Tag Archives: lock

Why it is a Good Idea to Have Your Locks Rekeyed




A surprising number of homeowners don’t know when or why they need to have their home or business locks rekeyed.In some states, if you have a rental home you are legally required to rekey the lock before new tenants can live in the apartment or rental home.

So what is rekeying a lock? It involves changing the tumblers of a lock’s cylinder so that the old key won’t work on the door. Some people try to do this themselves when they should use a local locksmith. Not only are they likely to break the lock but they can face the challenge of pieces flying everywhere.

When do you need to consider whether to rekey a lock? There are some situations where it is crucial to ensure your locks are rekeyed. If you have just moved into a home, you’ll feel in a more secure situation with a rekeyed door. You may not know how many of the old keys are out there so rekeying is the safest and most secure option after buying a new home. Even if the home were built by a construction company, there could be special keys which the building crew used and which will still open the residential door. Why take a chance?
But be sure you go with a professional locksmith. There are a number of reasons to consider when rekeying a lock. If you have ever had any keys made for you especially for your house but you can’t account for the, rekeying them could be a wise move, especially when you compare buying a new lock.
These professionals can help you out of numerous jams and can, in general, make your life a little easier as you navigate down your path. A good lock industry professional can do more than get you into your car or home if you are locked out. A good lock industry professional can also help you simplify your world by making sure that all your locks are working properly and that you have only the keys you need to open the locks in your life and on your property.

lock repairRekeying locks are one of the most common jobs that a lock industry profession provides to people on a regular basis. Rekeying locks become necessary when you are moving to a new place if someone moves out of your current place and if you lose your keys. Rekeying a deadlock is about the same as changing a deadlock.

There are different types of locks that a lock industry professional may recommend to you depending on your budget and the situation you’re in when it comes time to rekey your locks. Lock prices can run the gamut from very inexpensive to very expensive. Your locksmith can greatly help you choose the best lock for your needs, and they may have some strong recommendations. Often the more expensive locks are recommended by lock industry professionals if you are in a situation where you have to change locks more often.

corbinThe more expensive locks have a removable core. This means that rather than remove the exclusive lock when you need to change locks or if you need to rekey the lock, the lock industry professional that you have hired can just change out the heart of the locking mechanism and even replace it with a new one. This means they don’t have to remove the whole piece including the handle and replace it with an entirely new fixture. This option is more expensive up front but is helpful down the road both regarding convenience and cost when it comes time to change the locks again.
When you lock industry professional comes to change your locks or rekey your locks, it is a good time to make sure that all your locks are working together with one key. The accountability of this is often not understood until you’ve had it done. Many people carry more keys than they need to, so if you are already working with someone to change your locks you should ask them to go to the next step and make sure that one key can operate all your necessary locks.

Working with a trusted and respected lock industry professional will allow you to ask some questions and get some great answers that will help make your life just a little more convenient.


Which Schlage Locks Are The Safest?




Technology is fast changing and the lock manufacturers are slowly embracing technology. Getting a suitable lock is the first step towards securing your home from burglars. When you travel a lot you need a good lock to give you a piece of mind when you when you are away on business. There are so many locks in the market and all give promises of securing your home. Making a choice on the suitable one becomes a task. However, you do not have to look any more for a safe lock. All you need is just buy schlage locks. These locks come in a wide variety and you will find it hard to choose. You will be spoiled for choice because there are several locks that are technologically advanced to protect your home. With that in mind, which schlage locks are the safest? Here are just some of the schlage locks at your disposal. Make your choice depending on our needs.
Resources:
www.evkeys.net
Schlage.com
homedepot.com

Schlage touch Camelot lock

The schlage touch lock just as the name suggests is a touch screen lock. This means that you do not need to carry keys all the time. All you need is just have the password and you are good to go. You do not have to worry about losing your keys or being locked out. This lock comes with grade two security rating for better performance. Furthermore, it also has 2 year battery life and LED lighting. You are guaranteed of your homes safety because there are no keys to be duplicated. This touch lock gives you simplicity and convenience. Say goodbye to keys and hello to touch screen locks. There is no better way to get convenience in your home. Get the schlage touch Camelot lock installed in your home for that double security that you will not get anywhere else. You will not be disappointed in anyway by these electronic.

