Does Your Car Key Have A Twin?

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“Does your car key have a twin?” have you ever thought about this question? If you haven’t then you need to seriously consider it. Can you imagine someone else out there having a car key similar to yours? The stranger who may live a few blocks or miles away can easily access your car without fidgeting or struggling. But like most people, you possibly think that the chances of this happening are quite slim. Yes, it is true that the odds are low but many owners get shocked to discover that another key can easily open their car. Sadly, many came to know about this when it was too late. The unscrupulous individual will have gotten away with valuables if not the car. The following is some useful information brought to you by our friends down at avondalelocksmith.org.

How Does It Happen?

hondaA known fact is that most of us will walk away from our cars after ensuring it is properly locked. We feel confident that no one else can access to the car since we are the only ones in possession of the car key. And no one in his/her right mind would attempt to break into the vehicle in broad day light, right? But, did you know the key combinations used by car manufacturers are limited. Statistics indicate that top brands such as Honda, Toyota or Ford usually have a maximum of about 3500 combinations. This means that at some point they will have to reuse the earlier combinations. This is how car key “twins” are born.

What Are The Risks of the Car Key Having a Twin?

The thought of a twin to your car existing is worrying enough. Can you imagine walking to the parking lot only to discover an empty space? Or another person gaining access to your vehicle and stealing your valuables. You may be lucky to discover the twin in a friendlier manner. Take the case of the mum in Johnson County who recently discovered that her Honda Accord shared the same key with the family’s Honda Odyssey. This is after her 16-year old son mistakenly took the wrong key and was still able to unlock the door and also start the car. Strangely enough, the two cars had been sourced from two different outlets and one car was manufactured two years earlier than the other. What if the discovery had been made by a stranger or a crooked individual?

Car Key Twin Not a New Incident

identical keysAccording to car dealers and locksmiths, cars having identical keys aren’t a new phenomenon. But, many people usually discover this the hard way after the car or items are stolen. The possibility of twins is also evident in electronic keys which use radio frequencies to open or close the doors. Car thieves already know this and are breaking into cars such as Toyota Prius by simply using a radio relay system that amplifies the radio signal right from the car owner’s home. It is not only cars that are affected but homes as well. Thieves usually walk around with a bunch of keys hoping to find a match. You like other people are a likely victim.

What Can You Do About It?

To minimize the odds of the key having a twin many people turn to rekeying. Unfortunately, this isn’t the right solution. Rekeying only offers you another key that has been made using similar tumblers, combinations or cut depths. There is a possibility of another individual owning a twin key. The best solution is to go for a higher grade of lock; for instance, installing dead bolts. This type of locks and keys are made from unique combinations far different from what is used by car manufacturers. The chances of a similar key from the same manufacturer are usually very low-almost nil. It is however important to shop around and look for popular and reputable brands so as to be assured of top notch security.

Although the odds of someone else having a twin to your car key are slim, it pays to be extra vigilant. Maybe you think smashing a window is much faster than trying to unlock the door with a set of keys. But, the truth is that car keys with twins do exist. By installing a new better grade lock, searches on “does your car key have a twin?” and related questions will become a thing of the past.


Can All Locks Be Rekeyed?

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The short answer is no. Not all locks can be rekeyed. Non-rekeyable locks do not have mechanisms that can be modified to use other keys. What this means is that if their keys are lost then they will have to be replaced, as they can no longer be used unless the owner owns a precise duplicate of the lost is key. In short, non-rekeyable locks are types of locks whose keys cannot be changed or replaced.

In contrast, rekeyable locks can have their keys changed whenever these are damaged, lost or copied without by someone without authorization. Therefore, rekeyable locks are easier to modify to accept a new key than non-rekeyable ones.

The most common type of non-rekeyable locks are non-rekeyable padlocks, but other locks can also be designed to have non-rekeyable features. Safe locks and deadbolt locks, for example, can also have non-rekeyable cylinders. So if you require additional information about these security devices, and what they have to offer, then thanks to the guys down at Gilbert Locksmith Pros In Arizona, this article will teach you what you need to know.

