When Should You Replace Your Locks?

When Should You Replace Your Locks?

Posted by on Jun 10, 2016 in Locksmith |

New and modern locks should be your first line of defense against break-ins into your house. Locks play a very important role of keeping your belongings and family safe.

There is no point of compromising your security as well as that of your family because of old or broken locks. Just like any other maintenance job, replacing the old locks in your home should be done routinely. There are various signs that indicate your locks need to be replaced.

There are many occasions when it is important to consider changing old locks and thanks to Chandler Locksmith Pros, here are a few.

When you’re moving into a new house

Consider changing the door locks when moving into a new home and have new keys. Chances are that the previous owners will have keys to your doors. It’s better to take precautions and replace all the locks with new ones.

When you lose your keys or they are stolen

You can drop your keys anywhere. Of course when this happens, you don’t have to take anything to chances. The first thing you should do is replace the locks on your home immediately. Even if you find the keys afterwards, it’s possible that they could have been duplicated.

When your house is broken into

BurglarThe first thing to consider once your house has been broken into is replacing the old locks. This is true especially when there was forceful break-in into your house which might have interfered with the mechanics of the locks. Damaged locks compromise your security a great deal and render the locks prone to mechanical failure. Therefore, it’s advisable to assume that your keys might have fallen into the wrong hands and consider replacing all your old locks to avoid security risks.

When the locks are worn out

Locks wear out especially when they have been used for a long period of time. Worn out locks pose a serious security risk as far as home security is concerned given that they are easier to pick and break. Moreover, you will find that over time it may become difficult to lock and unlock your door using the key. Locks with visible signs of wear and tear should be replaced immediately to avoid inconvenient malfunction.

When you have a new roommate

If you rent space in your house to another person, it’s a good idea to replace your locks whenever a new tenant moves in. This will guarantee you security and protection from unwanted people who may still have a copy key to the old locks. Even if your latest tenant returned in their keys, it’s possible that they may have made a backup copy.

When you are experiencing a break-up or divorce

Divorce 2If you are going through divorce, changing your door locks should be the first thing to do. Breakups are hard. You cannot trust the other person given that possessions are a major area of contention in cases of separation. The other person can sneak in and break into your home. Take immediate caution and change your locks. Remember, the same case can apply to roommates and friends too.

If you had given out your keys to repairmen and not had the keys returned , or had them returned later than you expected, change your locks.

You leave the keys with your children

Children may not take proper care of keys when in their hands. They can lose the keys leading to them being duplicated. Therefore, if you usually leave the keys with your kids, consider replacing the locks frequently.

You gave someone your keys to check on your house while away

In some instances you may leave your keys with a person you trust but someone else gets hold of the keys and makes a copy. When this happens, you should consider changing your old locks to be on the safe side.

Generally, it’s a good idea to change your locks every few years , even if you haven’t experienced the above-mentioned situations. Locks can become obsolete especially in the current world where security technology is fast-evolving. So keep up with the changes so as to protect your home and possessions.

Your safety and that of your family should always come first. If you feel that the safety of your home is threatened, consider making changes right away, starting with replacing your locks. In order to get top-notch locksmith services, consider hiring a professional locksmith.

 

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Smart Locks Add To The Safety Of Your Home

Smart Locks Add To The Safety Of Your Home

Posted by on Jun 7, 2016 in Locksmith |

Many homeowners are working diligently to transform their home into a futuristic environment, because they are striving for a more modern style. One of the best ways to start is with Smart Home electronics. While you will find a limited array of the products on today’s market, it is important to note that they are a work in progress, but they are the future. Thanks to the guys at centenniallocksmith.com for their help on this article.

Full Control

august smart lockNot having the capabilities to control what goes in your home, while you are away at work on vacation can be very troublesome for a homeowner. This issue will become a thing of the past once your home is transformed into a Smart Home. Many individuals are most likely unfamiliar with this term, which is why it is important to educate yourself on this home automation technology. Smart Home devices not only off full control of your home, but it can offer an abundance of convenience.

Effortless Access

Have you ever been away on vacation and had to deal with a devastating occurrence in your home, but was unable to resolve the issue, because you could not permit someone access into your home? This happens more times than you could imagine, since millions of individuals work outside the state or country that they reside in. You should not be deterred by these infrequent occurrences, nor should you be forced to find another employment option. Instead, you should invest in a Smart Lock. These locks offer so much convenience and peace of mind, because they allow you to create an E-Key, which can be sent to any inbox, within a matter of seconds. Once the recipient receives the E-Key, they will be able to gain instant access into your home.

