DR AUTO LOCK has been serving Northwest Pa and Northeast Ohio since 1995. Seeing the need for professional automotive lock service, as Anti- Theft systems were being incorporated into vehicle keys and locks, A.J. Ficcardi Jr started DR AUTO LOCK. With a background in electronics and Engineering Technology along with a lifetime hobby of automobile reconditioning, the building blocks were in place to create the pioneer service in Auto Lock Service.

My extensive knowledge gained from experience with auto repair and body work along with design experience from being an Engineering Technologist resulted in designing better tools and methods to unlock vehicles and originate keys. 

We quickly became associated with AAA Roadside Assistance along with GM and Ford. As programming became required, GM Tech 2 and Ford Star Dealer tools were acquired. Keys were originally cut with Curtis Clippers which required constant calibration. Next CNC equipment from ITL was used to maintain accuracy and speed. ILCO portable key machines were modified to become code cutting capable as durable equipment for technicians. Today, almost all keys are cut on CNC machines from various manufacturers.

Lexus, Infinity and European manufacturers like Volkswagen, incorporated Sidewinder or Laser Cut keys which required milling. Silca provided our first CNC to mill keys with a machine made in Italy. Today we have seven different CNC machines from various manufacturers that can originate both edge cut and milled keys.

Requests came in for Commercial and Residential lock service which was quite simple compared to vehicle locks. They are similar to locks used in classic and antique vehicles which we also specialize in servicing. In 2007 National Standards were implemented as to Exit Doors, specifically Fire Exit Doors in large public buildings. A.J. Ficcardi Jr became the first Certified Fire Door Inspector in the area. Our locksmith in Sharon Pa. has been with us 20 years and my Son A.J. III, who grew up assisting with the business is a Partner.

A.J. Ficcardi RL FDAI provides Expert Witness services, having provided testimony that won a major lawsuit for a well-known lock manufacturer upon my discovery of a design flaw in the defendants locking device from a competing manufacturer.

He also served eight years on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Independent Dealers Association as well as on the local Leukemia Societies’ Fundraising Committee becoming a top fundraiser. A.J. was also State Director for Presque Isle Jaycees as well as the Edinboro Jaycees earning a Tuit for recruiting more new Jaycees than anyone else in the State.

Dr Auto Lock supports the Erie City Mission and encourages others to also donate to this valuable charity.