What Are The Features of Non-Rekeyable Locks?

lock pickingNon-rekeyable locks are generally harder to pick than rekeyable locks. Moreover, they are also generally more durable than most ordinary rekeyable locks, and can withstand harsh conditions as well as corrosive environments. These locks are also made from durable materials, such as stainless steel, rust-resistant brass and boron alloy, for example. They are also often chrome plated to prevent rust and corrosion.

It’s also worth mentioning that many non-rekeyable locks come with optional upgrades to increase their durability. They can, for example, be upgraded to increase their security features, so as to make them less vulnerable to lock picks or coated with additional anti-corrosion substances. So if you want to get these locks for your home, make sure that you actually need their features.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Non-Rekeyable Locks

non rekeyableNon-rekeyable locks are designed to be used on specific rooms, closets, quarters or safes, and this specificity can be considered an advantage or disadvantage, depending on how one looks at it.

Using a single lock with a single key offers a certain amount of security and secrecy than using a lock which shares the same key with other locks in your home or business establishment. For one thing, the one-key-for-one-lock system makes it less likely for people to make copies of your key or worse, steal it. So as long as you don’t share your key with anyone, your non-rekeyable lock will remain relatively secure.

Another advantage of non-rekeyable locks is that many of them are designed to be tough and difficult to pick. This makes them and their cylinders more secure and durable than most rekeyable locks, and therefore, more valuable in terms of security.

On the other hand, it’s also worth mentioning that non-rekeyable locks do not share any of the features or advantages of rekeyable locks. For example, rekeyable locks only need to have their cylinders changed instead of the entire lock whenever their keys are lost or copied. This is a good thing if you don’t have enough money to spare to buy a new lock.

Another advantage that rekeyable locks have over their non-rekeyable counterparts is that they provide thousands of combinations for you to choose from. A lock which has 5 to 6 pin rekeyable cylinders, for example, will allow you to get new keys regularly.

So remember that non-rekeyable locks have their fair share of pros and cons, and as long as you put their features in the right security context, you will be able to make an informed decision on whether you need them or not.

Who Should Buy Non-Rekeyable Locks?

Non-rekeyable locks are made for people who want to a lock with a specific key. These locks can be for anything, but the common factors here are privacy and security. They are designed for people who do not wish to share their keys with anyone, or who wish to have a specific lock for their personal safe or study.

Non-rekeyable locks are also good for people who want to get customized locks, since these often require specific, customised keys. So if you have similar needs then a non-rekeyable lock may just be what you need.


6 Home Security Tips To Keep You Safe

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The home long ceased to be a safe haven. Today, you are at risk even when in the sacred environment – your home. Out there on the streets you are not safe, neither are you in your home. The safest neighborhoods are no longer safe. For the sake of your precious, irreplaceable life, personal security remains a first priority whether your neighborhood is considered safe or not. You alone is responsible for your personal security when at home. Some of the things you can do to make your home a safe haven include the following brought to you by our boys from Diamondback lock and key in Chandler

1. Having Quality Locks

Quality locksLocks are symbols of security and safety. All the doors, both interior and exterior should have quality locks. The locks should work without applying excessive force. Preferably, the locks should be dead bolt. They go a long way in preventing the door from being unlocked from the outside when glass from the window next to it, or from the door itself is broken. Door frames should also be strong. Check the locks to the front door, the garage door(s), guest house door(s), sliding glass door(s), patio door, rear door, swimming gate(s) and the main gate.

Windows too should have strong locks. Ground floor windows are highly secure for the obvious reasons. The last thing you could wish is having your roof act as a stepping stone for an intruder. Your highest windows should therefore be fitted with locks. A window security film should not lack so as to prevent smash and grab intruders. If you have window bars and grills installed, review the fire safety. After you have locked all the doors and windows at night, leave the keys at a strategic place, in case the need for an emergency escape arises.

2. Keeping Your Keys and Entry Codes Safe

lock codeNever leave the spare key under the door mat or outside. Thieves know that hiding the key under the door mat is a much common practice. When they access your home, you can be sure it will be the first place to look for your keys. All the keys should be hid in a safe location. When moving into a new house, change all the locks. The same applies when you lose the keys. Changing the codes to the doors of strategic places such as the garage regularly also helps in keeping you safe.

3. Asking for Identity

The number of intruders that access homes through the front door is surprisingly high. After having quality locks and doors, the next thing to stop opening the door for strangers unless they first identify themselves. Many people make the mistake. Thinking that they are inviting visitors, they invite trouble. It is difficult to get help when the intruder has already made way to your home. Your front door should be well lit and have a peephole. It makes it a lot easier to see whoever is knocking before you open for them.

4. Making Some Noise

Intruders intending to harm have a tendency to sneak when you are not around then laying in wait for your return. Having unpredictable pattern can greatly help. No one will know when you are in and when not. When out for long period of time, especially at night, many people leave their television sets, their radio and any other devise on. They also close their curtains and use a timer to turn interior lights on and off. This helps it appear as if someone around, thereby keeping you, together with your property safe and secure.

5. Installing Home Security System

You cannot run out of choices when it comes to home security system. Installing security cameras and motion sensors is one of the best ways to have you and your family protected. The motion sensors alert you whenever there is unexpected activity going around your home. With them, an intruder has no where to hide. The sensors and alarms should be interlinked and have smoke detectors such that as one goes off, others do. Whereas the cost might be a hindrance, a display sticker of a home monitoring system in strategic places is enough deterrent.

6. Having a Panic Room

In case of home invasion, a panic room should be your last resort. Panic rooms have become quite popular. Whether a mirror doubling as a hidden door, or a panel opening into a conceal room, panic rooms act as a safe haven when the worse comes to worst. A panic room should be stocked with essentials such as a 5 day’s supply of canned food, water, candles, bedding, toilet facilities, fire extinguisher and weaponry.


Types of Home Door Locks and Descriptions

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Here are some lock types and descriptions provided to us by the great people over at centenniallocksmith.com in Colorado. We hope this info serves you well.

silver padlock1 Padlocks: These types of home locks are only type of lock which is not permanently attached to anything else. These come in range of sizes and are portable and are free standing and these are one of the most easily recognizable kinds of lock. It comes in 2 main varieties that are keyed and combination. The keyed padlocks have several options to choose from. There are rekey-able as well as non-rekey-able padlocks. You cannot change the key which opens the lock if a padlock is non-rekey-able. The padlocks can also be key-retaining or non key-retaining. A padlock with key retaining does not allow the key to be removed while the padlock is open. The combination locks have one or more dials which open the lock when the correct combination is been entered. It is often easy to shim open or decode.

deadbolt door lock2. Deadbolts: These types of home locks are generally installed on the external doors. It comes in 3 primary varieties: lockable, single and double thumb-turn. The single cylinder ones are found in majority of home. It has a key cylinder on outside and thumb-turn on inside in order to open or close the lock. The double cylinder ones use a key cylinder on both inside and outside of the door in order to solve this issue. The lockable thumb-turn one is the hybrid of single and double deadbolt. It has a thumb-turn in inside which works like a single cylinder deadbolt, except its thumb-turn can be locked by using key.

3. Knob Locks: These types of locks are installed frequently on the exterior doors along with the deadbolts and it is sometime been used as the primary source of security for the doors. But for security reasons, the knob locks should not be used in the exterior doors as it can be broken off by using a hammer or it can be bypassed by using wrench or pliers that are behind the knob. If you have knob locks at your home then you should get it replaced with the simple passage knobs as it will provide as much security as the deadbolts.

brass lever handle4. Lever Handle Locks: These types of locks are used frequently for the inner doors. It can be opened easily as these have large push down style handle that one has to be grasped and turned. These are generally ADA accessible and can be changed between right and left handedness. At the time of purchasing it, it is very important to measure the proper backset.

