Locksmith FAQ Coarsegold CA | Superb Locksmith Answers

Frequently Asked Question

1. What services does Superb Locksmith of Coarsegold provide?

We offer comprehensive locksmith services including:

Automotive: Car key replacement, transponder programming, car lockouts, ignition repair
Residential: Home lockouts, lock rekeying, deadbolt installation, smart lock setup
Commercial: Master key systems, access control, panic bar installation, security upgrades
Motorcycle: Key duplication, ignition services, lockout assistance
Emergency Services: emergency lockout response across Central Valley, Sierra Mountains and nearby areas

2. What areas do you serve?

We proudly serve Madera County, Mariposa County, Merced County, and Fresno County, including Coarsegold, Oakhurst, Bass Lake, Yosemite area, and surrounding mountain communities.

3. Are you available 24/7?

Yes! We offer 24/7 emergency locksmith services for urgent situations like lockouts, broken keys, and security emergencies. Our regular business hours are Monday-Sunday, with emergency services.

4. How quickly can you arrive for an emergency?

Response times vary based on your location, but we typically arrive within 30-60 minutes for emergency calls in Coarsegold and surrounding areas. Mountain locations may take slightly longer depending on weather and road conditions.

5. How much do your services cost?

Pricing varies based on the service, time of day, and complexity of the job. We provide upfront estimates over the phone and written quotes on-site before beginning any work. Factors affecting cost include:

Type of service (lockout, rekeying, key replacement)
Lock complexity and security level
Time of service (emergency/after-hours may include additional fees)
Distance traveled
Parts and materials needed

6. Do you charge a service call fee?

Yes, there is a service call fee for mobile locksmith services to cover travel time, fuel, and equipment. This fee may be waived or applied to the total cost of service for larger jobs. We'll discuss this when you call for a quote.

7. What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash, all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), and debit cards. For commercial clients, we also offer billing options for established customers.

8. Are you licensed and insured?

Absolutely! Superb Locksmith is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We carry liability insurance to protect you and your property during service. With over 10 years of experience, you can trust our professional team.

9. Will I need to provide ID?

Yes, for your security and ours, we require photo identification and proof of ownership/residency before providing lockout services or making keys. This protects you from unauthorized access to your property. Acceptable forms include:

Driver's license or state ID
Vehicle registration and title
Utility bills showing your name and address
Lease agreement or mortgage documents

10. I'm locked out of my car. Can you help?

Yes! Car lockouts are one of our most common services. We can unlock virtually any vehicle make and model without damaging your car. Our technicians use professional tools to safely gain entry in minutes.

11. Can you make a new car key if I lost all my keys?

Absolutely! We can create a new key from scratch for most vehicles, even if you've lost all your originals. We use specialized equipment to cut and program keys on-site, saving you the hassle and expense of towing to a dealership.

12. How much does car key replacement cost?

Car key replacement costs vary based on your vehicle's make, model, and year:

Basic metal keys: $50-$100
Transponder chip keys: $150-$250
Key fobs with remote: $200-$350
Luxury/high-security keys: $300-$600

We're typically 15-30% less expensive than dealerships, and we come to you!

13. What's a transponder key?

A transponder key contains a microchip that communicates with your vehicle's computer system. Most cars manufactured after 2000 use transponder keys for added security. The chip must be programmed to your specific vehicle to start the engine.

14. Can you program key fobs and remotes?

Yes! We have the equipment to program key fobs, remote controls, and proximity keys for most vehicle makes and models. This includes replacing batteries and syncing remotes to your car's system.

15. My key broke in the ignition. What should I do?

Don't try to extract it yourself! Contact us immediately. Our technicians can safely remove broken keys from ignitions, door locks, and trunks without causing damage. We'll then make you a replacement key on the spot.

