SOLUTIONS FOR PROBLEMS WITH LOCKS AND KEYS

Residential, automotive, or commercial ~ the truth is, keys and locks play a big part in our personal and business lives, throughout the day and night. We usually don’t give it a second thought...until that one time...when an emergency comes up. It’s almost always exasperating, and never convenient. There are numerous ways, however, to keep yourself secure, so you can avoid many of the hassles with locks and keys that can occur.

Preventive Maintenance for Your Locks

If you do your part to keep your locks well maintained, your need to call a locksmith will be rare. Keep an eye out for:

• wear and tear
• rust
• trouble putting the key into the lock mechanism
• difficulty turning the key in the lock

If you notice any of these factors, it may be best to change your locks, since worn-out locks are easier to pick and break. With old and faulty locks, you are vulnerable to burglary. There are things you can do yourself to prolong the life of your locks:

• If your key won’t turn, don’t panic. Sometimes the pins get jammed up. You may not need a locksmith at all if you simply try spraying the lock mechanism with WD-40 or silicone spray. Although not always, many times this will solve the problem, so it’s worth a try.
• Replace your keys periodically. We subject our keys to quite a lot of abuse, as they’re thrown around a lot and kept who knows where. Plus, we use them every single day. So if you notice that your keys are starting to wear down, or if you see any damage to your keys whatsoever, make a new key, and be sure to toss out the old ones.
• General lubrication. Twice a year, apply a silicone-base lubricant spray to the keyholes, or anytime you notice any grinding or excess friction.

Handling Broken and Stuck Keys

Haste makes waste. Don't hurry with your keys! If you do, you may find yourself completely stalled in your tracks, because you’ve broken your key off in the lock! Take that few extra seconds with your key, and you’ll save yourself a lot of grief in the future.

If you are unfortunate enough to have your key break inside the lock before you shut the door, you won’t be able to lock it, which will leave your home, place of business, or vehicle vulnerable to burglary and theft. If you break the key off in the lock mechanism after you’ve closed the door, you will probably be unable to open the door again. Of course, a broken key can also cause damage to the lock.

• If part of the key is stuck inside of the lock, and there’s still a little bit of it sticking out, you might be able to get it out yourself. If there’s enough of the key sticking out, you may be able to pull it out with your fingers or a pair of needle-nose pliers. Still, if there’s any damage, it’s time to call an expert locksmith.
• If you can’t see any part of the key sticking out of the lock, it’s risky, because you may cause damage, but it could still be worth a try: Use a flathead screwdriver ~ it has to be small enough to fit into the keyhole. Pry the key inside to the point where it comes out of the lock just a tiny bit, and then you may be able to remove it with your fingers or pliers.

Taking Extra Security Measures

For whatever reason, depending on your living situation, if you’re feeling particularly vulnerable at your place of residence or at your business, there are many ways to allow yourself peace of mind.

Expert locksmiths recommend deadbolts. Make sure your deadbolts are properly installed. It should have at least a 1-inch throw. On the strike side, there should be a security plate with screws at least 3 inches long that goes all the way into the door’s wooden frame. Also keep in mind that if you have a window on or near the door, a thumb-turn deadbolt isn’t going to do you much good, because a thief can knock out the glass, stick a hand in, and turn. To prevent this from happening, get a double-cylinder lock that requires a key on the inside.

Some additional ways to feel more safe and secure:

• keyless remote
• keypad system
• use only reputable premium-quality brands, at least a grade 2.
• magnetic lock
• keep your valuables and important documents in a safe
• combination lock
• alarm system

·         hire only a local, dependable professional locksmith who is background-checked, insured, bonded, certified, and licensed

When Is It Absolutely Time to Change Your Locks?

·         New roommates or tenants. If you rent out space in your home or apartment, or have any rental properties of any sort, you must replace locks every time you change occupants. Even if the last tenants gave back their keys, you can’t be completely certain that there aren’t extra copies out there.

·         A new home. If you’ve just moved into a new place, change the locks right away. The same rules that apply to your rentals apply to your residence. You simply never know who may still have an old key.

• Lost keys. If you really and truly have lost your keys, then your locks should be changed soon as possible. You don’t want a stranger to have access to your home without your knowing it.
• After a break-in. All outdoor locks, which would allow an intruder access, ought to be replaced immediately. After that, replace any inner locks in your order of personal security priorities.

Of course, there are times when a professional locksmith is truly needed. If you’re anywhere in Atlanta, Georgia, the good news is, you’re able to hire Atlanta Fast Locksmith, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to get you out of trouble.

