New Offer : Free House Key!
courtesy of Mr Locksmith

To receive your free key please complete and submit the form below.

Note: Regular House Keys Only. (Weiser, Schlage SC1, KW1, etc.)

* Email
* First Name
Last Name
Phone
* = Required Field
24 hours Locksmithing & Security

BBB, BC Consumer Protection and the BC Crime Prevention Association.

The top ten list identifying the Fraudulent and Unlicensed Locksmiths was developed jointly by the BBB, BC Consumer Protection and the BC Crime Prevention Association.

BBB  ”Consumers reported “local locksmiths” advertising online using a local telephone number and local address, but when contacted, consumers are connected to a call centre in another city.

Consumers who have hired these companies allege they have been overcharged for products and services, received bad advice or poor workmanship, or have had difficulty contacting the business to correct problems.

BBB stated “Fraudulent locksmiths: Florida-based locksmiths posing as local firms have been overcharging for poor workmanship and bad advice and have left consumers with no avenue for redress. Locksmith Master and Locksmith Pros are two operating locally.”

AVOID FRAUD, DON’T BE A VICTIM: Don’t just pick the first “local” company you find online. Most of the Google “Paid Ads” are unlicensed locksmiths. Confirm the company address and ask for the legal name of the business. When the locksmith arrives, ask for identification, a business card and their BC Security Employee license.  All reputable companies will take Visa or MasterCard if they insist on cash only beware.

I was contacted by a lady yesterday who said she was a victim of a Unlicensed Locksmith company she found on Google Ad Words in Downtown Vancouver who wanted to charge her over $300 to replace a mailbox lock she had lost the keys to.  She paid the two “scuffy looking men” $160 cash and still has no keys to her mailbox.

Note: Mr. Locksmith charges only $95 + HST to pick open and replace the mailbox lock and we supply 2-3 keys.

Mr. Locksmith is a BC Licensed Locksmith Company (B4227) and is a 24 Hr. Emergency Mobile locksmith specializing in lock rekeys, lock outs, high security deadbolt installation and are experts in picking locks (except UL Listed Pick Resistant Locks eg Schlage Primus, Medeco, ASSA).  Mr. Locksmith has a locksmith store at SFU Harbour Centre at 555 W Hastings. (Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm).

Terry Whin-Yates BA Hons (Criminology)

3rd Generation Master Locksmith 
25+ Years Experience

BC Security Business License : B4227
604-782-6996 
Call Toll Free: 1-866-886-5006
Mr. Locksmith Key Store
SFU Harbour Centre
555 W Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC

http://www.mrlocksmith.com
http://www.mrprolock.com
http://www.becomealocksmith.info
FLICKIR
: http://www.flickr.com/photos/become-a-locksmith
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrlocksmith/
FACEBOOK:
 http://www.facebook.com/becomealocksmith
YOUTUBE
: http://www.youtube.com/user/24hrMrLocksmith
TWITTER
: http://twitter.com/becomelocksmith

Schlage SecureKey locks are customer rekeyable locks. You must have an existing Reset (blue) key and a different cut Reset (blue) key and operating keys. The lock is identifiable with a “+” stamped at the top center of the keyway or cylinder plug.

 

Mr. Locksmith Schlage SecureKey Deadbolt

Step One
a) Insert Reset (blue) key into deadbolt lock.


Insert Blue Key
 

b) Turn Reset (blue) key 30 degrees left (counter clockwise).

Mr. Locksmith Schlage SecureKey Deadbolt

c) Remove Reset (blue) key from lock (Note: do not turn key).

Mr. Locksmith Schlage SecureKey Deadbolt

Step Two
a) Insert new Reset (blue) key into keyway.

b) Turn new Reset (blue) key Right 30 degrees (clockwise).

c) Remove Reset (blue) key from lock.

Final Step Three
Test lock with New Schlage keys (matching Step Two Reset (blue) key).

 Mr. Locksmith Schlage SecureKey Deadbolt

Note: Do not use Reset (blue) key for everyday use.