16. Can you fix my car's ignition?

Yes, we provide ignition repair and replacement services including:

Ignition cylinder replacement
Ignition switch repair
Key won't turn issues
Worn ignition problems
Steering column unlocking

17. Do you work on motorcycles too?

Yes! We offer full locksmith services for motorcycles including key duplication, ignition services, and motorcycle lockout assistance.

18. Is it cheaper to go to the dealership for car keys?

No, dealerships typically charge 2-3 times more than locksmiths for key services. Plus, you'd need to tow your vehicle and wait days for an appointment. We come to your location and complete the work in a fraction of the time at a lower cost.

19. Will my old car key still work after you make a new one?

It depends on the programming method. For most vehicles, we can add new keys without erasing old ones. However, if you've lost a key and are concerned about security, we recommend erasing all old key codes and programming only the new keys you receive.

20. I'm locked out of my house. Can you get me in without breaking anything?

Yes! Our skilled locksmiths use non-destructive entry methods to unlock your door without damaging the lock or door in over 95% of cases. We'll exhaust all picking and manipulation techniques before considering drilling.

21. What's the difference between rekeying and changing locks?

Rekeying: We change the internal pins of your existing lock so old keys no longer work. The lock hardware stays the same. This is more affordable ($25-$75 per lock).
Changing locks: We replace the entire lock with new hardware ($100-$200 per lock plus installation).

Rekeying is recommended when you move into a new home, lose a key, or want to limit access without replacing perfectly good locks.

22. Should I rekey or change my locks when I move?

We recommend rekeying at minimum when you move into a new home. You never know how many copies of the keys were made by previous owners, contractors, or neighbors. Rekeying gives you peace of mind at an affordable price.

23. Can all my locks be rekeyed to use one key?

Yes! This is called "keying alike" and it's very convenient. We can rekey all your locks so one key opens all doors - front door, back door, garage, etc. This service is popular with homeowners and property managers.

24. What's a master key system?

A master key system allows different keys to open different locks, while one "master key" opens all locks. This is ideal for property managers, landlords, and businesses. For example, in an apartment complex, each tenant has a key for their unit, but the property manager has one master key for all units.

25. How do I choose the best locks for my home?

The best lock depends on your security needs and budget. We recommend:

Grade 1 deadbolts: Highest security rating, pick and bump resistant
High-security brands: Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Schlage - offer key control and superior protection
Smart locks: Keyless entry with smartphone control
Proper installation: Even the best lock is useless if poorly installed

We'll assess your home and recommend appropriate solutions within your budget.

26. Can you install a deadbolt on my door?

Yes! We install new deadbolts on doors that don't have them, or upgrade existing deadbolts to higher security models. This includes drilling proper holes, reinforcing strike plates, and ensuring correct alignment.

27. What are smart locks? Should I get one?

Smart locks are electronic locks that allow keyless entry via smartphone apps, codes, or biometric sensors. Benefits include:

No more fumbling for keys
Remote access control
Guest access codes
Activity logs showing who enters and when
Integration with home security systems

They're great for tech-savvy homeowners, vacation rentals, and people who frequently lose keys.

28. My lock is hard to turn. Should I replace it?

Not necessarily! Often locks just need cleaning and lubrication. Dirt, debris, and weather can cause locks to stick. We can service and lubricate your locks for much less than replacement. If the lock is damaged or worn beyond repair, we'll recommend replacement.

29. Can you extract a broken key from my door lock?

Yes! We specialize in broken key extraction. Our tools can safely remove key fragments from locks without damage. We'll then make you a new key so you're back in business immediately.

30. What commercial locksmith services do you offer?

Our commercial services include:

Master key and grand master key systems
High-security lock installation
Access control systems
Panic bar and exit device installation
Lock rekeying for businesses
Safe installation and opening
Commercial lock repair and maintenance
Security assessments and upgrades
Key duplication and control

31. What's the difference between commercial and residential locks?

Commercial locks are built for:

Higher traffic and daily use
Greater security requirements
Compliance with fire and safety codes
ADA accessibility standards
Master key compatibility
More robust construction
Commercial-grade locks (Grade 1) offer superior durability compared to residential locks (Grade 2-3).

