Auto Locksmith Overland Park

Overland Park Auto Locksmith Services: What to Expect

Locked out of your car in Overland Park? It happens to the best of us. Fumbling for keys, a sudden slam of the door, or a mysterious malfunction – whatever the reason, finding yourself stranded outside your vehicle is never fun. Luckily, Overland Park auto locksmith services are readily available to get you back on the road quickly. But what exactly can you expect when you call for help?


First, expect a quick response. Most reputable locksmiths in Overland Park understand the urgency of a car lockout situation and prioritize getting to you promptly. When you call, theyll likely ask for your location and a description of your vehicle (make, model, and color) to ensure they bring the right tools for the job.


Next, expect a professional assessment. A skilled auto locksmith wont just start jamming tools into your lock. Theyll take a moment to examine the situation and determine the best and least damaging method of entry. This might involve using specialized tools like slim jims or wedges, or even employing more advanced techniques like transponder programming or key duplication.


Speaking of keys, if yours are lost or damaged, a good Overland Park auto locksmith will be able to create a replacement on the spot. Theyll have the technology and expertise to cut and program new keys for a wide range of vehicle makes and models, including those with sophisticated anti-theft systems.


Finally, and perhaps most importantly, expect fair and transparent pricing. A reputable locksmith will provide you with a clear quote upfront, so you know exactly what youll be paying before any work begins. Beware of companies with suspiciously low prices – they may tack on hidden fees or use inferior methods that could damage your car.


In short, calling an Overland Park auto locksmith service should provide a swift, professional, and reliable solution to your car lockout woes. Do a little research beforehand to find a reputable company with positive reviews, and you can rest assured that youll be back behind the wheel in no time.

Auto Locksmith Overland Park

Overland Park Auto Locksmith Services: What to Expect

Choosing a Reliable Auto Locksmith in Overland Park

Choosing a reliable auto locksmith in Overland Park can feel overwhelming, especially when youre locked out and stressed. Nobody wants to be stranded on the side of the road or stuck in a parking lot, fiddling with a broken key. So, how do you find a locksmith you can trust when time is of the essence?


Start with research. Dont wait until youre in a crisis. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. Check online reviews and ratings on sites like Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for locksmiths with a strong local presence and positive feedback from customers. A consistent track record of good service is a key indicator of reliability.


Next, consider the services offered. A good auto locksmith should be able to handle a variety of situations, from simple lockouts to more complex issues like key fob programming and ignition repair. Make sure theyre equipped to handle your specific car make and model, as newer vehicles often require specialized tools and expertise.


Verify licensing and insurance. A reputable locksmith will be fully licensed and insured. This protects you in case of any damage to your vehicle during the service. Dont hesitate to ask for proof of these credentials. A legitimate business will be happy to provide them.


Get a quote upfront. Before agreeing to any service, ask for a clear and detailed quote. This should include the cost of the service call, labor, and any parts required. Beware of locksmiths who offer unusually low prices, as this could be a sign of a scam. A fair price is important, but prioritizing quality and reliability will save you headaches in the long run.


Finally, trust your gut. If something feels off about a locksmith, dont hesitate to look elsewhere. A professional locksmith should be courteous, responsive, and willing to answer your questions. Choosing a reliable auto locksmith in Overland Park requires a little bit of homework, but the peace of mind it provides is well worth the effort. Being prepared will ensure that you have a trusted professional to call when you need them most.

Locked Your Keys in the Car? 3 Mistakes to Avoid

Locking your keys in the car can happen to anyone. It often occurs during busy or stressful moments. You may be running errands, heading to work, or distracted by a phone call. Whatever the reason, the result is the same: frustration and inconvenience.

At Leading Locksmith & Services, we help drivers across the area regain access to their vehicles quickly and safely. While it’s natural to panic, how you respond matters. Some common reactions can make the situation worse, cost more money, or even damage your car.

If you lock your keys in the car, avoid these three mistakes.

1. Trying to Open the Car Yourself

Many people try to open their car doors without help. They may use coat hangers, screwdrivers, shoelaces, or even knives. This usually causes more harm than good.

Why It’s a Mistake:

  • Damage to the Door Frame: Forcing objects into the door can bend or break the weather stripping, door seals, or frame.
  • Scratched Paint and Broken Locks: Sharp tools can scratch paint or break internal components.
  • Triggering the Alarm: Some cars may sound the alarm or lock all doors tighter.

Better Option:

Call a professional locksmith with experience in car lockouts. Leading Locksmith & Services uses tools that are designed for safe and non-damaging entry. Our team works on all car makes and models. We aim to open your car without harm and without delay.

2. Calling a Tow Truck Instead of a Locksmith

Some drivers call a towing service for help. While towing companies offer roadside assistance, they are not trained specifically in unlocking cars.

Why It’s a Mistake:

  • Higher Cost: Towing companies may charge more than a locksmith for lockout services.
  • Slower Response Time: You might wait longer, especially if they are busy or must dispatch a large truck.
  • No Specialized Tools: Towing staff may not have the right tools for your specific vehicle, increasing the risk of damage.

Better Option:

Choose a mobile locksmith service that handles car lockouts daily. Leading Locksmith & Services offers fast response times and fair pricing. Our trained technicians can reach you quickly and open your vehicle on the spot.

3. Leaving the Car Unattended for Too Long

Some people decide to walk away from the locked car to wait for help elsewhere. Others may assume it’s safer to leave it overnight and deal with it later. This can lead to other problems.

Why It’s a Mistake:

  • Risk of Theft: Leaving your vehicle unattended, especially in unfamiliar or public areas, increases the risk of theft or vandalism.
  • Ticketing or Towing: If the car is parked in a restricted zone, you could get a ticket or have it towed.
  • Delays in Getting Help: The more time passes, the harder it may be to get fast service—especially after hours or during bad weather.

Better Option:

Stay with your vehicle in a safe location if possible. Call a locksmith right away. Let them know your exact location, vehicle make and model, and any other relevant details. At Leading Locksmith & Services, we send help quickly and keep you updated on arrival times.

What to Do Instead

Here is a quick checklist for handling a car lockout the right way:

  • Stay Calm – Panic won’t help. Take a deep breath and assess the situation.
  • Check All Doors – Sometimes one door remains unlocked. Test each one before calling for help.
  • Wait Safely – Stay near your car in a safe area. If it’s hot or cold, find a shaded spot or shelter nearby while keeping your car in sight.

Prevent Future Lockouts

While a locksmith can get you back in your car, preventing future lockouts saves time and stress. Here are a few tips:

  • Keep a Spare Key: Store a copy at home, with a trusted friend, or in a magnetic lockbox on the vehicle.
  • Use Smart Key Options: Many vehicles offer apps or fobs with remote unlock features. Make sure your app is set up and working.
  • Stay Focused: Distractions are the top reason people lock their keys inside. Make a habit of checking your hand for the keys before closing the door.

Trust Leading Locksmith & Services

Car lockouts are never planned, but the solution can be simple. Avoiding common mistakes can save you time, money, and trouble. Leading Locksmith & Services is ready to help any time you need fast, safe, and reliable service.

We’re available 24/7 for emergency car lockouts. Our team works quickly, and we treat your car with care. Whether it’s day or night, we bring the right tools and experience to get you back on the road.