When To Change or Replace Your Locks

All homeowners want to take good care of their properties. Ensuring that the locks you have installed are providing you with optimal security is just part of basic home maintenance. Atlanta, GA, homeowners need to be able to trust that their residence’s locks will not leave them vulnerable to burglaries, lockouts, or any other unpleasant security situation. This may seem like an easy enough thing to do, but sometimes we need to be reminded not to take security for granted. Even the most reliable locks are not immune to damage, so keeping an eye on all your security fixtures, and immediately addressing any underlying issues will save you from further problems in the long haul.

Lock replacements are not just a matter of changing locks that are damaged. There are a number of different situations in which our Atlanta, GA, locksmiths strongly recommend you replace the locks in your property.

With that in mind, here is an overview of when a lock replacement is called for.

1) When there is any change in tenancy/home ownership

Can you really trust your old roommate to not have made extra copies of your house keys? Do you know exactly how many key copies were made by the previous owners, and to whom these have been given? Do you trust your ex-partner or spouse to not try to pry their way into your property unannounced?

Even if you trust the people that previously resided in your property, it’s better to be safe than sorry. We can’t emphasize this enough. It could well be that the previous occupants have given key copies for your neighbors, their family members, or even their friends. Who is to know people aren’t going to try and enter your new home when you’re not around?

That’s why a lock change is strongly recommended. Re-keying your locks will remove any suspicion of break-ins by previous roommates, tenants, partners, and anyone else who may have occupied your property. It will also enable you to have full knowledge and control of who has access to your home.

Which actually brings us to our next sets of lock replacement scenarios.

2) Whenever your security is at risk

Nobody ever wants intruders to have the upper hand. We are going beyond the issue of spare keys here – a lock replacement may save your home from burglary and theft. Protect your property by ensuring all mishaps, big or small are adequately addressed. This includes:

Re-keying your locks if your keys have gone missing or have been stolen

Replacing damaged locks before they become a liability

Immediately addressing any lock issues that emerged as the result of a break-in, so that you are not vulnerable to further burglary attempts

Replace old, worn out, rusty locks before they become a weakness for your home security

Remember too that a broken, malfunctioning or worn-out lock can lead to lockout situations. We strongly recommend that you replace your locks before it’s too late. As a last resort, our Atlanta, GA locksmiths are on-call to help you regain access to your property after a lockout 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Identifying lock damage

Now that you know when to change your locks, we will tell you about the most common signs of damage.

Identifying locks that need to be replaced can be quite simple. Take a look at the locks you have installed. Do you see any signs of tarnish? Are they rusted, or showing visible signs of wear and tear? These are all signs that you are due for a lock replacement.

Apart from visible signs of damage, you should test your locks out by trying to lock and unlock your door. If you experience difficulties getting the keys into your locks, if your key is getting stuck, or if you need to force your way into the lock, then you are guaranteed to need a lock replacement. These types of situations should be tended to as soon as possible to prevent stressful situations like lockouts and, in some cases, break-ins.

Still in doubt? Call a locksmith and request an inspection. Any trusted locksmith service provider in Atlanta, GA, will be able to identify all damage and recommend the best fixes for it. They will even have the right tools and components to take care of all issues right on arrival, so that your property’s security doesn’t suffer because of unreliable locks and keys.

Regaining peace of mind about your home security

Now that you know the when, and what, we will move on to the how. Here is what to do when it is time to replace those unreliable security fixtures.

Usually, when lock replacements are needed, the outer locks get top priority. The reason for this is pretty straightforward – these locks are everyone’s first point of access to your property. If these need replacing, we recommend you do so immediately. Then, if needed, inspect whether your inner locks could benefit from a replacement too.

If you need to replace or re-key the locks in your property, get in touch with a locksmith, such as Atlanta Fast Locksmith. They will be able to provide you with up to date locks, using the best tools and technologies, and will be able to do the job in a highly efficient manner.

Keeping your locks in good condition will help you save money in the long term. Think about it – would you rather pay for affordably priced lock replacements, or to pay for much greater damage because of unreliable home security? A qualified locksmith is able to handle all issues quickly and effortlessly, so you should never put your property at risk.

In the most urgent cases, like forceful entry, a reliable locksmith service provider will be able to attend to Atlanta, GA, lock issues and replacements 24/7. This is more than the aforementioned lockout help, with locksmiths tending to all break-in damage as soon as possible. This is a service offered by the best locksmith service providers in Atlanta, GA, to ensure that all properties are fully protected and never undermined by faulty security.

