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A “Kwik” Look At Kwikset Locks

Posted by Paul Murphy on Jun 11, 2016 in Featured Lock |

Kwikset is one of the few companies that manufacture door locks and related hardware that have stood the test of time in the industry because of the innovation and technology incorporated in them. Classic lines plus enhanced styling has made Kwikset products a great choice for many home owners. Over the past decades, the door hardware and lock industry has evolved from the traditional manually controlled locks to today’s smartphone controlled locks. Because of these improvements, home owners can be informed remotely when an authorized person breaks in. Kwikset has integrated the latest technologies in all of their locks and related hardware to ensure that your home remains secure at all times especially at these times when burglars have improvised their thievery techniques. If you want to know more about the nature, types, quality and benefits of door locks offered by Kwikset, you may like to read on below for more information on Kwikset Locks with help from our friends at Parkerlocksmith.org.

Home Security Locks

You would want to keep your home safe at all times especially when you are away for quite some time. Kwikset double cylinder deadbolts boosts the robustness of your glass door by installing a mechanism whereby the door has to be opened from inside as well as outside. They also provide Grade I deadbolt locks for exterior doors including those of the garage and entry doors leading into your house. You may want your neighbor to be picking up your mails when you’re away. With Kwikset SmartKey feature, you can re-key your lock to a temporary key for your neighbor. Also, you can install a temporary personal code (smartcode) provided to provide a temporary key for your neighbor.

Electronic Locks

If you want to add an extra layer of security to your exterior doors, electronic locks have been engineered in ways that fortify the lock systems. These locks provide keyless access, a feature that’s not only safe but also convenient. The smartcode feature enables you to unlock your doors remotely, eliminating the need of finding the key inside your car. Also, you don’t have to alight from your car to open your garage door. If you like a fancy kind of lifestyle, Kwikset electronic locks make life fancier.

Re-Key Technology

Traditionally, a locksmith would have to remove the deadbolt for him to rekey your door lock, a process that takes hours to be completed. With Kwikset, re-key technology, you don’t have to hire a locksmith to help you rekey your system. The rekeying process is a step-by-step process made up of four main steps that are clearly described in the instruction manual. The process enables you to change your keys without having to remove the deadbolt. This feature comes in handy when you’re moving out from your home to a new home. It’s also useful when you lose your key. Home owners can seamlessly rekey their locks whenever old tenants move out as new ones move in thus saving a lot of time and money.

Remote Access Technology

Remotely accessing your door locks provide great convenience as you can manage your door locks even when you are not at home. It makes security so sleek. Imagine handling the major security systems of your home regardless of where you are. The SmartCode alongside with Home Connect enables you to remotely access the door lock from anywhere. You don’t have to give your key to that trustworthy friend anymore. No need to worry about losing your key. The remote access technology notifies you when someone enters your home. For this system to work, it must be programmed on any device with an internet connection including your tablet or smartphone. The Powerbolt also provides the convenience of keyless access to your home. The Home Connect technology works by allowing the front door communicate wirelessly to other things inside your house including the entertainment system, security system, lighting, thermostat etc.

Lock Bumping & Pick Protection

The pin and tumbler mechanism that’s commonly used in most locks has some flaws that allow burglars to bump or pick your locks with a bump key. Kwikset uses a locking bar instead of the tumbler and pin to keep intruders at bay.

Smart locks and keys are upcoming trends when it comes to home security. With Kwikset locks, you are assured of a lock that cannot be bumped, one which is pick resistant and most of all, you’re assured of flexibility as you can rekey your locks with ease. There are a wide variety of locks you can choose for your office or home. Just remember to to have your Kwikset lock from a certified store.

Posted by Paul Murphy 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

The 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

If 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.

