Your Local Locksmith Serving Whatcom, Skagit, And Island Counties

Residential and Commercial Lock & Security Services

Duplicate Keys

We have over 3,000 different keyways in stock. We carry a wide variety of standard houses, padlocks, or commercial keyways. Our automotive stock covers foreign and domestic, including motorcycles. We have an extensive selection of discontinued or “non-stock” keyways.

We can also duplicate Tubular, “skeleton,” bit, barrel, flat steel, safe deposit, safe, suitcase, and other rare or hand-made keys

Get a duplicate key made before you lose it, lock it in, or break it!

High Security Auto Keys

With our side mill machine, we make duplicate keys for high-security autos from the ’90s as follows: BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, Infiniti, Saab, Volvo, Volvo for Semi-trucks, VW/Audi, etc.

These locks are more difficult and expensive to work on, so please make sure you have extra copies, and if you notice any problems with the key/lock, please bring your vehicle by so our locksmiths and check it out for you. Our locksmiths will see if there is any problem with the lock or key and then give you the options to solve the problem. Some issues, when left untreated, can result in a failure that can leave you stranded, often at a terrible time and location.

Transponder (RFID) Auto Keys

We can duplicate and program many Transponder keys (with a computer chip) and Proximity (Prox) “keys” where you don’t put a key in the ignition to start but just push a button or turn a knob. Each auto manufacturer has its hardware and software designs that affect how duplicates are made and “enrolled” into the car’s computer; please call or stop by to ask about your car.

Current capabilities include the Chrysler, Ford/Lincoln/Mercury, Honda, Nissan, Kia, Subaru, Toyota & Lexus. Our experts are mostly limited to American, Japanese-made vehicles. At this point, we have not geared up for most European cars.

Personalized Locksmith Services

We find that owners are never informed of the existence of the Transponder, let alone how it works how difficult/expensive it can be if you lose a key or all your keys. The Transponder chip in the head of the key uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) technology. It’s the same technology used in Proximity Cards in Access control systems (used in many commercial or government installations). An antenna in the steering column powers up the chip when the key is inserted into the ignition. The chip then responds with its ID; this interaction varies with the manufacturer, including encryption, rolling codes, and changing codes. Even though the key may turn in the ignition, only if the vehicle’s security computer recognizes that key, as allowed, will the vehicle be allowed to start.

Each manufacturer allows differing levels of service that are available. Those like Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes, Mini Cooper, Saab, Porsche, Volvo, VW. require the dealer to make keys when all are lost or even duplicates. Please call with any questions on these, and we can research your vehicle and tell you the specifics for it.

The cost for servicing, duplicating, or originating keys is more expensive because the Computer Tools used require subscriptions or software that only covers a couple of years or even models. Also, we are a member of NASF to access car manufacture databases (for a fee) for key codes and security codes required for programming for some vehicles. It takes some time to figure out the requirements for each different make, model, year, and trim variation.

Troubleshooting

We can solve the problem if you have a key that doesn’t work right, is broken, or worn out. It may be possible to create a factory key from your key. If you were told before we cut the key, we could try to compensate for a bad key when we duplicate. When you come in, tell the locksmith the problem, and they will decide on the best course of action for your situation.

Try always to have duplicates made from originals (preferably by us) to prevent such problems. Keep an eye on your keys, check them over occasionally, and look to see if the brass is wearing through the nickel coating or it’s wearing down to a sharp edge. Look for cracks, and even small ones can signal that it’s time to retire the key and replace it. We often have customers in a bad spot so often because they have no duplicate and didn’t pay attention to their keys. We can dispatch a locksmith to your location to solve the problem, but it does cost more than a duplicate key.