Locksmith questions, answered
Straight answers to the questions people ask Mega Lock And Key on the phone: car keys, lockouts, home and business locks, and how we work. Don't see yours? Call 410-560-5940.
Car keys and fobs
Can a locksmith program a push-to-start key?
Yes. We program proximity smart keys for push-button-start cars at the car for most makes, and test that the car starts before we leave.
Can you make a car key without the original?
In most cases, yes. We cut a new key from the vehicle's key code and program it to the immobilizer on-site, for the large majority of makes and models.
Do I need to tow my car to the dealer for a new key?
For most cars, no. We have dealer authorization and dealer-level software for most makes, including newer European models, so the key is usually made where the car is. We confirm your exact car by VIN on the phone.
Is a locksmith car key as good as a dealer key?
Yes. We program keys to the same immobilizer system with dealer-level software and test them on the car before we leave. We don't publish prices; we quote your exact car on the phone. The difference most people notice is time: no tow, no service appointment, and the key is made where the car is.
Can you program a key fob I bought online?
Sometimes. It has to be the exact fob for your car and in a condition that can be programmed. Tell us the part number when you call.
What if my key is broken off in the ignition?
That is a standard extraction job. We remove the broken piece and cut a replacement, usually without replacing the ignition cylinder.
Do you work on luxury and European cars?
Yes. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover, plus exotics like Bentley, Maserati, Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, McLaren, and Tesla. We use dealer-level software for these makes; call with the year, model, and VIN so we bring the right key.
What should I have ready when you arrive?
Photo ID, the registration or title, and the VIN if you can find it. If the paperwork is locked in the car, we open it first.
Can a locksmith program a key for an exotic car?
Yes. Mega Lock And Key has dealer authorization and dealer-level software for most makes, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin, Maserati, Porsche, and Tesla. We confirm your exact car by VIN before we come out.
Do I need to trailer or tow the car to a dealer?
Usually not. We are mobile and program the key where the car is: your garage, your office lot, or a storage facility.
Lockouts
Can a locksmith unlock a house door without damage?
In the large majority of cases, yes. Non-destructive entry is always tried first. If the lock itself is broken, jammed, or compromised, we explain that before doing anything else.
I locked my keys in the car in Baltimore. Can you come?
Yes. Call 410-560-5940 with the car and its exact location; we open cars without damaging the door, window, or trim.
Will you ask me to prove the property or car is mine?
Yes. For every lockout we ask for ID and reasonable proof of residence, business authority, or ownership before opening anything. It protects you as much as it protects us.
What information do you need when I call?
Your location, a callback number, and a short description: car, home, or business, and whether there is any visible damage.
How much does a lockout cost?
It depends on the lock, the vehicle, and where you are. We quote your situation on the phone before a technician is sent, so there are no surprises.
Can you also replace the key if it is lost?
Yes. For cars we can cut and program a new key in the same visit for most makes; for doors we rekey the lock so the lost key no longer works.
Do you handle office lockouts?
Yes. Storefronts, offices, and storage units, including commercial hardware such as lever locks and panic bars.
Home locks
Should I rekey or replace my locks after moving in?
Rekeying is usually the better first move. It keeps your existing hardware but makes every old key useless. We'll tell you honestly if a lock is worn or low-security enough to replace.
Can you key every door in my house to one key?
Yes. Keying everything to a single key is one of our most common residential requests, done during a rekey or a new installation.
Do you work on old rowhouse mortise locks?
Yes. We repair, rekey, or replace mortise locks and rim cylinders, keeping the look of an older door when the lock can be saved.
Do you install smart locks?
Yes. We install keypad and app-connected locks and set them up, as well as standard mechanical deadbolts.
Do you rekey rental properties between tenants?
Yes, for landlords and property managers across Baltimore City and the county, including master key systems for multiple units.
Can you install high-security locks?
Yes. We install high-security cylinders, including Medeco and Mul-T-Lock, whose keys cannot be copied without authorization.
What if I'm locked out and it's not urgent?
Same technicians, same number: 410-560-5940. We handle a routine lockout the same way as an urgent one.
Business locks
What is a master key system, and do we need one?
A master key system lets different keys open different groups of doors, with one master key that opens everything. It is worth it for any business with more than a couple of doors or several staff roles.
Can you install or repair panic bars that meet fire code?
Yes. Panic bar and exit device installation and repair is done to meet applicable fire and building code requirements.
Which commercial lock brands do you service?
Schlage, Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Von Duprin, Corbin Russwin, Sargent, dormakaba, Yale, LCN, ASSA ABLOY.
Can you schedule work around when our business is open?
Yes. Commercial installs and rekeys can be scheduled before you open, after you close, or on a weekend so they do not disrupt your operations. Call 410-560-5940 and we will set a time.
Do you handle multi-tenant or property management accounts?
Yes, including rekeys during tenant turnover and master key systems for property managers overseeing several units.
Can you install keyless or card access for one door?
Yes. You can start with one door, such as a server room or front entry, and expand later.
Do you work in office parks like Hunt Valley and Columbia?
Yes, along with offices, retail, and warehouses across Baltimore City and the surrounding counties.
About Mega Lock And Key
Is there a licensed mobile locksmith in Baltimore that comes to me?
Yes. Mega Lock And Key is a licensed (Maryland #394), bonded, and insured mobile locksmith serving Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties, specializing in on-site car key replacement and key fob programming, plus lockouts, rekeying, and commercial locks. Call 410-560-5940.
Can you make a new car key without the original?
In most cases, yes. We cut and program replacement keys, including transponder keys and push-to-start smart keys, at the car for most makes and models, without needing the original key.
Do you have a shop I can visit?
No. We are a fully mobile locksmith with no storefront. A technician comes to your car, home, or business anywhere in our six-county coverage area.
How do I verify a Maryland locksmith license?
Maryland locksmiths are licensed by the Maryland Department of Labor, which has an online license search. Our license number is #394.
How soon can you get to me?
It depends on where you are and how busy we are. Call 410-560-5940 and we give you an honest arrival estimate and a quote before you commit.
Which areas do you cover?
Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties, including Towson, Columbia, Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Ellicott City, Catonsville, Bel Air, and Westminster.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
How do I verify your license?
Our Maryland Locksmith License is #394. Look it up on the Maryland Department of Labor license search.
Which areas do you serve?
Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties, with town pages for 48 communities.
How do I pay?
We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
Request service.
Locked out right now? Don't wait on a form: call 410-560-5940. For everything else, submit a request and we'll call you back with a quote.
Mobile only: we come to you. We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.