GLOSSARY

Learn Locksmith Terminology

Orlando, FL's Reputable Locksmith Company

Anti-Theft System

Some vehicles are packed with a system that prevents them from falling into the wrong hands. As with any other software type of program, it can go crazy from time to time, and this will make it impossible for you to start your vehicle. Usually, there's a sign in the dashboard that will let you know that there is a problem with the key and this could be the answer to your problems. Since this is a problem related to the programming of the key, you probably will need a professional locksmith to solve it. 

Battery Replacement

KeyFobs or Smart keys are powered by small batteries that come inside them. Like all things, these batteries have lifetimes, and if they are failing, our smart keys won't work properly, and we may face some troubles using our vehicles. That's where we need to replace them to have a completely functional key for our vehicle. The same context applies to commercial locks or smart locks for residential or commercial properties. Make sure to check and replace them from time to time.

Chip Key

It is a vehicle's smart key that incorporates a small chip inserted into the head of the key, which in turn emits a radio frequency code when the ignition is turned on. This code is picked up by the computer of the vehicle and allows you to turn the vehicle on.  These types of keys are also known as transponder key.

Car Lockout (CLO)

Whether because we are in a hurry or distracted, we can let our keys locked inside our vehicle. The procedure to open is called car lockout or vehicle lockout. 

Commercial Lockout

We can found ourselves lockout of our business establishment, which, of course, will bring many problems for us the rest of the day. A professional locksmith will help you get back into business in no time.

Cut Key

Residential, automotive, or commercial keys have some special design or pattern printed on both sides of the keys. New keys or "key blanks" do not have any pattern, so they must be cut to fit the door or ignition switch for which they are intended.

There are different procedures to cut a key. It can be done mechanically (using different types of tools and machinery) or by laser, which is proved to be more accurate than other methods. 

Deadbolt

A deadbolt is a type of lock that uses a key or a knob alongside a turning movement to open. These types of locks are stronger and resistant than your regular type of lock. They are usually made from steel and they provide us a cost-effective way to improve the security of our houses or commercial properties. 

We can find different types of deadbolts, such as:

Single-cylinder: these are the most common type of deadbolt and it is unlocked using a key from just one of the sides of the lock. 

Double-cylinder: as the name already tells us, a double-cylinder deadbolt can be unlocked using a key or handle from both sides of the lock. 

Doorknob

These are the most common types of locks. They usually can be found on doors in the inside parts of a house or commercial property, such as bathrooms, bedrooms, or kitchen doors. The locking mechanism of these locks is found within the knob and, just as deadbolts, we can find them in single or double cylinder versions, depending on what we need or want.

Door Closers

These types of locking systems lock doors whenever they are closed. Restricted areas may benefit from having a door closer system.

Door Cylinder

The cylinder is the part of the lock where the key goes to open a door or crank a vehicle. Whether it is a residential, commercial, or automotive cylinder, your key must match it perfectly, so the little tumbler inside the lock can be moved and the lock can be opened or the vehicle started. 

Drilling

This is a standard procedure within the locksmith world. It can be needed in multiple scenarios like opening a safe, a door, installing a new lock, or even fixing/replacing an ignition switch.

Extract Key

Keys are susceptible to break down just like any other artifact we possess. When luck is not on our side, the keys can break leaving a small part of them inside the lock they were trying to function in. When this occurs, the extraction process is required, preferably by a professional locksmith, to avoid any damage to the lock or any of its parts. 

Fresh Installation

This is the common name for the procedure in which the locksmith drills a hole in a door to install a new lock that will fit that hole. If we have an old door or if we just want to install a completely different type of lock from the one that originally came with the door, this procedure will probably be needed to fulfill the task. 

Fix Ignition

Our ignition switch is also a mechanical part of our vehicle. This means that it can suffer from damage over a period that will lead to problems in its functions. Dust, corrosion, and even humidity can affect the ignition. Sometimes, the trouble can be solved without the need to change the ignition entirely. The locksmith will use different procedures and chemical products to clean or repair the damage in the ignition. This is a cost-effective way to put us back on the road in no time. 

Handle Sets

These types of locks have a handle on the external part and they can feature a keyhole or a twisted knob on the inside that locks the door. Some of them also come with a deadbolt that provides extra security. These locks are more aesthetic than others, so besides providing security, they can also decorate the exterior part of a house door lock, making it look more appealing or elegant. 

High-Security Lock

These are the type of lock that provides extra safety for your house or business. They are usually made from very resistant and durable materials that make them thicker and hard to crack. Some of them can also feature some type of software system to improve security. 

