Is Your Garage Secure?

Garage doors come in different sizes, styles, brands and colors and are more than perfect for your home for a number of reasons. As such, you can experience storage convenience, security and privacy by installing the right garage door for your home.
Resources:
Columbus Garage Door Pros
cctvcamerapros.com
adt.com

Is Your Garage Secure?

Let’s face it; if you installed your garage door sometime back, chances are that it doesn’t have the latest safety and security features. If that is the case, relax.

In this blog post, we’ll highlight 6 key garage door tips that will ensure that you and your property are safe and secure. Consider reading ahead if you wish to learn more.

Install Hi-tech Security Features

There are thousands of garage door security features flooding the market. As a homeowner, your responsibility is to ensure that you shop for hi tech security equipment like CCTV s to help you see everything that’s going on outside your garage, motion sensors, smoke detectors, light controls and switches to provide easy access to lighting, frosted windows for privacy and internet or smartphone connection to ensure that you can operate it from anywhere.

Keep Kids Away

Kids are fond of playing with garage doors and in most cases end up damaging one or two important components of the garage door. To prevent this from happening, ensure you chat with your kids and enlighten them on the dangers of playing with garage doors before they get hurt. Tell them never to play with the garage door particularly when it’s in motion.

Keep Opener Safe

You opener or remote should be included in your bunch of keys and not left in the car as most people do. You should have access to it anytime and carry it around with you. You children may find it in the car and play with it or even go to the extent of damaging it unknowingly. They have to understand that it’s not a toy. If misused or mishandled, these openers may cause injury or even death in rare cases. Some openers are expensive in the market and can cost you a fortune to replace at your local locksmith.

Regular Maintenance

You never know when your garage door will break down. That’s why it’s is advisable to be looking for a qualified locksmith like us to conduct regular maintenance on your garage door at least monthly and identify potential problems before bad goes to worse. Ensure that the different components of your garage door are visually inspected for signs of wear and tear, and tested regularly for safety reasons. It’s only through high quality maintenance that your garage door will always remain functional without costing you an arm and a leg.

Improve On Fire Safety

Most home owners think that garages are exempted from fires. The plain truth is that they are not. Fires can originate from even the most unexpected areas of our homes. To stay safe, ensure that flammable materials such as thinner, fertilizer and gasoline are placed and stored away from fire because they can cause devastating damage when in contact with fire. You can go the extra mile and install a fire extinguisher in your garage so that you are always prepared in case the fire originates from your garage.

Always Close The Garage Door

Burglars are very clever. They are aware that most homeowners lock all the other access points in their homes and forget about closing their garage often. They take advantage of the situation and gain entry into your home through the garage door. Always ensure that you lock your garage door and it has features like motion sensors to alert you immediately any intruder tries to gain access to your house.

Well, with the right garage door and the latest security features, you will be able to provide maximum protection to your garage and property. No one, including you should go through the tough times of being injured or ambushed by burglars who access your property through your garage door in this age and time. The 6 tips that have been highlighted in this post are just the main ones, meaning that there are very many tips that could not be accommodated here. Hopefully, you have learned something new about garage door safety tips and that you will implement the information shared in this post.

The Best Baldwin Locks On The Market

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The Baldwin company was founded by Severin Fayerman in 1946. They manufacture and distribute high grade locks for all types of doors. Their catalogue contains all the various types of locks. There are locks for al doors, sizes and purposes. These range from locks for your doors at home to enterprise quality locks for security companies. There are just so many different choices. So which are the best of the best?
Resources:
auroralocksmith.org
baldwinhardware.com
homedepot.com

Baldwin Single Cylinder Round Deadbolt

The stand out feature of this lock is its’ lifetime polished brass finish. This is just the base of what this lock has to offer. The intricate details and mechanics within the lock itself is marvelous. It has a classic round shape that will enhance any design and supplement any door. You can partner the lock with a wide range of knobs. Baldwin has designed a revolutionary smart key re-key technology that places the power of access to your home in your hands alone. It can be locked from either side of the door. The perfect solution for all front, side and garage doors in your home.

Baldwin Lifetime Satin Nickel Keyless Entry

Finally, you do not have to worry about losing your keys. Why do I say this? That is because this lock operates through an electronic deadbolt, 6 button access system. This means that the lock/unlock function is based within a keypad system. In order to lock your home, you need to press 1 button. That is all. This a perfect innovation for people with children, forgetful souls and angry parents who often bang the door multiple times so that it may lock. The unlock function is based on your own personal numeric sequence. This lock is not just safe but it is a cool way to show off to your friends.

