Locksmith questions, answered.
Straight answers from a licensed Maryland locksmith (#737), grouped by topic. Can't find yours? Call (410) 449-4940.
General
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Lock Raven holds Maryland Locksmith License #737 and is licensed, bonded, and insured. We show ID and license on arrival for every job.
How long does it take to get to me?
It depends on where you are and our current job load. Call (410) 449-4940 and we will give you a real ETA before you commit to anything.
Will you damage my door or lock getting in?
Non-destructive entry is always the first approach. If a lock's condition makes repair unavoidable, we explain why before doing any work.
How does emergency lockout dispatch work?
Call (410) 449-4940 directly for an active lockout instead of using the form. We cover commercial, residential, and automotive lockouts across Central Maryland.
Do you install video intercoms and access control?
Yes. We install video intercoms, electric strikes, magnetic locks, and keycard or fob entry, planned around your existing master key system.
Do you handle access control for multi-door buildings?
Yes. We plan keycard, fob, and keypad systems for offices and multi-tenant buildings, and can start with one door and expand later.
Can you replace a car key in Baltimore County?
Yes. We cut and program transponder keys, fobs, and push-start smart keys on-site throughout Baltimore County, including Towson, Timonium, Pikesville, and Catonsville.
Do you provide a quote before starting work?
Always. We price the job before any work begins. Commercial jobs usually start with a walkthrough or a detailed phone call.
Can you rekey my locks instead of replacing them?
Often, yes. Rekeying is faster and cheaper than new hardware, and we will tell you honestly when replacement makes more sense.
Emergency lockouts
Emergency lockouts
How fast can you get here?
It depends on where you are and our current job load. Call and we will give you a real ETA before you commit to anything.
Is emergency service available at any hour?
Emergency lockouts are on-call and subject to technician availability. Call to check; if we cannot get to you, we will tell you straight away.
What should I have ready?
Photo ID, and proof you live there, own the car, or are authorized at the business. We verify before opening any door.
Should I call 911 instead?
Yes, if a child, pet, or anyone at risk is locked inside a car or home, or there is any danger. Call 911 first.
Commercial
Commercial services
Do I need a full access control system, or can we start smaller?
You can start with a single door, like a front entrance or server room, and expand later. We plan it so a small start doesn't need to be redone when you grow into more doors.
Can you integrate access control with our existing master key system?
In most cases, yes. We'll assess your current system during the walkthrough and tell you honestly if integration makes sense or if a specific door needs a different approach.
Do you work with property managers on multi-tenant buildings?
Yes. Different access levels per tenant or floor, master keying for building staff, and coordinated rekeying during tenant turnover.
What happens if we lose a master key?
Call us. Depending on the system, that can mean rekeying affected cylinders rather than replacing the entire system. We'll walk you through the actual exposure and the fastest fix.
Do you offer emergency service for businesses?
Yes. Being locked out of your own building is a business problem, not just an inconvenience, and we treat it that way.
Access control
Access control
Do I need a full system, or can we start smaller?
You can start with a single door, like a front entrance or server room, and expand later. We plan it so a small start does not need to be redone.
Can access control work with our existing master key system?
In most cases, yes. We assess the current system during the walkthrough and keep a mechanical key override on electrified doors.
Do you install video intercoms?
Yes. Video intercoms, electric strikes, magnetic locks, and keycard or fob entry, planned around your existing hardware.
What happens in a power outage or fire alarm?
Each door is set up as fail-safe or fail-secure depending on its role, and exit paths always allow people to get out. We install to the life-safety and fire code requirements that apply.
Residential
Residential services
Do you install smart locks?
Yes. Keypad and app-connected smart locks, set up and ready to use when we leave.
What if I'm locked out right now?
Call (410) 449-4940 directly rather than using the form. We prioritize active lockouts.
Will you damage my door getting in?
Non-destructive entry is always the first approach. If a lock's condition makes repair unavoidable, we explain why before doing any work.
Do you serve my neighborhood?
We cover Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Harford, Carroll, and Howard counties, and beyond depending on the job. Call and we'll confirm.
Automotive
Automotive services
Can you make a car key without the original?
Yes. All-keys-lost and add-a-key jobs are something we handle regularly, on-site, using professional-grade programming equipment. No tow to a dealership required.
Do you work on my car's make and model?
Yes. We work on any make or model, including push-start and smart-key systems, using professional-grade programming equipment. Call to confirm the details for yours.
I'm locked out of my car right now. What do I do?
Call (410) 449-4940 directly. We prioritize active lockouts over form submissions.
Is there a page for my car make?
Yes. Car keys by brand covers 29 makes, from Toyota and Ford to BMW and Mercedes-Benz, with its key systems and what we can do on site.
Still have a question?
Call (410) 449-4940, or send it here and we will reply the same day.
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