If you’ve locked your keys in the car, don’t make a bad situation worse. Call the experts at Leading Locksmith & Services today.

What is an Auto Locksmith?

The future of auto locksmithing is fascinating, especially when you consider how much the field has already evolved.. Not long ago, an auto locksmith was primarily someone who could pick locks and cut keys.

What is an Auto Locksmith?

Posted by on 2025-05-05

What is an Auto Locksmith Service?

Preventing future lockouts is a key aspect of a good auto locksmith service – its not just about getting you back in your car this time.. A reputable locksmith will offer advice and solutions to minimize the chances of you finding yourself stranded again.

What is an Auto Locksmith Service?

Posted by on 2025-05-05

How to Get Back in Your Car Without Calling Your Ex (or Smashing a Window)

Accepting Defeat (and Other Last Resorts) Weve all been there.. Keys dangling invitingly from the ignition, car doors locked tighter than a drum.

How to Get Back in Your Car Without Calling Your Ex (or Smashing a Window)

Posted by on 2025-05-05

Emergency Auto Locksmith Services in Overland Park: 24/7 Availability

Locked out of your car in Overland Park? It happens. Keys lost in the mall, broken off in the ignition, or maybe you just accidentally locked them inside with the engine running. Whatever the reason, its a frustrating, sometimes even scary, situation. Thats where 24/7 emergency auto locksmith services in Overland Park come in. Knowing you have a reliable, round-the-clock option can be a real lifesaver.


These services arent just for lockouts, though. They can handle a variety of car key and lock emergencies. Think broken or malfunctioning ignitions, damaged car locks needing repair, or even replacing lost transponder keys. Modern cars have complex security systems, and a specialized auto locksmith has the tools and knowledge to handle them without causing further damage to your vehicle.


When youre in a jam, a quick response time is crucial. A reputable emergency auto locksmith in Overland Park will prioritize getting to you fast, minimizing your wait time on the side of the road or in a parking lot. They understand the urgency and the stress involved, and aim to get you back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.


Choosing a reliable emergency auto locksmith means looking beyond just the 24/7 availability. Do some research beforehand. Check online reviews and look for established businesses with a good reputation in the Overland Park area. This can save you time, money, and headaches down the line. Knowing you have a trusted contact saved in your phone can turn a moment of panic into a minor inconvenience. So, before you find yourself stranded, take a few minutes to find a reliable emergency auto locksmith in Overland Park. It's a small step that can make a big difference when you need it most.

Emergency Auto Locksmith Services in Overland Park: 24/7 Availability

Cost of Auto Locksmith Services in Overland Park

Locked out of your car in Overland Park? Its a frustrating situation, but a common one. The first thing on your mind, besides getting back in your car, is probably the cost. So, how much will an auto locksmith in Overland Park set you back?


Well, theres no single, easy answer. Several factors influence the final price. The most obvious is the type of service you need. A simple lockout, where the locksmith just needs to pop the lock, will be significantly cheaper than replacing a lost car key, especially for a newer car with a transponder chip or proximity key. Extracting a broken key from the ignition is another story altogether and will likely cost more than a simple lockout.


Then theres the time of day. Just like any other emergency service, calling a locksmith in the middle of the night or on a weekend, especially a holiday weekend, will often incur an after-hours surcharge. Location plays a role too. If youre stranded miles outside of Overland Park proper, you might have to pay extra for the locksmith to travel to your location.


Finally, the locksmith themselves matters. Different companies have different pricing structures. Some may charge a flat fee for certain services, while others may charge by the hour. Its always wise to call around and get a few quotes before committing to a locksmith. Be sure to ask about any additional fees, like service call charges or mileage fees, so youre not surprised by the final bill.


While its impossible to give an exact price without knowing the specifics of your situation, you can generally expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $250 or more for auto locksmith services in Overland Park. The best advice? Keep your keys safe and avoid the hassle altogether! But if you do find yourself locked out, knowing the factors that affect pricing can help you navigate the situation and avoid any unpleasant surprises.

An illustration of a German locksmith, 1451.

Locksmithing is the work of creating and bypassing locks. Locksmithing is a traditional trade and in many countries requires completion of an apprenticeship. The level of formal education legally required varies by country, ranging from no formal education to a training certificate awarded by an employer, or a full diploma from an engineering college, along with time spent as an apprentice.

Terminology

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A lock is a mechanism that secures buildings, rooms, cabinets, objects, or other storage facilities. A "smith" is a metalworker who shapes metal pieces, often using a forge or mould, into useful objects or to be part of a more complex structure. Thus locksmithing, as its name implies, is the assembly and designing of locks and their respective keys by hand. Most locksmiths use both automatic and manual cutting tools to mold keys, with many of these tools being powered by batteries or mains electricity.

Work

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Locks have been constructed for over 2500 years, initially out of wood and later out of metal.[1] Historically, locksmiths would make the entire lock, working for hours hand cutting screws and doing much file-work. Lock designs became significantly more complicated in the 18th century, and locksmiths often specialized in repairing or designing locks.

Although replacing lost keys for automobiles and homes, as well as rekeying locks for security purposes, remains an important part of locksmithing, a 1976 US Government publication noted that modern locksmiths are primarily involved in installing high-quality lock-sets and managing keying and key control systems.

Locksmith specialisations

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Most locksmiths also provide electronic lock services, such as programming smart keys for transponder-equipped vehicles and implementing access control systems to protect individuals and assets for large institutions.[2] Many also specialise in other areas such as:

  • Auto Locksmithing
  • Safes

Regulation by country

[edit]

Australia

[edit]

In Australia, prospective locksmiths are required to take a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) course in locksmithing, completion of which leads to issuance of a Level 3 Australian Qualifications Framework certificate, and complete an apprenticeship. They must also pass a criminal records check certifying that they are not currently wanted by the police. Apprenticeships can last one to four years. Course requirements are variable: there is a minimal requirements version that requires fewer total training units, and a fuller version that teaches more advanced skills, but takes more time to complete. Apprenticeship and course availability vary by state or territory.[3]

Ireland

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In Ireland, licensing for locksmiths was introduced in 2016,[4] with locksmiths having to obtain a Private Security Authority license. The Irish Locksmith Organisation has 50 members with ongoing training to ensure all members are up-to-date with knowledge and skills.