Baldwin Tobin Hall or Closet Lever

You do not always need to have military grade locks on your doors. Often simplicity is the best. This lever is best used on closets, hallways and kitchen cupboards wherein locking capabilities is more of a pain than a luxury. The lever is reversible and can be mounted on either side of the door.

Baldwin Alcott Entry Knob

This lock was built for luxury. It is compatible with most designs on the market. This luscious design complements modern technology with perfect flow. It is not just pretty! It is actually most suitable for outdoor locks that require a key. Baldwin implemented its’ very own patented technology that allows you to rekey your lock as well as being built to withstand lock bumping. The hardware is smooth, heavy and sturdy which is perfect for safety measures. The satin-nickel finish adds a contemporary emotion to the lock.

Baldwin Prestige Entry Lever

The selling feature of this lever is its’ beautiful outer body. The fresh design with the unique square rose supplies a transitional style combined with a modern finesse.

Baldwin Bighorn Single Cylinder Handle Set with Carnaby Knob

This family of handles is a prime example of solidity. It is made of a Venetian bronze, hand rubbed finish which exemplifies the bronze highlights. This creates a warm and royal feeling to the products design. You may unlock/lock the single cylinder deadbolt from either side of the door. Additionally, you can push a button on the inner side to unlock it.

PD005 Large Santa Monica Pocket Door Lock

This is my favorite. The Santa Monica allows you to have your own secret compartment within your home. The door lock is not very customizable as it is only compatible with pocket doors. However, it is still great to have a prestige finish door lock that complements your pocket door. The design is sleek and elegant. You can unlock the door by pulling on a partially hidden compartment and lock the door by pushing this compartment back into the door.

In conclusion, Baldwin door locks are heavy on the pocket but you are guaranteed a superior quality, safety optimized, beautifully blended door lock. Their range of locks are endless thus there is a lock suitable for every need, every person and every situation. Their locks are unique and easily identifiable. The main feature that attracts me is that their locks are made up of a quality metal that is heavy and long lasting.

The Perks Of Hiring A Car Locksmith

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It is inevitable for car owners to incur expenses from locksmith services from time to time. Even with the best handling and top care, cars are likely to experience key and lock breakdowns. Finding a car locksmith is not a difficult task since they are many in the market and so one should not feel overwhelmed by the task of locating one. However, one should understand that not all locksmiths are capable of delivering unique services. Therefore, it is crucial for one to review a particular offer before spending lots of money on shoddy services. Due to this, it is recommendable to hire professional car locksmiths to avoid services which are cheap and of low quality. Herein are the perks of hiring a car locksmith, thanks to the guys at tigardlocksmith.org.

Professional Experienced Services

This is one of the main advantageous of finding a car locksmith. With experts one is in a position to land to skilled technicians who are well versed with knowledge on this field and best suited to take good care of all the requirements. Considering other options, one might end up landing on unskilled car locksmiths thus leading to poor quality services. Hiring experts assure one of bidding is or her money to high quality services as well as to ultimate experience.

Service Guarantee and Accountability

Professional locksmiths are always accountable for all the services they offer unlike those who are unskilled. One should go for credible licensed experts to ensure they are guaranteed high quality services. Most professional locksmiths become successful depending on referrals and reputation from customers who are satisfied with their services. This therefore works as their driving force by providing quality services to their clients thus satisfying their needs. They strive to offer the best even if it comes to a point of redoing a particular piece of work. They get their pay after finishing up the work and meeting the requirements of the car owners. One should therefore be careful when choosing the right locksmiths who are accountable for all damages caused during the repair or low quality outcomes.

Right Components and Tools

Although some lock, problems may seem to be easy to repair and diagnose, without the required equipment and tools it is virtually impossible to tackle the problem at hand. This is another major reason why one should consider hiring experts for repairing their car keys and locks. Professional car locksmiths invest much in buying the right tools and equipment to repair and install the lock systems since this is their major working area of specialization. Probably most experts have all the tools they require in handling all assignments on car locksmith. One’s job is made easier if he or she is using the right equipment and this therefore results to better output.

