Haven Smart Locks – Why They Are Great

Haven Smart Locks – Why They Are Great

Posted by on May 6, 2016 in Locksmith |

Smart locks are certainly very excellent security options when it comes to protecting a home. However, there have been cases where would-be burglars and thieves have been able to navigate through them by manipulating their mechanisms. This has time and again enabled these rogues to gain unobstructed access to the homes they wish to infiltrate. Fortunately this is where the Haven digital lock comes into the picture.

This security device has been highly noted for taking the home security to a whole new and unprecedented level. While, at the same, providing numerous digital innovations, which have effectively separated it from the rest of the pack. With that said, this particular smart lock can be locked or unlocked from your smartphone, and it works by reinforcing your door from the bottom up. Let us now take a closer look at just what makes the Haven smart lock so good?
Sources:
www.tigardlocksmith.org
Havenlock.com
cnet.com

Who developed the Haven smart lock and just exactly how does it work?

Haven LogoThe Haven digital lock is the brainchild of a Nashville, Tennessee startup, which also bears the same name as its product. In essence, it is a simplistic black locking device that can effortlessly be attached beneath a door. Once locked in this position, the device then makes use of a reinforced “accordion” like lift gate. Along with a torque servo motor that works by exerting force to the bottom end of the door. For those who might perhaps be in the dark, this particular area of a door is widely believed to be its strongest component.

The Haven smart lock can then be locked or unlocked through the user utilizing the innovative Haven app on their mobile device. This security device also comes with an in-built accelerometer, which is in an excellent position of detecting any excessive pressure that may be exerted on the door.

In the event of the device’s alarm been activated, this digital lock can perform two different things. First of all, it can automatically alert the user about the suspicious activity that may be taking place at their home’s door. Alternatively, it can be programmed to sync with other home automation systems, say like, lighting systems. This in the end can scare off the would-be burglar or thief, and easily deter them from attempting to gain access into the house.

Is the Haven smart lock app impregnable?

Haven LockMost alternative locking devices of this nature, which are currently available in the market have proved to be somewhat ineffectual. To begin with, while the apps that operate them immensely simplify home security, they can still be copied or even hacked. Nevertheless, the developers of the Haven digital lock unequivocally assert that they have managed to code its app to totally prevent such occurrences.

As such, users can be able to create direct ties between the app and the mobile devices they usually utilize. This definitely means that this digital locking device is only capable of responding to only those mobile devices that it is paired with. Additionally, the Haven smart lock can also be unlocked from a very secure web access portal after a rigid user authentication process.

What happens when the Haven smart lock’s power runs out?

In the event of the Haven digital lock’s power dying off after extended utilization, it comes fitted with two backup batteries, together with reciprocal wireless components. These two when combined, are specifically designed to enable the user to still have seamless communication with the locking device at all times. In the case of your experiencing an emergency, you can be able to deactivate the Haven smart lock through a special mechanical footplate, which is located at the back of the device.

 

As you can evidently see for yourself, the Haven Smart lock is certainly a cut above the rest. Currently, there is definitely no other alternative that can be able to match up to the unparalleled functionality and security of this exceptional digital locking device. By its exerting force to the back of the door it is attached, the Haven smart lock makes it very difficult for world-be burglars to break into doors or even padlocks.

At the same time, its innovative and very secure mobile devices’ app is a welcome bonus. Most especially when it comes to effectually controlling your home’s optimal security in a remote and conveniently manner. Well, now you know the answer to just what makes the Haven smart lock so good? And why you should make a point of buying it.

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Is Your Garage Secure From Intruders?

Is Your Garage Secure From Intruders?

Posted by on May 5, 2016 in Locksmith |

Is your garage secure enough? Can you be sure that your car is still in its place when you are going to the garage in the morning? Your car, and other property you are keeping there, is hidden from the eyes of strangers. This, however, does not mean that thieves are not gasping for those things. Burglars are not stupid – if breaking the door seems difficult, they choose some weaker spots in the garage.

Therefore, you should pay attention to the entire garage. Focusing on the lock is not enough.

