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Frequently Asked Questions

Always verify that a locksmith is licensed by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) and holds a valid Contractor State License Board (CSLB) number.  Locksmith on Call is fully licensed (CSLB #1049655), background-checked by the DOJ and FBI.

 

For most new homeowners in North County, rekeying is the most cost-effective way to ensure security.  It changes the internal pins so old keys no longer work, while keeping your existing handle sets and deadbolts.  However, if your locks are weathered by coastal salt air or are outdated, we recommend a high-security upgrade or smart lock installation.
 

 

Yes.  Locksmith On Call operates 7 days a week, from 8:00AM to 8:00 PM.  We provide mobile emergency response for home and business across Encinitas, Carlsbad, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe and surrounding areas.  
 

Yes. According to California Building Code and the ADA, all commercial door hardware must be “operable with one hand” and not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. As a CSLB-licensed contractor (#1049655), we specialize in upgrading outdated round knobs to compliant lever-operated systems and panic bars to ensure your office stays accessible and legal.

This is a critical fire code distinction for San Diego Businesses.  Fail-Safe locks unlock automatically when power is lost (required for emergency exits so people can get out), while Fail-Secure locks stay locked during a power outage (used for sensitive areas like IT closets).  We provide professional consultations to ensure your access control system is integrated with your building’s fire alarm for total safety compliance.
 

For small businesses and state-contracted facilities, we recommend a professional security audit once a year. Coastal San Diego environments can cause hardware fatigue, and employee turnover often leaves “ghost keys” in circulation. We help businesses regain control by rekeying existing hardware into a security Master Key system that limits access to sensitive areas while providing owners with a single universal key.

 

Most office buildings have some sort of master key system in place. Assuming that this is the case, the problem that you describe could be the result of human error. A master key system is only as good as the the technician who designs and installs it. An improperly executed system may result in an act of unintentional cross keying, also referred to by some as a “Ghost” or “Phantom” key. This can result in a key opening a locked door that it was not intended to operate. Another possibility, is the technician might have left some old driver pins in cylinder that should not be there.

Other problems that may occur when keying specifications are not followed, such as the Maximum Adjacent Cut Specifications, which could result in the key becoming stuck in the lock cylinder. Such errors can be avoided when strict adherence to proper methods are followed.