Are Smart Locks as Secure as Standard Locks?

If you're considering upgrading your local to smart locks, you might be wondering how secure they are compared to standard locks. This is an important question to consider when you start looking at new locks. So, are smart locks as secure as standard locks?

How Secure are Traditional Locks?

Anybody with the ability to search online and a little know-how can pick most traditional locks. Some deadbolt locks are harder to pick and with the right installation, you can make it harder to pick a traditional lock.

Along with picking the locks, those trying to break in often use brute force to get past a lock. This is doable with the right tools or even just kicking in the door. Installing a strike plate can make it much harder for brute force to be used to break into your front door.

Some deadbolts are more secure than others. They may be given an ANSI rating of Grade 1. This rating means they offer maximum security. Even with the most secure traditional locks, adding a strike plate or a longer deadbolt throw is often necessary to make them more secure.

It's also possible to look for locks that are resistant to lock bumping, lock picking, and other ways to bypass the locks. While traditional locks can be made to be very secure, they might not be as secure as smart locks. It might not even matter, depending on the smart lock you choose or the traditional lock you choose.

How Secure are Smart Locks?

When you look at the simplest smart locks, they are just an automated version of a traditional lock. The locking mechanism might even be the same, but it's capable of being engaged remotely and electronically. What makes smart locks different is the type of interaction necessary compared to traditional locks.

While smart locks offer ease of access and they can be locked from anywhere, if you forget to lock up, they are very similar to traditional locks when it comes to security. Since most smart locks work with a traditional deadbolt, they are just as secure as traditional locks.

The one downfall you will find when comparing smart locks to traditional locks is the accessories you can use to make them more secure. Some smart locks cannot be used with certain additional features due to the way they are designed. Traditional locks are a bit easier to make modifications to when you want to upgrade the security.

Which is Better for Security?

While the locking mechanism is likely going to be the same with smart locks and traditional locks, the best option for security is up to what you like better. Some people are worried about cyber-attacks on smart locks, which are possible. However, with the right smart lock and the right features, you might be able to gain a very secure lock.

For most homeowners, traditional locks with a strike plate and other features are the best options for security. However, if you're looking  for a lock replacement offering ease of access and the smart features of a smart lock, you can still gain excellent security, with the right installation and accessories.

3 Types of Door Lock Repairs

When you have a lock that needs to be repaired, it's not doing the job you want it to do. Your locks need to be reliable and they need to guard your home or business. If you have a lock that's not working, it's time to call a professional locksmith and get it repaired.

There are many types of lock repairs that you might need. You might notice one of the many issues and not know why it's happening. Let's look at some of the types of door lock repairs you might need.

Door Won't Latch Properly

This is a pretty big issue. If your door lock won't latch properly, you need to get it fixed immediately. Usually, this means the strike plate and the latch are not in alignment.

It might be as simple as tightening the hinge screws or adjusting the strike plate. However, the repairs could be rather minor or could include adjusting the entire door.

If your door lock isn't latching properly, you need to call a residential locksmith. It's important to make sure your door latches properly. Even if you think you can fix it yourself, you might be leaving your door vulnerable if the job isn't done correctly.

Door Lock is Frozen

sometimes, an exterior lock will freeze during the winter. Interior locks can also freeze up due to dirt and wear and tear. While you might need a replacement lock, you can start with a few simple fixes first.

Try putting a little graphite in the keyhole. Then, operate the lock a few times to get the graphite into the mechanism. Sometimes, this is all it takes.

Lock de-icers can help if the lock is frozen, too. This can help with gummy, dirty deposits or during cold weather.

If neither of these options help, you may have to disassemble the lock. When you get to this point, hiring a professional is the right choice. They can assess the situation and make the right recommendation for your frozen lock.

Broken Key in a Lock

A very common repair you will likely need a locksmith for is a broken key in the lock. When this happens, it can be very difficult to remove the broken key yourself. It may also require tools you don't own. If you try to do this yourself and you don't do it right, you could cause quite a bit of damage to the lock.

When you break a key in your door lock, you should call an emergency locksmith. This type of locksmith will show up quickly to help you get the broken key out of the lock and give you access to your home or car again.

Whenever you're dealing with a door lock repair, a professional locksmith is best. You don't want to cause more damage to the lock. With the right help, you won't have anything to worry about. Locksmiths have the right tools and they are highly trained to deal with all types of door lock repairs and issues.

How to Fix Jammed and Stuck Locks

Sometimes you end up with a jammed lock or a stuck lock that means you can’t get into a room, your house, or your car properly. You can’t have a door misaligned from the deadbolt or loose setscrews without ending up with a door jam. 

These are things you can fix if you have a little bit of knowledge, the right supplies, and the ability to determine what the problem is. Below we will show you what’s needed to fix your jammed and stuck locks, or what your locksmith could do if you want the professional job done for your home. 