United Kingdom

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In the UK, there is no current government regulation for locksmithing, so effectively anyone can trade and operate as a locksmith with no skill or knowledge of the industry.[5]

United States

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Fifteen states in the United States require licensure for locksmiths. Nassau County and New York City in New York State, and Hillsborough County and Miami-Dade County in Florida have their own licensing laws.[6] State and local laws are described in the table below. 15 states require locksmith licensing: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia

US Locksmith Licensing[7][6]
State Regulatory body Requirements
Alabama Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure Certification course, continuing education, background check every two years
California California Department of Consumer Affairs, California Contractors State License Board; California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services California requires a C-28 Lock and Security Equipment Contractor license, with renewal every two years, in addition to a background check.[8][9]
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Background check, registration (renews biennially)
Florida No statewide regulation. Counties of Hillsborough and Miami-Dade require licensure for locksmiths and locksmith firms. Miami-Dade's ordinance covers locksmithing, as well as the installation of security alarm closed-circuit television systems. Miami-Dade: must register with county and receive license. Each business performing locksmith services must have at least one license-holder in its employ. Fingerprinting and criminal background check accompany license application. Initial applicants must have a locksmith permit for one year before full licensure. Any work involving electrical systems must be done by someone who also holds a state electrician's or contractor's license.[10] Hillsborough: must apply for a biennial locksmith license. The cost is $500 for an individual or firm of up to five employees, $750 for a firm of six to ten employees, and $1000 for a firm of more than ten employees. A background check and proof of insurance are also required.[11]: 1 Pinellas County: The City of Clearwater requires fingerprints applied by Clearwater police.
Illinois Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Must not have been convicted of a felony in the last ten years, must take twenty-hour licensure course, must pass examination[12]
Louisiana Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshall Must pass examination, pay initial registration of $250, and maintain registration for $50 annually thereafter. Additional training and certification are required for locksmiths dealing with locks on fire and safety equipment and alarm systems.[13]
Maryland Maryland Locksmith Licensing Program, Maryland Department of Labor Must apply for a license and submit to a criminal records check, and after issue, must carry a state-issued locksmith license card at all times when performing work. Prior felony and misdemeanor convictions will be weighed by the Secretary of Labor according to statutorily-determined factors, including length of time since the offense and applicant's behavior since, when deciding to grant or withhold a license. The licensee must carry liability insurance, and submit proof of insurance to the secretary.[14]
Nebraska County Clerk Registration with the county clerk in the county in which the locksmith's business is located
Nevada County Sheriff Must not be in arrears on child support, and must register with the county sheriff of the county in which the business is located
New Jersey New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors Must be at least eighteen years of age, must complete three years of supervised locksmith work, working an average of at least twenty hours a week, or complete a formal two-year apprenticeship in a program approved by the United States Department of Labor, must not have been convicted of certain crimes within a ten-year period prior to application, and must pass an examination before being granted license.[15]
New York No statewide licensing requirement. In Nassau County, a county license is required.[16] Nassau County requirements include submission of passport-style photos for photo identification license card for the principal applicant; business or home address and phone number and proof of number operability in the form of a recent telephone bill; a listing of all employees and officers of the company along with passport photos; recent utility bill for the business location if the business is not operated from home; a statement of all criminal convictions for all employees and officers, along with court records if requested; statement all trade names used by the business, and incorporation documents, if applicable; proof of insurance; proof of workers' compensation registration; a federal employee identification number, and a state sales tax number, if applicable; and fingerprint records for all applicants, in addition to a non-refundable processing fee.[17]: 2–3 
North Carolina North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board Must submit documentation of criminal history. Must submit documentation of out-of-state licenses, immigration status, and military discharge, if applicable. May optionally submit training certifications and other data. Must pay an initial license fee and subsequent annual renewal fees and keep license on person at all times. Must notify state of any employees operating under the owner's locksmith license. All apprentices must be themselves licensed under an apprentice license, and may not perform certain services, except under the direct supervision of a full locksmith license holder.[18][19]
Oklahoma Alarm, Locksmith, & Fire Sprinkler Program, Oklahoma Department of Labor Must not have been convicted of a felony and must register with Alarm, Locksmith, & Fire Sprinkler Program[20]
Oregon Oregon Construction Contractors Board Must pass a criminal background check, pass a license examination, and renew registration biennially
Tennessee Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Must provide documentation of citizenship or legal residency, any criminal convictions, all changes of address; business license in county or city where business operates, or a notarized statement that services will be for an employer or association and not offered directly to the public; otherwise, must submit documentation of application for, or employment by, a Tennessee Locksmith Company duly registered with the state. Conviction of a felony, or any level of drug, burglary, or breaking and entering offense may bar the applicant from licensure.[21]
Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Board The owner or manager of a company providing locksmith services must hold a Locksmith Company License. To qualify for a license, the applicant must have two years service as a locksmith for a licensed company. Alternatively, the applicant may substitute one year's experience plus successful completion of a forty-eight hour licensure course, followed by successful completion of a comprehensive license examination.[22]
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Must be over eighteen years of age. Must complete an eighteen-hour training course. Must undergo a criminal records check and submit fingerprints. Anyone convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (excluding traffic violations) in Virginia or any other jurisdiction must complete a supplemental Criminal History form detailing the circumstances of arrest and conviction, completion of sentence, and any record pertaining to parole or probation. Any false statements or omissions can provide grounds for denial of license and possible criminal sanctions.[23][24]

Employment

[edit]
A Locksmith, 2013

Locksmiths may be commercial (working out of a storefront), mobile (working out of a vehicle), institutional (employed by an institution) or investigatory (forensic locksmiths) or may specialize in one aspect of the skill, such as an automotive lock specialist, a master key system specialist or a safe technician.[2] Many locksmiths also work as security consultants, but not all security consultants possess locksmithing skills. Locksmiths are frequently certified in specific skill areas or to a level of skill within the trade. This is separate from certificates of completion of training courses. In determining skill levels, certifications from manufacturers or locksmith associations are usually more valid criteria than certificates of completion. Some locksmiths decide to call themselves "Master Locksmiths" whether they are fully trained or not, and some training certificates appear quite authoritative.

The majority of locksmiths also work on any existing door hardware, not just locking mechanisms. This includes door closers, door hinges, electric strikes, frame repairs and other door hardware.

Full disclosure

[edit]

The issue of full disclosure was first raised in the context of locksmithing, in a 19th-century controversy regarding whether weaknesses in lock systems should be kept secret in the locksmithing community, or revealed to the public.

According to A. C. Hobbs:

A commercial, and in some respects a social doubt has been started within the last year or two, whether or not it is right to discuss so openly the security or insecurity of locks. Many well-meaning persons suppose that the discussion respecting the means for baffling the supposed safety of locks offers a premium for dishonesty, by showing others how to be dishonest. This is a fallacy. Rogues are very keen in their profession, and know already much more than we can teach them respecting their several kinds of roguery.

Rogues knew a good deal about lock-picking long before locksmiths discussed it among themselves, as they have lately done. If a lock, let it have been made in whatever country, or by whatever maker, is not so inviolable as it has hitherto been deemed to be, surely it is to the interest of honest persons to know this fact, because the dishonest are tolerably certain to apply the knowledge practically; and the spread of the knowledge is necessary to give fair play to those who might suffer by ignorance.

It cannot be too earnestly urged that an acquaintance with real facts will, in the end, be better for all parties. Some time ago, when the reading public was alarmed at being told how London milk is adulterated, timid persons deprecated the exposure, on the plea that it would give instructions in the art of adulterating milk; a vain fear, milkmen knew all about it before, whether they practised it or not; and the exposure only taught purchasers the necessity of a little scrutiny and caution, leaving them to obey this necessity or not, as they pleased.

-- From A. C. Hobbs (Charles Tomlinson, ed.), Locks and Safes: The Construction of Locks. Published by Virtue & Co., London, 1853 (revised 1868).

