Pop-A-Lock

Storm Relief

2011-05-31T14:56:00.000-07:00

IN an effort to help the residents of North Minneapolis Recover from the storm damage, Pop-A-Lock is offering discounted services through out the month of June. All Car door unlocking will be offered at $39.95 flat rate 24/7 if the vehicle is located in North Minneapolis. In addition all locksmith service such as key makes for cars and residential key makes and lock repairs will be given a 10% discount off our retail rates.

As always make sure you check with the BBB before you hire a Locksmith to make sure you are not getting a dishonest Locksmith.

Please pass this information

Couple Very happy we rescued their child

2011-04-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

We rescued another child from a locked car yesterday. They both got out of the car when they pulled up to their home and closed the front door and then realized all the doors were locked with their child locked in the car.

They heard about Pop-A-Locks Emergency Car Door Unlocking (EDU) and call us right away. We were there in 15 minutes and had him out in less than a minute. Below is a photo of the happy family.

This is the 5th EDU we have done this month.

From Pop-A-Lock Locksmith Minneapolis Photos

Past customer calls us for EDU

2011-04-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

Jenna was just finishing putting her grocery bags in the back of her explorer when her keys fell out of her purse and landed on the edge of the back hatch. When she closed the hatch it hit her key fob and locked the doors. Unfortunately her baby was just put in the car seat right before she put the grocery away and now was locked inside the car too.

Jenna knew what to do instantly, she called Pop-A-Lock. Pop-A-Locked helped her a few months back when she locked the keys in her car at a restaurant and she remembered that they talked about a free service when children are locked inside. She had our number in her cell phone and called us immediately to see if we could help. We dispatch a Tech who was there in 12 minutes and got Jenna car open in less than a minute.

We unlock 10 - 12 cars free of charge every month because children or pets are locked inside. We have unlocked over 400 vehicles since we opened in June of 2007, this totals over $18,000 of service donated to the Twin Cities community in 4 years.

We love the Twin Cities and we love serving the community, so please let everyone know about Pop-A-Lock. Have them put our number in their phones. 612-331-3093

From Pop-A-Lock Locksmith Minneapolis Photos

Another child saved!

2011-04-09T06:46:00.000-07:00

We had another opportunity to serve the community last Thursday by unlocking a car with a disabled Child locked inside at 3900 West River Parkway in Minneapolis. The mother just put the child in the car seat at the Dowling Elementary school. Once she shut the side door she was in a panic when she realized the car was locked and her disabled child was strapped into the car. She went into the school office and had them call the fire department. It was not easy because she did not speak good English and they had to find the interpreter. The fire truck arrived at the location quickly but they were having some problems getting the car unlocked. They had the police there and a lot of parents also were watching. One of the parents suggested Pop-A-Lock. The Fire Fighter suggested that the office assistant go in a give us a call.

We were there in 15 minutes and had the car open in less than a minute. The mother and school were very grateful that we were able to help and could not believe that the service was free. Below is a photo of the mother and the car the child was locked in.

It is such a great feeling to help people out when they are in need.

Please let people in the Twin Cities know about us.

Pop-A-Lock MN
652 36th Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
612-363-6197
www.popalockmn.com

Are your locks Cheaper than Menards?

2011-04-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

I had a customer call asking if they could buy locks from me cheaper than Menard's the other day. I told the customer that with all due respect I think they are asking the wrong question. The question should be do you sell locks that are more durable and have better security? The fact is your first concern should be will the lock help prevent someone from breaking into my house and then how long will it last. When you think about it, even a cheap lock will last you a few years before it wears out, but the security and the finish durability of the lock will not be as good as a grade two lock.

A excellent grade 2 lock can and should last for decades but the real advantage is the extra security it can provide for you and your family.

Here's an example:

Lets say you pick up a lock at a store and it is $30 and then let's say you buy a good grade two lock from your Locksmith that cost $60. By definition of the lock grades, a grade two lock should last about twice as long as a grade three. In other words. Over ten years you could go through two grade three locks for every grade two lock you have. Your actual out of pockett cost for your locks are exactly the same. The big difference is the security of your home will be much better with a grade two lock and a reinforced strike plate.

The moral of the story is Price should not be the first consideration when you buy locks. Security and grade should be the biggest factors.

Are you looking for that Motorcycle key you put away last winter?

2011-04-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

For some reason a lot of people in Minnesota have motorcycles. I love motorcycles but find that the short season can be a little frustrating. Around this time of year those of us who have a motorcycle start the process of taking out of storage and getting ready for the first weekend ride.

The first question that most of us have is "where did I put the key to the bike"

The answer for some of you after searching for a week to find it is I don't have a clue of where my motorcycle key is.

Not to worry because at Pop-A-Lock we can make almost any motorcycle key, even the classic bikes that go back 30 plus years.

Give us a call and we can quot you a price and usually can be out that day or the next to have you on your machine before the great weekend begins.

Remember to call Pop-A-Lock @ 612-331-3093 and we will have you cruising in no time.

How do your locks Grade?

2011-04-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

You’re looking to change the locks on your house because they are starting to stick and or you are concerned that they may be easy to bypass. You are wonder how to know if a lock is good?

There is a simple method to help you determine the durability of a lock along with the potential for it to be forced open. Locks come with grades assigned to them. These grades are established by Builder's Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) in conjunction with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). BHMA/ANSI Standard A156.2 outlines grading requirements for cylindrical and bored locks, while A156.13 covers mortise locksets.

Locks are graded from grade 1 to grade 3, grade 1 is the highest quality and grade 3 is the lowest quality. There are three main components that locks are tested for, Strength, Operation, and Finish durability.

Grade 1 locks are manufactured to out perform and out last grade 2 and 3 locks in all measurable test.

Cycles:A grade one lock is rated for 800,000 cycles, which means that it can lock and unlock over 800,000 times and still be able to perform normal operation.

A grade 2 lock is rated for at least 400,000 cycles and a grade three lock is rated for at least 200,000

Strength:Grade 1 locks are tested to withstand 300lbs of force per square inch for a knob and 700lbs per square inch for levers.

Grade 2 can withstand 150/450 per square inch and grade 3 120/225

Most high traffic areas need and require a grade 1 lock. They will hold up to the frequent use and abuse very well.
Most residents will be very well protected with a high quality grade 2 lock and reinforced strike plate, but not all grade 2 locks are created equal.

Grade 3 locks are generally designed for interior applications that don’t get a lot of use. We would never recommend the use of a grade 3 lock on the exterior of your home.

Cost:

Grade 3 locks can range in price from $15 - $35, Grade 2 locks $45 - $85 and Grade 1 locks $90 - $200.

There is also a difference in quality and security of locks within grades. An example is that a lock may be a grade 1 for operation but be a grade 2 or lower for security.

A reputable locksmith can help you pick out the right locks to ensure that your home is adequately secured.

As always Please give Pop-A-Lock a call and we can answer any questino you might have.