No Risks Incurred

Professionals in car locksmith ensure that no risks are involved in the work they do. Getting locksmith services from non-professionals exposes one to variety of risks that range from minor injuries to fatal accident since they offer poor quality services, which lead to poor outcomes. In the case where ones car lock is not well fixed, one is exposed to vulnerabilities such as the vehicle being stolen or even items from the car. Hiring an expert gives one surety to top-level service and eliminating all possible risks that might arise from poor installation of the locks. Since they are experienced in this field, probability of negligence and injuries are reduced. On the other hand, non-professionals might tend to forget important things and end up concealing it in the case everything seems to work as expected.

Insurance

Insuring ones business is essential and so professional car locksmiths consider this as a requirement so that they cover clients’ vehicles from issues of damage and protecting ones car. When handling ones car and unfortunately something goes wrong, the damage will be covered up.

The above perks of hiring a car locksmith should encourage one to find the best experts to service their cars to avoid losses and damage. One should consider a locksmith who has insight and is able to offer the right advice and recommendations on best locking systems. Furthermore, they should leave one more informed and educated regarding car lock issues.

The Process Of Rekeying A Car Door Lock

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If you are a car owner then you know how important it is to ensure the security of your vehicle. If your car is not secure then you might have to lose your valuable properties. Therefore, you would have to ensure that the locks of your car properly protect your car so that the thieves cannot lay their hands on your vehicle. If you are confident that the locks of your car are alright and do not need to be changed then you should consider rekeying the existing ones. You must know the process of rekeying a car door lock.

If you are considering changing the keys of your car door lock then you must call a professional. It is always a good idea to let a professional deal with the rekeying process instead of trying your hands using Do It Yourself (DIY) techniques. The professional locksmith has the proper tools and has sufficient knowledge and experience which will make the job easier. However, if you want to try your hands at rekeying the lock of the door of your car then continue reading. The following is the process of rekeying a car door lock, thanks to the guys over at East Valley Lock and Key:

Step 1: Remove the door lock and tumbler of the car

You should start by removing the lock of car’s door and then take out the tumbler mechanism present inside. When you take out the tumbler, you would notice that the tumblers are set in a certain pattern that was fit for the previous key. Since you are considering rekeying the lock, you would have to readjust the tumbler so that a new key can be made for it. The old keys will no longer work once you change the pattern of the tumbler.

Step 2: Mark the blank key for cutting

When you have successfully removed the door lock and readjusted the tumbler then you should take a blank key and insert it in the tumbler mechanism for marking purpose. When the blank key has been inserted, you should mark the positions of each tumbler with a pen or marker on the key blade. The portions that you mark would have to be cut to make the new key.

Step 3: Cut the marked blank key

When the blank key has been marked then you should create grooves of the key using a dremel tool with a cut off wheel. You can also use a jeweler’s file if you do not have the dremel tool. While you are cutting the key, or filing it, then you should check a few times whether the key is fitting or not. You must ensure that you do not cut the key below the marked lines. You must note that it is imperative to be patient while cutting the key because impatience might ruin your efforts.

Step 4: Test the new key

When you have completed cutting the new key, it is time to finally test the new key. The tumblers should be in perfectly flushed position with the outside plug of the tumblers. When the work is complete on your part then you should put the lock mechanism back in the door. If you have been successful in rekeying the car door lock then the new key would work perfectly. If you notice that the key is not working due to any reason then you would have to do the hard work again. You would have the repeat the process of rekeying a car door lock – remove the door lock and tumbler of the car, mark the blank key for cutting, cut the marked blank key and test the new key.

Step 5: Complete the job

If the new key is working perfectly without any problems then you have achieved success. However, your job has not been finished yet. You would have to adjust the tumblers of the other door locks also so that the same key works in all the locks of the car. Since you have a single key, you should make duplicates of the key so that you do not land in trouble if the original one is lost. You can effortlessly open the new locks of your car with the new key that you have made with all the hard work.

The Best Arrow Brand Locks for Homes

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Privacy and security the two most important things to any human person, No one wants to find random people in their homes or to find that their stuff has been stolen or someone has been going through their things. For this reason, when you buy a new house or rent a new apartment, the first thing a person will usually do is to change the locks or re- key them. It is a way to ensure that they are the only people with the right and access to that house. Without security, it is very unlikely that people will feel at home even in a house they pay rent for.

