The Most Expensive Home Door Locks On the Planet

The Most Expensive Home Door Locks On the Planet

Posted by on Oct 14, 2016 in Locksmith |

Most home insurance companies advocate that homeowners should purchase American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Grade 1 locks from a first-class renowned brand since they are better placed to withstand housebreak attempts. As technology advances, techniques of breaking into houses and offices have also gone a notch higher. Consequently, locksmiths have devised sophisticated and state-of-art locks to respond to these security threats. Today we are seeing new technology of locks that use Bluetooth or Wifi to allow access. Most of the most effective, stylish, and latest products also happen to be the most expensive home door locks on the planet. Here are a few and also, if you happen to be in or around Atlanta, click here to check out ATL Locksmith Pros.

August

This is the most vouched-for smart door lock. It is compatible with the majority of cylindrical lock types. It uses a Bluetooth device and detects as you approach. In case you run out of battery, you can still use a key. iPhone owners can enjoy the Apple HomeKit so that the wrist-worn device will allow them to lock the door, view the activity logs, and get instant alerts. It is currently retailing for between $230 and $250.

Medeco Locks

Medeco is one of the most reputable locks and one of the most expensive home door locks on the planet. They have been used in government offices globally including the White House. Still available in Deadbolts, Medeco is available in a range of features. The features will determine how much you are going to pay ranging from $170 to $379 depending on how the locksmith company charges for installation.

Mul-T-Lock ENTR

This is the Rolls Royce of the door locks industry. Its biometric feature stands out as it enables you to open the door using your fingerprint ID. There are several mod-cons with Mul-T-Lock ENTR, for instance, access through a smartphone, or an app for temporary access) or a PIN code. Its three-barrel multi-lock technology makes it the most solid in the market. It is smooth to use and invisible from the outside. Depending on where you are going to purchase it, it ranges between $300 and $320.

The Goji Smart Locks

This door lock has its lock welcome screen. It works with Bluetooth for Smartphones, fob proximity opening plus Wi-Fi for remote control utility. It has a customer service call center in case you lock yourself out without a Smartphone. It comes with 4 electronic keys and 2 mechanical backup keys. The Goji Smart Lock is offered in Copper, Silver, and Gold finishes. It retails for about $299. You can get extra keyfobs for $40 each or $75 a pair.

Haven

Haven is fastened to the base of the front door which is its strongest point. It acts as a mechanical entry barrier. It is released through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It also comes with a physical footplate with the ability to release the lock in the event of an emergency. Haven is compatible with several devices such as Nest Thermostat, and Apple Homekit, and research with Z-Wave is still ongoing. It is currently available for $219.

Kwikset Kevo & Kevo Plus

kwikset-iphoneThe Kwikset Kevo is somewhat discreet for a smart door lock. It almost resembles a standard deadbolt except for the blue ring lights around it. It’s a Blue-tooth lock and works by touch. When you tap the lock, it unlocks as long as the Smartphone or keyfob is close by. It comes with 2 physical keys and 2 keys (electronic), plus free unlimited 24-hour guest keys. The upgrade –Kevo Plus is available and comes with a Bluetooth Gateway to connect Kevo to your home Wi-Fi or internet. This will enable you to unlock the door remotely and get real-time updates on any visitor to your home or office. You can get the door lock in Satin, Nickel, Venetian Bronze, and Lifetime Polished finishes. At Amazon, it retails at $219 each. It offers effortlessly simple operation with the best combination of security and convenience.

Yale keyless connected

Yale is a trusted brand in the door locks industry. It is key-fee and you have an option of connecting it to your Smartphone. It can use a code, key fob, or card. You can get one at $200.

The Schlage Sense

schlage-senseThe Schlage Sense allows you access by tapping an access code on your iPhone or through the fitted touchscreen. It has a deadbolt setup and is compatible with Apple HomeKit. It is going for about $230.

When compiling a list of the most expensive home door locks on the planet we are considering the initial cost of acquiring the lock, the technology required, and the cost of replacement.

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A “Kwik” Look At Kwikset Locks

A “Kwik” Look At Kwikset Locks

Posted by 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

KwiksetYou 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

Kwikset KEvo Plus 1If 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

Lock Bumping1The 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.

 

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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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Why Use A Master Key System

Why Use A Master Key System

Posted by on Jun 9, 2016 in Locksmith |

Master keys come in handy when you want to access many rooms at the same time. There are many types of these keys and they vary depending on the level of the system. For example, there is the 2-level key system that has two levels of keying.

It’s considered as the lowest level as it produces less powerful keys known as change keys. Keys under the 2-level system operate only one lock. They can also operate a group of locks that are the same. The most power unit under this system is known as the master key.

Master Key systemThere is also the 3-level key system that is basically a system of 2-level systems that have been tied together. The most powerful unit here is known as the grand master key.

The final system is the 4-level system which ties two or more 3-level systems tied together to form a great grand master key.

Benefits of Having a Master Key

master key2The main advantage of having a master key is that you are able to access the various units of your building with the same key. This is important when there is an emergency. For example, when there is a fire outbreak. The keys are also important when you want to access many rooms in a building in order to repair a large electrical or plumbing mishap.