Pop-A-Lock
652 36th Ave N.E.
Minneapolis, MN
612-331-3093

Another Child Saved

2011-03-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

We just did another Free car door unlocking for a Grandmother and her Grandchild. We unlock over 10 vehicles every month for free because a Child or pet is locked inside. We have Unlocked over 400 vehicles for free in the Twin Cities since 2007.

Always call 911 and then call Pop-A-Lock. Below is a photo of the Grandma and Grandchild at the 2400 block of 14th Ave S, Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Fire Department was there and called us as they went en route. We love helping people in need.

When you need any type of locksmith service call Pop-A-Lock at 612-331-3093. Our Admin office is 652 36th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418

South Minneapolis Home Fair

2011-03-13T04:49:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the home fair in South Minneapolis. I have attached a few snippets of our seminar to help prevent home owners from being the low hanging fruit in their neighborhood. Hope you enjoy it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87ZgL0qn8I0

South Minneapolis Home Fair

2011-03-09T12:57:00.000-08:00

Had a great time sharing simple tips to home owners on how they can secure their home. I also did an hour long seminar that went into details on low cost ways they could deter an theif.

Join me at the local home shows

2011-03-09T12:19:00.001-08:00

I will speaking at the local home shows in the next few weeks to help people secure their homes. Please come out and see the show and attend one of my seminars.

Maple Grove
http://www.mediamaxevents.com/home-spring-maple-grove/Seminars.htm

Blaine
http://www.mediamaxevents.com/home-spring-blaine/Seminars.htm

Eden Prairie
http://www.mediamaxevents.com/home-spring-eden-prairie/Seminars.htm

Pop-A-Lock looking out for consumers

2010-10-11T06:43:00.000-07:00

Below is a nice review we received from a customer who almost got scammed in their time of need. I just don't understand how these scumbags can sleep at night. The only true way to beat them is to educate consumers on how to find a good locksmith. Please read the review below to see just how low these scammer Locksmith will go.

Name: Paul T Kroshus

Email: Deleted for protection

Phone: Deleted for protection

Callback: No

Franchise served by: Minneapolis,MN

Invoice number: Unspecified

Courtesy response: 1 - very courteous

Satisfaction response: 1 - completely satisfied

Performance rating: excellent

Services used: Lock Out

Comments: My wife and I had a very anxiety invoking moment when I accidentally locked my baby in the car this morning. We were, as you can imagine very nervous about getting her out. We called the first locksmith on Google and they said someone would call us in 10 minutes when this didn't happen we called the police and they referred us to Pop A Lock. They said they would be there in 15. The first locksmith called two times to let us know they were on the way and we refused their service. When the gentleman arrived and my wife asked if he was from Pop-A-Lock he said yest and then proceeded to unlock the door. When he was done the real Pop-A-Lock man arrived we realized that he had lied and said he was Pop-A-Lock when he was really with another organization. He also gave us a price that was $109.00 versus the $25 that was quoted. The Pop-A-Lock man was very aggressive and questioned the other locksmith by stating that what he did was extortion because he was represent
ing a company that he was not. He challenged the other locksmith to produce a business card or anything about himself and when he could not he left. I am sorry that your company has to deal with this un-scrupulous business practices and I want to tell you how wonderful it was to have him there to advocate for us. I am going to call the police and give glowing reviews to your company. Me, my wife and daughter all thank you for being our advocate!

Best,
Happy Father

Does this make sense to you???

2010-09-07T06:23:00.000-07:00

Your late for a very important meeting and you are just getting ready to pull out of your drive and then you remember you left the report on your table. You quickly run in the house to get the report and go to get in your car and you just realized that you locked your keys in your car. Oh No!!!! what are you going to do now.

We you are at home so you look up Locksmith in Google and you see there are Lot's of different locksmiths companies in listed. You even see 6 of them that have over 75 fantastic reviews. This won't be so bad you think.

You call the first one and they tell you it's just $29.95 plus a small fee to open the vehicle, but they can't tell you until the locksmith gets there. They can say it will be $15 and up.

Your not going to fall for that so you decide to call another Locksmith with over 100 great reviews. They say that it will be under $100, but can't say more than that.

You continue calling the other great reviewed locksmiths only to find you get similar quotes. At this point you figure that is just the way it is and besides you are already late and need to get this done.

The locksmith shows up 1 hour later even though they said 15 minutes and then they tell you that your ford escort is a special car and it will cost you $125.

What happened???

1. All of the companies you called are the same owner and they have made sure that if you need a locksmith you can only find them. Sure the names are different, but that is what they want you to think.

But what about all of those great reviews??? What a joke. If you look real close at the reviews you will see that most of them were put on within a few days of each other and some don't even talk about locksmith services. They were planted on there by the scammeres because they know people in a hurry won't read the reviews close enough to know they are not real.

How can you avoid this??

1. Have the name and number of a reputable locksmith/ Locksmiths in your phone before you need them.

2. Check out the locksmith on BBB. If they are not on there then stay away.

3. Look for reviews from reputable sources like Angie's list and or service magic

4. Insist on a flat rate quote with no exception.

The most important thing you can do is to know of a good Locksmith before you need one.

Please consider Pop-A-Lock as your Trusted Locksmith.

Read your Locksmith reviews very closely

2010-08-13T05:58:00.000-07:00

I was just reading a review on Super Pages from one of the scammer Locksmiths in the Twin Cities and I am just amazed that more people don't read them closer. When you look at this so called company, they have a review for a plumber on there and then they have all of these reviews within a few days of each other. The one legitimate review talks about how they just were charged over $800 to have a standard knob and deadbolt installed. That is just plain highway robbery. At most this person should of paid $200 -$225. Folks do your homework.

First: Check the rating of the locksmith with the BBB. Http://minnesota.bbb.org/find-business-Reviews. Surprise!!! this company was not listed or accredited with the BBB.

Second: Always ask for an estimate and confirm this is a firm price and ask what would change the price.

Third: Are they listed on an Angie's List type service? If not you should stay away. Even the best Locksmith companies have bad days but if this company cares about its reputation they will make it right because they value the business from groups like Angie's List.

Unless you want to pay $800 plus for a $200 job I strongly suggest that you put the name of a good and trusted Locksmith in you contact list before you need them.

As always Pop-A-Lock is a name you can trust. Do it now!! put 800-Pop-A-Lock in your phone or 612-331-3093

Judge orders locksmith to provide estimates • Public Record (www.HometownAnnapolis.com - The Capital)

2010-08-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

Judge orders locksmith to provide estimates • Public Record (www.HometownAnnapolis.com - The Capital)

#1 Locksmith Pop-A-Lock: Pop-A-Lock Locksmith Minneapolis, MN

2010-03-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

#1 Locksmith Pop-A-Lock: Pop-A-Lock Locksmith Minneapolis, MN
Pop-A-Lock Locksmith Locator Application for Iphone!