AZGaragePros.com recommends that you concentrate on creating an elaborated security level. Investments are not high, but the benefits will continue for decades.

1. Strengthen wall constructions

If your garage is more than 20 years old, you should definitely look over garage wall constructions.

Buildings from this era have generally single brick walls, and the mixture between the bricks may have lost its effectiveness.

Whenever possible, that kind of walls should be secured from the outside. Cover your garage external walls with steel corrugated sheet or façade board. This may not be the most secure solution, but it keeps the walls together and makes penetration more difficult.

2. Secure the front door

Garage SecurityIn general, old door frames are loosely attached to the wall constructions. In earlier times, wooden door frames were attached to wooden tiles, which in turn were draped between the bricks. For today, such kinds of tiles are loose, and do not keep the door frame firmly in place.

You will surely have a question about how to strengthen the door frame then. We recommend you to make some reinforcements made of angle iron in the corners of the doorpost. You weld some long iron bars across the angle iron, so that one of the ends is around the corner of the pole, and the other is firmly attached to the door frame. In this way you move the door frames fastener around the corner. Now pulling the door is almost impossible.

3. Strengthen the hinge side of the door

Secure door lock is an essential aspect of security, but it is also important that a burglar has no other options for entering the building.

In particular, old doors have hinges, which are attached to the door surface. The worst option is that they are simply attached with screws that are easy to remove. A way better version is that hinges are bolted through the door. You should take care that nuts of door hinge bolts are on the inside and inaccessible.

Other crucial aspect of the garage doors security is that a burglar cannot lift it off the hinges while being locked. If the door can move upwards, you should install a wooden beam on the top edge of the doorframe.

4. Locks and latches

Garage doors are usually two-sided. One of the sides is active and other is passive one. Nevertheless, both sides are equally important. You should examine the latches of the passive side of the door, and if necessary, strengthen the assurances. Look over the part of striking places, also. These may need some strengthening as well. Locking place of the latches is rather often worn-out, or the striking plate is not good enough. Keep in mind that burglars do not care, which side of the door is weaker.

5. Scare burglars

BurglaryBurglars intend to accomplish a theft quietly and inconspicuously. You can always organize a surprise. If the burglars hear a loud alarm, they will immediately think of leaving. Firstly, the audio signal itself is disturbing, and secondly, it attracts attention.

In your garage, you should use any simple signalization. A motion sensor or a door sensor is sufficient to fix the invasion and activate the alarm. Install the alarm so that the thief is not able to cut the wires. GSM security system will not make any noise. It calls quietly to your mobile which you can answer, and decide whether it is necessary to call the police before you reach the place yourself. Thanks to the built-in microphone, you can hear what is happening in your garage.

6. When the garage door surprises

While you enter or exit the car to the garage, the doors should remain in the open position. You can use some barriers, like rocks or a broomstick, but is it fixed enough?

A convenient solution is to use a door stop. Once it is installed, you do not have to worry about the wind hitting the garage door against your car. If you do not want to spend a lot of money, you can use the door stop, which has a rubber band that holds itself on the ground. While being on a resting position, it keeps itself up against the door. That kind of door stop prevents usual movement of the door. However, with a strong wind, it may remain weak.

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Top 10 Easy Ways To Lose Your Keys

Top 10 Easy Ways To Lose Your Keys

Posted by on May 5, 2016 in Locksmith |

You are all ready for your birthday party, and just have to leave your home. However things just don’t seem to run in your favor as you can’t find your car keys anywhere! This is a common scenario, not finding your car or home keys at the last minute.

This is really annoying, but something practically everyone goes through at least once in their lives. To top it all, you get really stressed losing your car or home keys as you worry about it landing in the wrong hands to gain unnecessary access to your car or home.

So to prevent you going through the same ordeal, here is a list of the top 10 easy ways to lose your keys. Once you know these ways/places, you will know where to look the next time you or someone you know loses their keys!
Sources:
www.arvadalocksmith.net
homedepot.com

1. The purse

This applies only to ladies and men whose wives carry their keys for them. A woman’s purse is always full of stuff, where you can find and literally lose anything in it. So it’s not difficult to lose your keys in a woman’s purse where you need to take out everything else in the purse to locate them.