Mr. Locksmith Schlage SecureKey Deadbolt

Blue Key Blank (Left), Blue Key Cut (Center) and Regular or daily use key (Right)

The Reset (blue) key has a thinner key blade and different millings than a regular Schlage SC1 key.

If you have lost all yours keys to the Schlage SecureKey lock(s) you must replace the lock cylinder. (Good time to upgrade the lock cylinder to a regular or commercial Schlage cylinder).

I highly recommend most of the Schlage deadbolts and key-in-knobs. I have been installing Schlage deadbolts for over 30 years and my favorite is the B660 Heavy Duty and Primus High Security deadbolts. However, the Schlage SecureKey Deadbolt in its current configuration has similar weaknesses as the Weiser Smart Key and Kwikset Smart Key locks. The Schlage SecureKey lock can be picked by experienced locksmiths (Weiser Smart Key lock picking competitions have Schlage SecureKey as a comparison). However, the Weiser Smart Key can be opened in seconds while the Schlage SecureKey is slightly more secure.

In future blogs I will demonstrate how easy it is to defeat these locks and why you should not install these customer rekeyable locks on your home or business. Again, Schlage has a great line of residential and commercial grade deadbolts and locks but I cannot recommend the Schlage SecureKey locks for my customers.

I appreciate any comments especially from Schlage or Weiser / Kwikset (Black and Decker).

Terry Whin-Yates BA Hons (Criminology)
3rd Generation Master Locksmith 
25+ Years Experience
BC Security Business License : B4227
604-773-5625
Call Toll Free: 1-866-886-5006

http://www.mrlocksmith.com

http://www.mrprolock.com

http://www.becomealocksmith.info

FLICKIR
:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/become-a-locksmith

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrlocksmith/

FACEBOOK:
 http://www.facebook.com/becomealocksmith
YOUTUBE
: http://www.youtube.com/user/24hrMrLocksmith
TWITTER
: http://twitter.com/becomelocksmith

 

 

In recent years Vancouver has earned the title of ‘Canada’s most dangerous city.’ Yet in Canada, violence is not typically associated with home invasions. However, as this video shows, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWeX-RwhhQY) the threat of home invasion is very real and very scary. Criminal behaviour is tempted by opulence and materialism. Thus, as any locksmith would tell you, home invasions rise exponentially during the holidays. Like ‘The Grinch,’ criminals want to slink through your home stealing the presents from under your tree. Here at Mr. Locksmith, we have identified several security tips that will help keep your home safe throughout the Christmas season and beyond.

The most important step to home security is having adequate door hardware. This does not mean having a super expensive electronic door lock; however, in Vancouver forced entry is common, so a solid deadbolt is a must! Mr. Locksmith technicians carry a range of excellent deadbolts, all of which are UL listed and built to withstand break-and-enter attacks.

A deadbolt on your door works as a visual deterrent. Criminals see the deadbolt and know they will have to work that much harder to get your Christmas goodies. Other visual deterrents include Mag locks and Strike plates. Mag locks wrap around your deadbolt and double the strength of your door, while strike plates protect your frame from being pried apart. Effective door hardware protects your house from home-invasions and visually reinforces your security. As a visual deterrent, home alarm security stickers can be just as effective as an alarm system. During the holiday season, let the criminals know that your house will not be an easy target.

The Christmas season is filled with parties and celebrations that take you out of your home. Criminals take advantage of the busy holidays by breaking into unoccupied houses. Making your house appear occupied is as simple as leaving the lights on when you are out. The flicker from a television can create a busy and bustling atmosphere in your otherwise empty home. This way, you can enjoy your work parties and Christmas trains without worrying about home security. If a Christmas vacation is your way of bringing in the holiday season, have a friend or neighbour pick up your mail. This way, a cluttered stack of mail will not speak volumes of your absence. Or as a humorous solution, leave a large dog bowl on the front porch with a note that says ‘beware: dog will bite.’

