FAQs

Pop-A-Lock of Northern Colorado’s Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I make sure I'm dealing with a reputable locksmith?

    Colorado does not license locksmiths, so you do need to be cautious. Ideally, you would research beforehand and have a reputable company saved on your phone. But in an emergency, be suspicious of paid ads online promising very low rates and remember you can refuse service if the technician shows up in an unmarked vehicle (so you have no company name to go back to if there's a problem) and quotes a much higher price than you were given on the phone.

  • I am moving into a new home. Should I rekey the locks? They are working properly.

    The answer is YES! Everyone has someone they trust with their house keys; this does not mean you can trust them. How many neighbors, old babysitters, realtors, contractors, or cleaning people are walking around with a key to your home? Change the locks and then only give keys to people you trust.

  • You just unlocked my car in less than five minutes. Shouldn't you discount the price you quoted on the phone?

    First, you aren't paying for five minutes of work. You're paying for the training and expertise the locksmith offers. Second, you've already been delayed 45 minutes at least since you realized you were locked out, tried to find a spare key, and finally called us. Do you want the locksmith to pretend he isn't skilled by taking 30 minutes to get you on your way?

  • What makes some car keys so expensive to make?

    Like everything else, vehicle security is constantly evolving and becoming for technically sophisticated. Most late-model vehicles are equipped with anti-theft (or immobilizer) technology, making them harder to steal. To program these types of keys, locksmiths must invest in the equipment, training, and key-cutting machines necessary to generate a key that works for your car. In addition, they must also be able to source keys that are reliable, to ensure that you’re not saving a few dollars today on a key that quits working next week.

  • Is it true you must go to the dealer to replace or duplicate your car keys?

    Generally, not. Pop-A-Lock of Northern Colorado automotive locksmiths can duplicate 95% of all automotive keys on the market. Dealers may say you must go through them because they want your business. There are some automotive keys we are unable to duplicate due to the programming requirements implemented by the manufacturers. When you call Pop-A-Lock, we will come to where the vehicle is located to generate and program your new key onsite, without the additional expense and wait time of having your car towed to the dealer. There are even some vehicles that the dealer cannot make new keys for, but that Pop-A-Lock can. We’ve saved some customers over $500 and 2 weeks of wait time on certain Toyota and Subaru models! 


    If you have a working key for your car, we will be happy to set an appointment to meet you at our shop to program a spare key.


  • What is a high-security lock?

    A high-security lock has a cylinder that offers a greater degree of resistance to any or all of the following: 

    • Picking
    • Impressioning
    • Key Duplication
    • Drilling or Other Forms of Forcible Entry
  • Why must I wiggle my keys in the lock to make it work?

    As locks and keys age over time, the pins in a lock cylinder tend to wear down, as well as physical wear on the key. Often times, just getting a “new” key at a kiosk or hardware store is just a brand-new, worn-down key. This can force you to “jiggle” or “wiggle” the key in the lock to make it work.

  • If my home lock must be picked, will it damage the lock?

    Picking the lock to your home, car, or business will not damage the lock. By picking the lock, you are aligning the pins in the lock as if the correct key was being used. It’s not an easy task (despite Hollywood movies often showing otherwise), and should only be performed by an experienced locksmith using the right tools. If the lock has been tampered with or damaged, it may make it impossible to pick. In these instances, the lock may need to be drilled out and replaced. High-security locks will also likely require drilling if you are locked out.

Have more questions? Give us a call at (970) 282-1706.

Share by: