What does 'chip key' mean? How do I know if I have a 'chip key'?

A 'chip key' usually refers to one of two types of keys that have an electronic component to them. The first has a visible chip located on the key and is normally on a General Motors vehicle. This is called a Passkey system or VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). These appeared in 1986 on the Corvette and certain Cadillac models. The second type refers to a key with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) located in the head of the key, these type are not normally visible unless the bow or head of the key is transparent.

Both of these systems add a layer of security to the vehicle by having the vehicle check the value of the electronic component on the key before allowing the vehicle to be started. Some systems prevent the vehicle from attempting to crank while others prevent the fuel system from working.

If you have the first type, VATS it is obvious because you can see the chip on the key. The other type is more difficult to determine because the RFID is embedded in the plastic head. The only real way to know for sure is to use an electronic device designed to detect the chip. You could destroy the key to see it but that would likely ruin the key and would be costly to replace.

One thing is for certain, you should always have at least three of these keys. Why three and not just two? In many vehicle systems you can program in a new key yourself but have to have at least 2 working master keys for the system to do it. If you get down to 1 working key then you will have to contact a service person such as a locksmith or automotive security specialist to program they key as special diagnostic equipment is needed to complete the task.

Does this really stop thieves? This is a percentage question, from an insurance carriers perspective the 'chip keys' or transponders have have eliminated a great deal of vehicle theft. But no security system can stop a well prepared thief, especially if they own a helicopter and just fly off with the car. Interestingly enough though, even if a vehicle is taken by force such as with a tow truck or helicopter the thief still has to 'restore driveaility' at some point by making the keys or bypassing the security system. Yes, they can do it but it is certainly a deterrent and adds real cost to their thieving operation.

If all keys are lost for a vehicle that has a chip on the key, you usually have two options: The dealer or a locksmith. Because the keys have to be programmed you cannot normally go to a dealer and pick up a key that will work the vehicle. You will usually have to have the vehicle TOWED to the dealer for them to service it. Most locksmiths however will come to the vehicle with all of the necessary machines, transponder key blanks and equipment to cut a key on-site to get you on your way immediately.

If you ever find yourself in need of extra keys, replacement keys or replacement remotes/key fobs such as found on newer vehicles make sure you call a bona fide locksmith. Look for a Pop-A-Lock(r) provider or an ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) locksmith. Always ask for the EXACT FINAL PRICE that you will have to pay including service charges, labor or any other 'fees'.

For a list of Pop-A-Lock locations and phone numbers please visit www.popalock.com or visit www.findalocksmith.com for an ALOA member in your area.





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What makes a good locksmith?

I have had the opportunity to train and work with hundreds of locksmiths on a day to day basis for several years. Many of them have remained in the profession and many have moved on to other things after discovering that locksmithing wasn't for them.

1. Curiosity: If you have a natural curiosity to know how things work, particularly small fairly complex mechanical things, then you meet the first and most important requirement to be a locksmith.

2. Three Hands: Most locksmithing requires three hands. The lack of a third hand handicaps you but can be overcome by the use of mechanical aptitude to find ways to get around needing the third hand. Vices, balancing acts, using other parts of your body and cleverness are the usual methods of overcoming the 3 hand handicap.

3. Patient to a fault: Locks are composed of small very specific parts and pieces, they have to be disassembled and reassembled in specific order for things to work properly. Unlike a motor or other mechanical devices locks are often made 'infernal' by design to prevent people from tampering with the insides, which could compromise the security of the device. Solving lock problems often requires a great deal of patience in working with the 'parts and pieces', springs are particularly good at complicating an otherwise simple task.

4. Honest to a fault: If you are a locksmith for a few years most physical security measures are little more than a nuisance. If you have a criminal bone in your body...stay out of locksmithing. The phrase "Put you under the jail", was developed for the case of a locksmith going bad. If a judge finds out that you are a locksmith and you broke the special trust that community affords you...yep, that's right...Under the jail you go!

5. Common Sense: Locksmiths often work in the field with a limited set of tools and inventory and have to use common sense to solve a lot of problems. A vehicle that is stranded on a dark street and the keys are lost may require the locksmith to modify a key blank to fit the vehicle if the EXACT keyblank is not available that night.

6. Reliable: There are only a few professions that you really HAVE to be reliable. If a librarian doesn't show up to work...some research may get behind but no one is left 'blowing in the breeze' from the lapse. Police, Fire, Ambulance, Locksmiths...when people call for your help, it is often a RIGHT NOW situation.

7. Tireless: You see those ads that say 24 hour service? Often that is a one man show, if they had calls all day and return home at 11PM and get a call at 2am...yep, that's right Mr. Locksmith gets his self out of bed to come help you. Many people call locksmiths in the middle of the night just to see if they can ask questions...newsflash...they are human beings just like anyone else, after hours service is for real EMERGENCIES not for asking how much to duplicate a moped key.

8. Organized: The back of a locksmith truck has literally thousands of tiny parts and tools. If you are not organized and good at 'putting stuff where it belongs', locksmithing will be a hard job because it will take you so long to get things done because your stuff is out of place and you have to dig, dig, dig to find it. This slows you down, causes aggravation and is also bad for customer service.

9. Good with money: Locksmiths have to handle money in a field condition. There is rarely a cash register to count money etc. You have to make sure you keep your invoices and money, checks, credit card approvals etc in order. You also have to pay taxes on money collected and pay distributors.

10. Driving: You have to be an excellent driver to be a locksmith. I don't mean race car excellent, I mean Safe Driver of the Year award good driver. It is not unusual for a locksmith to put 60K to 100K miles on a vehicle in years time, often in unfamiliar areas in all sorts of weather conditions at all times a day! If you are a careless driver, save yourself the trouble don't jump in a locksmith truck, it will only be a matter of time before you start playing bumper cars!

If you have all of these attributes to one degree or another you may want to consider being a locksmith. It is a very rewarding profession because your main job is helping to keep people safe and secure. There is very distinct sense of pride that comes from being a locksmith when you step in to save someone's day.

For more information on being a locksmith please visit our website at http://www.popalock.com/ It doesn't matter if you are interested in a job or a franchise we can help point you in the right direction.