Pop-A-Lock is continually striving to improve service levels. One of the most important performance metrics that we track is arrival time promised and arrival time met. This is referred to as ATA or Actual Time of Arrival.

There are many factors that can affect ATA, for example a major car accident during rush hour. However, we are always searching for ways to minimize the affects of unexpected problems through more efficient staffing, zone management, navigational aids and of course communication.

One tool that we believe will assist us with providing the most accurate information possible is our new Pop-A-Lock Locksmith Locator Smart Phone Application system. This system is currently available for Free through I-tunes for the Apple Iphone. The locator will be available soon for Blackberry and Android platforms as well.

How does the Iphone help us to provide better locksmith service? The answer is simple, when a customer contacts Pop-A-Lock Locksmith through the Iphone application, the customers exact GPS latitude and longitude are sent to us electronically. This information is processed through a heads up navigational dispatch display to ensure that the nearest locksmith or technician is dispatched to perform service.

This GPS location is also very useful when a customer is in a large parking facility such as a mall, sports stadium, college campus or other similar conditions. The GPS coordinates allow us to pin point the location of the locksmith customer with amazing precision.

Pop-A-Locks use of this Iphone and smart phone technology saves time in at every level from initial contact, taking of call information, selection and dispatch of technician, location of the customer onsite and thanks to electronic locksmith knowledge management system, the jobs themselves go much smoother.

This system is being fielded nationwide right now! One of the leaders in our Pop-A-Lock franchise system, Pop-A-Lock Locksmith of Minneapolis, MN has fully embraced the system. The city of Houston and surrounding areas is a giant geographical area, that requires dozens of locksmiths, car door unlocking technicians, road service technicians, managers and dispatchers to support and maintain. The Pop-A-Lock Locksmith Locator application is assisting Houston Locksmith customers get better service, faster and with less difficulty.

Pop-A-Lock is proud to be a technology leader in the locksmith industry. Pop-A-Lock has continued to grow and evolve with their customers needs. With the advent of Airbags, new vehicle design improvements, electronic and keyless equipped vehicles Pop-A-Lock has invested in the technology and training to take care of customers who need assistance with these high tech systems.

From safe, damage free openings and lock outs to replacement of lost and duplicate High Security keys, programming of Electronic Transponder Chips keys, Remote Locks systems and Keyless vehicles, Pop-A-Lock locksmith can take care of your needs. With the adoption of the Locksmith Locator Smart Phone systems, we can meet your needs faster, more professionally and with greater precision.

You can download a free copy of the Pop-A-Lock Locksmith Locator application by visiting the Itunes store and searching for "Locksmith" or directly from any of the Pop-A-Lock websites.

Please visit www.popalock.com for more information or to order service!

Pop-A-Lock Gets a great mention of 107.1

2009-09-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

They talk about our EDU program and also talk about my business partner Adam Johnston and his run at the One Man Minneapolis contest.

Great event by Doyle's

2009-09-20T05:27:00.000-07:00

Went to the 23rd annual Trade show and Education Weekend and I must say they do a great job. Met up with the local ALOA folks who asked why I did not join yet. OK my bad. I am turning in the apps on Monday and will also be a part of the licensing committee that is working on getting MN to require a license to be a locksmith.

MN was in the for front of requiring a license for locksmiths about 5 years ago, but they just couldn't get it going. I wonder what would of happened if we would of got it passed? I bet we would not have as many scammers had it passed and I bet we would all be getting professional wages like the plumers and electricians are.

It is important that Pop-A-Lock MN become a part of this great community and give back to some of the great people in this industry.

New look for Minneapolis

2009-09-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

You might see me driving around in the car around town. If you see me wave. Above are some photos of what the car looks like.

Great news report from Houston Texas

2009-09-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

These guys are every where!! Please pass these video's and news reports on to all of your friends and family so they don't get scammed.

http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou090611_tnt_locksmiths.6e8dbb8b.html

Another state goes after the scammers

2009-09-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

New York is jumping on the band wagon and aggressively going after the scammer Locksmiths. Below is an article outlining their actions. We have to get more of AG's going after these guys in other states. If you have been taken advantage of by a scammer Locksmith, please contact your state AG.

http://bit.ly/eqJ5t

This is what happens when you are locked out in Space

2009-09-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

Maybe he should call Pop-A-Lock!

Missouri consumers still getting burned by Phony Locksmith

2009-08-25T06:14:00.000-07:00

This is a big wake up call that you need to really check out who your locksmith is before you hire them. Even with the AG in Missouri can't seem to slow these guys down. Only you the consumer can stop them by not falling for their scammer tricks.

The link below is a follow up on what is happening in Missouri after the AG has cracked down of Phony Locksmiths.

Call your AG office and police if you have been taken advantage of by a phony Locksmith. We can only stop them if you get involved.

http://www.fox4kc.com/news/wdaf-story-ps-081909,0,4829734.story

Scammers still taking advantage of consumers in Vegas

2009-08-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

Read the article below to see how these lying cheating scumbags are ripping off the average person in need of help. There is no excuse. Your only protection is to be informed and educated.

The good news is the local authorities are starting to crack down on these phony locksmiths.

http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=10927916

Saved another person from getting scammed

2009-07-24T12:24:00.001-07:00

It still gets me very upset to to hear about people getting taken advantage of by the scammers. These people either don't get it or they are just down right terrible human beings. You have to wonder what happened in their life that would cause them to lie, cheat and yes steal from other people everyday.

Well we saved a nice older lady today from getting burned. She dialed 411 and got connected with one of the scammers who said that they could come over in 30 minutes to do the job but she would probably be better off just having them put in new locks instead of re-keying her existing ones. That may be the case, but wouldn't you want to look at what the person has before you make that statement. The kicker is they were telling her that it would be between $300 and $450 to replace her old locks and put 4 new ones in.

The lady felt uncomfortable and decided to call her daughter before she went any further. Her daughter used us in the past and told her to call us.

We went out there and she had good schlage locks so we were able to re-key her 4 locks for $100 instead of the $300 - $450 she was quoted. We also made some low cost recommendations she could do to increase her security.

Another person saved from the scammers

Another child saved by Pop-A-Lock

2009-07-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

It is great to get letters like this. Our tech Phil is the person they are talking about. This is our way of serving the community.

This is really funny

2009-07-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

On the side bar of my blog it is advertising locksmiths and guess who they are? They are the Scammers, the phony locksmith who have plastered Google pay per click. This is another friendly reminder that you need to check out a locksmith before you need them so you don't get taken to the cleaners.