Notable locksmiths

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See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Lock Manufacturers and Brands". 24 7 Locksmiths. Archived from the original on 2019-06-15. Retrieved 2017-08-13.
  2. ^ a b Statistics, United States Bureau of Labor (1976). Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Division of Occupational Outlook. pp. 416–417. Retrieved 15 October 2018.
  3. ^ "Certificate III in Locksmithing". TAFE Queensland. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
  4. ^ "Licensing of Locksmiths".
  5. ^ "Are locksmiths licensed in the UK?". The National Guild of Certified Locksmiths. April 9, 2021. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  6. ^ a b "State Licensing Laws". Associated Locksmiths of America. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  7. ^ Carpenter, Dick M. III; Knepper, Lisa; Sweetland, Kyle; McDonald, Jennifer. "License to Work: A National Study of Burdens from Occupational Licensing". Institute for Justice. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  8. ^ "Locksmith Company and Locksmith Employee Fact Sheet". California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. July 2020. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  9. ^ "Licensing_Classifications: C-28 Lock And Security Equipment". s. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  10. ^ "Locksmith License". Miami-Dade County. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
  11. ^ "Hillsborough County Locksmith Services Business Licensing Application and Important Information" (PDF). Hillsborough County. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
  12. ^ "Locksmith". Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  13. ^ "Life Safety & Property Protection Training Requirements". Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshalln. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  14. ^ "Maryland Locksmith Licensing Program". Maryland Department of Labor. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  15. ^ "New Jersey Office of the Attorney General: Application for a Locksmith License" (PDF). New Jersey Attorney General. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  16. ^ "Local Law 19-2007: A Local Law to amend the Administrative Code in relation to locksmith licenses". Nassau County Legislature. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  17. ^ "General Instructions for the Locksmith License". Nassau County Department of Consumer Affairs. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  18. ^ "North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board: Application for a Locksmith License" (PDF). North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
  19. ^ "North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board: Application for a Locksmith Apprentice License". North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
  20. ^ "Alarm, Locksmith, & Fire Sprinkler Program". Oklahoma Office of the Department of Labor. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  21. ^ "TN Regulations: Locksmith". Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  22. ^ "Private Security Administrative Rules:RULE §35.123 Locksmith Company License" (PDF). Texas Department of Public Safety. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  23. ^ "Licensure and Regulatory Affairs: Locksmith". Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  24. ^ "Licensure and Regulatory Affairs: Criminal History". Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  25. ^ Lea, Robert (2010). "Going for Growth: why Banham is not going to bolt now" The Times
  26. ^ Evening Standard. 9/25/2014, p73. 1p.
  27. ^ "Lock cylinder". Archived from the original on 2017-12-31.
  28. ^ "Door fastening device". Archived from the original on 2017-12-31.
  29. ^ "Banham - Experts in Security Services". Banham. Archived from the original on 2017-01-25.
  30. ^ "Opening an Antique Bramah Box Lock". Hygra.com. Archived from the original on 2012-03-27. Retrieved 2012-08-15.
  31. ^ "Bramah Locks". Crypto.com. Archived from the original on 2012-09-04. Retrieved 2012-08-15.
[edit]

 

A typical modern padlock and its keys

A lock is a mechanical or electronic fastening device that is released by a physical object (such as a key, keycard, fingerprint, RFID card, security token or coin), by supplying secret information (such as a number or letter permutation or password), by a combination thereof, or it may only be able to be opened from one side, such as a door chain.

A key is a device that is used to operate a lock (to lock or unlock it). A typical key is a small piece of metal consisting of two parts: the bit or blade, which slides into the keyway of the lock and distinguishes between different keys, and the bow, which is left protruding so that torque can be applied by the user. In its simplest implementation, a key operates one lock or set of locks that are keyed alike, a lock/key system where each similarly keyed lock requires the same, unique key.

The key serves as a security token for access to the locked area; locks are meant to only allow persons having the correct key to open it and gain access. In more complex mechanical lock/key systems, two different keys, one of which is known as the master key, serve to open the lock. Common metals include brass, plated brass, nickel silver, and steel. The act of opening a lock without a key is called lock picking.

History

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Bronze lock in the form of a scorpion, from Nalanda, India, 10th century

Premodern history

[edit]
Medieval Gothic lock, from the 15th–16th centuries, made of iron, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York City)

Locks have been in use for over 6000 years, with one early example discovered in the ruins of Nineveh, the capital of ancient Assyria.[1] Locks such as this were developed into the Egyptian wooden pin lock, which consisted of a bolt, door fixture or attachment, and key. When the key was inserted, pins within the fixture were lifted out of drilled holes within the bolt, allowing it to move. When the key was removed, the pins fell part-way into the bolt, preventing movement.[2]

The warded lock was also present from antiquity and remains the most recognizable lock and key design in the Western world. The first all-metal locks appeared between the years 870 and 900, and are attributed to English craftsmen.[3] It is also said that the key was invented by Theodorus of Samos in the 6th century BC.[1]

The Romans invented metal locks and keys and the system of security provided by wards.[4]

Affluent Romans often kept their valuables in secure locked boxes within their households, and wore the keys as rings on their fingers. The practice had two benefits: It kept the key handy at all times, while signaling that the wearer was wealthy and important enough to have money and jewellery worth securing.[5]

Drunk man's lock at the bottom (black lock) and a regular modern lock at the top

A special type of lock, dating back to the 17th–18th century, although potentially older as similar locks date back to the 14th century, can be found in the Beguinage of the Belgian city Lier.[6][7] These locks are most likely Gothic locks, that were decorated with foliage, often in a V-shape surrounding the keyhole.[8] They are often called drunk man's lock, as these locks were, according to certain sources, designed in such a way a person can still find the keyhole in the dark, although this might not be the case as the ornaments might have been purely aesthetic.[6][7] In more recent times similar locks have been designed.[9][10]

Modern locks

[edit]
Tibetan Lock and key – Dhankhar Gompa, Spiti. India. 2004
Chinese lock and key from Yunnan Province, early 20th century
Key anatomy

With the onset of the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century and the concomitant development of precision engineering and component standardization, locks and keys were manufactured with increasing complexity and sophistication.[11]

The lever tumbler lock, which uses a set of levers to prevent the bolt from moving in the lock, was invented by Robert Barron in 1778.[12] His double acting lever lock required the lever to be lifted to a certain height by having a slot cut in the lever, so lifting the lever too far was as bad as not lifting the lever far enough. This type of lock is still used today.[13]

Diagram of a Chubb detector lock

The lever tumbler lock was greatly improved by Jeremiah Chubb in 1818.[12] A burglary in Portsmouth Dockyard prompted the British Government to announce a competition to produce a lock that could be opened only with its own key.[5] Chubb developed the Chubb detector lock, which incorporated an integral security feature that could frustrate unauthorized access attempts and would indicate to the lock's owner if it had been interfered with. Chubb was awarded £100 after a trained lock-picker failed to break the lock after 3 months.[14]

In 1820, Jeremiah joined his brother Charles in starting their own lock company, Chubb. Chubb made various improvements to his lock: his 1824 improved design did not require a special regulator key to reset the lock; by 1847 his keys used six levers rather than four; and he later introduced a disc that allowed the key to pass but narrowed the field of view, hiding the levers from anybody attempting to pick the lock.[15] The Chubb brothers also received a patent for the first burglar-resisting safe and began production in 1835.