Bluetooth Capabilities

BluetoothMost electronic devices are being equipped with Bluetooth chips. This technology allows two Bluetooth devices to be able to communicate with each other. The Smart Lock is equipped with the Bluetooth chip, so it can communicate with your iOS and Android devices. The Bluetooth range will vary from device to device, but with the Smart Lock, you will find the range to be somewhere between 40-60 feet.

Most Smart Locks are now equipped with the Auto-Unlock feature, which basically means that once your source device is within the Bluetooth range, the Smart Lock will automatically unlock your door. This is amazing technology that cannot be ignored, since it offers the homeowner effortless access into their home.

Home Automation Systems

With the ever-increasing popularity of the Smart Home devices, many companies are developing software that allows all users to combine all of their devices together. This software allows you to control all of your devices through this one app, while you will find some home automation systems more technological, this is the pure basic form of this type of service.

You may not see the home automation benefit, as of yet, but consider how difficult it is to control each of your Smart Home devices individually through separate apps.

 

While Smart Locks have been installed in vehicles for many years now, they have just now made their way to residential and commercial businesses. Take the time to do a bit of research on this amazing technology, but remember it is still a work in progress.

Today, new technology allows for the opportunity for us to have more control over the entrances to our home. Through smart locks, there is no need for keys. The locks are completely powered with a dial pad that can be reached from a smart phone. Essentially this means, no matter where you are, you can have access to your home as long as you have internet. You can be laying in bed, and lock or unlock all doors in your house, you may be out to dinner and think is my door locked? You can lock your door just by reaching for you phone and giving a command. Even better, you can have the door always locked and only those who can enter either have to have a code, or someone within the home must open the door or unlock it with the opener or your phone.

Essentially, you have more control and only you can give codes to people to enter the house. They can’t be duplicated and if people learn the code, you simply change the code. With the smart lock, you can even program your phone to alert you when people enter the house. If you give different codes to people such as your children, you then can monitor when they come into your house, right from the bedroom or even if you are at work. Essentially, this system takes you out of the past and right into the future of technology.

The smart lock also offers additional security apart from locking all doors, and monitoring the home. There is a technique known as lock bump, which is a special key that can be used in dead bolt locks to open the door. Utilizing the smart lock system, there are no keys involved, therefore lock bumping is not possible, further securing your home from intruders.

Another form of control the smart lock offers to people is emergency control. Do you have an elderly person in a home who might fall frequently, or someone who could be employed in a position, where someone might attack for revenge? If so, the smart lock may also help in this regard. Many times, emergency responders will walk the perimeter of the home looking for a break in, before entering. Then, they will break down the door. If something happens within the home, such as someone falling or a sickly person, or perhaps someone thought an intruder was breaking in, the locks may be unlocked from within the house or through the internet or smart phone, so doors don’t have to be broken down and there is easy access for emergency personnel.

The smart lock transforms our lives into the future. They offer us more control over our homes as well as make us live more comfortable without fear of possible situations. The time has come to turn in our keys, move into the 21st century, and engage in the technologies available. Smart locks is the answer for peace of mind and additional security over the home.

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The Top 5 Lock Brands In The United States

The Top 5 Lock Brands In The United States

Posted by on Jun 6, 2016 in Locksmith |

Currently, one of the greatest security trends is installing top security locks which keep home and businesses safe and secure. Any commercial business owners who want to boost the security of their buildings have many lock brand choices available.

Each homeowner knows that the quality door lock is a vital part of home security. Security is often a high priority for many people, when it comes to selecting door locks for their homes in the US, followed by cost, finish as well as style.

For a low price, one can easily enhance the security of their home with a broad variety of different door locks which are available today in the United States market.

Choosing the best locks for your doors is based on whether a door is interior or exterior, as each kind of door requires a fully different locking mechanism. Taking that into consideration, let us have a look at the top 5 lock brands in the US according to lakeoswegolocksmith.net:

1. Schlage Locks

Schlage logoThese locks provide multiple benefits as well as innovations which most brands don’t. This is possibly one of the reasons the brand is recommended by several locksmiths, builders, homeowners, and even security personnel.

Schlage locks are known for their tubular design which makes them almost impossible to pick. What is more, the keys have a distinct shape and biting on numerous faces of the key making them difficult to replicate.

These locks are very resistant to kick-ins and any other types of tampering, due to their forged brass construction.

2. Kwikset Locks

Kwikset is a lock and the lockset manufacturer owned by the Spectrum Brands Hardware and Home Improvement Group (HHI), an American international.

The firm produces and distributes an entire line of door locks as well as door accessories including door knobs, deadbolts, electronic keyless entry locks for commercial, door levers, and residential applications and much more.

