Category: How to…
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Yale Lock Reset: How to Factory Reset a Yale Smart Lock
To reset a Yale smart lock, pull the battery cover and batteries, remove the inside back plate to reach the reset button (just right of the PCB cable), then press and hold that button while you reinsert the batteries for at least 3 seconds and release. The lock factory-resets, wiping every code and connection, and…
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How to Factory Reset Schlage Smart Locks (Encode, Connect, Touch, BE365)
To reset a Schlage keypad lock, open the inside cover, disconnect the battery, then press and hold the Schlage button while you reconnect the battery until the keypad flashes and beeps. You do not need your old programming code, the lock resets to the default codes printed on the white sticker inside, and you enter…
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How to Rekey a Lock to Match an Existing Key
You can rekey a new lock to match an existing key, as long as the new lock uses the same keyway (key brand) as your current key. A locksmith repins the cylinder to your key’s cut depths so that the key will turn the cylinder and open the lock. If the keyways differ, they cannot…
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Combination Safe Won’t Open With Correct Code: 5 Fixes
If your dial safe will not open with the correct combination, the most common cause is dialing technique, dial to each number with the correct number of turns and stop precisely on the dial mark. If that fails, the combination may have drifted, so try each number one digit above and below the known value.…
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How to Lock a File Cabinet: A Locksmith’s Guide
To lock a file cabinet, you have four options. If a lock is installed, but you don’t have the key, get a replacement key cut from the code stamped on the lock or replace the file cabinet lock if it is missing or broken. If no lock exists on the file cabinet, add a locking…
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How to Secure French Doors From Break-Ins
The biggest French door weakness is the passive (inactive) door, held only by flush bolts a screwdriver can pop. To secure French doors: drive a long screw through the flush bolt channel so the passive door cannot be forced, add a high-security deadbolt with a 3-inch-screw strike, apply security film to the glass, and reinforce…
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How to Adjust a Door Closer | Locksmith Explains
4 Steps to Adjust Closer | Closer Adjustment Screws | Video Demonstration | FAQ A hydraulic door closer is a mechanical device that automatically closes a door using springs and a system of chambers filled with hydraulic fluid. You do not need to hire a locksmith to adjust a door closer, if the door closer…
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How to Remove a Broken Key From a Lock (Deadbolt, Knob, or Ignition)
To remove a broken key from a lock, first rotate the cylinder back to vertical (key cuts pointing up) so the pins will release the key. If part of the key sticks out, grip it with needle-nose pliers and pull straight out. If it broke off flush, slide a broken-key extractor or a thin jigsaw…
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How to Become a Locksmith | A Complete Guide
How Long it Takes | Background Screenings | Locksmith Training | Apprentice | Tools | State Certifications Interested in a career as a locksmith? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about becoming a licensed locksmith for your state. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to enhance your skills in the locksmith…
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How to Reinforce a Door: 5 Steps from a Locksmith
To reinforce a door against kick-ins, attack the three weak points: the frame, the door, and the lock. Replace the short strike-plate and hinge screws with 3-inch screws that bite into the wall stud, reinforce the door frame with a strike-plate or door-frame reinforcement kit, wrap the door edge on the lock and hinge sides,…