5. Jimmy Proof Deadbolts: These types of locks are a surface mount product that is found frequently on double doors and apartments. People usually prefer it because it requires minimal door modification. It is unique as the deadbolt interlocks that has jamb bracket which prevent it from being pulled apart simply or forced easily from outside. These types of locks require a hole that should be drilled straight through the door for the rim cylinder.

6. Mortise/ Rim Locks: These kinds of locks are found frequently on apartment doors and glass doors. The rim locks are similar to the mortise locks but its hardware differs greatly. Rim cylinder locks are used generally in the rim latch locks that are mounted on the inside of the door. These types of locks have a long metal piece that extends out from the rear of the lock which runs through the door in to a locking mechanism on the other side of the door. These are held by 2 screws.

7. Rim Latch Locks: These types of locks have a custom or standard Learn More on one side of it and a surface mount latch lock on the other side. These types of locks can auto lock the door and are quite popular in the apartment complexes. These types of locks are not meant to take a large amount of force but it can also be paired with other types of locks when it is been used on external door.


Why Have A Locksmith Change Your Locks

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pro locksmith changing door lockSay a Yes to Locksmiths! Are you moving into a new home or do you feel that it is time for your old locks to go? If you are considering to change your locks or re-key it, here are some top reasons why you should hire a locksmith do it instead of doing it yourselves. We worked with the guys over at Tacoma Locksmith Pros to provide you with information about having professionals change your locks.

1. Security – Locks are the most important structures that keep your home safe and secured. You might try your hands at changing the locks but if you don’t do a good job at it, your door might not open and close as it should or it won’t lock completely. When you a hire a locksmith to change your kwikset locks, you will feel much secured and satisfied that the job is getting done by an expert. Many of the locksmiths these days offer a guarantee for their work which is another good reason to hire them.At any point if your locks do not work like they are supposed to, you can always call your locksmith back and get the job done for free. Hence, you know what you are paying for is totally worth it!
2. Professional Finish – These experienced locksmiths, not only provide you with a sense of trust that they will do a good job but also with their experience, they will be able to complete their work perfectly. Be it a simple re-keying or a much more complicated situation that requires changing of the entire lock, locksmiths are trained to handle these various situations with ease. They complete their job swiftly without damaging the rest of the door in the process and provide you with a great finish for the money that you pay.
3. More Affordable – Many of us think locksmiths are expensive and hence we decide to attempt to change the locks ourselves but what we fail to realize is that changing the locks require many tools besides the locks itself! We require a set of specialized tools to work on these locks in order to fit them perfectly and that is going to cost us even more. Hence, hiring a locksmith will be a wiser option as they have their own suppliers from where they can get the required parts and tools to complete the job neatly.
4. Time Saving – If you are a very handy person, you might consider changing the locks yourself but you might soon regret your decision. The process of getting your locks changed might not be as easy as it looks! There’s a whole lot of steps to be followed and most of the first timers fumble to get it done and end up damaging the door. If you let a professional locksmith do it, he will be done in a matter of minutes and you will feel relieved that your house doesn’t go too long without security.


TYPES OF KWIKSET LOCKS

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kwikset logoKwikset is a manufacturer of all types of lock and hardware products. It is headquartered in Lake Forest, California, United Sates of America with branches in Victoria, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand respectively. It is a brand leader in the manufacture of locks. Re-keying their locks is also a breeze due to the great product.

We had some help getting all this data from the professionals over at Columbus Locksmith Pros in Columbus Ohio.  These guys really know their stuff.