Another article from the Chicago area

2009-07-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

It is unbelievable to me that there are people out there who have set up a system to take advantage of the honest locksmiths out there and also the unsuspecting consumer. The article makes a great last point. Find an honest locksmith before you need them and put them in your cell phone. Of course I hope Pop-a-Lock is one of them.

http://cbs2chicago.com/local/locksmith.johnson.white.2.1076231.html

Great news story on the scammers in Houston

2009-07-08T13:37:00.000-07:00

This is a story that just makes you want to shake your head. Avoid the phony locksmiths call Pop-A-Lock.

http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou090611_tnt_locksmiths.6e8dbb8b.html

Another hit to the scammers

2009-06-29T06:34:00.001-07:00

ENGLEWOOD LOCKSMITH PAYS $100K SETTLEMENT: Colorado Attorney General John Suthers on Friday announced a settlement with an Englewood locksmith company after an investigation revealed it had routinely misrepresented the costs of its services to consumers. Under the settlement, Basad, Inc., and its owners Peleg Forman, Batia Forman and Michael Biton, will pay $100,000. The money will be used to reimburse consumers who complained of paying Basad, Inc., charges that were not disclosed to consumers when they called and requested locksmith services. A lawsuit filed in January alleged that Basad, while disclosing their $55 service charge for a car lockout, failed to alert consumers of additional charges that often exceeded the service charge.

Here is another spot on KARE 11

2009-06-23T11:39:00.001-07:00

I think we were able to show people the difference of better grade locks.

http://www.showcaseminnesota.com/show/client_article.aspx?storyid=818110

This takes the cake the scammers have a blog about avoiding the scammers

2009-06-13T04:29:00.001-07:00

I thought I have seen it all but I was wrong. The scammers have a blog about avoiding the scammers and then all of the web-sites of the areas they serve.

http://thelocksmithblog.com/local-locksmiths/minneapolis-locksmith/

The site is very lite on content but does a great job confusing the issue. Watch out, more deception to come from these guys.

Keying in on locksmith fraud - The Denver Post

2009-06-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

Keying in on locksmith fraud - The Denver Post

I was sent this article from a very good Locksmith inthe Twin Cities. Thanks Luke

The word is getting out about the scammers

2009-06-09T14:43:00.001-07:00

Showcase Minnesota Segment

2009-06-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

It was a great experience being on Showcase Minnesota. Below is the link to view the show. I hope we can help the community be better prepared when selecting a locksmith in the future.

http://www.showcaseminnesota.com/show/client_article.aspx?storyid=779840

MN ALOA

2009-06-06T05:11:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of meeting a few of the people from the Local ALOA ( Assosiated Locksmiths Of America) What a great bunch of folks. I wish I would of taken the time over the last few years to get to know them, but I was to focused on building the Pop-A-Lock Business. These folks are really going after the scammers and phony Locksmiths. They are committed in raising the professionalism of our industry and I really applaud their efforts. They are recommending that you use two web-sites to find a legitimate Locksmith. www.findalocksmith.com and or www.legallocksmith.com
If you get a chance look up their web-site too. http://www.mnaloa.org/

Think you have been ripped off by a Locksmith?

2009-06-04T18:04:00.000-07:00

If you are having work done by a locksmith and they charge you substantially higher than what you were quoted when they finish the job, "DO NOT PAY THEM" and "CALL 911". Most consumers think they can't do anything about Phony Locksmith or think they have to pay, but the fact is you have rights under the consumer protection laws and if what they are charging you is different from what you were told then you can dispute this on the spot. If you get threatened, call 911 to get the police out ASAP. You also need to file a complaint against them with the AG and consumer protection agency.

The best way to avoid this issue is to make sure they are accredited with the BBB with a B+ or better rating. You can also use web sites like findalocksmith.com or legallocksmith.com to avoid the scammers. The locksmiths on those sites have been screened and deemed legitimate locksmiths.

One last thing, Make sure you get a firm quote before they start the work so there is no misunderstanding or surprise when the work is done. Phony locksmiths like you to be in the dark so they will give you very soft figures and hope you don't probe further.

Minnesota Show Case on KARE 11

2009-05-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

Pop-A-Lock MN is going to be a featured guest on Minnesota Show Case on KARE 11 on June 9th at 10:00am Central.

This is a very popular morning show in the Twin Cities and we are looking forward to sharing some great tips to help the residents in the Twin Cities stay safe.

Please make sure you tell your friends and family. More details to come.

New tool to fight the scammers

2009-05-18T16:45:00.000-07:00

Larry from legallocksmith.com is now on twitter. If you want to keep up with how the fight is going against the scammers sign up and become a follower. The information is below.

I would like to invite all of our Legal Locksmiths.com members and anyone else that is helping fight the phonies to follow us on http://www.twitter.com/. If you are not familiar with Twitter, it is a free and easy way to share information instantly with anyone. There is so much happening with the fight against the phonies that I would like to share these things with you as they happen. You can sign up for a free twitter account then search LegalLocksmiths and then click follow. You can also set it up to receive our updates on your cell phone via text messages. If you cannot follow us on Twitter I will be sending out periodical e-mails from time to time giving updates that way. So if you want to jump into the next generation of the internet, come follow LegalLocksmiths on Twitter. Thank you!

Court Order to stop phony locksmiths

2009-05-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

AG Cooper Wins Court Order To Stop Phony Locksmiths

By Press Release, Press Release, 3 hours, 37 minutes agoUpdated: May. 15 1:08 pm
RALEIGH, N.C. -
Attorney General Roy Cooper today won a court order to stop a network of phony locksmiths from ripping off North Carolina consumers.
“It’s frustrating to find yourself locked out of your home or car, and it’s even worse when someone you call for help tries to rip you off,” Cooper said. “Taking advantage of vulnerable customers is no way to do business, and we’re stepping in to stop it.”
Wake County Superior Court Judge Paul C. Ridgeway Thursday agreed with Cooper’s request for a temporary restraining order to bar several locksmith companies and their owners from advertising, offering or performing any locksmith services in North Carolina. Cooper is seeking a permanent ban on the companies, refunds for consumers, and civil penalties of $5,000 for each illegal act by the companies.
Named as defendants in the lawsuit filed today are: 704 Locksmith, Inc. of Charlotte which does business in the Triangle area under several names including Raleigh Locksmith, Durham Locksmith, Apex Locksmith and Smithfield Locksmith; NC Charlotte Locksmith which does business throughout central and western North Carolina using a variety of names such as Charlotte Locksmith, Concord Locksmith, Hickory Locksmith, and Shelby Locksmith; Anna Konevsky of Charlotte, president of 704 Locksmith and NC Charlotte Locksmith; Locksmith Services, Inc. of Charlotte, which also operates as Cary Locksmith and Atlantis Locksmith; and Tamir Avraham of Charlotte, president of Locksmith Services, Inc.
According to the Attorney General’s investigation, the defendants advertise online and in the yellow pages using names, telephone numbers and addresses that make their companies appear to be local. In many cases, they use names and addresses that belong to legitimate locksmith businesses. No one who works for the defendants is actually a licensed locksmith as required by law, but the companies advertise and perform locksmith services.
North Carolina consumers have called these companies looking for a local locksmith who could come let them into their home, business or car. As alleged in complaint filed by Cooper’s office, consumers are routinely quoted one price on the phone and then charged a much higher price by the locksmith who shows up to do the work. Consumers are typically told that their lock must be drilled even when that isn’t necessary, which will cost them $100 more and destroy the lock. People are then charged another $100 or more to replace their destroyed locks. The defendants usually demand payment in cash, refusing to let consumers pay by credit card.
As cited in the complaint, one Cary consumers’ experience illustrates the way the defendants operate. After getting locked out of her home, the consumer used a neighbor’s computer to locate a locksmith, Cary Locksmith, which was actually Locksmith Services. She called the phone number listed and an agent from the company showed up an hour later. He told her that it wouldn’t cost much to get back in her home. After he drilled through the lock to open her door, he told her she owed $215 plus another $100 if she wanted the lock replaced. She wanted to pay by credit card but the agent insisted on cash, even offering to drive her to the ATM. She refused and eventually paid by check—which the agent at first wanted her to make out to him rather than to the company.
To avoid falling victim to similar scams, Cooper recommends the following tips:
Whenever possible, check out a business before you do business with them by calling the Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau. People who practice skilled trades such as locksmiths are required to be licensed. Before someone does work for you, ask if they’re licensed and write down their license number. Get a price quote in writing before you agree to any work. For services you may need in an emergency, such as a locksmith or plumber, find a good one before an emergency happens. Ask family and friends for recommendations, check them out and then save their contact information so you’ll have it when you need it. “Shutting down scammers protects consumers and legitimate businesses,” Cooper said. “Let my office know if you spot a potential scam.”
Consumers can call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM to check out a company or file a complaint.

