Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Locksmith Since 1958
Founded in 1958 by Bob Nichols, our company has built a legacy of trust and expertise in the locksmith industry. Starting with a $10 loan and relentless determination, we've grown into a multi-location business serving Indiana and Michigan with automotive key solutions, high-security locks, and safe services. Our team of certified professionals maintains the highest standards of integrity, utilizing cutting-edge technology like GPS dispatching and text-to-PC communication for customer convenience. We pioneered Indiana's first locksmith association and continue innovating with restricted key systems from Medeco, DOM, and Abloy that eliminate rekeying costs. With a fleet of 8 fully stocked service vehicles and two retail locations offering Master Lock hardware, we combine 60+ years of experience with modern solutions.Our commitment to treating customers like family ensures personalized service whether you need emergency roadside assistance or commercial access control systems. We strictly adhere to manufacturer agreements for transponder key programming and VIN-based key replacement, maintaining industry-leading security protocols. From vintage key duplication to proximity fob programming, our technical expertise covers all aspects of physical security. The current owner, Tim Young, has expanded our staff to 10 professionals while preserving the core values established by Bob Nichols. Our 24/7 mobile service guarantees prompt response times across Indianapolis, Traverse City, and surrounding areas.
Services
Automotive Key Replacement
High-Security Locks
Safe Installation
Transponder Key Programming
Restricted Key Systems
Mobile Locksmith Service
Door Hardware Sales
Access Control Systems
Key Duplication
Safe Combination Changes
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- 60+ years of continuous locksmith expertise since 1958
- Fleet of 8 fully stocked service vehicles for prompt response
- Exclusive restricted key systems from Medeco, DOM, and Abloy
- Direct VIN-based key replacement authorization from manufacturers
- Family-owned with strict quality control and no subcontractors
What people say
24/7 emergency response
Expert key programming
Durable security systems
Professional technicians
Quick mobile service
Services
Automotive Key Replacement
We create replacement car keys by VIN for most domestic and foreign vehicles, including transponder keys and remote fobs. Our technicians carry specialized equipment to cut and program keys on-site using manufacturer databases. This service requires proof of ownership and vehicle access for programming verification.
High-Security Locks
Our Medeco, DOM, and Abloy systems offer ultimate key control with patented designs that prevent unauthorized duplication. Only authorized personnel can request new keys through our secure verification process, eliminating rekeying costs when employees leave or keys are loaned.
Safe Services
We provide safe installation, combination changes, and emergency opening services for residential and commercial clients. Our online store offers free shipping on safes with professional installation available. Technicians maintain factory warranties through certified service procedures.
Transponder Key Programming
Our locations have equipment to clone or program transponder keys for most vehicles. This requires vehicle access for most models, with special procedures for modern push-to-start systems. We follow strict manufacturer protocols for security verification.
Mobile Locksmith Service
Eight fully stocked service vehicles provide 24/7 emergency assistance across our service areas. Technicians handle lockouts, key replacements, and security upgrades at customer locations with real-time GPS dispatch coordination for fastest response.
People
Bob Nichols
Founder
A Marine Corps veteran who started with $10 in 1958, Bob built the company through innovation and customer focus. He established Indiana's first locksmith association and created the 'Don't get robbed' slogan still used today.
Tim Young
Owner
Bob's youngest son who revived the business in 2013 after family tragedies. He expanded staff to 10 employees and introduced technological upgrades like GPS dispatch while maintaining core family values.
Questions
What automotive key services do you offer?
We provide transponder keys, remote fobs, VIN-based replacements, and high-security key systems for most domestic and foreign vehicles.
Do you offer emergency locksmith services?
Yes, our fleet of 8 service vehicles provides 24/7 emergency assistance for lockouts, broken keys, and security emergencies.
What areas do you serve?
We cover Indianapolis, Traverse City, and surrounding regions with mobile service available to most northern Indiana and Michigan locations.
Can you make keys without the original?
Yes, we can create keys by VIN for most vehicles with proper ownership verification and factory database access.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept cash and major credit cards at both retail locations and in our service vehicles.
Do you work on all vehicle types?
We service most domestic and foreign vehicles except BMW, Mercedes, Saab, and Tesla which require dealer assistance.