Determining the jam or stuck lock

To determine if you have a jam or stuck lock, you’ll want to look at a number of things first. The first sign may be that your knob will turn but the door won’t open. Another may be that the door lock is stuck in an unlocked position, but you’ll want to check to see if another key will work in case your key has been damaged. Perhaps the doorknob lock button is stuck or maybe your deadbolt is stuck in a locked position. 

Examine the situation to make sure you know what needs to be fixed and how to handle it. for a stuck button, try turning the handle while pushing and holding the lock button, and then jiggle the handle to see if it helps. If the door lock is stuck in an unlocked condition, try to see if the door will lock when it is ajar in case of an alignment issue. 

Get some supplies

Next, you’ll want to get some supplies to check for different issues. You may need to use powdered graphite or TD-40 as a lubricant to help with jammed locks. Get a key-extractor tool and screwdrivers or a multi-magnetic hand tool with a screwdriver set. You may want to use kerosene for any rust removal. 

Addressing various issues 

Once you’ve tried to unlock the door with a different key in the event that you have the wrong key or a damaged key, you may have a temperature issue. Try to warm up the house if the home has gotten too cold. If it’s a hot location, you may have excess oil or dust, which you can check your key for stickiness or accumulation. 

Next, try a key extractor to fix a lock that has a broken key jammed inside. You may need to spray some of that lubricant in the keyhole to make for a smoother removal. A sticky lock happens when a door gets older, so the dry lubricant of the powdered graphite can help to smoothen the jam. 

Avoid a WD-40 since it will attract dirt, unlike the TD-40 or graphite. If you’re dealing with rust that is causing the jam, soak your lock in kerosene for a day to remove the rust. Feel free to lubricate the spring mechanism with some Teflon lubricant which will help if it’s becoming faulty and the deadbolt isn’t retracting completely. 

Lastly, you may need to use a screwdriver or the multi-magnetic hand tool to fix your jammed lock. This can help you to tighten screws and bolts in the event that something has come loose. Try tightening the hinges if your door is loose on its hinges because it may be causing your latch to sit too low on the striker plate. 

Is there a gap between the door and the doorframe? You’ll also want to tighten the set screw because you could have a loose setscrew making the door not opening despite the knob turning. 

You don’t have to address a jammed lock or stuck lock on your own. The professionals at Chicago Emergency Locksmith can handle a jam like this in no time and carry the proper tools and skillset for situations like yours. 

How to Know When it’s Time to Replace Your Doors

Doors don't last forever, but you might not think about replacing them very often. Depending on the type of doors you have and what you replace them with, you can add curb appeal and even value to your home. If you're considering replacing your doors, here are a few signs it's time to do so.

Top 5 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Doors

1. It Looks Old or Outdated

While an old or outdated-looking front door may just need a coat of paint, it could also need to be replaced. Inspect the door to see if it's in good shape or if it's starting to show signs of wear. If the door is in good shape, replacing the hardware with new locks and hinges, along with a coat of paint might be all you need for a curb appeal boost.

2. The Door is Damaged

If you find signs of damage when inspecting a front door, back door, or any other door, it's time to replace it. You don't want to have less security due to a damaged door. Instead, make sure you have the door replaced or repaired as soon as possible.

3. Your Utility Bills Have Gone Up

A small increase probably has nothing to do with your doors, but if you notice your utility bills have gone up over time, your door might be causing a draft. This can be a sign it's time to replace your door and gain the energy-saving benefits of a new door that's properly installed by experts.

4. It's Hard to Open and Close

A door that is hard to open and close may not be properly installed. It can also be a sign that the hinges are sinking and the door needs to be replaced. When you get a workout just opening and closing the door, it's time to consider replacing it.

5. Moisture Between the Glass

When you have a glass door or glass in your front door, if it has two panes, you might end up with moisture between the panes. If this happens, it's a sign it's time to replace the door. This could lead to mold or mildew and it's a bigger problem than you might think. Don't put off replacing this type of door or you could end up dealing with an even bigger issue.

There are many signs you need to replace your front door, back door, or any other door in your home. A new door can help to boost your curb appeal, offer better security, create an inviting entryway, and even help you save on your energy bills.

When it's time to replace your old door or upgrade the hardware, make sure you hire a good locksmith to handle the job. Not only can a good locksmith install a new door for you, but they can also make recommendations for the most secure locks for your home. If you need to replace your door in Chicago, call The Professional Locksmith today!

Buying an Older Home? Look for These Potential Security Issues

You’ve spotted a beautiful old home and it has that perfect older charm that you’ve been looking for. The only downside is that older homes can sometimes have potential security issues if you don’t know what to look for. You can still enjoy the process of getting into an older home while using a few tips to increase your home and family’s security. 

Check out these tips below for better home security, from updating the locks to installing an alarm system. 

It probably doesn’t have an alarm system

The first thing you’ll notice about an older home compared to a newer home is that older homes tend to have no alarm system. This is an easy fix though as you can easily get one installed that will be new and all set up for your family. 