Is your house safe from Bumping?

2009-04-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

It is happening everyday across the country. People come home from a hard day of work or from vacation and they found that their house has been cleaned out with no sign of break in. What happen? In a word, Bumping.

The reality of the situation is that anyone who is inclined to steal from you now can learn everything they need to know to make and use a bump key on the Internet. If you have the standard store bought locks on your house then your lock is highly susceptible to bumping.

There are many low and medium cost solutions that can prevent you and your house from being the next bump key victim. The most effective solution is to get bump and pick resistant locks put on your house. These locks have special key ways that the average thief won't carry or can't even get at a hardware store. They also make it very difficult to bump if they happen to have the right key way. When your house takes longer to break in the would be thief will move on to an easier target.

To learn more about your options please call a reputable locksmith that can cover all the options with you. Of course you can call Pop-A-Lock and have a highly trained Technician review your home and make the best recommendation to solve your security concerns.

Is your Locksmith rated on Angie's List?

2009-04-23T06:53:00.000-07:00

One great way to avoid being scammed by a locksmith is to see if they are rated on Angie's List. Not a member? Maybe it is time you look again. For $55 a year you have a great resource for all of your service needs including medical doctors.

What makes Angie's list so great is that the only way you can get on there is by being nominated from a member. Once you are on then only reviews from members are accepted. If your locksmith or other service provider is not on the list then you should either nominate them if you really like the work they do or you should look for another provider who is on there with a B rating or better.

To make sure you are getting the cream of the crop you should also see if they are a Super Service Award Winner. Only 5% of Angie's list companies win this highly regarded award.

Below is a link to check them out: https://www.angieslist.com/Angieslist/Login.aspx

Please fill out the yellow page petition

2009-04-22T15:57:00.000-07:00

Below is a link to Legallocksmith.com. Please go there and fill out the yellow page petition to let the yellow pages that we are not going to stand for the scammers in our industry anymore. They are taking out thousands of numbers and ads to the detriment of consumers and locksmiths. Please help in letting our voices be heard.

http://www.legallocksmiths.com/

Pop-A-Lock Provides Leadership to "Fight The Scammers"

2009-04-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a great post from the corporate office of Pop-A-Lock. It is very important if you are a consumer to verify your locksmith with the BBB at a very minimum.

An issue of concern that threatens to defraud consumers is the widespread proliferation of “Scammers” in the Locksmith industry. Legitimate locksmiths are concerned about the potential harm to consumers and are working together to combat this problem. Pop-A-Lock® is the largest locksmith provider in the country serving more than 4,000 communities in 40 states and is currently working with state, national and industry agencies to establish stricter guidelines and increased accountability within the locksmith industry.
Robert Reynolds, Director of Operations for Pop-A-Lock®, has been on the front lines for many years working with others in the locksmith community to crack down on the “scammers”. Joined by the largest locksmith industry association, The Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA.org), Pop-A-Lock® has been pursing action to cure the problem of “Phony Locksmiths”. ALOA has presented evidence of the problem to various state agencies and at an Attorney Generals’ conference. ALOA and Pop-A-Lock® have also been archiving customer complaints and providing information to consumers and locksmiths who have been affected by these scams.
The Better Business Bureau issued a nationwide warning regarding questionable business practices of certain multi-regional companies operating as locksmiths. The report indicated that the BBB experienced a 75% increase in complaints against locksmiths in a 12 month period.
The two main unethical / illegal practices most troubling for those who are interested in protecting the public are:
1) Massive listing of phone numbers associated with fake addresses. For example, in a recent Austin , TX utility phone book, over 13 pages of in-line phone listings were added to the locksmith category of the phone book. The vast majority of addresses were either fictitious or were not associated with any locksmith business, often to the frustration of the actual tenant of the address. The false address issue is a direct effort to overwhelm a potential consumer with choices…choices that all lead to the same company.
2) The practice of giving incomplete and often misleading pricing at the time a customer requests service, then adding huge amounts to the bill upon arrival or at the end of service. The ‘price switch’ problem takes advantage of a trick of language on the expressions “service call” or to “come out”’, particularly when an emergency service is involved. The scam goes something like this:
-The customer contacts a phone number associated with one of the phony addresses (thinking the technician is right around the corner).
-The customer indicates that they are locked out of their home, vehicle or business, and the dispatcher informs them that a technician will be dispatched out.
-If no price is asked, none is offered.
-If a cost for services is asked, a vague response of “It is _____ to come out and $10.00 and up to open it.”
-What happens then is the technician shows up at the call and produces an invoice for several times the amount that was quoted, usually with the excuse that the vehicle is difficult to open and that is why the service cost so much. For reference, it is an accepted industry practice to charge a higher amount to open certain vehicles, usually because of specialized tools or training required to open the vehicle. A late model BMW with a deadlocking feature is an example of such an instance. However, most standard vehicles such as Ford, Chevy, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan etc. can be quoted ‘sight unseen’ and have very little variance in difficulty.
-In the case of accessing a house or business they often have not been trained to perform lock bypass techniques such as picking or other form of lock manipulation so they produce a drill, destroy the lock and then charge hundreds of dollars more than the original quote.
Consumers should establish a relationship with a locksmith before they need one to avoid the confusion and misleading information that the scammers rely on. Ask for referrals and check out your next locksmith with the Better Business Bureau and ALOA (ALOA.org).
A complete list of ALOA approved Pop-A-Lock® locations and phone numbers can be found at the company’s website, http://www.popalock.com/, or by calling 1-800-popalock.
For more information regarding the efforts of Pop-A-Lock® and ALOA to fight the “scammers”, contact Rob Reynolds 337-316-3693 or by email http://us.mc319.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=pop@lock.com