The designs of Barron and Chubb were based on the use of movable levers, but Joseph Bramah, a prolific inventor, developed an alternative method in 1784. His lock used a cylindrical key with precise notches along the surface; these moved the metal slides that impeded the turning of the bolt into an exact alignment, allowing the lock to open. The lock was at the limits of the precision manufacturing capabilities of the time and was said by its inventor to be unpickable. In the same year Bramah started the Bramah Locks company at 124 Piccadilly, and displayed the "Challenge Lock" in the window of his shop from 1790, challenging "...the artist who can make an instrument that will pick or open this lock" for the reward of £200. The challenge stood for over 67 years until, at the Great Exhibition of 1851, the American locksmith Alfred Charles Hobbs was able to open the lock and, following some argument about the circumstances under which he had opened it, was awarded the prize. Hobbs' attempt required some 51 hours, spread over 16 days.

The earliest patent for a double-acting pin tumbler lock was granted to American physician Abraham O. Stansbury in England in 1805,[16] but the modern version, still in use today, was invented by American Linus Yale Sr. in 1848.[17] This lock design used pins of varying lengths to prevent the lock from opening without the correct key. In 1861, Linus Yale Jr. was inspired by the original 1840s pin-tumbler lock designed by his father, thus inventing and patenting a smaller flat key with serrated edges as well as pins of varying lengths within the lock itself, the same design of the pin-tumbler lock which still remains in use today.[18] The modern Yale lock is essentially a more developed version of the Egyptian lock.

Despite some improvement in key design since, the majority of locks today are still variants of the designs invented by Bramah, Chubb and Yale.

Types of lock

[edit]

With physical keys

[edit]

A warded lock uses a set of obstructions, or wards, to prevent the lock from opening unless the correct key is inserted. The key has notches or slots that correspond to the obstructions in the lock, allowing it to rotate freely inside the lock. Warded locks are typically reserved for low-security applications as a well-designed skeleton key can successfully open a wide variety of warded locks.

The pin tumbler lock uses a set of pins to prevent the lock from opening unless the correct key is inserted. The key has a series of grooves on either side of the key's blade that limit the type of lock the key can slide into. As the key slides into the lock, the horizontal grooves on the blade align with the wards in the keyway allowing or denying entry to the cylinder. A series of pointed teeth and notches on the blade, called bittings, then allow pins to move up and down until they are in line with the shear line of the inner and outer cylinder, allowing the cylinder or cam to rotate freely and the lock to open. An additional pin called the master pin is present between the key and driver pins in locks that accept master keys, to allow the plug to rotate at multiple pin elevations.

A wafer tumbler lock is similar to the pin tumbler lock and works on a similar principle. However, unlike the pin lock (where each pin consists of two or more pieces) each wafer is a single piece. The wafer tumbler lock is often incorrectly referred to as a disc tumbler lock, which uses an entirely different mechanism. The wafer lock is relatively inexpensive to produce and is often used in automobiles and cabinetry.

The disc tumbler lock or Abloy lock is composed of slotted rotating detainer discs.

The lever tumbler lock uses a set of levers to prevent the bolt from moving in the lock. In its simplest form, lifting the tumbler above a certain height will allow the bolt to slide past. Lever locks are commonly recessed inside wooden doors or on some older forms of padlocks, including fire brigade padlocks.

A magnetic keyed lock is a locking mechanism whereby the key utilizes magnets as part of the locking and unlocking mechanism. A magnetic key would use from one to many small magnets oriented so that the North and South poles would equate to a combination to push or pull the lock's internal tumblers thus releasing the lock.

With electronic keys

[edit]

An electronic lock works by means of an electric current and is usually connected to an access control system. In addition to the pin and tumbler used in standard locks, electronic locks connect the bolt or cylinder to a motor within the door using a part called an actuator. Types of electronic locks include the following:

A keycard lock operates with a flat card of similar dimensions as a credit card. In order to open the door, one needs to successfully match the signature within the keycard.

The lock in a typical remote keyless system operates with a smart key radio transmitter. The lock typically accepts a particular valid code only once, and the smart key transmits a different rolling code every time the button is pressed. Generally the car door can be opened with either a valid code by radio transmission, or with a (non-electronic) pin tumbler key. The ignition switch may require a transponder car key to both open a pin tumbler lock and also transmit a valid code by radio transmission.

A smart lock is an electromechanics lock that gets instructions to lock and unlock the door from an authorized device using a cryptographic key and wireless protocol. Smart locks have begun to be used more commonly in residential areas, often controlled with smartphones.[19][20] Smart locks are used in coworking spaces and offices to enable keyless office entry.[21] In addition, electronic locks cannot be picked with conventional tools.

Locksmithing

[edit]
Locksmith, 1451

Locksmithing is a traditional trade, and in most countries requires completion of an apprenticeship. The level of formal education required varies from country to country, from no qualifications required at all in the UK,[22] to a simple training certificate awarded by an employer, to a full diploma from an engineering college. Locksmiths may be commercial (working out of a storefront), mobile (working out of a vehicle), institutional, or investigational (forensic locksmiths). They may specialize in one aspect of the skill, such as an automotive lock specialist, a master key system specialist or a safe technician. Many also act as security consultants, but not all security consultants have the skills and knowledge of a locksmith.[citation needed]

Historically, locksmiths constructed or repaired an entire lock, including its constituent parts. The rise of cheap mass production has made this less common; the vast majority of locks are repaired through like-for-like replacements, high-security safes and strongboxes being the most common exception. Many locksmiths also work on any existing door hardware, including door closers, hinges, electric strikes, and frame repairs, or service electronic locks by making keys for transponder-equipped vehicles and implementing access control systems.

Although the fitting and replacement of keys remains an important part of locksmithing, modern locksmiths are primarily involved in the installation of high quality lock-sets and the design, implementation, and management of keying and key control systems. Locksmiths are frequently required to determine the level of risk to an individual or institution and then recommend and implement appropriate combinations of equipment and policies to create a "security layer" that exceeds the reasonable gain of an intruder.[citation needed]

Key duplication

[edit]
Video showing the process of cutting a key

Traditional key cutting is the primary method of key duplication. It is a subtractive process named after the metalworking process of cutting, where a flat blank key is ground down to form the same shape as the template (original) key. The process roughly follows these stages:

  1. The original key is fitted into a vise in a machine, with a blank attached to a parallel vise which is mechanically linked.
  2. The original key is moved along a guide in a movement which follows the key's shape, while the blank is moved in the same pattern against a cutting wheel by the mechanical linkage between the vices.
  3. After cutting, the new key is deburred by scrubbing it with a metal brush to remove particles of metal which could be dangerously sharp and foul locks.

Modern key cutting replaces the mechanical key following aspect with a process in which the original key is scanned electronically, processed by software, stored, then used to guide a cutting wheel when a key is produced. The capability to store electronic copies of the key's shape allows for key shapes to be stored for key cutting by any party that has access to the key image.

Different key cutting machines are more or less automated, using different milling or grinding equipment, and follow the design of early 20th century key duplicators.

Key duplication is available in many retail hardware stores and as a service of the specialized locksmith, though the correct key blank may not be available. More recently, online services for duplicating keys have become available.