House Lockout

If you find yourself lockout of your house, this is exactly what you need. Depending on the type of lock that you have in your access door, the procedure can be as easy as a breeze or a real headache. No one wants a broken window in their house, so make sure to have and spare key or a professional locksmith contact so you can solve this problem in no time. 

Ignition Switch

This is the part of the vehicle where we insert the key to start it and drive it. Every ignition switch has a key that fits perfectly with the pattern that lies inside of it, making it almost impossible for any other key to start that particular vehicle, even if it is the same make, model, and year. 

Immobilizer

This is an electric security system featured in some vehicles that prevent its starts unless the right key is being used. Vehicles that use keys with chip or transponder keys will have this system and an extra layer of security. Since this is an electrical system, it can also go crazy from time to time, so if you are having trouble starting your vehicle but there does not seem to be something wrong with your key —at least in plain sight— this could be the reason for your headache. Be sure to check it with the help of a professional locksmith, who will reconfigure the system so it can function properly.

Keycode

Smart, programmable keys come with unique codes made by the manufacturer of that lock or vehicle. This particular code will specify which blank key can be used and how it must be cut to ensure proper functionality. 

Keyfob

A keyfob is an electronic device that will allow you to lock or unlock a vehicle or any other type of lock system. When it comes to vehicles, it is important to separate KeyFobs from simple Fobs or Remote controls. While the latter will only allow you to lock and unlock the vehicle, the first one may have some other functionalities, mainly because the fob is attached to the metallic key and they work together to start the vehicle or access other features. 

Key-Made

The making of a key from scratch. This includes cutting a specific pattern onto the key as well as the programming if needed. 

Keypad Locks

Numeric keypads keep your business secure without the hassle of requiring every employee to have a key. These unlock with a code and provide safety while also preventing employees from being locked out.

Mailbox Lockout

Mailboxes are a very important part of our lives and a great deal in the US so if you find yourself without a key for your mailbox, you may face some problems. Not all mailboxes can be opened by a locksmith. Be sure to check if your mailbox has a regular lock or a lock provided by de USPS, if it is the latter, you will have to go to them (the post office) and figure out with them the right procedure to open your mailbox and get a key for it. 

Master Key System

A master key system is a great way to ensure that every employee has access to the areas of your business that they need. With this, the boss or owner has a master key that works on every lock in the building, and employees have keys for doors they specifically need.

Motorcycle Key

Motorcycle keys and car keys are different from each other, but, just as with vehicles, each motorcycle comes with a very specific cylinder where only the right key can fit in. 

Programming Key

When programming a key for a vehicle or a commercial hardware lock, the technicians make sure that the electrical and security system will recognize it as a key that is supposed to work with that particular lock or vehicle. This process usually involves a computer or little machine plugged into the vehicle or the hardware lock to program the key to the system. 

Programming Push-to-Start Fob

Push to Start Fobs need to be programmed with vehicles since this is a smart key. Blank P2S fobs come with no programming whatsoever, so we will need the assistance of a locksmith to program it to our vehicle. 

Push-to-Start Fob

This term refers to both the starting system of our vehicle and the specific type of key used to start the vehicle. If you have to press a button somewhere in the dashboard of your car to start it, a push to start system is what you have. You will have to request a particular type of key for these vehicles since they feature some qualities that other keys do not. 

Rekey

A re-key is also a very common procedure in the locksmith world. If you misplace the keys to your business or house, if you are moving to a new house, even if you are renting a property and the tenant moves out, you want to make sure that no one but you can enter this property. If you are not looking to replace the lock entirely —whether for economic or simply convenience reasons—, a re-key is the answer to your problems. The professional locksmith will modify the small tumblers inside the lock and make a new key, and the old one will be useless.

Remote Control

Also known as fobs, they are small controls used to lock and unlock a car, residential or commercial lock. Even though that is their primary function, as the tech on the vehicle or hardware lock evolves, they can be used for more fancy purposes, such as unlocking a vehicle just by approaching it. They come in all sizes and with all kinds of features. They are often associated with the alarm system on vehicles.

Replace Lock

If your old lock is presenting damage or problems in its function, you might consider changing the locks entirely. This is a great opportunity to improve the security measures of your home or office. Be sure to choose the right type of lock for your requirements. 

Regular Car Key

These are the simplest type of vehicle car keys. They do not feature any special attributions on them. They are just a piece of metal with a pattern printed into it, alongside a plastic head. 

Storage-Unit Lockout

Storage units come in handy when we want to clear some space from our house or office. We tend to lock them using a padlock, but if we misplace the key, this is the name of the procedure we will have to request from our trusted locksmith.

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