Posted by Paul Murphy on Jun 7, 2016 in House, Locksmith |

Admittedly, every homeowner wants to feel secure and safe in their homes. Unfortunately, most homes today are a target for thieves who either want to harm or steal from the residents. Does that mean despair? No. Many measures can boost your home security and take your safety to the next level, according to Chandler Locksmith Pros. Let’s look at them;

1. Install security cameras

Whether you install indoor or outdoor cameras, you will have a priceless sense of security. The cameras ensure that your home is not an easy target for criminals. They are the best deterrents. However, security cameras can be expensive, and an average man may not afford to install them in their homes. In that case, you can go for “bogus” cameras; they can act as real deterrents as well. The camera should be installed all over the compound for easy tracking of criminals.

2. Remember to lock your doors

This is the most obvious security tip which is overlooked by most homeowners, however. Once you get out of your house, you should ensure that all the doors are locked properly. If you buy a home from somebody, you must meet a locksmith to change the locks on your new home. There may be malicious people out there with spare keys to your home; they can be dangerous. However, changing locks will give you the peace of mind since you will not be worried that somebody may have a copy of your keys.

3. Install an alarm system

Having an alarm system installed is a perfect way to scare buglers away from your home. While security cameras are real deterrents, a home alarm system is handy. While shopping for an alarm system, remember to check the response time of that company to ensure that you are fully covered from crime. An alarm system performs the following duties; Alerts the police about an ongoing crime• Deters criminals from accessing your home• Limits what a thief can steal. Your alarm should be engaged at night or when you are away from your house.

4. Protect sliding glass doors

Needless to say, sliding glass doors are vulnerable to burglary because they are very delicate – thieves can easily break into your house through them. Installing security bars can make the access through these doors a little bit difficult, enhance the safety of your home as a result.

5. Install strong doors

Weak doors can encourage thieves to break into your house at any time. Install doors that are constructed from quality materials to make it hard for criminals to kick them in. Customer reviews and listening to what your friends are saying can give you a gist of the best doors in the market. Moreover, you can visit your local locksmith to get invaluable advice on the kind of doors you need in your home.

6. Don’t share your private information with everybody

If you are going for a vacation, you should never allow thieves to know about it. Many criminals break into people’s homes when the homeowners are away. Therefore, if you are going out, let it remain a secret. You can even call a trusted friend to stay at your home for the time you will be away.

7. Get regular home security checks

Taking advantage of your local area police service is important. There are areas in your home that needs security improvements, but you may not be aware of them. Calling the police department for a security check can help you identify those weak points (which are targets for criminals) and make necessary adjustments on them. The police officers will inspect both the inside and outside of your compound to ensure that you are safe.

8. Employ a private security guard

If you hire a professional residential security guard, you will be sure that your family and property is safe. These people are highly trained, and the fact that your life is in their hands makes them vigilant to any suspicious person around your home. The security guards patrol all the areas of your home and ensure that everything is in good condition. With a professional security guard, you can have the peace of mind.

The bottom line You don’t need to spend a lot of money to protect your family and property from buglers. The simple tips in this article can solve your security concerns. Try them!

Types of Deadbolt Locks – Which One To Choose?

Posted by Paul Murphy on Jun 4, 2016 in Locksmith |

Worried about the security of your home and car from burglars? Normal locks not sufficient to gain your faith in their security level? It’s time you bought a deadbolt lock. One of the most secure locks worldwide, deadbolt locks provide you with more security than the commonly used Spring-Bolt Lock.

There are three common types of deadbolt locks according to diamondbacklockandkey.com and each of them has a unique feature and is for a different purpose. It’s important to know each of these locks if you are looking forward to buying one of these for your security.

Single Cylinder Deadbolt:

This is a basic deadbolt that locks and unlocks from the outside with a key. For access from the inside, you have a metal latch that lets you lock and unlock the door. This type of deadbolt is commonly used at the main entrances of households. If you are investing in a deadbolt lock for your home, this is the perfect choice because it restricts access from outside to a key but allows free access from the inside by the operation of a latch.

Double Cylinder Deadbolt:

This is a more complex form of deadbolt and requires you to have a key to lock and unlock the door from both inside and outside. It is Considered more secure and mostly used in doors with glass windows. Even if a burglar breaks the glass windows he/she cannot open the door without a key. It also imbibes in you the good habit of locking the door while closing it. However, the drawback of this lock is in emergencies like a fire. In the case of an emergency when everyone rushes to evacuate, this door can pose a problem and hence it doesn’t come up to the marks for fire safety. This type of lock is good for you if you are using a door with glasses but you must consider the fire safety norms before making a purchase.