Another great site to find real Locksmiths

2009-04-09T05:50:00.000-07:00

The heat is starting to turn up on the phony Locksmiths. I came across a great web-site that really is trying to weed out the scammers from the legitimate Locksmiths. It is time we take our profession back and do what ever it takes to weed these parasites out. They are hurting consumers with their over inflated prices and incompetent skills and they are hurting the very fabric of the locksmith industry. I urge all people, consumers and Locksmiths to write your attorney general write the Yellow Pages and tell them you have had enough of being taken advantage of. They will only act if we make our voices heard. Please support Legallocksmiths.com.

http://www.legallocksmiths.com/Home_Page.php

Official Locksmith of the Saint Paul Saints

2009-03-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

Well it's official. We have partnered with the independent professional baseball team called the Saint Paul Saints. They have a very committed following and the baseball games are really fun too. This is a big deal for us. We really feel the need to support our local teams and to be considered a part of the fabric of the Twin Cities.

Hope to see you at the game. You won't miss us, we will be wearing the Pop-A-Lock Orange.

Look for the BBB logo on any Locksmith web-site you plan to do business with

2009-03-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

Here is what to look for when you are trying to determine if you have a reputable Locksmith.
If they are not accredited with the BBB then beware. They should also have a B+or better rating.

Click on the BBB logo to see what happens.

WCCO Report on Locksmith scammers

2009-03-23T04:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a great video about what to watch out for with the scammers. 1st clue, they are not local. 2ND clue they don't answer the phone and say their business name, they only say "locksmith"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tH5VNHpX1k

The moral of the story is if you don't want to get scammed call Pop-A-Lock.

612-331-3093

www.popalockmn.com

Do you know what the BBB rating is for your Locksmith?

2009-03-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

Before you even think about hiring a Locksmith check with the Better Business Bureau. This one act alone could save you hundreds of dollars and a lot of headaces. Most of the scam locksmiths have a C or below rating. In some cases they are not rated at all, this should send a loud and clear message to stay away.

The best option is tocall Pop-A-Lock. The national web-site is www.popalock.com if you are in The Twin Cities in Minnesota you can reach us at www.popalockmn.com or 612-331-3093

Remember don't hire a locksmith who is not rated a B or better on BBB.

Locksmith Scammers

2009-03-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

I came across a great blog about how the scamers are ripping off the average consumer and some great ideas on how to combat and avoid being burned.

Rob Reynolds is the heart and soul of Pop-A-Lock and his blog is worth reviewing. Below is his link.

#1 Locksmith Pop-A-Lock

Check it out you won't be disappointed.

Pop-A-Lock Saves the DaY

2009-02-26T06:13:00.000-08:00

Pop-A-Lock technicians are highly respected for their intensive training and their unique locksmithing skills. But now, one technician in Atlanta can also be esteemed for his fearless lifesaving skills, which he demonstrated in early February.
Andre DeGourville, a new Pop-A-Lock technician, with just 3months training was driving down Hwy 75 on a recent Sunday afternoon. He noticed the car in front of him was swerving erratically.

Suddenly, the driver lost control of the vehicle and spun into the opposite lane and slammed into the side of a wall. Without any thought to his safety, Andre pulled over and ran over to the accident where he saw the driver moving slightly.

As the car began to smolder, Andre attempted to open the door to pull the driver out, but the doors were locked. He knocked on the window to get the driver’s attention, but he was not responding. “As I was trying to talk to the confused man, I noticed smoke and flames under his smashed up hood. Suddenly the situation went from concerning to alarming immediately,” Andre recalled. At this point, the car burst into flames, and black smoke began to cover the area. About to break open the window, Andre banged again, and the driver finally was able to unlock the door.

“I had a decision to make - help this man or surely watch him die,” Andre continued. Without fearing for his own safety, Andre pulled the driver out onto the middle of the road, away from the car, which was now engulfed in flames.

At some point, someone called 911, and the emergency responders reached the accident and took control of the situation. Andre, a true hero, just went about his business and made it to his next Pop-A-Lock call on time!

Andre DeGourville, truly represents Pop-A-Lock in a positive way. Even at the risk of danger, he works hard and always has a smile on his face.

Free Lost Key Return Program

2009-02-25T11:34:00.000-08:00

Pop-A-Lock®, America’s largest locksmith, has launched another unique, nation-wide public service program – this time to return any set of lost keys to its owner free of charge in any part of the country.
“At Pop-A-Lock®, we are known as the most trusted locksmith as well as the largest,” says CEO Don Marks. “This program doesn’t have the impact of our Emergency Door Unlocking Program for Kids that we pioneered in 1991, but it is a step toward letting customers know on a nationwide basis that they are important to us as individuals and that they are the reason we are in business.”

Pop-A-Lock’s Emergency Door Unlocking Program has been a pioneering public service trademark for the company each time it expands into a new market, according to Marks. “We have safely unlocked more than 200,000 automobiles and homes with children locked inside, saving lives and leaving a lasting impression…FREE of CHARGE !”

With Pop-A-Lock’s FREE Lost Key Return Tag , the company won’t be saving lives, but it will save people “a lot of headaches,” says Director of Marketing, Scott Clause.

According to Clause, industry reports indicate that up to a half million sets of keys are lost per year, causing people to worry and have them replaced, which is expensive and time consuming.

“The way Pop-A-Lock’s FREE Lost Key Return Tag Program works is really very simple,” he explains. “Any person can attach a small tag to their key chain and then register their address and contact information privately at www.popalock.com. If their keys are ever lost, all someone else has to do is be kind enough to put them in the mailbox, and Pop-A-Lock® will make sure they are returned to the owners. Pop-A-Lock® will take care of the postage and hopefully provide some peace of mind.”

It’s a small tag with small print that says “Find keys. Drop in Mailbox. Make Someone Happy.”

“It’s a simple process,” Clause says. “But we think it sends a huge message that we really do care about each and every individual…and we work very hard each and every day to continue to earn the trust of customers.”

Anyone can request the little tag from any of Pop-A-Lock’s 140 locations, serving 4,000 communities nationwide…one person at a time and remembering there really is a “PAL” in Pop-A-Lock. To find the nearest Pop-A-Lock locksmith to you, go to www.popalock.com or call 1-800-POPALOCK.

A Local Business That Cares

2009-02-25T11:21:00.000-08:00

At a time when most companies are concerned about increasing profit margins, often at the expense of customer service, your community Pop-A-Lock is focused on giving back to their clients. A local business that truly cares, Pop-A-Lock donates its services every day through its free Emergency Door Unlocking (EDU) program. This service is provided nationwide in the cities Pop-A-Lock serves and offers free car door unlocking when a child or pet is locked in a vehicle or a human life is in danger.

