FAQ’s

  • Why should I use a professional lock & security company?

    Security Professionals have the expertise to correctly install lock and security products for almost any application. They can provide effective security solutions in an efficient manner saving you time and money, giving you the peace of mind that the job is done right for your unique situation.

  • Do you cut keys?

    Yes. Trident has a very large stock of keys for antique and modern cabinets, padlocks, household and commercial locks as well as automotive keys including many modern transponder chip keys.

  • Can you cut keys from a number? Without the lock present?

    Yes. This applies for the majority of locks. Many key code series overlap or use the same numbers and often we will require information on what type of lock it is for or what brand of lock it is for. If the key code is for an automobile we will want to know the make, model and year so that we can pick the correct key code series for your particular automobile. If the key code is for a cabinet you may be asked to identify the brand of cabinet or send a picture of the lock to us. Please call us anytime with a quick call we will let you know exactly what is required for your particular need.

  • Can I get all my locks to work with only one key?

    In most cases you can; if one of your keys fits into all of your locks then we can change your locks to work with one key. If your key will not slide into all of your locks then you many have to replace some of your locks so that they all match. Padlocks that work with household or commercial keys can are also available so that you can have your house and padlock for your shed on the same key.

  • My key's are stamped with "DO NOT COPY". Will this prevent unwanted duplication?

    No. The "Do Not Duplicate" or “Do Not Copy” marking on a key is only sometimes respected by those that cut keys and is even more ineffective with the advent of self-serve, key cutting at big box stores. Additionally, in 2008 the Security Services Act of British Columbia changed the definition of "Restricted Key" removing all mention of "Do Not Copy", "Do Not Duplicate" or similar stampings from the definition. This effectively abolished the former legislation and the obligation for key cutters to honor "Do Not Copy" when duplicating keys. Professional locksmiths can provide key control and high security products that will give you real security against unwanted key duplication. Just ask us how!

  • What can be done if I've lost all the keys for me vehicle?

    Sometimes a key code is available. You should check through all the original documentation that was provided with the vehicle as the key information is sometimes in that documentation. If you cannot find your key code, we can help. We cut keys for most makes of vehicles and we can even cut and program keys for vehicles requiring transponder chip keys. If there is any question please call us and we will provide the most cost effective way to get you back on the road.

What does that mean?

  • When you have no key’s for a lock but need the existing combination of the lock to work, this is called “fitting a key”.

  • Bought a new house? Moved into a new business location? Not sure who or how many keys are out in the world? When we change a lock to work with a completely different key than it’s current original, it’s a rekey.

  • A Master Key is the top key to a Master Key System or Key System Hierarchy. In order for a particular master key to work in a lock, the lock has to be set up specifically to work with that master key. Locks are typically master keyed in apartments, office buildings, and schools. Some Master Key Systems can be created with very little cost and their design can be from a very simple master key and user key design to complex keying structure. More often than not they are built up on a restricted key system to allow for key control.

  • Restricted Key systems are designed to give the system owner the highest level of protection against unauthorized key duplication. Manufacturers of restricted key systems use patents and design registrations to stop unlawful production of the key blanks. These manufactures use dealer contracts that ensure their Locksmith dealers adhere to strict authorization procedures in the cutting of their keys. Additionally, the Security Services Act of British Columbia has strict guidelines for the duplication of Restricted Keys. Only authorized signatories are able to request copies of Restricted Keys and detailed records are kept of all key requests and changes to authorization’s. Often these Restricted Keys are of a high security and pick resistant nature giving the highest level of property protection.

  • High security locks are locks that provide increased resistance to picking and physical attack. The main goal of all high security locks is not to be undefeatable, but instead to make defeat too expensive or time consuming to be feasible. High Security Locks are manufactured to meet or exceed the industry and testing standards set for this designation. Standards such as those derived from Underwriters Laboratories, American National Standards Institute and the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association. These include UL 437 and ANSI/BMHA A156.30 to name a couple. Some popular High Security brands are Mul-T-Lock, Abloy and Medeco.

  • A “chip” embedded in the head of a car's key that communicates with the automobile's immobilizer system via a reader that surrounds the ignition. In order for a transponder key to run the automobile it must be programmed into the auto's security immobilizer system.