 

Keyhole

[edit]
A traditional keyhole for a warded lock

A keyhole (or keyway) is a hole or aperture (as in a door or lock) for receiving a key.[23] Lock keyway shapes vary widely with lock manufacturer, and many manufacturers have a number of unique profiles requiring a specifically milled key blank to engage the lock's tumblers.

Symbolism

[edit]

Heraldry

[edit]

Keys appear in various symbols and coats of arms, the best-known being that of the Holy See:[24] derived from the phrase in Matthew 16:19 which promises Saint Peter, in Roman Catholic tradition the first pope, the Keys of Heaven. But this is by no means the only case.

Artwork

[edit]

Some works of art associate keys with the Greek goddess of witchcraft, known as Hecate.[25]

Palestinian key

[edit]
Palestinian key at a Nakba Day demonstration in Berlin

The Palestinian key is the Palestinian collective symbol of their homes lost in the Nakba, when more than half of the population of Mandatory Palestine was expelled or fled violence in 1948 and were subsequently refused the right to return.[26][27][28] Since 2016, a Palestinian restaurant in Doha, Qatar, holds the Guinness World Record for the world's largest key – 2.7 tonnes and 7.8 × 3 meters.[29][30]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b de Vries, N. Cross and D. P. Grant, M. J. (1992). Design Methodology and Relationships with Science: Introduction. Eindhoven: Kluwer Academic Publishers. p. 32. ISBN 9780792321910. Archived from the original on 2016-10-24.
  2. ^ Ceccarelli, Marco (2004). International Symposium on History of Machines and Mechanisms. New York: Kluwer Academic Publishers. p. 43. ISBN 1402022034. Archived from the original on 2016-10-24.
  3. ^ "History". Locks.ru. Archived from the original on 2010-04-20. Retrieved 2010-06-10.
  4. ^ "Key | lock device". Encyclopedia Britannica. Archived from the original on 2021-12-24. Retrieved 2020-01-13.
  5. ^ a b "History". Slate. Slate Magazine. 15 May 2012. Archived from the original on 2012-12-09. Retrieved 2012-12-09.
  6. ^ a b R. De Bruyn, ‘Oude sloten op deurtjes in het Liers begijnhof’, in: 't land van Ryen jaargang 17, aflevering 3–4, 1967, p. 158, article in Dutch
  7. ^ a b Echtpaar schrijft eerste boek sinds twintig jaar over Liers begijnhof Archived 2022-11-07 at the Wayback Machine nieuwsblad.be, Chris van Rompaey, 17 april 2018, article in Dutch
  8. ^ Dictionary, Lexicon of locks and keys Archived 2023-05-27 at the Wayback Machine historicallocks.com
  9. ^ United States patent keyhole guide for locks and method of using the same Archived 2020-04-07 at the Wayback Machine patentimages, Eugene Toussant, 1990
  10. ^ V-Lock Helps Drunks Get Home to Bed Archived 2020-04-07 at the Wayback Machine wired.com, Charlie Sorrel, 5 April 2010
  11. ^ Abreha, Kaleb G.; Kassa, Woubet; Lartey, Emmanuel K. K.; Mengistae, Taye A.; Zeufack, Albert G. (2021-12-18). Industrialization in Sub-Saharan Africa: Seizing Opportunities in Global Value Chains. World Bank Publications. ISBN 978-1-4648-1721-2. Archived from the original on 2023-11-10. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  12. ^ a b Chatwood, Arthur Brunel (1911). "Lock" . In Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 16 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 841–844.
  13. ^ Pulford, Graham W. (2007). High-Security Mechanical Locks : An Encyclopedic Reference. Elsevier. p. 317. ISBN 978-0-7506-8437-8.
  14. ^ "Lock Making: Chubb & Son's Lock & Safe Co Ltd". Wolverhampton City Council. 2005. Archived from the original on 10 January 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2006.
  15. ^ Roper, C.A. & Phillips, Bill (2001). The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing. McGraw-Hill Publishing. ISBN 0-07-137494-9.
  16. ^ The Complete Book of Home, Site, and Office Security: Selecting, Installing, and Troubleshooting Systems and Devices. McGraw-Hill Professional. 2006. p. 11. ISBN 9780071467445. Archived from the original on 2016-11-21.
  17. ^ The Geek Atlas: 128 Places Where Science and Technology Come Alive. O'Reilly Media, Inc. 2009. p. 445. ISBN 9780596555627. Archived from the original on 2016-05-01.
  18. ^ "Inventor of the Week Archive". Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Archived from the original on 2013-05-29.
  19. ^ "Ditch the keys: it's time to get a smart lock". Popular Mechanics. 26 November 2013. Archived from the original on 16 December 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  20. ^ "Kisi And KeyMe, two smart phone apps, might make house keys obsolete". The Huffington Post. 26 November 2013. Archived from the original on 11 March 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  21. ^ Kurutz, Steven (11 June 2014). "Losing The Key". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 3 January 2016. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  22. ^ "What qualifications do I need to be a locksmith?". Master Locksmiths Association. Archived from the original on 2019-05-23. Retrieved 2019-05-23.
  23. ^ Gove, Philip Babcock, ed. (1981). "keyhole". Webster's Third New International Dictionary of English Language. Merriam-Webster Inc. p. 1239.
  24. ^ Fox-Davies, Arthur Charles (1909). A Complete Guide to Heraldry. New York: Dodge Publishing. p. 291. ISBN 0-517-26643-1. LCCN 09023803 – via Internet Archive. cite book: ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)
  25. ^ Oskar Seyffert (1901). A Dictionary of Classical Antiquities: Mythology, Religion, Literature and Art (6 ed.). Swan Sonnenschein and Co. p. 271. Retrieved 2022-01-01.
  26. ^ Meital, Y.; Rayman, P. (2017). Recognition as Key for Reconciliation: Israel, Palestine, and Beyond. Social, Economic and Political Studies of the Middle East and Asia. Brill. ISBN 978-90-04-35580-4. Archived from the original on 2023-11-10. Retrieved 2023-04-06. Michal concedes the fact that Israelis do the same thing to the memory of the Nakba when saying "it was in 1948, enough talking about the past, let's talk about the future." When the Palestinians come with their keys [the Palestinian symbol of their lost homes], she says, "it's the same thing, it's a memory still burning in the hearts of families
  27. ^ Fisk, Robert (2018-06-28). "'I spoke to Palestinians who still hold the keys to homes they fled decades ago – many are still determined to return'". The Independent. Archived from the original on 2023-05-01. Retrieved 2023-04-06. Keys must always be the symbol of the Palestinian "Nakba" – the "disaster" – the final, fateful, terrible last turning in the lock of those front doors as 750,000 Arab men, women and children fled or were thrown out of their homes in what was to become the state of Israel in 1947 and 1948.
  28. ^ Feldman, llana. 2008. Refusing Invisibility: Documentation and Memorialization in Palestinian Refugee Claims Archived 2023-04-11 at the Wayback Machine, Journal of Refugee Studies 21 (4): 4, page 503: "Anyone familiar with Palestinian visibility practices will certainly be aware of the importance of certain central objects within this field. Many refugees still have the keys to their houses in Palestine. Keeping these keys, and showing them to visitors and researchers, is part of a hope for return and a claim to these properties. Given this widespread practice, these keys, with their distinctive old-fashioned look, have also become symbols of refugee commitment to Palestine. At demonstrations in support of Palestinians one can often find people carrying enlarged replicas of these keys—in the process transforming individual objects into collective symbols."
  29. ^ The Peninsula Newspaper (2016-05-16). "'Largest Key' dedicated to refugees around the world". The Peninsula Qatar. Archived from the original on 2023-05-01. Retrieved 2023-04-06. The gigantic key, dedicated to all the refugees around the world, was unveiled in a spectacular show at the Katara Amphitheatre last night featuring Palestinian Arab Idol winner Mohammed Assaf. "This key symbol for all the refugees in the world. We want to set a Guinness World Record to say that it is the right of these refugees to return back home. Actually this is linked particularly to Palestinian refugees."... Around 4,000 people filled the Katara Amphitheatre to witness the unveiling of the enormous key and enjoy the concert highlighted by the performance of the young Palestinian singer who is the first United Nations Relief and Works Agency regional youth ambassador for Palestine refugees.
  30. ^ "The Largest Key in The World". Ard Canaan Restaurant. 2016-12-08. Archived from the original on 2023-05-01. Retrieved 2023-04-06.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Phillips, Bill. (2005). The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-144829-2.
  • Alth, Max (1972). All About Locks and Locksmithing. Penguin. ISBN 0-8015-0151-2
  • Robinson, Robert L. (1973). Complete Course in Professional Locksmithing Nelson-Hall. ISBN 0-911012-15-X
[edit]

