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Locksmith Guides & Answers

Plain-English answers to the questions our St. Augustine customers ask most — lockouts, rekeying, car keys, key fobs, smart locks, business security and more.

Home Locks, Keys & Rekeying

Rekey vs Replace Locks: Which Is Better?

Rekey vs Replace Locks: Which Is Better?

Rekey vs replace locks: how to decide which is right for your home, what each costs you, and when one clearly beats the other.

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Should You Rekey Your Locks After Moving Into a New Home?

Should You Rekey Your Locks After Moving Into a New Home?

Should you rekey your locks after moving into a new home? Why it matters, when to do it, and whether to rekey or replace.

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What to Do When You're Locked Out of Your House

What to Do When You're Locked Out of Your House

Locked out of your house? A calm, step-by-step guide to what to do, what not to do, and how to prevent it happening again.

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When Should You Replace a Deadbolt?

When Should You Replace a Deadbolt?

When should you replace a deadbolt? Signs of wear, security reasons, and how to know whether to repair, replace or upgrade.

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Smart Locks vs Traditional Deadbolts

Smart Locks vs Traditional Deadbolts

Smart locks vs traditional deadbolts: the real pros and cons of each, and how to decide which is right for your door.

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Best Lock Options for Rental Properties

Best Lock Options for Rental Properties

The best lock options for rental properties — balancing security, tenant turnover, cost and convenience for landlords and managers.

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Why Is My Door Lock Hard to Turn?

Why Is My Door Lock Hard to Turn?

Why is my door lock hard to turn? Common causes — from a worn key to a misaligned bolt — and what to do before it fails completely.

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What Causes a Deadbolt to Stop Lining Up?

What Causes a Deadbolt to Stop Lining Up?

What causes a deadbolt to stop lining up with the strike? Why doors shift over time and how to fix a binding or misaligned deadbolt.

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Can a Locksmith Rekey Multiple Locks to Use One Key?

Can a Locksmith Rekey Multiple Locks to Use One Key?

Can a locksmith rekey multiple locks to use one key? How keying alike works, when it's possible, and why it's so convenient.

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Car Keys, Fobs & Lockouts

Lost Your Car Keys in St. Augustine? What to Do Next

Lost Your Car Keys in St. Augustine? What to Do Next

Lost your car keys in St. Augustine? A step-by-step guide to what to do next, your replacement options, and how to avoid being stranded.

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Locksmith vs Dealership for Car Key Replacement

Locksmith vs Dealership for Car Key Replacement

Locksmith vs dealership for car key replacement — cost, convenience, speed and when each is the right choice.

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Can a Locksmith Make a Car Key Without the Original?

Can a Locksmith Make a Car Key Without the Original?

Can a locksmith make a car key without the original? How all-keys-lost replacement works, what's required, and when it's possible.

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How Does Car Key Programming Work?

How Does Car Key Programming Work?

How does car key programming work? A plain-English explanation of transponder chips, smart keys, and why modern keys must be programmed.

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What Is a Transponder Key?

What Is a Transponder Key?

What is a transponder key? How the chip works, how to tell if you have one, and what's involved in replacing it.

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Why Is My Key Fob Not Working?

Why Is My Key Fob Not Working?

Why is my key fob not working? Common causes from a dead battery to a failing fob, and how to tell what's wrong.

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Can a Locksmith Program a Push-to-Start Key?

Can a Locksmith Program a Push-to-Start Key?

Can a locksmith program a push-to-start (proximity) key? How smart-key programming works and when it can be done on-site.

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What to Do When You're Locked Out of Your Car

What to Do When You're Locked Out of Your Car

Locked out of your car? What to do first, how to stay safe, and your options for getting back in without damage.

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Spare Car Key vs All-Keys-Lost Replacement

Spare Car Key vs All-Keys-Lost Replacement

Spare car key vs all-keys-lost replacement — why having a spare saves money and stress, and what changes when every key is gone.

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Why Two Identical-Looking Key Fobs May Not Be Compatible

Why Two Identical-Looking Key Fobs May Not Be Compatible

Why two identical-looking key fobs may not be compatible — frequencies, chips and part numbers explained before you buy online.

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