Schlage touch Camelot deadbolt

Schlage Camelot TouchscreenIf you are looking for an exceptional performance residential lock, then you should not hesitate to go for the schlage touch Camelot deadbolt. It has all you need to upgrade the security of your home. Not only will it keep your home safe but it also gives you the freedom you need. This deadbolt is suitable if you have kids and you are worried that they may mess up with the keys. It is built with quality materials for exceptional security. Additionally, it has LED lighting and grade two security rating. Burglars will not have anything to pick since it is touch screen. When you use this lock, you give your home double security. Save yourself the hassle of carrying a bunch of keys and get this deadbolt installed in your home. The security of your home will be guaranteed when you install this lock.

Schlage touch century deadbolt

Schlage Touch CenturyPut your security at the top of your list by buying the single touch century deadbolt. There are a number of benefits that you will get by using this deadbolt. You can have a lock installed in your home at anytime. All you have to do is just ensure that you get someone who is experienced in installing such locks. Just like all the schlage locks, this one comes with LED lighting, grade two security rating, touch screen and a key less design. You will have the freedom you want because there are no keys to burden you. This lock may be costly but it worth the money you will spend having it installed. It allows you to take security to a whole new level.

The above are just some of the products at your disposal. However, there are a wide variety of products that you can choose when you decide to buy schlage locks. You will never go wrong with schlage locks. Besides, Schlage is a reputable company and when you buy lock you get only the best. Their products are technologically advanced to give you the security your need at home .you are guaranteed of getting stylish locks that are safe. There is no need to look anywhere else for products that suit your needs. You will get the security you need to have a sound sleep at night. Go ahead and get the best security for your home. You do not have anything to lose by getting one of these locks. All you get is security at its best. You will get value for your money when you buy these locks.


Goji Smart Lock Review




Smart locks or electronic locks are among the latest innovations available for your home. They can certainly prove to be your best investment, as they can spare you of the hassles of searching for keys in your pocket or bag, and can even give you full control over access to your home using your mobile phone.

 

Even though there are many brands offering different types of smart locks, the one that is gaining more and more popularity, and has become a clear favorite is the Goji smart lock. Let us now get to know more about this popular gadget through the following Goji smart lock review, with help from www.fountainhillslocksmithpros.net.

 

Attractive Look

 

Goji 1The Goji Lock has an attractive contemporary look for a deadbolt lock. It is a modern, sleek disc in brushed metal and has a subtle LED blue text display, which welcomes users by name when the lock is activated. This display also shows the unlock/lock status, and times and dates of all exits and entries. It looks great and can easily complement any type of home décor.

 

Get Picture Alerts

 

The Goji lock comes with a built-in camera that takes pictures of those who are activating the lock, and will then send the real-time picture to your mobile phone so that you get the visual confirmation of who is actually entering your home. You may even opt to get real-time text and app notifications on your phone about whatever is happening around your smart lock. All activities will be recorded by the system and you can view it anytime you wish to through your online Goji account or through the Goji mobile app.

 

Send Electronic Keys

 

Goji Electronic KeyA very interesting thing about Goji is that it enables you to send electronic keys to anyone through email or text, and you may either set up the access for any particular day/date and time or even let it be unlimited. So, you no more need to reach your home just to give keys to your guests so that they can enter your home.

 

Using Goji you can easily send electronic keys to anyone, your home service professionals, like contractors, dog walkers, housekeepers, or even your guests, so that they can access your house just by using their mobile phones. If needed, you may also change or cancel your set electronic key parameter whenever needed. This will be of great help if someone was to visit your home on a certain time, but got late.

 

Works with Traditional Key Backups and Key Fobs

 

The Goji smart lock can be used with your mobile phone, but you may even unlock and lock your door by programming Bluetooth low energy fobs, just like the way your car’s remote works, but with added personalized date and time access rights. Fobs are perfect for kids or others who do not use smart phones, or even when you want to go jogging and do not want to take your mobile phone with you. The Goji lock also offers two mechanical keys as backups, just in case you need them.