 

A Nissan Fuga intelligent key

A smart key is a vehicular passive entry system developed by Siemens in 1995 and introduced by Mercedes-Benz under the name "Keyless-Go" in 1998 on the W220 S-Class,[1] after the design patent was filed by Daimler-Benz on May 17, 1997.[2]

Numerous manufacturers subsequently developed similar passive systems that unlock a vehicle on approach — while the key remains pocketed by the user.

Operation

[edit]
The first KeylessGo ECU of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The smart key allows the driver to keep the key fob pocketed when unlocking, locking and starting the vehicle. The key is identified via one of several antennas in the car's bodywork and an ISM band radio pulse generator in the key housing. Depending on the system, the vehicle is automatically unlocked when a button or sensor on the door handle or trunk release is pressed. Vehicles with a smart-key system have a mechanical backup, usually in the form of a spare key blade supplied with the vehicle. Some manufacturers hide the backup lock behind a cover for styling.

A push-button ignition switch in place of the immobilizer on a Mitsubishi RVR equipped with the Smart key.

Vehicles with a smart-key system can disengage the immobilizer and activate the ignition without inserting a key in the ignition, provided the driver has the key inside the car. On most vehicles, this is done by pressing a starter button or twisting an ignition switch.

When leaving a vehicle that is equipped with a smart-key system, the vehicle is locked by either pressing a button on a door handle, touching a capacitive area on a door handle, or simply walking away from the vehicle. The method of locking varies across models.

Some vehicles automatically adjust settings based on the smart key used to unlock the car. User preferences such as seat positions, steering wheel position, exterior mirror settings, climate control (e.g. temperature) settings, and stereo presets are popular adjustments. Some models, such as the Ford Escape, even have settings to prevent the vehicle from exceeding a maximum speed if it has been started with a certain key.

Insurance standard

[edit]
Bugatti keyless entry remote

In 2005, the UK motor insurance research expert Thatcham introduced a standard for keyless entry, requiring the device to be inoperable at a distance of more than 10 cm from the vehicle.[citation needed] In an independent test, the Nissan Micra's system was found to be the most secure, while certain BMW and Mercedes keys failed, being theoretically capable of allowing cars to be driven away while their owners were refueling.[3] Despite these security vulnerabilities, auto theft rates have decreased 7 percent between 2009 and 2010, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau credits smart keys for this decrease.[4][5]

SmartKeys

[edit]
A woman shows Honda Odyssey (international) Smart Entry System

SmartKeys were developed by Siemens in the mid-1990s and introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 1997 to replace the infrared security system introduced in 1989. Daimler-Benz filed the first patents for SmartKey on February 28, 1997, in German patent offices, with multifunction switchblade key variants following on May 17, 1997.[6][7][8][9] The device entailed a plastic key to be used in place of the traditional metal key. Electronics that control locking systems and the ignitions made it possible to replace the traditional key with a sophisticated computerized "Key". It is considered a step up from remote keyless entry. The SmartKey adopts the remote control buttons from keyless entry, and incorporates them into the SmartKey fob.

Once inside a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, the SmartKey fob, unlike keyless entry fobs, is placed in the ignition slot where a starter computer verifies the rolling code. Verified in milliseconds, it can then be turned as a traditional key to start the engine. The device was designed with the cooperation of Siemens Automotive and Huf exclusively for Mercedes-Benz, but many luxury manufacturers have implemented similar technology based on the same idea.[citation needed] In addition to the SmartKey, Mercedes-Benz now integrates as an option Keyless Go; this feature allows the driver to keep the SmartKey in their pocket, yet giving them the ability to open the doors, trunk as well as starting the car without ever removing it from their pocket.

The SmartKey's electronics are embedded in a hollow, triangular piece of plastic, wide at the top, narrow at the bottom, squared-off at the tip with a half-inch-long insert piece. The side of the SmartKey also hides a traditional Mercedes-Benz key that can be pulled out from a release at the top. The metal key is used for valet purposes such as locking the glove compartment and/or trunk before the SmartKey is turned over to a parking attendant. Once locked manually, the trunk cannot be opened with the SmartKey or interior buttons. The key fob utilizes a radio-frequency transponder to communicate with the door locks, but it uses infrared to communicate with the engine immobilizer system. The original SmartKeys had a limited frequency and could have only been used in line-of-sight for safety purposes. The driver can also point the smart key at the front driver side door while pushing and holding the unlock button on the SmartKey and the windows and the sunroof will open in order to ventilate the cabin. Similarly, if the same procedure is completed while holding the lock button, the windows and sunroof will close. In cars equipped with the Active Ventilated Seats, the summer opening feature will activate seat ventilation in addition to opening the windows and sunroof.[citation needed]

Display Key

[edit]

Display Key is a type of smart key developed by BMW that includes a small LCD color touchscreen on it. It performs the standard functions that a key fob would normally do such as locking, unlocking & keyless start, but because of the screen the user can also perform a number of the features from BMW's app. One of which includes commanding the car to self park from the key if your car has self parking capability. The key is currently available for the 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, 8 Series, X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7. The key is rechargeable and will last about 3 weeks. It can be charged via a micro USB port on the side or wirelessly on the center console.

Keyless Go

[edit]

Keyless Go (also: Keyless Entry / Go; Passive Entry / Go) is Mercedes' term for an automotive technology which allows a driver to lock and unlock a vehicle without using the corresponding SmartKey buttons.[10] Once a driver enters a vehicle with an equipped Keyless Go SmartKey or Keyless Go wallet-size card, they have the ability to start and stop the engine, without inserting the SmartKey. A transponder built within the SmartKey allows the vehicle to identify a driver. An additional safety feature is integrated into the vehicle, making it impossible to lock a SmartKey with Keyless Go inside a vehicle.