The EDU program is designed to provide communities with a safe, fast solution to a situation that occurs daily. Pop-A-Lock is committed to keeping children safe and preventing accidents from becoming tragedies. As a result, Pop-A-Lock has successfully rescued more than 172,000 children and animals trapped in locked vehicles. With each emergency door unlocking, Pop-A-Lock donates its services free of charge, a contribution that today totals more than $4 million. Instead of panicking in this frightening situation, you can be assured that Pop-A-Lock will be there for you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Developed to assist the EMS, police and fire departments in entering locked vehicles, the EDU program frees up valuable resources for municipalities and guarantees your child’s and pet’s safety without damage to your car. Pop-A-Lock technicians are extensively trained to open virtually any type of vehicle using safe and reliable methods. The company’s state-of-the-art equipment and sophisticated technology make every job a success. Pop-A-Lock does recommend calling 911 first in an EDU situation, with a following call to 1-800-POP-A-LOCK or 1-800-767-2562.

Pop-A-Lock is the largest car door unlocking service in the world. In addition to responding to emergency needs in a quick, professional and safe manner, Pop-A-Lock offers competitive rates, guaranteed service and unsurpassed technical training to guarantee customer satisfaction.

Pop-A-Lock is locally owned in the Twin Cities and is part of a franchise with a 167 locations in 41 states that serves more than 2,500 cities and communities. The company was founded in 1991 in Lafayette, LA., by local law enforcement officers who recognized the need for a car door unlocking service. For more information about the EDU program, go to www.popalockmn.com or call 612-363-6197.

Pop-A-Lock Cares

2009-02-24T06:49:00.001-08:00

Pop-A-Lock’s Emergency Door Unlocking (EDU) program saves the lives of children locked in vehicles every day and has successfully rescued more than 175,000 children since its start in 1991. Provided nationwide in the cities Pop-A-Lock serves, the EDU program offers free car door unlocking when a child is locked in a vehicle or a human life is in danger. Hot or cold temperatures can be devastating inside a locked car, and Pop-A-Lock is committed to keeping children safe and preventing accidents from becoming tragedies.

The company receives countless letters of thanks every day from customers who have benefited from the EDU program. They speak of Pop-A-Lock’s success and the need for this service in communities across the nation. In many cities throughout the United States, numerous broadcasting stations proudly make Pop-A-Lock a continuous part of their community service announcements, as well as sponsors of this valuable program.

Mother of a three year old, Tiffany Mack, relates her experience: “ I banged on the door, windows and roof trying to get her to awaken and try to unlock the door, to no avail,” she says about her daughter asleep in the back of her truck in the parking lot of a summer camp. “Several other mothers suggested I call the cops, but I felt so guilty taking time away from the officers for my mistake. The director of the camp came outside to see what was going on and told me to call Pop-A-Lock. I am so glad I did.”

Mack says a Pop-A-Lock technician was on the scene in about five minutes and had her car door unlocked within two minutes. “The best part of this horrible event was that when he was finished he didn’t hand me a bill,” she says. “The service was totally free. I wanted to give him a big hug… I received excellent customer service, a fast response time and a friendly technician for FREE.”

Janet Sallee, mother of seven month old twins, talks about her experience with Pop-A-Lock after she locked her children in her van: “Of course a mom is ready to spend anything and I was shocked when Lee (the technician) said it is free if kids are involved. What a fantastic service. You are going above and beyond.”
At a time when most companies are trying to increase profit margins and forgetting about customer service, Pop-A-Lock is here for you to depend on. When you’re having a bad day, Pop-A-Lock wants to make it better without charging you.

Pop-A-Lock is the largest car door unlocking service in the world. In addition to fulfilling needs in a quick, professional and safe manner, Pop-A-Lock offers competitive rates, guaranteed service and unsurpassed technical training to guarantee customer satisfaction. Pop-A-Lock technicians are trained to open virtually any type of vehicle using safe and reliable methods, without breaking glass or damaging the vehicle.

Pop-A-Lock is locally owned in the Twin Cities and is part of a franchise with a 167 locations in 41 states that serves more than 2,500 cities and communities. The company was founded in 1991 in Lafayette, LA., by local law enforcement officers who recognized the need for a car door unlocking service. For more information about the EDU program, go to www.popalockmn.com or call 612-363-6197.

Here are some web-sites that you can find out more about us.

2009-02-21T09:40:00.000-08:00

If you get a chance please write a review about your experience with us.

www.popalockmn.com
http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Pop-A-Lock.Minnesota.612-331-3093
www.popalock.com
http://local.yahoo.com/info-38690419-popalock-minnesota-minneapolis?csz=Minneapolis%2C+MN+55418

If you have a sliding back door you need to know this.

2008-12-10T06:26:00.000-08:00

Outside of your door locks, the sliding back door is one of the most likely places you could expect a break in. The back sliding door is very attractive to a house thief because of its location and also the wide potential opening once the door is opened or the window is smashed. Here are a few things you can do to make this a less attractive target.

Look into getting the sliding door glass protected with a security film. Security film deters smash and grab thief's because it prevents the glass from shattering and takes a lot more effort to get through. If your a thief and you encounter a sliding door that does not shatter after you hit it with a bat you are more likely to flee the scene and try to find a house that does not pose as much of a problem to get in.

Get a security bar to prevent the door opening if the latched is picked. Most locks on sliding glass doors are not hard to get into, so you should get a security bar that prevent the door from opening when it is engaged. The only way to get in a sliding glass door if the lock is picked is to shatter the window. If you have a security film on the glass then you made it very difficult for that to happen.

While you are at it, look at your other windows. I will cover that in another post.

The easiest lock for the average person to get into

2008-12-08T14:07:00.000-08:00

Did you know that there is a lock on almost every house that the average person could get into even without any experience? Did you know that if that is the only lock on your door the security of your house is very compromised? And the lock I am talking about is your door knob lock. If you only have your door knob locked and not a deadbolt then your house is easy pickings for the average house thief.

Most door knob locks can be kicked in with very little effort? Even Deadbolts can be kicked in but if the deadbolt is installed right and if your door frame is in decent shape then kicking in a deadbolt requires a lot more effort.

If the only lock you have on your exterior door is a knob, then it is time for you to get a deadbolt installed. There are house thief's that walk in neighborhoods just to see if there are any houses that look easier than others, and one way to stand out is to only have a knob on your door.

If you already have a deadbolt and you really want to increase the security of your house then I would recommend that you upgrade your deadbolt to either a pick resistant lock or a high security deadbolt. These locks make it very difficult for someone to break in using the front or back doors and as a result the potential house robber will move on.