32. Can you create a master key system for my business?

Yes! We design custom master key systems for businesses of all sizes. We'll create a hierarchy where:

Individual employees have keys for specific areas
Managers have keys for their departments
Owners/executives have master keys for everything
Grand master keys for multi-location businesses

This provides security and convenience while maintaining access control.

33. Do you install panic bars and exit devices?

Absolutely! We install, repair, and maintain:

Panic bars (push bars)
Exit devices
Fire-rated door hardware
ADA-compliant hardware
Electromagnetic locks with panic release

All installations meet local fire and building codes.

34. Can you help with access control systems?

Yes! We install and service electronic access control systems including:

Card reader systems
Keypad entry
Biometric scanners
Remote access control
Time-based access restrictions
Audit trail capabilities

35. My business was broken into. What should I do?

Call us immediately after contacting the police! We offer emergency locksmith services to:

Secure compromised entry points
Rekey all locks
Repair or replace damaged locks and doors
Upgrade security to prevent future break-ins
Install security hardware and reinforcements

We'll work quickly to get your business secure and operational again.

36. Do you offer lock maintenance for businesses?

Yes! Regular lock maintenance extends lock life and prevents unexpected failures. We provide:

Scheduled maintenance visits
Lock cleaning and lubrication
Inspection of all entry hardware
Preventive repairs
Lock function testing
Maintenance logs for property management

37. Can you make "Do Not Duplicate" keys?

We can duplicate "Do Not Duplicate" keys ONLY for verified property owners and authorized managers with proper identification. These markings help control key distribution but aren't legally binding - they're security recommendations.

38. What qualifies as a locksmith emergency?

Common locksmith emergencies include:

Locked out of home, car, or business
Lost or stolen keys
Broken key in lock or ignition
Lock malfunction preventing entry
Security breach requiring immediate rekeying
Damaged locks after break-in attempt
Late-night lockouts in remote areas

39. Do emergency services cost more?

Emergency and after-hours services (outside regular 8 AM - 8 PM hours) may include additional fees for immediate response. However, we believe in fair and transparent pricing. We'll discuss all costs upfront before beginning work.

40. What should I do while waiting for the locksmith?

Stay in a safe location (your car if locked out of home, or inside business if available)
Have your identification and proof of ownership ready
Don't attempt to break in yourself (could cause injury or property damage)
Keep the locksmith's phone number handy for updates
In mountain areas, be aware of weather conditions and wildlife

41. Can you help if I'm locked out near Yosemite?

Yes! We serve the Yosemite gateway communities including Oakhurst, Coarsegold, and Bass Lake. If you're locked out while visiting the area, we can assist. Response times may be longer for very remote locations, but we'll do our best to help quickly.

42. How does rekeying work?

Rekeying involves:

Removing the lock cylinder from the lock
Taking out the current pins
Replacing them with new pins that match a different key
Reassembling and reinstalling the lock

This renders old keys useless while the lock hardware remains unchanged.

43. How long does rekeying take?

Rekeying typically takes 10-20 minutes per lock, depending on complexity. We can usually rekey an entire home (5-6 locks) in about an hour.

44. Can all locks be rekeyed?

Most locks can be rekeyed, but there are exceptions:

Severely damaged or worn locks may need replacement
Very cheap or low-quality locks may not be worth rekeying
Some proprietary lock systems have unique requirements
Locks must be rekeyed to the same brand/keyway to use one key
We'll assess your locks and recommend the best solution.

45. Is rekeying secure?

Yes! When performed by a professional, rekeying is just as secure as installing new locks. The internal mechanism is changed completely, making old keys useless.

46. Can I rekey locks myself?

While DIY rekeying kits exist, we don't recommend it unless you have locksmith training. Incorrect rekeying can damage locks, leave you locked out, or create security vulnerabilities. Professional rekeying costs less than fixing mistakes!