Hardware blocks on the Keyless Entry/Go ECU

The system works by having a series of LF (low frequency 125 kHz) transmitting antennas both inside and outside the vehicle. The external antennas are located in the door handles. When the vehicle is triggered, either by pulling the handle or touching the handle, an LF signal is transmitted from the antennas to the key. The key becomes activated if it is sufficiently close and it transmits its ID back to the vehicle via RF (Radio frequency >300 MHz) to a receiver located in the vehicle. If the key has the correct ID, the PASE module unlocks the vehicle.

The hardware blocks of a Keyless Entry / Go Electronic control unit ECU are based on its functionality:

  • transmitting low-frequency LF signals via the 125 kHz power amplifier block
  • receiving radio frequency RF signals (> 300 MHz) from the built-in ISM receiver block
  • encrypting and decrypting all relevant data signals (security)
  • communicating relevant interface signals with other electronic control units
  • microcontroller

Inside Outside detection

[edit]

The smart key determines if it is inside or outside the vehicle by measuring the strength of the LF fields. In order to start the vehicle, the smart key must be inside the vehicle.

Security requirements

[edit]

It is important that the vehicle can't be started when the user and therefore the smart key is outside the vehicle. This is especially important at fueling stations where the user is very close to the vehicle. The internal LF field is allowed to overshoot by a maximum of 10 cm to help minimise this risk. Maximum overshoot is usually found on the side windows where there is very little attenuation of the signal.

Relay Station Attack

A second scenario exists under the name "relay station attack" (RSA). The RSA is based on the idea of reducing the long physical distance between the car and the regular car owner's SmartKey. Two relay stations will be needed for this: The first relay station is located nearby the car and the second is close to the SmartKey. So on first view, the Keyless Entry / Go ECU and the SmartKey could communicate together. A third person at the car could pull the door handle and the door would open. However, in every Keyless Entry / Go system provisions exist to avoid a successful two-way communication via RSA. Some of the most known are:

Furthermore, Keyless Entry / Go communicates with other Control Units within the same vehicle. Depending on the electric car architecture, the following are some Control Systems that can be enabled or disabled:

  • ESCL Electric Steering Column Lock
  • EIS Electronic Ignition Switch
  • Central door locking system
  • Immobiliser
  • Engine Control Unit (Motor management system)
  • BCU Body control unit

Another possibility is using a motion sensor within the key fob.[11][12]

Internal LF field dead spots

[edit]

Dead spots are a result of the maximum overshoot requirement from above. The power delivered to the internal LF antennas has to be tuned to provide the best performance i.e. minimum dead spots and maximum average overshoot. Dead spots are usually near the extremities of the vehicle e.g. the rear parcel shelf.

Battery backup

[edit]

If the battery in the smart key becomes depleted, it is necessary for there to be a backup method of opening and starting the vehicle. Opening is achieved by an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade usually hidden in the smart key. On many cars emergency starting is achieved by use of an inductive coupling. The user either has to put the key in a slot or hold it near a special area on the cockpit, where there is an inductive coil hidden behind which transfers energy to a matching coil in the dead key fob using inductive charging.

Slots have proven to be problematic, as they can go wrong and the key becomes locked in and cannot be removed. Another problem with the slot is it can't compensate for a fob battery below certain operating threshold. Most smart key batteries are temperature sensitive causing the fob to become intermittent, fully functional, or inoperative all in the same day.

Special cases

[edit]

A Keyless Entry / Go system should be able to detect and handle most of the following cases:

  • SmartKey Transponder was forgotten in the rear trunk
  • More than one SmartKey is present inside the car
  • SmartKey getting lost during the drive
  • Smartkey battery low (Limp-Home)

Effectiveness

[edit]

A test by ADAC revealed that 20 car models with Keyless Go could be entered and driven away without the key.[13][14][15][16] In 2014, 6,000 cars (about 17 per day) were stolen using keyless entry in London.[17]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Clark, Mitchell (31 May 2022). "The push-button ignition was a luxurious way to start your car until it wasn't". The Verge. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  2. ^ "DPMAregister | Designs – Registerauskunft zum Design". Archived from the original on 2019-07-27. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  3. ^ "Auto Express: Micra's Top of the Fobs". Archived from the original on 2008-05-20. Retrieved 2008-01-10.
  4. ^ Saylor, Michael (2012). The Mobile Wave: How Mobile Intelligence Will Change Everything. Perseus Books/Vanguard Press. p. 100. ISBN 978-1593157203.
  5. ^ "Vehicle theft post Sixth Consecutive Yearly Decline". NICB. 2010-09-20.
  6. ^ "DPMAregister | Designs – Registerauskunft zum Design". Archived from the original on 2022-10-21. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
  7. ^ "DPMAregister | Designs – Registerauskunft zum Design". Archived from the original on 2022-10-21. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  8. ^ "DPMAregister | Designs – Registerauskunft zum Design". Archived from the original on 2022-10-21. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  9. ^ "DPMAregister | Designs – Registerauskunft zum Design". Archived from the original on 2022-10-21. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  10. ^ "KEYLESS-GO®". Mercedes-Benz USA.
  11. ^ http://essatech.de/produkty/ Archived 2019-04-14 at the Wayback Machine - Keyless Defender
  12. ^ https://www.motoringresearch.com/car-news/ford-fiesta-focus-theft-proof-keyless-entry-fobs/ Archived 2019-04-14 at the Wayback Machine - Ford Fiesta and Focus keyless entry fobs are now theft-proof
  13. ^ Saarinen, Martin (18 March 2016). "Tests uncover major security risk to keyless cars". Auto Express. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
  14. ^ Keyless-Diebstahl - vom ADAC untersuchte Autos Archived 2016-03-27 at the Wayback Machine ADAC, 15 March 2016
  15. ^ Autos mit Keyless leichter zu klauen Archived 2016-03-28 at the Wayback Machine ADAC
  16. ^ ADAC demonstrates keyless theft on YouTube
  17. ^ Finnerty, Joe (5 February 2015). "Keyless car crime up as gangs target vans". Auto Express. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
[edit]

 

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Driving Directions From Tyr Energy to
Driving Directions From Cigna Healthcare to
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Driving Directions in Johnson County


Driving Directions From 38.954813298017, -94.67697940643 to
Driving Directions From 38.958408444659, -94.738609184171 to
Driving Directions From 38.889642970239, -94.710108589469 to
Driving Directions From 38.882070588022, -94.713080079244 to
Driving Directions From 38.905584156264, -94.681264550832 to
Driving Directions From 38.969581693272, -94.663642511999 to
Driving Directions From 38.931768214181, -94.608700143845 to
Driving Directions From 38.973721713813, -94.633523279212 to
Driving Directions From 38.977009601122, -94.681849865687 to
Driving Directions From 38.912928691388, -94.681116780094 to
Yes, we are a local locksmith serving Overland Park.
We offer car key replacement, car key programming, car lockout service, ignition repair/replacement, and trunk unlocking in Overland Park.
We service most makes and models of cars, trucks, and SUVs in Overland Park.
Our rates vary depending on the service needed, but we offer competitive pricing in Overland Park. Contact us for a quote.