If you are a business owner, having the system allows you to give managerial roles to different people. For example, you can give the main key to the store manager and then give the sub-keys to the people down the hierarchy so that they can have access to the different rooms in the building.

Disadvantages of a Master Key

While the key has many benefits, it also has a number of disadvantages. One of the disadvantages is when you lose the key. If the unit gets in the wrong hands you can lose a lot of property as the person with the key has the ability of accessing all the rooms or offices within a very short time.

If you notice that the key is in the wrong hands you should contact a professional locksmith immediately in order to replace all the locks. It’s good to note that while this will solve the problem, it’s very time consuming and expensive. To avoid this you should be very careful with the keys and ensure that they don’t get into the wrong hands.

How it Works:

If you have already read my “How Locks Work” article, then you know that locks work off of pins and tumblers. The varying size pins line up with the cuts on a key to allow the plug to turn and activate the lock. So, if a lock has pins numbered 3-5-4-2-1 then the cuts on the key must be 3-5-4-2-1.

But how does the Master Key come in? If we add another set of pins into the equation then a lot of possibilities open up. Let me give you an example with a master pin in just one cell:

The lock is pinned 3-5-4-2-1 with a #2 master over the first #3 pin. Now the original key works cut to 3-5-4-2-1, but a second shear line is available at 5-5-4-2-1 (just add 2 to the first #3 pin). Two keys will now open the same lock. By manipulating these pins and combinations all sorts of possibilities open up.

The Good:

Master Key systems allow for a variety of useful situations:

The manager can have one key to enter any unit in an emergency.

Maintenance personnel can be given a key that only opens maintenance or storage doors

Keys can be made for specific vendors like the pool, elevator, or alarm companies to give them restricted access to only the areas they need.

Common area locks can be set-up so that any property key will open the lock. This is useful for pool gates or common storage rooms.

A well designed Master Key system can remove frustration, increase security, and allow for quick access in an emergency. In fact in some areas Emergency Services require Master Key systems to ensure access in the event of fire, flood, or medical emergency. When the worst happens, then quick access can save lives and property.

With today’s technologies, there is no longer a need for those large key-rings with 50+ keys on them. Contact avondalelocksmith.org for a quote and review your property’s needs with them. Many locksmiths will offer a free security review of your property and will give you a free quote on upgrades and repairs. This way you will have the knowledge and tools to increase the security for the homeowner’s on the properties you manage.

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What Exactly Is Rekeying A Lock?

What Exactly Is Rekeying A Lock?

Posted by on Jun 8, 2016 in Locksmith |

Lock rekeying is the process of changing the lock code. The lock is taken apart and the locking pins are replaced with new pins and springs, then new keys are cut to match the new locking pins. At this point the old keys will not operate the lock.

The reasons for rekeying a lock are many, but they should all revolve around security and key control. Let’s say that a bank has 5 keys that open the bank doors, when they do an audit it is discovered that they cannot account for one key. They have two choices: replace all the locks that the lost key opened or rekey all those locks. If the door hardware is in good condition then the choice should be to rekey. A locksmith like beverlyhillslocksmith.org can do this job at the bank and cut new keys to match the rekeyed locks.

Key control is the process of knowing where all your keys are and who has them. If you can’t account for even one then rekeying should be your first action. Remember, without Control you do not have a secure facility. Most quality locks can be rekeyed and if the lock happens to be high security, then when it is rekeyed you will get a new registered code with registered keys.

 

professional locksmith1Rekeying has an advantage if you want to change the keying sequence of your building. For example, if you have multiple doors that work with a different key (keyed different) and you want these doors to all open with the same key (keyed alike). All of these locks can be taken apart and rekeyed so that they all open with the same key. To take this a little further you can create a master system. This is when all the doors open with different keys, but you have one (master) that will open all the doors.

To rekey a lock, the cylinder must be made so that it can be removed from the padlock. Once removed the combination pins are changed to a new configuration and keys are cut to match. This process can be done many times. Not all padlocks are rekeyable though, it depends on the manufacturer, the manufacturing process and the cost. Most padlocks sold at big box stores are not rekeyable.

If you lose your keys and you want to make sure that your stuff is still secure you either have to purchase new padlocks or rekey them. The rekey process is much cheaper. For years high security padlocks were manufactured to be rekeyable. With these locks the rekey process is a little different. These types of locks use restricted lock and key codes. This usually means that only you will have those lock codes and therefore the keys to open those locks.

For businesses these types of locks offer many benefits:

rekeyingThe ability to change the lock codes quickly if keys are lost Padlocks can be keyed alike in groups from two to thousands There is the ability to create a master system Key control, you know where your keys are and who has them

There is another type of lock cylinder that go into padlocks. These are called removable core, SFIC or changeable. With these the complete lock cylinder is removed from the padlock and replaced with another one. The core can then be rekeyed and made ready for use in another padlock. The benefit to these types of locks is that anyone can change the padlock core. This helps to regain control of your keys immediately. Removable core padlocks are usually available only at service centers or locksmith stores and cost more than standard padlocks.

So how can you tell if a lock is rekeyable? For the average person it could be tough. If you go to big box stores the padlocks are usually carded, sealed in plastic and hung on a hook. Unless it is stated on the packaging it would be difficult to know. I don’t think that store personnel would be any help. If you want this type of padlock go to a professional Service Center.

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