There are so many key locks brand in the market today that it has become hard to know which ones are the best and which ones one should not buy, In buying a door lock for your home, you should always by a lock that is meant for a home. It would be very unfortunate if you found a good company brand but bought the wrong door locks. Buying a lock that is not meant for the door of your home risks making you look like a freak to all your neighbors. This is something no one wants. The right size lock will complement how your door looks to outsiders while giving you the chance to guarantee safety for your items. The wrong lock could also be easier to break into and it may actually be counter productive in buying it. So what arrow brand locks are actually great for your home?
Resources:
www.centenniallocksmith.com
arrowlock.com
sears.com

Split bolt locks

These types of locks are made such that they lock the doorknob of the door. This prevents the spring loaded latch of the door from being released. Usually the spring fits into the door frame. These are a great type of lock for your how because they are the least expensive keys and can be installed easily. If you are the type of person who loves to do things for yourself, these locks will allow you to put them in place for yourself easily. However, in installing these types of locks one needs to know that they can be opened easily with things that are not the actually key of the lock such as hair pins which in turn allow the door knob to release the bolt locking the door. The door knob can also be smashed in with a wrench or a hammer. Arrow will usually provide you with a protective meal that will work in preventing forceful entry into your home. However, this is not completely possible. In this category of locks, arrow brand offers you arrow grade 1 and grade 2 lever locks and grade 1 and 2 knob locks and arrow mortise locks.

Most spring latch locks are used on many doors so if you are looking to buy these types of locks from arrow brand you should look for the series name above and find a size ha will fit your door and a design that you will love.

Dead bolt locks

Deadbolt locks are great at effectively bolting the door on to the frame. They are called dead bold because the know is practically dead and it has to be moved manually in and out of place using a knob or a key. It consists of three parts, the cylinder outside hat is accessible using your key, he know which locks and unlocks the door by sliding in and out of the door jab and the thumb turn that allows you to manually control the bolt from the outside. Most are made of either solid steel, brass or bronze that are strong and do not break easily.

When buying dead bolt locks, you should get ones that are installed vertically instead of horizontally to prevent intruders from spring the door apart from the strike plate or the jamb. A vertical dead bolt works by interlocking with a set of cast metal rings which are fixed to the frame of the door. Dead lock from arrow brand are made such that the rings that surround he bolt make it impossible to pry into the lock. They are best for glass doors and for people who want to use a particular key to open their doors. Dead bolt locks from arrow include: arrow grade 1, D60 series and arrow grade 2 the E60 series.

Why Kwikset Locks Is Such A Great Brand

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When shopping around for a lock either for your office or home, the main priority is and should always be identifying the most suitable lock as far as security is concerned. This is always the case because not all security locks are designed equal and this is clearly evident from the fact that different lock brands and models are characteristic of features specifically meant for different situations.

Simply put, getting the most suitable lock for the office or your home is not as easy as simply walking into your nearest store and then grabbing the cheapest or the first lock that you come across. To get the right lock there are several important factors which you need to take into serious consideration. For instance, you need to consider where exactly the lock system will be set up in e.g. at home, business premise, office or any other facility or that may be you are interested in a security lock that will grant you quick and easy access amongst other factors.

To help make your search for the best security lock easier, below Is an overview of kwikset locks which is one of the best security lock brands. Also included are details of what exactly make it such a great brand thanks to our friends at parkerlocksmith.org.

Introduction to the kwikset lock brand

Kwikset is a well established manufacturer of locks and locksets. It is owned by spectrum brands hardware and home improvement group (HHI) group, sub division of the renowned spectrum brands. Founded in 1946 by Karl Rhinehart and Adolf Schoepe, the name was got from the firm’s first set of locks which back then interestingly pioneered the then revolutionary lock design which then were fast and easy to setup. today, kwikset key blanks are available in most of the locations in which keys are made.

Why Kwikset Locks Is Such A Great Brand

Keyless Entry

Kwikset locks are designed to save you the trouble of having to carry your own keys. This is because the locks will require you to have your own personal unlock code to allow you entry into your home or better yet the office with just a push of a button. Simply put, installing kwikset locks serves as a guarantee for keyless entry, no more losing of keys, locking yourself out and above all being forced to constantly hide your keys e.g. under the mat. As a result of all this, you will have complete control over who has access to your home or the office at all times.

Improved home management

Once installed, the lock can easily be linked to the rest of your already existing security system or home automation controller. This will in turn allow you (the homeowner) to easily arm the security system which includes locking all the doors with the touch of a single button when you leave or lock all doors with a single touch anywhere within your home when going to sleep. In fact, you will even have the opportunity to save money on energy usage since you will be able to even configure your lock and use it to control the thermostat setting in your home which in turn will save you significant amount off your annual energy costs.