Keyless Entry Deadbolt:

This type of deadbolt does not require a key, as it uses a numeric keypad with a unique password to lock and unlock the door. It often also comes with a remote control that sends signals to the lock to open or close. This type of lock is used in cars. Sometimes, these locks also come with a key to override the lock mechanism.

The Keyless Entry Deadbolt also finds massive use in the security of safes. This type of lock is designed more for your convenience. The only drawback this lock has is that it becomes null if exposed to moisture coz this is battery operated. This lock is also much more expensive than the other deadbolts. However, it’s worth the buck and if you are looking for a lock for your car or safe, this is just the thing for you.

Before you begin, make sure that you thoroughly read the instructions for your particular model of deadbolt. I will give you general directions on installing an everyday deadbolt lock. If you bought a different model, your model may have an extra step, or one less. At its basics, installing a deadbolt is like installing a fancier, more secure lockset; so if you’ve ever dealt with that you should already be a step ahead of the game.

First, take the template with your deadbolt set and tape it around the edge of the door where you want to position it. Ideally, you don’t want to place it less than 6 inches or further than 12 inches away from the door knob. Ensure it is level and that the two holes for the actual deadbolt set line up on either side of the door. You can use the approximate reference points on the template for the thickness of your door. Tape it into place so that it doesn’t move. Use a pencil or an awl to mark the door where the holes should be placed.

Now, your door should be marked for where you will drill. Use the hole-saw attachment and a pilot bit to drill out the door for the deadbolt. Stop drilling when the pilot bit emerges from the opposite side of the door and continue drilling from the other side. Never drill straight through your door as it will cause the wood to splinter and one side of your door will look pretty bad.

Use a smaller hole-saw attachment and drill out the hole for the bolt. Stop drilling when you reach the hole created for the deadbolt. You can use a combination square to keep you level with the door, but most power drills have a level on them these days. Check your instruction for specifics on this step as some bolts require a different drill pattern. Once done, put the latch plate over the bolt hole and trace its outline onto the door. Use the chisel to create a space for the latch plate, making sure that it will be flush with the edge of the door. My suggestion is to work in small increments. You can always chip more away, but you can’t add more wood once it’s gone. Once this is finished, use the sandpaper to smooth out the edges of the holes and the latch notch.

Before you install the deadbolt, try assembling it. This will give you a good idea of where things are supposed to go before you have to work within the confines of the door. Once you’ve established the relationship between the lock’s moving parts, go ahead and install the lock. Be sure that it’s snug within the holes that you drilled for it. If it moves around inside of the holes, you may need to apply some silicone to make it fit correctly.

Now that your deadbolt is installed, you need a strike plate on the door jamb. The best way that I’ve found to do this accurately is to apply a little ink (or lipstick or paint) to the edge of your bolt. Close the door and try to turn the bolt. When you release the bolt and open the door, the ink will have perfectly marked the strike path of the bolt. This is where you’ll work.

You’ll install the strike plate Using the same methods you used to install the latch plate. Secure the strike plate around the ink outline of the bolt and trace the plate’s outline with your pencil. Using the same hole-saw attachment that you used to drill out the hole for the bolt, drill out the same hole in the door jamb. This will only secure an outline of the hole. Use a regular drill piece to drill out the center; if you have a spade bit, this is a great time to use it though it’s not extremely necessary. Use the chisel to carve out the mortise for the strike plate, again making sure that it will be flush with the door jamb. Drill holes for the screws then mount the strike plate to the door jamb.

Now close the door and turn the bolt into place. If it doesn’t smoothly drive into place, you may need to widen the holes or the bolt or in the door jamb. If it does, that’s great. You just made your home a bit more secure by installing a deadbolt.

Posted by Paul Murphy 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.

When 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.

If 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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