Locksmith for Washington County, VA

Trails, trestles and car keys that go missing

The Creeper Trail runs from Abingdon through Damascus toward Whitetop. Riders park at one end, often take a shuttle, and ride back — which leaves a lot of room for a key to end up in the wrong place: in the shuttle van, in a bike bag that's back at the rental shop, or dropped in the gravel somewhere along the river.

Damascus calls itself Trail Town USA, with the Appalachian Trail running right through downtown and the Trail Days festival drawing crowds each May. If you've lost the key to a car left at a trail lot, don't walk the whole trail looking for it after dark. An automotive locksmith can often open the car and make a new key on the spot.

Keys, boat ramps and South Holston Lake

The Virginia end of South Holston Lake has public launches at Washington County Park, at Avens and at Whitaker Hollow near the lake's headwaters. A car key that goes over the side of a boat or slips off a dock is gone for good. If it happens, don't leave the car at the ramp overnight hoping for a solution — call, give the ramp name, and have the vehicle's make, model and year ready. Floating key rings and a spare key kept at home, not in the boat, prevent most of these calls. The same goes for anglers wading the rivers that feed the lake: a fob in a wader pocket rarely survives a slip on a mossy rock.

Mountain homes, hunting camps and long drives

Out toward Hayters Gap and the slopes of Clinch Mountain, or up the hollows south of Damascus, property often means a farmhouse plus a barn, sheds, gates and sometimes a hunting cabin used a few weeks a year. Keys for all of those tend to multiply and get shared among family and friends. A locksmith can rekey, replace worn padlocks and fit sturdier locks to a cabin that sits empty. Because some of these places are remote, share a map pin or clear directions when you call, and ask about any travel charge up front.

Historic Abingdon and its businesses

Abingdon's historic district is home to the Barter Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia, along with shops, restaurants and offices in buildings that have seen many owners. Older doors need care when new hardware goes in, and businesses need key control as staff come and go. If you're planning visible changes to a building in the historic district, check with the Town of Abingdon first.