Remember, lock replacements will help you protect your home. So, keep your security in check by making sure that all your home locks and keys are in top working condition.

Aricle source here: When To Change or Replace Your Locks

Six DIY Simple Security Tricks to Keep Your Home Safe

By Yahoo Makers
July 16, 2015

Image Source: TheGrommet.com

This is not one of the recommended security upgrades, but it sure is cute! Photo: TheGrommet.com

Summer’s officially here and that means while we’re planning weekend getaways and family vacations, burglars are prepping for summer break-ins. To be sure, a monitored home security system is often the best way to keep burglars at bay, but there are also some simple (and cheap!) ways to keep your home extra safe and secure when you’re home, out for the night, or gone for a week. Yahoo Makers talked to Elli Bishop, home security expert and head of outreach for home security and safety resource site Safewise.com, to get easy tips, tricks, and upgrade ideas to make sure your house is as unwelcoming to intruders as possible.

1. Stop leaving that porch light on the entire time you’re gone

“It’s really easy to see that the light is on during the day and the light’s on at night. It’s a common misconception that it helps,” says Bishop. The same goes for those light timers that go on at the exact same time every day. “Real people at home don’t turn on a living room lamp at 7 p.m. on the dot every single evening, and doing that actually can send a message that you’re not home.” Bishop recommends buying the Belkin WeMo light switch, which, priced right around $40, allows you to turn a particular light on and off via your phone from wherever you are. “It’s a really great option and a really cheap way to turn on your porch light at 5 and then turn it off the next day. It kind of gives your home a lived-in look.”

2. Go keyless

“One in eight burglars gain access by picking a lock or using a key, so you want to get rid of the hidden house key first thing, that’s obvious, but if you add a keyless lock, you get rid of a lot of security breaches,” explains Bishop, who notes that you want to make sure your lock – keyless or otherwise – is also a deadbolt. “Keyless locks are awesome because you can reprogram them. They’re also good if you own a vacation home or a rental home because you can constantly change the code.” That means you never have to worry about someone you don’t want having a key. And they’re not all that expensive, either. A deadbolt versoin by Kwikset starts at around $100. You can find one at your local home improvement retailer and usually install them yourself.

3. Get a dog … any dog

“Dogs can actually be a very reliant deterrent for burglars,” says Bishop, citing a University of North Carolina at Charlotte study that found that the majority of burglars will not go through with a burglary when confronted with a canine. And while you might imagine that only large, imposing dogs with a mean bark are the ones to ward off intruders, it turns out bigger isn’t always better. “Even small little yappy dogs. They make enough noise to scare them away.”

4. Put out that alarm protection sign … just make sure it isn’t from the Reagan years  

According to that same study, 90 percent of convicted burglars surveyed said that they would avoid a home they think has an alarm system. So if you do have one but haven’t posted any signs or stickers around your property announcing that you do, you’re doing yourself a disservice. “The signs are essential. You should definitely put them out and make them very visible,” according to Bishop.  As for those who put up signs touting an alarm system they don’t actually have, Bishop notes that you’re definitely more secure if you actually have the system, but if you’re going to put fake signs up anyway: make sure the company on the sign is still in business. Sounds obvious, but it happens. “People make the mistake of putting up an old sign for a security company that isn’t even around anymore. If you’re going to put them up, make sure the security company exists and make sure the signs look like those at other homes in the neighborhood.” And for those who do have a real alarm system, swap out the old signs you’ve had for years for new ones your security service will be happy to send you.

4. “Cut” back on crime

Making sure your bushes are trimmed and pruned makes your yard nicer for you … and worse for criminals. “Trimming hedges, especially around the perimeter of your house is important since a lot of times burglars conceal themselves in those bushes or around them,“ explains Bishop, who adds that thick shrubbery can also prevent a potential intruder’s movement from triggering outdoor motion detector lights (another no-brainer security feature she recommends investing in). "If you keep the exterior clean-cut, you get rid of a lot of hiding places.”

5. Keep quiet on social media.

“Be really careful with apps like Foursquare and Twitter so you’re not just alerting people of your whereabouts. One of the big mistakes people make when they’re going on vacation is they’re rambling on Facebook about their trip that they’re going on and how long they’ll be gone and when they’ll be back,” she explains. “You might as well send out a mass email to all the burglars and just let them know you’ll be out of town and what date.” And that just doesn’t seem like a good idea …

Source:  Six DIY Simple Security Tricks to Keep Your Home Safe
Related Article: 7 Home Security Tips for Summer Vacation