The following are the Types of Kwikset Locks: Light Commercial, Electronic, Door Knobs, Door Levers, Dead bolts and Handle-sets respectively.

commercial door lock kwiksetLight Commercial door locks are those that are designed for use both in heavy duty residential buildings as well as for light commercial applications such stores, warehouses, pantries and cargo terminals. They come in various finishes such as Life-time Polished Brass, Antique Brass, Satin Nickel, Antique Nickel,Polished Brass,Polished Chrome, Satin Chrome and Venetian Bronze. They are certified by the American National Standards Institute and the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association besides satisfying UL’s fire- rating standards and ADA safety standards. They are sold under three brand names, i.e. Carson, Kingston and Metal Interconnect respectively.

Electronic locks kwiksetElectronic locks are those operated by touch screens or electronic keypads and also have a back-up key ways. They are activated and opened by entering personalized access codes and are locked by the touch of a button. They are available in five finishes, i.e. Lifetime Polished Brass, Satin Nickel, Fob,Satin-Chrome, Venetian-Bronze and Polished Chrome. They are sold under eleven brand names namely: Powerbolt; 909 SmartCode Deadbolt; 910 Contemporary SmartCode Deadbolt with Home Connect; 910 SmartCode Deadbolt with Home Connect; 911 SmartCode Lever; 912 SmartCode Lever with Home Connect; 913 SmartCode Deadbolt; 914 SmartCode Deadbolt with Home Connect; SmartCode 916 Touch screen Electronic Deadbolt; 909 Contemporary SmartCode Deadbolt and Kevo Bluetooth Electronic Lock.

door knob kwiksetDoor Knobs are specifically designed for use in ordinary private residential houses with specific designs aimed at enhancing the home’s interior decors. They are available in eleven finishes namely: Life-time Polished Brass, Antique-Brass, Polished Brass, Antique Nickel, Satin Nickel, Satin Chrome, Polished Chrome, Rustic Bronze, Venetian Bronze, Rustic Pewter and Iron Black. They are sold under nineteen brand names namely: Combo Pack; Tylo-Combo Pack; Tylo; Tylo Knobs; Polo Combo Pack; Polo; Mobile Home Knob; Cove Combo Pack; Cove; Phoenix; Laurel; Juno Combo Pack; Juno; Hancock; Copa Combo Pack; Copa; Circa; Cameron Combo Pack; Cameron and Abbey.

door lever kwiksetDoor Levers are shaped in the form of levers and just like the Door Knobs, are suited for private residential homes and are specifically designed to complement and enhance the interior decor of a home. They are also available in eleven finishes namely: Life-time Polished-Brass, Antique-Brass, Polished Brass, Antique Nickel, Satin Nickel, Satin Chrome, Polished Chrome, Rustic Bronze, Venetian Bronze, Rustic Pewter and Iron Black. They are available for sale under twenty-one brand names namely: Dorian Combo Pack; Doran; Delta Combo Pack; Delta; Balboa; Milan; Halifax; Vedani; Tustin Combo Pack; Tustin; 911 SmartCode Lever; Pembroke; Lido Combo Pack; 912 SmartCode Lever with Home Connect; Lido; Katara; Avalon; Commonwealth; Austin; Ashfield and Brooklane.

kwikset deadbolt lockDead Bolts are designed to protect homes from break-ins, thefts, burglary, arbitrary trespasses and unauthorized entries. They come in a plethora of styles and security grades. They are available in twelve finishes namely: Life-time Polished-Brass, Antique-Brass, Polished Brass, Antique Nickel, Satin Nickel, Satin Chrome, Polished Chrome, Rustic Bronze, Venetian-Bronze, Rustic-Pewter; Iron Black and Fob. They are sold in thirty-two brand names, which are: Tylo Combo Pack; Powerbolt; Polo Mobile Home Lock;Combo Pack; Dorian Combo Pack; Delta Combo Pack; Cove Combo Pack; 663/667 Single-sided Deadbolt; 660/665 Deadbolt; 660 Deadbolt Combo Pack; 909 SmartCode Deadbolt; Milan; 910 Contemporary SmartCode Deadbolt with Home Connect; Halifax; Tustin Combo Pack; 910 SmartCode Deadbolt with Home Connect; Lido Combo Pack; Key Control Deadbolt; Juno Combo Pack; 913 SmartCode Deadbolt; Gatelatch; 914 SmartCode Deadbolt with Home Connect; Copa Combo Pack; Austin; Cameron Combo Pack; SmartCode 916 Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt; 980/985 Deadbolt; 993/994 Square Deadbolt; 993/994 Round Deadbolt; 780/785 Deadbolt; 909 Contemporary SmartCode Deadbolt and Kevo Bluetooth Electronic Lock.