Vehicles are frequently broken into during the holidays. Christmas shopping drives everyone to the malls, while parking lots provide ideal targets for the hungry criminal. When you go shopping, make sure you take your keys/purse/wallet from the vehicle while you are out, and hide all gifts out of site or in the trunk.

Mr. Locksmith is a family owned and operated locksmith company. We recognize just how stressful the holidays can be for everyone. Your time and money are put under extra pressure, and criminals are looking to take advantage of the hectic season. Our technicians are security experts, and are itching to help you secure your home for the holidays. Check out our webpage at http://www.mrlocksmith.com and contact Mr. Locksmith for free estimates and excellent security solutions today!

Last night I was called to an apartment building in Burnaby to open a door for the condo owner who was locked out. Stu, the condo owner showed me his Drivers License to prove he lived there and when I observed his door had a Weiser Kwikset Smart Key lock. I told him about the security flaw in the lock.

As per usual I opened the door in seconds and let him in. Stu’s key still worked the lock and the lock had no external signs of entry.

In conclusion, “The Emperior has No Clothes” do not buy this lock.

More info and videos to follow when I can get some spare time from helping people who are locked out.

Terry Whin-Yates BA Hons (Criminology)
3rd Generation Master Locksmith
25+ Years Experience
BC Security Business License : B4227
604-782-6996
www.mrlocksmith.com
www.mrprolock.com
604-773-5625

A very popular lock I am seeing at Mr. Locksmith is the Wesier Smart Key lock. The Key in Knob, Pin Pad Combination lock and Single Cylinder Deadbolt is available at most hardware stores and the customer can rekey the lock themselves.

Note: I do not recommend this lock because of a major security weakness. The lock can be opened in seconds with a tool available on the internet or a person can make one. Videos defeating this lock are on the internet.  Remember the Kryptonite Bike Locks that were defeated with the pic pen, most locksmiths for year were opening these “Pick Proof” bike locks for years before it became public knowledge how easy they could be opened.

However, many people still buy these Smart Key locks because they are inexpensive and they can rekey it themselves.

To rekey the Smart key lock as follows:

You must have your Functioning Key and Learn Tool for this to work. If you have lost the keys or the lock no longer works after rekeying you will need a special “Reset Cradle Tool.” Note: most locksmiths have this reset tool.

Wesier Smart Key Deadbolt

The Smart key lock has a small slot on the left of the keyway.

Insert functioning key & turn 1/4 turn clockwise.

Insert & remove the SmartKey learn tool. Remove functioning key.

Insert & remove the SmartKey learn tool.

Remove Key

Remove functioning key.

Insert new key.

Insert new key & turn 1/2 turn counter-clockwise.

Remove the key and with the door OPEN, check the key to make sure it locks and unlocks the door.

In conclusion, a easy lock for the customer / end user to rekey.  However, the lock is so easy to open without the key using a very simple tool to defeat the lock.  All of our Mr. Locksmith Professional Locksmith can rekey the Smart Key locks if you have lost the keys and if you are locked out Mr. Locksmith can open the door in seconds with no visable damage to lock.

I highly recommend you replace this lock ASAP (remember the Kryptonite Locks that were defeated with the pic pen?).

My favorite deadbolt and I have been installing Schlage for over 30 years is the Commercial Grade Schlage deadbolt  either the new B560 with the new Everest C123 key or the B660 Heavy Duty deadbolt with a Primus High Security Lock that is rated as “Pick and drill resistant”.

More information now and coming soon on our website, You Tube and Flickir.

Terry Whin-Yates BA Hons (Criminology)
3rd Generation Master Locksmith
25+ Years Experience
BC Security Business License : B4227
604-782-6996
www.mrlocksmith.com
www.mrprolock.com
604-773-5625

FLICKIR

http://www.flickr.com/photos/become-a-locksmith

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrlocksmith/

FACEBOOK

http://www.facebook.com/becomealocksmith

YOUTUBE

http://www.youtube.com/becomealocksmith

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/24hrMrLocksmith