There is an excellent deadbolt out there called the ultimate lock. Here is the web-site. http://www.theultimatelock.com/mls-4000.html

Installing one of these can be a bit tricky, even if you already have a deadbolt, so I would recommend having a professional do it. Pop-A-Lock has installed a lot of these around the country and is also the Locksmith recommended by ultimate lock to install it.

Another good lock is the schlage Primus or even the Everest. Both are much better that you can get in the box stores and the Primus has a restricted key-way, which means only the locksmith who put the lock in can make a duplicate.

Picking and bumping

2008-12-05T05:05:00.000-08:00

No it is not what you do when playing an instrument. I am referring to a couple of techniques that are used to open a lock without your key. The fact is it is incredibly easy to pick the average lock found on most homes today. Did you know that the locks found on most U.S. homes are banned in Europe? They knew what a lot of people in the U.S. are starting to know. Standard pin locks are not as secure as we think they are.

In some areas of the country Bumping is an epidemic. With the advent of Youtub your average thug can learn how to make a bump key in 15 minutes and the worse part is he can learn to use it in as little as 5 minutes.

To illustrate my point, last year I was in a group of business owners telling them about the bump key epidemic. I took 5 minutes to show them how bumping works and then I passed around a lock and a bump key to see if they could get it open. Over 60% of the people or 15 out of 25 people in the room was able to open the lock in less than a minute. Let me just say that everyone in the room was a believer.

In the next post I will talk about Picking and cover some of the things you can do to make your house bump and pick resistant

One of the most important things to do after you buy your home

2008-12-04T05:21:00.000-08:00

Congratulations, you just closed on your new home or condo. Here is the first question. Do you Know who has your keys? Are you 100% certain that no one else has a copy of those keys? What about the son or daughter of the previous owners who just got out of rehab?

The best way to ensure that no one else has the keys to your new home is to get your locks re-keyed. You may be asking what is a re-key? A re-key is a way to change the keys that work in the existing locks but not completely change the whole lock hardware out. They are a very effective and inexpensive way to secure your new home.

Re-keying your house works great as long as the existing hardware is not defective or broke. In some cases it may make sense to change the hardware if the existing stuff is low end junk that can easily be picked or bumped. ( we will cover picking and bumping in another post) You also might want to change out the hardware for cosmetic reasons, which is a great reason too.

When Hiring a Locksmith to re-key your house you need to make sure the following questions are answered.

1. What is your trip charge and how much do you charge per cylinder? All Locksmiths charge a trip charge and not all charge the same. This is the cost to move the vehicle and pay for the time it takes to get to your house and back. As of this writing most Locksmiths charge $55 - $65. The cost to re-key a cylinder currently ranges in the $12.50 - $15 range. For example if you had a house with four locks and the trip charge is $55 and the cost per cylinder is $13 you should be looking at a total cost of $107. Considering that a mid-grade lock costs about $35 - $40 that is about a $35 savings, plus all the locks can be keyed to the same key if it is the same hardware.

Is that all there is to hiring a good and honest Locksmith? Nope, You need to check to see if they are part of the BBB or even if you can find some reviews on-line.

Other things that are very important:

Are they dressed in a uniform
Is their vehicle marked with the company name
Do they perform a security audit to ensure that the strike plates are adequate, the frame is in good condition, and the window locks are in working order.
How long is the work guaranteed for
Are they part of the BBB
Are they part of Angie's List

These are the minimum questions you should ask. Price is important but remember you are inviting this person into your house and if they can not pass the questions above you should probably look for another Locksmith to make sure you are truly satisfied.

Again, Congratulations on your new home!!!

EDU

2008-12-03T15:44:00.000-08:00

One of the main Reasons I decided to become an Owner of a POP-A-Lock is because of thier EDU Program, which stands for Emergency Car Door Unlocking.

For the residents of the Twin Cities we will unlock any car for free if a child or pet is locked inside. Other Pop-A-Locks will open up a car for free if an infant is inside, but you may be charged if a pet is inside. There is no better feeling in the world than to be able to help a desperate and concerned parent save thier child from possible injury. Below is a video's that expalin the program in detail.

Locked Out?

2008-12-03T11:11:00.000-08:00

OK so you find yourself on the outside of your house or car with the keys locked inside. What do you do now? The easy answer is to call Pop-A-Lock, but most people may not of heard of Pop-A-Lock or worse yet they may not have a Pop-A-Lock in their area. So what do you do then?

You have a few ways to find a good and honest Locksmith.

1. Phone book: When using the phone book make sure you call at least three locksmiths so that you can compare price and ETA. There is more to know besides price and ETA because unfortunately both Price and ETA can and will be misrepresented over the phone by some of the less reputable players out there. I can help you determine if you are talking to what I call a scum bag.

2. Google search: A great place to find locksmiths if you have access to the Internet via phone or computer. You should also call up to three locksmith but you can also look for the locksmiths that have a few reviews. Be careful because some of the review were written by the owners or employees and are just not true. Some of the questions I will share with you later will really help to keep you away from the scum bags.

3. 411: This is also good but you can only get one locksmith at a time and if you don't know the name of a good one then it is kinda a crap shoot. The other issue is your phone will be in the locked car or house.

4. Call a friend or relative: This can be your best source especially if they have used someone and they were happy with them.

Here are the questions you need to have answered before you hire a locksmith to open your car or Home.

1. What is your rate and is that a firm price? If they can not tell you a firm price Do NOT Hire Them!!!! The only reason they won't quote you a price is because they want to jack the price up as high as they think they can get from you when they get there. These are the scum bags of our industry.

2. What is the soonest I could expect someone to arrive? If They won't quote you a firm price on the phone then this is a non issue, but most honest locksmiths will give you a realistic time frame. Don't be fooled by the scum bags who tell you 15 minutes. They will tell you what you want to hear so they can rake you over the coals when they get there 60 minutes later.

3. Are your techs uniformed and driving a vehicle that identifies them as representing your company? If the company can not afford uniforms and marked vehicles, how professional is the company? In fact that is a good indication that the person helping you just may be an independent contractor and not really working for that company.

4. Are you accredited with the BBB? If they are not part of the BBB there might be a good reason. They may have had bad reviews or they don't feel it is important enough to have their business identified with a organization that protects consumers.

5. Do you guarantee your work? If they answer with what do you mean or you don't have to worry about that, then I would again tell you to go on to the next Locksmith. Honest Locksmiths will always back their work, in most cases up to two years.

That about does it for this post. Remember one of the most important things to do before you hire a locksmith is to get a firm quote. If they won't give you one then hang up.

letting people know about the shady world of locksmithing

2008-12-02T16:17:00.000-08:00

I am starting this blog to give everyone a chance to know how to get a good locksmith when you need one. Unfortunately not all locksmiths are honest or above board. If you need to have a locksmith open your car or get you in your house, they need to tell you how much it is going to cost you. If they can't, run, don't walk away. You will be soaked. To many people pay 2 - 3 times more than they need to pay simply because they don't take the time to ask a few basic questions. I will cover that in the next post.