Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of locksmith services do you provide?
Many people contact us when they find themselves in an emergency situation: locked out of a house or a car and in need a new car key, etc. But the list of services that Burley’s Lock & Key provides Charlotte is much greater than that. We can assist you with re-keying or changing your locks, extracting a (broken) key from a lock, maintenance and repair, install locks and deadbolts, lock picking, key cutting and duplication, we can assist with alarm system installation, security bar panic devices, and security advise.
Are there hidden costs?
No. We at Burley’s Lock & Key do not believe in bait and switch. We are honest local locksmith professionals.
I'm locked out of my house. Can you help?
Yes we can! We offer mobile emergency residential locksmith services.
Do you cut keys?
Yes we do! We have a large range of keys in our store and with our technicians; they range from keys that are of quite an old design to the most modern transponder type keys.
Can I get all my locks working from one key?
In most cases, yes. The basic principle is if one key fits in to all the locks then we can change the pins so that the key turns. If you have locks of different profiles (shape of the key) we may have to replace some of the locks.
I've lost the key to my house. What should I do?
You have several options. We can come out and fit keys or rekey your house, you can bring the locks into our workshop to be rekeyed or have keys fitted, or you can replace the cylinders.
Can I buy padlocks all working off one key?
Yes we have padlocks from 20mm to 80mm that we can get keyed alike or key alike to your existing key.
Can you cut my key from the number?
Yes, in the vast majority of situations we can. We may need some additional information depending on what the key is for, such as make, model, and year if it’s a car key or type of cabinet, photo or brand if it’s for a filing cabinet.
I have an old lock. Can you cut keys for it?
Yes, in most cases we can. If we don’t have the blank key we’ll try our utmost to get it.
Do you sell keyless/digital locks for my house?
Yes we stock, supply, and fit both mechanical and “stand alone” electronic digital locks.
Do you sell deadlocks?
Absolutely. We stock, sell, supply and fit several different types and brands of deadlocks. You are welcome to come in or call us for more info.
I am locked out. Can you help?
Yes we can. When you are locked out of your property, car, or safe because: the keys are locked inside; or the keys are lost; or the combination is lost or forgotten; or the lock has failed. Our locksmith can gain entry or access with a minimum of disruption, damage, and cost.
Do you Rekey?
Yes we do. Also called “changing the locks.” Our locksmith can reconfigure the pins or wafers inside the lock(s) and cut new keys. The re-keyed lock(s) will only work with the new key(s). This prevents previous keys being able to open the re-keyed lock(s).
Key Less Entry?
We are experts on Key Less Entry, often confused with transponder because they can be in close proximity (in the key head) to each other. Key-less entry is the remote that unlocks your car doors. On manufacturer fitted security systems that is usually its only task. However with aftermarket alarm, immobilizer and central locking systems, the one remote may control all three aspects of the system.
What about high security automotive keys?
We do them as well. These are the keys in high end European designed cars. Over the years their design has grown in complexity and is now usually compared with transponder and key-less entry systems.
Master Key System ...
A Master Key System comprises a hierarchy of keys and a number of cylinders / locks that allow different groups or individual key holders to gain access to all or specifically designated areas of a building or buildings.
Put simply, a master keyed lock is a lock that is designed to be opened by a specific individual key or keys, and can also be opened by using a master key.
Master Key Systems play a critical role in the area of physical security and are used to control access to facilities such as perimeters, entire buildings, and specified spaces within a building. Usually fitted across one or more sites they range in size from a few doors to multiple buildings or assets across the city, country or indeed the globe. More often than not they are built up on a restricted key system to allow for key control. Their design can be from a very simple master key and user key design to complex keying structure.
Restricted Keys ...
Restricted key systems are designed to give the system owner the highest level of protection against unauthorized key duplication. This is achieved by manufacturers using patents and design registrations to stop unlawful production of the key blanks as well as ensuring that their dealers (Locksmiths) adhere to strict authorization procedures in the cutting of these keys.
When a restricted key system is designed and installed a signatory form is given to the owner of the key system. This form requires the customer to complete the contact details and sample signatures of the people that will be registered as the “Authorized Signatories” for specific keys. Only appropriate authorized signatories are able to request copies of the keys. Detailed records are kept by the locksmith of all key requests and changes to authorization. Often these restricted keys are of a high security and pick resistant nature.