 

24X7 Customer Service

 

No matter which day or what time it is, you never need to worry about being locked out of your home. Goji has a great customer service that is available 24X7 to help you unlock or lock your home just in case there is some problem with your phone. If required, Goji can even send you a certified locksmith to help you with any repair or installation.

 

Lock your Door Anytime from Anywhere

 

Using the powerful Goji mobile app you can unlock and lock your door anytime from anywhere in the world. This feature will prove immensely helpful if you are somewhere far from home and need to check if you have locked your door properly.

 

No Need to Search for Keys

 

Using the mobile app, you can even unlock and lock your door automatically without having to take out your mobile phone out of your pocket or bag. The Goji lock knows if you are coming from somewhere or are inside your home. If you are coming from outside, your door will open automatically, but if you are inside your home, Goji, before unlocking the door as you approach, will first check who is on the other side.

 

Goji Works Everywhere

 

No matter which country you live in, you can still use this interesting lock. You just need to order your Goji smart lock, install it in your door, and enjoy the amazing features.


Steps That You Could Have Taken To Prevent Your Burglary




Everybody values his or her possessions. This is the reason why you should optimize the security of your home. Theft and burglary can actually frustrate you. They are capable of breaking into your house and steal valuable possessions worth a lot of money. This is the reason why you should avoid them as much as possible. Most thieves and burglars normally access houses when the owner is away or asleep. Most home owners have ever encountered burglary at one time or another. What steps could you have taken to prevent your burglary? The following are some of the steps you can take to prevent your burglary, brought to us by www.tempelocksmithpros.com:

1. Ensure that there are no shrubs or trees blocking the view of your windows and doors.

Shrubs and trees can actually prevent you from viewing an intruder in your home. This actually gives a burglar a place to hide while they are trying to break into your home. Nobody passing by will be in a position to see them as they break into your house. This is the reason why you should cut those trees so that you can have a better view of a visitor approaching your house.

2. Ensure that all doors and windows actually lock.

Your doors and windows might have had faulty locks at one time or another. This can actually compromise the security of your belongings. You should ensure that all your doors and windows lock properly so that your belongings can remain safe all the time. Remember that burglars can take advantage of such a situation and access your house when you are away at work.

3. Never leave keys outside your house.

If you leave alone, do not leave keys outside your house. Most people normally leave them under doormats and flowerpots. If a burglar gets to see those keys, he or she will access your house and steal your valuable possessions. This can actually frustrate you. Do not leave anything to chance. If you really want to leave your keys behind, ensure that you leave them with a trusted neighbor. This will play a big role in preventing burglary.

4. When leaving your house at night, leave at least one light on.

It is advisable that as you leave your house at night, you leave at least one bulb on. This will prevent any intruder from attempting to invade your house. This can make them think that there is someone inside the house. It always gives them an impression that your house is occupied.

5. Know your neighbors.

Waving to neighborsYour neighbors can greatly help keep your home secure. They can actually help you monitor your home. Remember that you cannot be at home and at work at the same time. You will realize that these neighbors will be the first one to alert you in the event of burglary. If you need to leave your house unattended for an extended period of time, you will need the help of your neighbors. This is the reason why you should know your neighbors and remain in good terms with them. This will help you a great deal.

6. Install a motion sensor lighting around the perimeter of your home.

Exterior light is very essential when it comes to the security of your home. Burglars dislike being seen. If a motion activated light goes on, the burglar will leave the area as soon as possible. In addition, if your home has poor exterior lighting, burglars will take advantage of that and access your house at night.

7. Install alarm systems in your home.

Alarm system1Burglars normally dislike invading homes that have alarm systems. These alarm systems will alert you in the event of somebody accessing your home without your consent. When you install these alarm systems, burglars will be discouraged to break into your home. These alarm systems are truly incredible.

8. Be careful of what you post on social media.

Many people normally use social media platforms to communicate and interact with their friends and family members. Some of these social media platforms include: Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and so on. Remember that these burglars are also using these social media platforms to communicate with their friends. If you post that you have actually traveled to a certain destination, these burglars will see that post and plan on how to burglarize your home. This is the reason why you have to be careful with what you post online.