The majority of US enterprises and households depend on these locks for top security and peace of mind. They aren’t only reliable but also relatively affordable compared to most door lock brands on the market today.

Kwikset locks can be found in nearly every United States store dealing in locks. Even though most consumers believe that cheap products are poor quality, do not be mistaken by this common misleading assumption, Kwikset Locks are some of the greatest locks in class within the market.

3. Omnia Lock

For about half a century, Omnia Industries, Inc has been producing and supplying a broad variety of quality door locks and other accessories at a low cost.

Crafted from aluminum and brass to match the decor of your office building or home, Omnia products are simple yet provide a contemporary style.

The locks they produce are simple but provide a modern style. Most of their accessories are made of aluminum and brass to complete the decor of any office building.

They combine style with reliability and durability without putting any dent in your wallet. The firm distributes its line through the popular wholesale distributors and retail showrooms in the trade.

Their major customer base is the US. However, they also export to the neighboring countries such as Canada, and overseas.

4. Baldwin Locks

Baldwin1Having been in business for nearly 7 decades, the Baldwin Lock American brand is currently a household name regarding home security.

It’s one of the best lock brands in the US with most consumers-homeowners and businesses alike, due to its pioneering ideas as well as remarkable quality.

While their competitors are machine-made, Baldwin locks are hand-crafted to offer the highest quality, greatest performance and to be aesthetically-appealing.

The firm also manufactures high-quality lock accessories which are suitable for each building which needs high security be it commercial or residential.

5. Weslock Door Locks and Accessories

Weslock is another popular door locks and accessories producer in the United States. Since 1932, the firm has lived up to its high reputation for innovative and quality locks and door accessories.

So if safety, security, as well as design, are your priorities, then consider this brand as your choice for reliable and quality door locks and accessories for your safe haven.

Not only are their products strong and durable, but they also provide a visual appeal for your home, due to the designs which improve the look and feel of your home.

 

Even though the list of the best lock brands in the US is extensive, these are the brands which are proven and associated with each American office building or home.

If the safety of your business premises or home is one of your high priorities, then go for any one of these locks and accessories brands. All of them give value for money.

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A Closer Look At Schlage Locks

A Closer Look At Schlage Locks

Posted by on Jun 5, 2016 in Locksmith |

Schlage locks offer many advantages and innovations that discount brands don’t. Because of this, Schlage is preferred by many builders, locksmiths and security specialists. Following are some the features that make these door locks stand out.

The tubular design of Schlage locks makes them almost impossible to pick. In addition, the keys have an abnormal shape and bittings on multiple faces of the key. The forged brass construction also makes them resistant to kick-ins and other types of tampering.

Schlage electronic1Electronic locks are available for both residential and commercial applications. These allow for keyless entry, multiple user codes, and auto-locking after the door recloses. Schlage pre-programs the electronic locks with random codes so no two locks are the same from the factory, thus adding another layer of security.

All Schlage products are rigorously tested to meet ANSI standards. The locks are long-lasting and easily re-keyed or repaired by a locksmith. While discount brands may malfunction after heavy use, Schlage offers a 3-year warranty on commercial locks and a limited lifetime warranty on residential locks.

Schlage D-seriesThe Grade 2, residential locks from Schlage meet the same stringent security requirements as their Grade 1 commercial locks. For example, the solid, one piece design of the deadbolts makes them resistant to attacks with hammers or crow bars. The Grade 1 security also prevents the key cylinder from being knocked out with a screwdriver or chisel.

The security features alone make these locks a top seller. However, innovation with electronic locks, including remote access and control via the Web make Schlage the industry leader in door security. The Schlage lock has been a trusted symbol for almost a century, providing the finest in home and business security. The new keypad locks and deadlocks are no exception, combining high quality metal works with digital technology to provide maximum security. Both keypad and deadbolt lock types can be used for homes and offices. Keypad locks have levers while deadbolts use thumb-turns. The bodies and levers of the locks have different shapes and styles like the Plymouth, Camelot, Addison, Century and Wakefield designs. They also come in bright brass, aged bronze and satin nickel finishes. All of them can be equipped with the new keypad system.

These locks are programmable by an administrator (owner), who is given a 6-digit programmers key upon purchase. Access to the door is granted upon input of a 4-digit combination. A lock can have up to 19 working 4-digit combinations at a time (from a total of 10,000 possible combinations). After four failed attempts of entering the code, the lock will make warning sounds, and the keypad will be disabled for a few seconds.