2. In drawers

If you want to lose keys, your drawers are definitely another prospective place to lose them. No matter what is in those drawers, it’s not difficult to lose a set of keys in them. To top it all, no matter how much or thorough your search may be, most of the time, no one finds the keys in the first search. It’s only after checking the drawers a few time will you find them lying inconspicuously on top of your stuff!

3. The changing room

The changing room is another easy place to lose your keys mainly because there’s no provision to place your keys and belongings while you change. You just place your keys, purse or cell phone on an available ledge, hook or floor space.

After changing and taking a look at yourself in the mirror, you just pick up the bigger pieces like your purse and cell phone and leave your keys there! This is why changing rooms are till today one of the most common places for people to lose their keys.

4. While traveling on the bus

BusThe bus is the most common, cheap and convenient means of travel today. In addition to all this, it’s also one of the famous places for losing keys. People lose their keys in buses while climbing into the bus and finding a seating place for themselves.

Even if you hold your keys tight, you may place them on the seat beside you wherein a beefy guy sits on it. You forget all about the keys as you are engrossed in your cell phone and just pick up your cell phone and purse and get off the bus while your keys remain in the bus.

5. Counter top

Many people lose their keys in the shopping mall while placing them on the counter to get their wallet. They then leave with their purchases and payment receipt while the keys remain on the counter. However this is a really risky place to lose your keys as the chances of your retrieving them is very low considering the number of people visiting the mall! It’s better to keep your car keys in your purse all the time when you are in the mall or keep it firmly around your fingers

6. Dark and mysterious places

It’s so exciting and romantic going to a night club or darkly lit restaurant that you just might forget to zip up your wallet, key holder or purse properly. This folly leads to a high chance of your keys falling out and your not noticing it later on. To make things difficult, it’s not easy for you to retrieve your keys from here as there’s so many places the keys may fall into, and it’s too dark for anyone to see or notice anything.

7. Vacationing

Most people on a vacation drive and park their car in the airport, and then head off to their vacation. As they will not be using their car there, they forget to safely keep their keys throughout the vacation. It’s only after their holidaying, when they return home that they remember and notice that their keys are missing.

This is a very dangerous but common phenomenon which happens to holidaymakers. If they are lucky and the keys don’t reach the wrong hands, they just have to get new ones made to drive their car back home. However things can get much worse if their keys fall in the wrong hands!

8. Drainage system

It’s very common for a person to drop their keys in the sewerage, never to find them again. It usually happens when you stand over a sewer with the keys dangling from the chain in your hand. As a key, or set of keys may slip from your hand and fall into the sewer, there’s a high chance that they’d fallen into a sewer if you can’t find them anywhere.

9. In someone else’s home

How many times have you gone to someone else’s home only to find out that you’d forgotten your house keys on returning home? There’s nothing much you can do now but to reverse and go to your friend’s home and wish you find your keys there!

10. The car ignition

car key stuckThis is by far the silliest and easiest place to lose one’s keys. Many a time, people turn off the engine but forget to take out its keys from the ignition when alighting. They just pick up their belongings, close the door and head inside. It’s only when you need the car for the next trip, and you go looking for them do you notice them in the ignition. So this is why it’s suggested to check the ignition first, and the rest of these places, if you notice your car keys are missing.

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The Best Deadbolts On The Market

The Best Deadbolts On The Market

Posted by on May 4, 2016 in Locksmith |

Security is a top priority when selecting a door lock. Crime rate is on the rise and homeowners are at risk. The latest FBI statistics on burglary show that over 60 per cent were through forced entry, and residential burglaries accounted for close to 75 per cent, with more than half occurring during the day. As a homeowner it is in your best interest to put in place the best security to prevent any criminal activity including burglaries. The best deadbolt locks will significantly enhance the security of your home when combined with properly reinforced doors.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has established 3 grades for door locks to help identify durability and quality of locksets and deadbolt locks. Each product must pass security and operational tests. Grade 1 is the highest security possible. It meets commercial buildings requirements and is available for residential uses through deadbolts.
Sources:
www.mesalocksmithpros.net
homedepot.com
schlage.com

What is a deadbolt lock?

deadbolt3Deadbolt locks offer the most security on residential doors. They are called deadbolts because they don’t have springs. In these locks the locking mechanism uses a sliding metal to secure a door to its frame. The lock can’t be pried open easily and without the right key an intruder will face a difficult challenge when attempting to gain entry to your home.

