. Serious damage can be caused to the car’s door frame, car windows, moulding, and I have even seen side airbags set off if not done correctly. Some businesses, like tow facilities, and even the police do not carry all the proper tools needed to open the vehicle correctly. Also, never have someone use a coat hanger on your vehicle. A coat hanger can pierce the rubber molding around the window causing leaks and other problems that will cost you more later down the road.
Q: Do you cut and program car keys and remotes?
Yes, we can cut and program keys and remotes for most makes and models of cars, but not all. Please visit out Automotive Page for more info on pricing and requirement.
Q: What forms of payment do you take?

We can take all major credit cards, Apple and Google Pay, cash, and checks**. We have partnered with EMS+ to be able to process credit cards, including the newer chip cards right there on site for your convenience*. We can also provide billing for commercial customers***.