Both the lever and deadbolt lock’s hardware have two available types: the Autolock and the Flexlock. The Autolock has no thumb-turn or lever from the inside. The bolt automatically locks after five seconds of being closed. This guarantees that you will never forget to lock an important storage or work room. The Flexlock, on the other hand, allows both manual locking (from the inside) and automatic locking after five seconds. The latter is recommended for the main doors of a home.

One may think that installing such a complex system would be difficult. However, it is a simple as installing ordinary door knobs and deadbolts. There is no need for extra drill holes since it will fit on regular door preps. Battery replacement is minimal since the alkaline battery (9 volts) will last up to three years.

One of the most amazing features of this cutting edge security system is the Z-Wave “Schlage LiNK” system. This is a wireless network, which allows your keypad and deadlocks to be accessed over the internet. This system uses the Bridge, a secure online application. Through this feature, you can lock, unlock and block 4-digit combinations wherever you are by connecting to the Internet through a phone or a computer. The Bridge also allows you to monitor who is opening your door. Their respective pass-codes are recognized by the computer. You can also open/lock the doors remotely in cases of fire and other emergencies.

Finally, the Z-Wave network for your lock can be enhanced to control house lights. Through this, you can manage the lighting of your house, even if you are miles away. By programming through the Bridge, you an also make your houselights “greet” incoming users differently depending on their individual pass code.

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Be Secured Through The Use Of A Padlock

Be Secured Through The Use Of A Padlock

Posted by on Jun 3, 2016 in Locksmith |

There are many uses for a padlock whether it’s at the house or for use in your business. It’s a small simple to use a lock for locking up such things as gates to lawn equipment when they are not in use. Appearing more than a thousand years ago the pad lock has developed to be more complex yet still a simple tool to secure almost anything. The small and easy to use locks are popular to utilize from anywhere from Jails to schools that make it easy to secure just about anything giving you more protection and portability you want. Thanks to Tempe Locksmith Pros for the useful information on this article.

The history of padlocks goes back many hundreds of years and continues to be used today. Evolving from a simple way just to keep people out or prevent them from entering a certain area to a complex combination or key lock that is used today. Then even up to now the padlock has found its use in many different ways while holding its popularity.

This kind of lock is often employed for locking something like a chest or a gate as well as many other applications too. In many cases, many people that may have an outside storage garage must use a padlock to lock the door. This can prevent or may slow down a person that wants to get entry to something that is inside of it. It could also be used to lock things with chains that are wrapped around an object like a small trailer or other an assortment of other portable equipment. This may assist prevention of theft as it could slow down the person trying to gain unauthorized entry.

PAdlock3When it comes to how a lock works, it’s still quite simple. The keypad locks work by just inserting the key and turning to open it or then locking. The combination locks have a preset code that you choose, and then you turn the numbers to that set number this allows it to open. Over time, the mechanisms have changed greatly, but the basic use is the same yet still a popular way to keep people out.

The padlock today is used in many industries including many personal uses for just about everything that needs to be locked. Many businesses utilized them to secure tool chests or doors for use only by authorized personnel. It’s become an essential tool to use just about anywhere you can attach it.

There is a variety of padlocks on sale nowadays ranging from steel locks that offer tougher security to combination locks and brass padlocks for more general use. Each type of lock has its specific use no matter it’s for a tougher security lock or wet weather. It’s easy to understand why many people utilized them to lock almost anything.

Looking onlineIf you take a look online, there are plenty of choices for finding and buying padlocks for your security needs. Web sites are popping up everywhere offering simple but safe online shopping and shipping for those that find it convenient. This way it can save you a trip to the store when you don’t need it right away. When you do need to secure a gate or chain something up, there should be plenty to choose from at your local dealer.

Even more than ever the padlock has become an effective, useful tool for locking equipment or securing things at home or for businesses. The wide range of uses and selection for whatever you need, whether for locking a home fence or even your garage door, a padlock can be and excellent tool. Since it is small, easy to use with a great range or portability, it remains a very popular solution for everyone’s protection against theft or unauthorized entry. So when you want something simple yet effective padlocks can secure just about everything.

If you frequently travel as well, you can also take advantage of the benefits of a padlock. The benefits of a padlock arise when you need to keep the possessions you have stored in your luggage safe. If you need to keep your luggage safe by securing it up with a padlock, you can simply attach a padlock to the zippers of your luggage. Once you do this, you will be the only person who can open the luggage.

Obviously, there are much more applications that padlocks can be subjected to as well. As you can see, there is a very large amount of uses this type of lock can be used for. Whether you need to keep your possessions safe, or you need to keep intruders out, a padlock is a perfect solution for getting the job done in all of these different situations.

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