Remote Access

Upon installing the kwikset lock with the home connect feature, you will be able to use your smart code to either access or lock your home remotely. This means you will never have to worry about ever forgetting to lock or secure your home or the office once you head out. You will also get notifications when someone enters your home, for instance, you will be notified when your loved one arrives home safely at the expected time amongst other things. In addition to the above, you will also be able to monitor all the people going in and out of your property. simply put, the remote access features will give you complete control over you property (home or office).

Other reasons why kwikset locks is such a great brand include the fact that:

Kwikset locks feature optional operational properties through the use of conventional key. the electronic deadbolt for instance features the Weiser keypad plus it also doubles up as a hybrid since it combines the features of the Weiser and Kwikset brand locks hence very secure.

Kwikset locks are also characteristic of the smart key which is an innovative technological inclusion whose design allows for a relatively easy re-keying of the lock thus saving on time and most importantly money. This feature makes it a great security lock brand particularly for properties for rent and business premises or any other premise where there is need to change locks regularly i.e as a result of tenants moving out and new ones moving in for instance. In addition to the above, the locks are also bump proof and pick resistant .

Bottom line

Kwikset locks serve as a guarantee for maximum security at very reasonable prices. the fact that the locks are mostly made of aluminum and steel and characteristic of a brass finish coupled with the aluminum lock cylinders and smart key feature is proof that installing them serves as a guarantee that you will never have to worry about whether you may have locked your doors.

What To Look For In A Lock For Your Home

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In case you are wondering about what to look for in a lock for your home, it is worth keeping in mind that an excellent way to start the selection of a door lock is to look at it keenly from the thief’s perspective. Most burglars prefer breaking into a house via the door due to the fact that it is easy and quick. But, according to various studies, it has been proven that an excellent quality door lock is a deterrent. There are various features to look for in a lock for a home. First of all, you should consider installing a door lock with a deadbolt kind of bolt. Basically, each and every door lock comes with a bolt which extends from the door lock into the strike that is mounted on the frame of a door. The type of bold utilized has a significant effect on the strength of the lock.
Resources:
tacomalocksmith.org
ANSI.org

Classifications of Locks

It is also important to look for a door lock that comes with the American National Standard Institute Grade one classification. Generally, ANSI has standards that are developed and fully maintained by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association which measures the door locks’ durability, performance and security. The ANSI standards uses various tests and classify the locks of a door with a grade which could be one, two or three, with grade one being the best to go for. However, the ANSI standards have some confusing details that one must be fully aware about when looking for the grade one door lock. For instance, it is important to know that not all grade one door locks are equal. You should also be aware that mortise locks receive both a security grade and an operational grade from the American National standard Institute. In case you select a mortise kind of door lock, ensure that the grade one applies all the security aspects of the door lock.

Key Control

When purchasing door locks for your home, you should always consider choosing those that offer key control. Basically, key control is all about being in control of whoever any copies of keys to your house or home. Most door keys can be easily copied at a local retail store or hardware. But currently most manufactures provide door locks utilizing key locks which can only be copied by manufactures themselves or certain experienced locksmiths. There are various scenarios which can be avoided by having key control. These include but not limited to: mechanics trying to make copies of key to your house while working on your motorcar, and in house help quitting job while having made their own copy of the key to your home without your knowledge.

The use of door locks with key control prevents anyone from copying your home’s keys unless he or she is allowed to do so by yourself. Extra effort may be required by the homeowners to acquire key control. For instance, you may have to travel some miles a way to get the right locksmith to make the key for you. In addition to that, you should look for other features such as the security strike plate, which comes with all door locks. In most cases, the security strike plates are cosmetic hence their intention is not to offer much security. However, there is the availability of the high security strike plates, which sometimes comes with a metal that is heavy gauge and reinforces plate which mounts underneath the cosmetic strike plate and come with three inch long screw, which ensures that the strike is secured to the wall framing, and not just to the jamb of the door frame.

You should also look for a door lock with one inch minimum on deadbolt. Deadbolt’s throw refers to the length extended by the deadbolt out of the edge of the door. Majority of the deadbolt have bolts with one inch throws. A longer throw is not recommended due to the fact that it makes gaining entry hard by spreading the frame of the door. Furthermore, it is important to consider looking for saw resistant bolt in door locks for a home. There are some deadbolts which come with the internal anti saw pins. These pins spins freely within the bolt, and in case anyone make attempts of breaking in by sawing off the deadbolt, it will be hard due to the fact that the pin spins forth and back with every saw blade’s movement.