handle set kwiksetHandle-sets are those that are designed for use in the front door entries since they have both secure deadbolts and stylish handles. They are available in eleven finishes namely: Life-time Polished-Brass, Antique-Brass, Polished Brass, Antique Nickel, Satin Nickel, Satin Chrome, Polished Chrome, Rustic Bronze, Venetian Bronze, Rustic-Pewter and Iron Black. They are sold under thirteen brand names which are: Dakota, Belleview, Wellington, Tavaris, Shelburne, Montara, Hawthorne, Avalon, Austin, Chelsea, Ashfield, Arlington and Amherst.

All the products come along with warranties that are aimed at retaining customers with a view of long-term loyalty building.

Kwikset is a great company and we also offer Re-Key services for almost all of their products as well.


The Importance of Rekeying Your New Home

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Should I Rekey My Locks When Moving Into Another Home? YES!! Learn Why….

family in front of new homeWhen you move into another home, there are a number of issues that you need to address which are very critical to the security of your new home. They include; new neighbors and the new environment, packing, renovating, mortgage payments and even decorating of your house. The most important question to ask yourself is whether to rekey your locks when you move into a new home. My advice is that rekeying the locks of your new home is one of the best ideas that will help to enhance your home security. This is because if the locks are not replaced and the previous owner had a copy of the key, he or she could easily access your house. Rekeying your locks ensure that you keep away all the strangers including even the previous occupants and other unauthorized people that might cause any security threats to you and your family. If you want more information on lock rekeying head over to highlandsranchlocksmith.com as they helped us create this great article.

keys white backgroundThe previous occupant of your house might have some extra keys that he or she might have entrusted to other people for instance, the family members, neighbors, friends and even the domestic employees. This posses a great threat of strangers easily breaking into your home with bad intention of stealing or causing harm to your family and your properties.

Every person would like to live in a peaceful and secure environment without worrying about insecurity issues. However, this will only work out if you take the necessary steps in ensuring that your home is well secured especially at night. There are two options that would help you to enhance the security of your home:

1. Changing your house locks

2. Rekeying your house locks

key in home door lockReplacing your house locks is a more complicated, expensive and invasive method. This is because the old locks are supposed to be replaced with the locks at a cost. This option will only be recommended if there is a feeling that the current lock is not reliable or when you want to upgrade your house lock to strong, efficient and effective locks.

If you are satisfied with the current locks but maybe feel that some copies of your home keys are circulating around, Rekeying your home keys could be the best option for you. Rekeying your key simple means that your home locks are internally modified so that it can only be operated by the new key and not the previous ones. This can be achieved by altering the tumbler or other techniques. The old key is then invalidated thus reducing the chances of break-ins.

Therefore, should I rekey my locks when moving into another home?

YES rekey homeRekeying your home locks is one of the best methods to ensure improved security at home especially at night. To have your house locks rekeyed, it is very important to look for a more trustworthy, advanced and reliable locksmith. The process is very quick, simple and affordable and the benefits are are numerous and amazing. It ensures that you are save and it also gives you a peace of mind to engage on other constructive activities instead of worrying about your security. Failing to rekey your locks or replacing your defective locks posses a great danger to your family and your properties. The benefits that are accompanied with rekeying, are much worthy than the small amount of money you spend on it.