# Steve's Lock Shoppe — Full LLM Knowledge File Steve's Lock Shoppe is a full-service locksmith specializing in Volkswagen, Audi, Jaguar, and British automotive keys, transponders, and locks. Texas License #B12682. License: Texas License #B12682 Phone: (936) 435-1324 Email: steve@steveslockshop.com (general), vwcarlocks@hotmail.com (VW high-security) Address: 63B Summer Place, Suite 100, Huntsville, TX 77340, US Owner: Steve Sandlin Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00 CT Service area: Texas, United States, United Kingdom Network: Platphorm News Network (https://platphormnews.com) MCP: https://mcp.platphormnews.com/api/v1/mcp ## Services ### Key Duplication Precise duplication of original keys for European cars and motorcycles. Duplication services are available for virtually all British car and motorcycle keys, plus the full Volkswagen and Audi catalog. Many original keys are steel-construction and require special cutting equipment not found in most hardware stores or locksmith shops — Steve's is fully equipped to handle these. ### Key Generation by Code New keys cut from the code stamped on your lock or recorded on the key bow. We generate keys directly from the code number engraved on many Volkswagen, Jaguar, padlock, and filing-cabinet locks. Proof of ownership is required before cutting any key by code — a standard practice used by security professionals to safeguard you and your vehicle. ### Key Generation through Lock Examination Lost every key? We can read the lock and cut a new one. When no working key exists, our technicians decode the lock cylinder by hand to produce a working key — even on classic and rare British and German marques. This service is ideal for restorations and barn-finds. ### Lock Repairs Restoration and repair of door, ignition, glovebox and trunk locks. Because of the lack of documentation on many imports, we may need to examine the lock to ascertain availability of repair service. Steve's also frequently restores and repairs locks on domestic classics. ### Re-Keying Change tumblers so old keys no longer work — without buying new locks. Re-keying replaces the tumblers in a lock cylinder with tumblers of different sizes so a new key is required. Automotive locks can be re-keyed as well as residential door locks. It is usually significantly less expensive than replacing locks and is recommended after moving into a new residence or losing a set of keys. ### Transponder Programming VW & Audi high-security transponder keys cut, coded, and programmed. We create and program VW and Audi transponder keys using a VAG1551-equivalent diagnostic device. If you have the 4- or 7-digit Secret Key Code (SKC), we proceed directly. If not, we interrogate the immobilizer for its serial number and work with the dealer to obtain the code. ## British marques served Austin, Austin-Healey, Jaguar, Triumph, MG, Vauxhall, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Sunbeam, Lotus, Mini, Morris, Land Rover, Daimler ## Volkswagen / Audi models served (representative) Beetle (Type 1), Karmann Ghia, Type 2 Bus / Transporter, Type 3 (Squareback / Fastback / Notchback), Type 4 (411 / 412), Thing (Type 181), Rabbit / Golf (Mk1–Mk7), Jetta, Passat, Scirocco, Corrado, Cabriolet / Cabrio, EuroVan, GTI, New Beetle, Touareg, Tiguan, Atlas, Audi 4000 / 5000, Audi 80 / 90 / 100 / 200, Audi A3 / A4 / A6 / A8, Audi TT, Audi Q5 / Q7 ## Affiliations - ClearStar Security Network - Associated Locksmiths of America - Texas Locksmiths Association - North Houston VW Club - Houston VW Club - Black Gold Inc. ## FAQ Q: Do you ship lock and key work? A: Yes. Mail-order service is available from our Texas or U.K. branch for all related work. The only extra cost is normal freight and handling charges. Normal turnaround is 2–3 business days; non-stock parts take longer and we will advise anticipated delivery times. Q: Can you cut a key for my Volkswagen or Audi if I have nothing? A: Yes. We generate keys by lock examination, by code, or by VIN/immobilizer interrogation. For high-security transponder vehicles (most VW/Audi from 1998–2000 onward) we will also need the 4- or 7-digit SKC, or we will obtain it via the immobilizer serial number and your VIN. Q: Do you service Jaguar Tibbe locks? A: Yes. Many Jaguar models use Tibbe locks, common in the U.K. but rare in the United States. We carry valet and full-function Tibbe keys for models through 1996. From 1997 onward, some Jaguars use electronic transponders that require programming — please contact us for those. Q: What if my dealer won't release the SKC? A: Many dealers are reluctant to release Secret Key Codes because they want to charge dealer prices for programming. If your dealer cooperates, we can program on the day of issuance. If you are out of our service area, we can still cut the key and you can have the dealer program it at your next service visit. Q: Are you licensed? A: Yes. Steve's Lock Shoppe is licensed and insured under Texas License #B12682. Owner Steve Sandlin is a member of the ClearStar Security Network, the Associated Locksmiths of America, and the Texas Locksmiths Association. Q: What other European marques do you service? A: In addition to Volkswagen, Audi, and British makes, we stock keys for many German, French, Swedish, and Italian marques. Contact us for specific applications — we are often consulted by other security professionals on European vehicle lock and key systems. ## Glossary ### Blade of Key The portion of the key that inserts into the keyhole — the part that sometimes breaks off inside the lock. Locksmiths can usually remove the broken piece and reconstruct the key. ### Bow of Key The portion of the key that does not insert into the keyhole — the part you hold and which often carries identifying information. A code number is sometimes stamped on the bow; keep a written record (especially for car keys) so a security professional can cut you a replacement from the code, with proof of ownership. ### Codes, Keys by Keys can frequently be made by a locksmith from the code number of a lock — common with vehicles, padlocks, and filing cabinets. Requiring proof of ownership is standard procedure to safeguard security; additional requirements for car ignition keys may be mandated by state law. ### Combination A sequence of numbers along with corresponding directions of rotation (clockwise / counter-clockwise) and iterations. If you have the numbers but have forgotten the rotation pattern, contact your local security professional — proof of ownership is required. ### Combination Lock A lock operated by dialing the correct combination on a numbered dial. Digital keypad locks are also considered combination locks. ### Garage Door Remote Control Units Never leave garage door remotes in your auto. Thieves break into cars (especially at theater lots), steal the remote and registration, drive to your home, and empty the house. Use a quality deadbolt on the door from the garage into the house. ### Key Lock A lock requiring a key to operate, as contrasted with a combination lock. ### Keyed Alike Locks are keyed-alike (KA) when one and only one key operates all of them — different from keyed-different (KD), and not the same as master-keyed. ### Keyed Different Locks in a keyed-different group each require their own individual key. No single key operates more than one lock in the group. ### Keyway The configuration of grooves and millings along the blade of a key. Just as you can't put a square peg in a round hole, the keyway of the key must coincide with the keyway of the lock. In a master-keyed group, all locks must share a keyway compatible with the master key. ### Locksmith Associations Organizations committed to safeguarding the trust society places in security professionals — through accountability (background checks, fingerprinting, licensing), training (hands-on classes at local, state, and national levels), and education (journals, books, and manuals). ### Lost Keys If keys were lost near your residence or vehicle, or if there was identifying information on the ring, have your locks re-keyed by a security professional. If those were the last copies, your locksmith can generate new keys from scratch and re-key the locks at the same time — no need to buy new locks. ### Master Key A key designed to operate all the locks in a specific group. It is a myth that any single master key opens all locks. To master-key a group, the locks must be made by the same manufacturer or have interchangeable keyways. ### Master-Keyed In a master-keyed (MK) group, each lock is operable by both its own individual key and the master key. The master operates every lock in the group. Sub-masters and grand-masters allow more intricate hierarchies. ### Padlock Combinations Forgotten the combination of a combination padlock? A locksmith with code books can recover it for a nominal charge — proof of ownership required. If your padlock has the code stamped on it, record it privately and obliterate the marking. ### Re-Keying Replacing the tumblers (pin tumblers) of a lock cylinder with tumblers of different sizes, so a new key is required. Automotive locks can be re-keyed as well as door locks. Re-keying is usually significantly less expensive than replacing locks. Recommended after moving or losing keys; avoid putting any identifying info on your key ring. ### Skeleton Key An old-fashioned key used in warded locks. While 3 or 4 basic configurations operate many warded locks, there is great variety in this type of key — and no, no single skeleton key opens all locks. ### Tumblers Parts inside a lock (key lock or safe lock) that must align to precise positions for the lock to operate. In a key lock the tumblers are aligned by the correct key; in a safe lock they are aligned by dialing the correct combination.