What are the advantages of using deadbolt locks?

Simple and most effective locks to prevent burglary and protect your family and your valuables.

Provide higher degree of protection for door locks especially for external doors.

They are more difficult to pick

Which are some of the Best Deadbolts on the Market?

Based on deadbolt lock reviews some of the best locks include

Yale Security YRD240-NR-0BP Real Living Touch Screen Deadbolt

Yale YRL 220 ZQThis lock is the next generation of home security from Yale, a trusted name. It gives you security and peace of mind knowing that your doors are properly secured. It is an elegant keypad operated deadbolt lock that illuminates for convenient night time access. The key free design makes for a more secure product, and removes the inconvenience of re-keying your locks. It has an auto re-lock function that can be enabled or disabled at the touch of a button. It has a traditional design that complements any door. It is available online for about $190 with free shipping.

Single Cylinder Maxum Deadbolt Lock

This is a ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt lock and its solid Brass design is secured with high tensile steel mounting bolts for maximum resistance against pricking and hammer attacks. Medeco deadbolts are very high security locks which are commonly recommended by security agents. Medeco cylinders are often recommended for effective mechanical protection against most forms of attack and also for prevention against unauthorized duplicate keys. The security features of the lock include pins that must be elevated and interact with both slider and sidebar, and hardened steel components. This lock series provides superior physical protection and key control to fit your security needs. It is available online for about $150.00

Schlage BE469NXCAM716 Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt

This deadbolt lock is made from high quality materials, and is Grade 1 certified, the highest residential rating. It is a keyless deadbolt which gives you the highest level of security at the main point of entry. This lock has a durable resistive Touchscreen which protects against smudges and fingerprints, and ensures wear pattern remain undetectable. It has a motorized bolt that automatically unlocks and locks when user code is input. As an added security measure, if the door is left unlocked, the deadbolt relocks automatically after 30 seconds. This lock comes with a built in audible alarm sensor that alerts you to an activity at your door. You can choose between 3 modes, tamper, activity and forced entry providing alerts from first contact with handle or door to when the door is opened. This lock features z-wave technology which connects to your home automation system and allows you to unlock or lock your door through your Smartphone or the web. It is available online for about $159.00 with free shipping.

LockState LS-DB500R-PB Electronic Deadbolt with Remote

This is an electronic keyless deadbolt lock with 6 user codes. It features a lit keypad for easy viewing in poor light and a radio remote which can work from about 30 feet away. It is a reversible lock which can work on both right and left handed doors. This lock has an optional auto locking function which relocks the door. One time user codes can be issued for guests or security personnel. It comes with 2 emergency override keys. It is available online for about $111.00 with free shipping

Kwikset featuring Smart key 909 Smart Code Electronic Deadbolt

This is a Kwikset signature series product meaning it offers superior security and designer styles. This smartcode touchpad electronic deadbolt is a one touch locking motorized deadbolt. It has a back lit keypad which provides increased visibility. Your personalized code allows you to enter your home with the convenience of keyless entry, and lock your door with the touch of a button. It has smartkey re- key technology which allows you to control who has access to your home and also acts as a back up keyway. The Satin Nickel finish gives this lock a crisp clean appearance which enhances its overall appearance and adds a modern feel. This lock is single cylinder deadbolt which can be unlocked or locked by either keypad or key on the outside, or the turn button on the inside. It is easy to install, program, use and is operated on 4 size AA batteries. This deadbolt lock is available online for about $94.50 with free shipping.

