Here are many common questions and their answers. If you do not find the answer to your question here, please feel free to call or come by our office. Our staff will patiently identify your needs and answer your questions. Questions Walk-In Services How much does it cost to duplicate (copy) a key? How long does it take to duplicate (copy) a key? Can my locks be "keyed alike" (made to work with the same key)? Commercial Services What is a "Master Key System"? Hardware Questions What is the difference between "single-cylinder" and "double-cylinder" deadbolts? What options do I have when choosing a new doorknob? Residential Questions How do I replace my mailbox lock? Answers Walk-In Services How much does it cost to duplicate (copy) a key? It depends on the key. Our staff can tell you the cost of making your copy once they look at your original key. Most single-sided keys cost $1.50 each to duplicate. Double-sided keys (with cuts on both sides of the key) cost more. Unusual, foreign, or high-security keys are also more expensive to duplicate. Many new-model car keys include security features such as microchips which increase the cost of the duplicate key. We can often quote the prices for these keys over the phone if you will tell us the year, make, and model of your car (for example: 2001 Ford Explorer, or 1998 Pontiac Grand Am). In addition, we also stock many specialty keys with plastic, decorative, or colored heads which may be available for an additional charge. How long does it take to duplicate (copy) a key? Usually less than five minutes. If you have an unusual key which will take longer to copy, we will let you know before we begin cutting the duplicate. Can my locks be "keyed alike" (made to work with the same key)? If your locks are compatible, they can be made to operate with the same key (or keyed alike). If the locks are the same brand (Kwikset, Schlage, Dexeter, etc.) they are normally compatible. Another good test is trying your key in both locks. If the key will fit into both locks (even if it won't operate the lock), then the locks can usually be keyed alike. Commercial Services What is a "Master Key System"? A master key system allows locks to be operated by completely different keys: an individual key that only operates one lock (or the locks on only one door) and a master key that works multiple locks. Master key systems are common in businesses or schools where an employee needs a key that works only his or her door and a manager or custodian needs a key that opens many doors. Hardware Questions What is the difference between "single-cylinder" and "double-cylinder" deadbolts? A double-cylinder deadbolt requires a key to lock or unlock the bolt from either side of the door. A single-cylinder deadbolt has a thumbturn on the inside of the door so it can be locked or unlocked from the inside without a key. What options do I have when choosing a new doorknob? You will first decide what brand and quality doorknob you would like to purchase. You then need to determine the backset you will require. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the doorknob. Standard backsets are 2 3/4 inches for commercial doors and 2 3/8 inches for residential doors, however larger backsets are common as well -- particularly in older homes. Finally you will choose the "finish" (color) and style doorknob you prefer. The most common finishes are stainless steel, polished brass, and antique brass. Residential Questions How do I replace my mailbox lock? If you have recently moved into an apartment complex, condominium, or residential subdivision with locking mailboxes, it is wise to replace the mailbox lock so you can be sure any previous residents do not have have keys to your mailbox. In order to sell you the correct mailbox lock, we will need to know what apartment complex or subdivision you live in. The apartment manager or postman will need to install the new lock. Speak with your apartment manager to learn the proper procedure. It is also possible to take your new lock to the post office and have the postman install the lock when he delivers your mail. Landreth's Locksmith Service 204 West Elizabeth Street Brownsville, Texas (956) 542-7002

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