Those are some of the steps to take in the event of burglary in your home. Do not compromise anything. Optimize the security of your home by taking the above mentioned steps. They will help you a great deal.


The Best Baldwin Locks On The Market




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

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Baldwin Tobin Hall or Closet Lever

Baldwin Tobin HallYou 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Baldwin Bighorn Single Cylinder Handle Set with Carnaby Knob

Baldwin Big HornThis 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.

  1. 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.

 


What To Look For In A Lock For Your Home




home lockIn 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

ANSIIt 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.

 

DeadbolttYou 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.


Different Types of Deadbolt Locks




A deadbolt lock, also referred to as a deadlock or deadlock, refers to a locking mechanism that is distinct from a spring bolt lock in the sense that it cannot be moved to the open position except by rotating the lock cylinder with a key. Unlike the common spring bolt lock, a deadbolt lock does not allow for retraction of the lock, therefore making a door more resistant to entry without using the correct key. It is therefore often used to complement a spring-bolt lock on an entry to a building.
There are different types of deadbolt locks, and most of them are determined by the strength or the material used in making the door knob on which most of them are fixed. Some of these locks are discussed below, thanks to some useful information provided by lakeoswegolocksmith.net.

A Single Cylinder Deadlock

This is the most common type of deadbolt locks. This lock is mounted inside a door and has a twist knob in the interior and key cylinder on the exterior of the door’s face. This therefore means that this lock can only accept a key on one side of the lock, but is operated by a twist knob on the other side.

Double Cylinder Deadbolt

double cylinder deadboltThese types of deadbolt locks are also mounted internally. What distinguishes the double cylinder deadbolt from the single cylinder deadbolt, however, is that this deadbolt has no twist knob but both sides have a key cylinder instead. The double cylinder deadbolt therefore requires a key to open the door whether you are inside or outside the house.
The advantage of the deadbolt lock is that it does not provide room for any intruder opening the door from outside using some of the conventional means such as breaking a glass in or near the door frame and simply reaching for the twist knob. Even after a successful breakage of the glass, the intruder would still require a key to open the lock.
This deadbolt lock, however, has a striking disadvantage. It is infamously known to hamper exit efforts in the event of an emergency such as fire, as it may not be easy to hand pick the correct key to the lock. Due to this tendency to violate safety regulations, usage of the deadbolt lock has been strongly discouraged.

Keyless Deadbolt

The keyless deadbolt lock is also mounted on the inside of the door, but has a keypad instead of a key hole where one can type in a secret pin code to unlock the door.
The advantage of using this keyless lock is that you completely do away with the need of a key, and there is therefore no chance of losing or misplacing the key. Another positive feature of this lock is that it is easier to change the pin code in case you feel someone has learned of it, as opposed to the key system where you would have to go through the rigor of finding a locksmith to do the same.
The obvious disadvantage of this lock system is that if it uses electric power, then its effectiveness will be ultimately dictated by power availability. This would therefore mean a power outage may lock you in or out of your residence.

Digital Deadbolt

Electronic deadboltThe digital deadbolt is a variation of the key less deadbolt that operates by means of batteries or electric current.

Rim Deadbolt

This is a type of lock that’s bolted to the inside face of the door.
The major advantage of this lock is that it locks automatically behind you each time the door is closed, thereby saving you the trouble of always having to remember to lock the door.

Vertical Deadbolt

The vertical deadbolt is also bolted to the inside face of the door. As opposed to some horizontal deadbolts, this lock is placed on top of the door, thereby making it difficult for an intruder to pry it open by placing a bar between the door and the frame.

Mortise Deadbolt

Mortise deadboltThe mortise deadbolt is the last type of deadbolt lock. It is merely an older style key lock that’s installed in a mortise or recess pocket that’s cut in the edge of the door so that it is tamper-proof. This lock is usually strong, even though the act of boring a large hole into its frame may weaken the structure of the door itself.

Deadbolt locks come in different types, but what is striking is that each type has one unique feature that makes it the most preferred in a given situation.