Ul-3000AB Residential Ultimate Lock 3000, Millennium Lock

This lock is said to be 10 times stronger than standard deadbolts. This remarkable lock eliminates the common problem of forcing the door open by strengthening your door frame with its specially engineered steel strike plate. It is virtually unbreakable as it is designed to withstand extraordinary force. It also has six high security pins which make picking it virtually impossible. A major advantage of this lock is that it marries the door jamb and the door frame using extra long screws drilled in opposite directions. This in essence turns your door into a brick wall. The extra long screws resist forced entry. It comes with three finishes that can compliment any home décor.

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Lock Replacement – What To Do And What Not To Do

Lock Replacement – What To Do And What Not To Do

Posted by on Apr 30, 2016 in Locksmith |

Under certain circumstances, you might have to replace the locks on your door, windows, safe or even cabinets. You might have lost your keys, upgraded your locks for safety reasons or moved to a new house. The process of changing locks is a simple one that actually takes a few minutes. However, you may face serious consequences and experience costly damages if you don’t follow the right procedures. Therefore, before you upgrade or even replace your locks know what to do and what not to do.
Sources:
www.portlandlocksmithpros.com
homedepot.com
lowes.com

 

What to Do

 

· Determine the Brand of Your Lock

Arrow logoThis is an important consideration you should make if you want to avoid repetition of tasks. Check the door latch and determine the installed brand. If the new lock is the same brand, you won’t have to make adjustments to the holes on the locks. But if you have decided to buy a new brand, then modifications may be required for the new locks to fit in.

 

· Take Measurements of the Lock

You cannot just mount a new lock directly on your door frame, window frame or drawer. This is because most locks today have to be adjusted to fit properly. This not only ensures that your new lock is consistent with the other locks but also makes it easier to operate.

· Industry Security Standards

If your home is insured, make sure that the new lock doesn’t compromise your policy or safety. This is important because in case your home is damaged, your insurance provider may cite a policy violation which might hamper your chances of getting compensation. Therefore, determine whether the new lock conforms to the industry safety standards.

 

· Remove the Decorative Cover and Interior Knob with Care

This should be done before the lock replacement process begins. Simply remove the decorative knob and the interior knob carefully. Next, you will have to remove the old lock before you can install the new one.

 

· Let Qualified Locksmiths Inspect the Lock after Installation

To make sure that your home is completely secure after lock replacement, call a locksmith to inspect the new lock. This way they can determine if it was installed correctly and whether there are certain adjustments you should make. Their recommendations will help make your home more secure against cases of theft and burglary.

 

What Not To Do

 

· Hire Qualified Professionals When In Doubt

Lock replacement process is not as simple as it may seem. Therefore, if you are in doubt, don’t replace the broken locks. You may not have the necessary skills that are needed to replace the locks effectively. Besides, this is a serious task that should make your home safer. To avoid costly mistakes, hire qualified professionals who are highly experienced and have an excellent reputation. They will make sure that your locks are replaced in the right way.

 

· Don’t Buy Low Quality Locks

There are different types of locks on the market. To make your house much safer, avoid low quality locks that can easily be bust open by intruders. Instead buy high quality locks that provide solid armor against conventional break-in methods. The best lock should withstand bumping, kicking, steady hammering and sawing.

 

· Don’t Change the Size of Your Lock

Locks usually come in different sizes. Your current locks may be old but replacing them with new ones that are of completely different size isn’t advisable. Before you can replace your lock, you should therefore determine its size and stick to it. This way you’ll avoid lock snapping.

 

LocksmithLock replacement may seem simple at first. However, trying to fix the locks without the help of a qualified professional can cause irreparable damages. As a result you may be forced to buy a whole new lock altogether, an expense that you might have avoided. Besides, keep in mind that re-installation processes are usually more costly compared to the simple replacements. Therefore, stick to what you know and if you can’t replace the lock yourself, call for assistance. You know what you can and can’t do and if you don’t possess the necessary skills needed in lock replacement, leave it to a professional locksmith. You might be eager to replace the locks yourself, but your trial and error methods may only end up causing more harm than good to your property.

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