Tell us what is locked, and where.

Yes. The counters keep shop hours, Monday to Friday, eight to four, but lockouts do not, so the shop runs emergency service around the clock for doors and vehicles. Call (401) 475-8007 and say where you are and what you are locked out of. If the fix is something you can do yourself in two minutes, we will tell you that on the phone.

Yes. Losing the last key is the normal case, not the hard one. Original keys are made from scratch, cut by code where the code is available, and transponder, VATS, laser, proximity and remote head keys are all programmed at the shop. A Better Locksmith is associated with NASTF, the National Automotive Service Task Force, which is how a locksmith gets legitimate access to vehicle key and security information.

Usually re-keyed. If the hardware is sound and only the key needs to change hands, the cylinders are re-pinned to a new key and the locks stay on the door. That is the cheaper answer and it is the one you will hear first. Several locks can be re-keyed to work off one single key at the same time, which is what most people actually want after moving in.

Two counters in Pawtucket. 578 Newport Avenue, RI 02861, on (401) 475-8007, and 314 Power Road, RI 02860, on (401) 475-8700. Newport Avenue is the main shop. Either number reaches the same business.

For homes, time-tested brands the shop has fitted for years: Schlage, Kwikset, Arrow and others. For commercial doors, high-security and commercial grade cylinders, and interchangeable cores from Best, Schlage and Arrow. Manufacturer warranties are honoured on the hardware we install.

Yes. Master key and restricted key systems, IC cores, panic bars, exit devices, Detex, door closers and lever handle locks are all normal commercial work here, along with re-keys for real estate and bank foreclosures. The shop is bonded and insured.

Military, police and fire discounts on residential work, and senior discounts on automotive work. Ask when you call, rather than after.