Rekeying vs. Changing Your Locks

Rekeying vs. Changing Your Locks

Posted by on Jun 2, 2016 in Locksmith |

Every home and business owner knows how important it is to secure one’s property and there are many requirements that a security measure should meet. Did you just acquire the space? What are the kinds of locks that are currently installed? How old are the installed locks, and do they meet your needs with regards to the security level you are after? Do you feel safe with the amount of security your locks provide? These are just some of the essential questions you should find answers to, so you can make a rather sound decision in choosing whether to rekey or change your locks completely. Big thank you to Greshamlocksmith.org for all the helpful information.

First, let us define lock rekeying…

Rekeying2Before you decide whether to rekey or change the lock assembly of your business space or home, you need to understand first how a lock rekey procedure goes as well as its pros and cons. It is actually one of the most common tasks for locksmiths, but it is still a complicated security lock that gives sufficient protection.

A lock rekeying process changes the tumblers of your current lock so that all of the wafers would be jumbled or set in a much different order. This is usually done to retain the lock that is already utilized, but still change the keys entirely. A competent locksmith can easily use the newer code from the tumblers, so that the current keys will no longer work with the changed lock tumblers.

If the locks on your doors are made of a (ANSI) security grade of one or higher, then your locksmith wont have to go through a lot of hassle to rekey all of them. This also a great factor you need to consider if you want to update your locks, but also save a couple of bucks at the same time.

The Benefits You Can Get from Rekeying Your Locks

As soon as you have your locks rekeyed, you wont have to worry about buying any additional hardware anymore which would usually reap you off your hard earned money. Below are more benefits you can get from rekeying your locks.

*It will maintain the current aesthetic of your door, which is without any annoying paint lines.*it is very convenient, because you can use the same locks.*It would cost you much less!

You Need to Change Your Locks If…

When the current locks to your house or business space are shaky and old, out of style and jiggly, then it is definitely time for you to change the assembly of your locks entirely. Below are the three signs you need to watch out for that would signify that you need a replacement job done.

*If your locks have experienced being damaged, broken into or any other mishap

When some parts of your current locking system has already been taken out from the frame of the door, or the entire assembly has been worn down already that you can already witness the sections of the lock not doing the security mechanism it is supposed to perform, then it is now time for you to purchase a brand new lock set.

*If your locks are rather old that there are no longer parts available in the market

You could have an antique set of locks. This is actually bad news, if this is the case, because that would mean you can no longer have the option of having the locks rekeyed. Your only point of action now is to change the locks altogether. If you upgrade your locks, you would get a much higher level of protection because locks are already manufactured with high tech procedures in the recent years. If you insist on having your antique locks rekeyed, then let me warn you that you will have a very hard time finding a locksmith that would work on your antique locks.

*If you are requiring a high level of protection for your business space or home

biometric fingerprint lock1Your current locks may be installed with a rather poor or low security rating. If you want to feel more secure with your system of protection, then you might want to put upgrading the locks into a Grade 1 security level into your to-do list.

Changing your locks would mean you get to utilize a newer and better technology. The modern locks are much harder to drill, tamper with and pick. We recommend that you ask your locksmith which brands are the best in producing quality locks, since there are so many to choose from. If you once had a bad experience with a specific brand of locks in the past, you should also discuss it with your locksmith so he or she can advise you regarding your concerns.

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Finding A Good Locksmith Online

Finding A Good Locksmith Online

Posted by on Jun 1, 2016 in Locksmith |

Today, you never know when something bad could happen. For this reason, most want to make sure their families are protected as one of their first priorities. Of course, you can do this by using such things as reinforced doors, however, they are little use if you do not have good locks on them. In consideration of this, you should make sure that you find a reliable locksmith and here is some information so help you with your search.

Finding an experienced and qualified locksmith is important. Very often, crooks masquerading as locksmiths will take advantage of you in a time of desperation. In order to avoid that, it is best to find a Great Locksmith Online even if you need service quickly. If you find a good locksmith before an emergency happens, this will make the process much easier.

Columbus LogoAn easy way to find a good locksmith is by simply asking around. Talk to family and friends who have had to use a locksmith in the past. Find out what they thought about their locksmith and what sort of prices they paid for their services. If you search for locksmiths this way, you can save yourself a lot of time and energy. If no one you know has the name of a locksmith, you can always go to a trusted local hardware store and ask people there. The owners of the hardware store will often work with locksmiths so they might have the name of one that can help you out.

During the time you are looking for a locksmith, try to find someone who is the best at what they do. With this in mind, look for a reliable company, which will increase the chances of having someone available during the times you need them most. Ultimately, a trustworthy locksmith is one of the most important things.

The last thing most people want is someone who will waste their time or money. Furthermore, hiring someone who is unreliable can put your family and possessions at risk. Mainly, you should look for a local company. The below steps will help you find a locksmith that you can trust.

Perform Background Research

One of the first steps to finding a good locksmith company is research. When you are looking up information on the company, also ask around. Many of the people you know are the best people to ask. In most cases, someone will know of a locksmith they recommend or think you should avoid. In addition, the internet acts as a great source for finding customer reviews in relation to the company.

During the time, you are researching the company look for information pertaining to whether people recommend the company, as well as the length they have been around. Additionally, research whether people were happy with the past work they have done. With most of the companies around today, they have some kind of presence online. Therefore, you should use this type of information in order to find out whether the company has any kind of references among other things.

In addition, if the company has a website, it would not hurt to look at this as well. During the time you are looking at their website, look at things such as the company philosophy in addition to if they are a company who has the types of services that you want and need. One thing to note at that time is whether their website looks as if it is reputable. Additionally, you should see whether they are a company that will have the capacity to unlock whatever it is that you need within a sufficient amount of time.

Call and Communicate

Calling a locksmithThe next step after finding a potential company involves the process of calling and asking them questions. This way you get a better feel for the type of customer service. In addition, ask them about their prices, as well as the types of payments they take. Another thing to ask is whether they have any type of additional fees in some situations.

In general, finding a good locksmith is one of the most important things that you can do for the safety of your family. In any case, always make sure that you research the company before allowing them to come around your home. Essentially, you should try to find out as much information as possible on any person who will be working around your home or family.

 

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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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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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