Older homes don’t have these because they didn’t have these back then and the ones that do have them were probably fixed up and modernized. If you see a basic alarm system from when they were first introduced, you’ll want to update it with something new. To ensure you don’t have to deal with a robbery or intruder, having a decent home alarm with sensors on the entryway and your windows is the first step. 

You can get one installed with a security company that will alert you when there is suspicious activity and can call the police if a situation happens. You’ll just have to arm or disarm it with your cell phone each day. 

This is great while you’re away from the home since many systems can live stream from your phone or record pictures. Add a doorbell camera to your home to allow you to see who comes to the door as well. 

The locks are old

With an old home comes old locks. That means they are going to be easier to break into or even break. You’ll likely find that the home has antique locks on the entries and gates that look beautiful but don’t keep the home secure. 

With all of the wear tear from use and the weather, the locks are going to be much easier to attempt to pick and break into. This would be the perfect time to update to all new locks that are difficult to lock-pick and sturdy. Consider a smart lock that will allow you to control it from your smartphone. 

What’s inside the walls are old

Another issue with older homes is that you are looking at older plumbing, older wiring, and older everything. You might be looking at this as a fixer-upper project in which you can replace or repair anything needed to make this your dream home. 

Start with the locks and the security system, and then dive into the rest of the projects with a professional. You may need new pipes, new wiring, and electrical outlets installed. You may also have an old HVAC system with missing air filters, and even a roof that has damage. All of these things will need to be looked at and assessed by plumbers, electricians, and more. 

Old garage and windows

This may be a good time to update your windows and garage door. Sometimes these things don’t get tested for a long time and won’t keep your home protected in their current condition. Talk to a specialist about investigating the condition of these units so that your security is protected. 

Lastly, be sure to update your detectors for smoke, fire, floods, and carbon monoxide. Keep your family safe from these hard-to-detect hazards. 

Use these tips to avoid a potential security issue in your new-to-you, older home

The Three Most Common Door Lock Problems

You probably haven’t thought much about problems that can happen to your door lucks until an issue came up for your family. You knew that your locks were getting old or that you could always call a locksmith if something ever went wrong, but what are the most common door lock problems that happen and you should be aware of?

For starters, you could end up with a key breaking in the lock or just a key that isn’t working right. In another scenario, you could end up with your locks misaligning or being too loose, or even a slow lock and faulty door issues. Take a closer look below at the three most common areas of door lock problems. 

The key doesn’t work or broke

Have you ever tried to turn your key and it broke in the lock? Perhaps the key got stuck in the lock or maybe even the key won’t insert at all. Key issues are one of the most common door lock problems. 

If your key broke inside the lock because you tried to force it to turn after it got stuck, you can try to pull it out with pliers. If that doesn’t work, call a professional to help as they may need to help you try to get it out. 

If the key isn’t working, first make sure you are using the right key. If you are, then you may be having an issue with a deadbolt not interacting properly with the strike plate, which you would be able to find out in the case that you do finally open the door and find that the key now works fine.

 If it’s a new key, it may have been cut improperly. Call the locksmith to get this looked into and to see if it’s a bad key or a broken lock. 

Misaligned locks or loose locks 

Next, you could run into a lock issue in which you have poor alignment or it’s too loose. You want the deadbolt to fit properly into the strike plate along the door jam, but when it’s off even by a little, the lock may not work at all. This can sometimes happen when a person is too rough on the door or if a door isn’t installed properly or shifts from conditions like too much humidity. 

You could also be dealing with a loose handle or lock since these things will loosen up over the years. This is an easy fix with a tightening of screws, but if you wait too long to correct it, you’ll likely end up needing to call for help with an emergency lockout. 

Slow lock or faulty door 

Finally, beware of slow locks and faulty doors. A slow door lock is common when dirt or grime accumulates in the lock. This is not a hard fix, but it’s easy to make it worse which is why you should call a professional to help correct it. 

A faulty door mechanism can also happen with time and wear and tear. With excessive use and not getting the maintenance they need, they can become defective. In those scenarios, you’ll want to properly maintain your locks and doors to avoid a slow lock or faulty mechanism because these are mechanical functions that only a professional will be able to properly repair later on. 

These are a few of the most common door lock problems that you could come across on your property. Be sure to maintain your doors and locks, and call a local Chicago locksmithin the event that you need something repaired.

3 Things to Consider When Installing New Doors at Your Home or Office

If you’re planning to install new doors at the house soon or even your office, there are a few things you’re going to want to consider before doing so. Sometimes asking the right questions now before doing the project makes a huge difference in the results of the project.

For example, have you considered how often a door will be used when choosing the materials of that door? Are you choosing a door based on aesthetics or practicality? What kind of door really makes sense for what you’re trying to do? Take a look at these 3 considerations that you should take before you install doors at the home or office.

What kind of door makes sense to use

The first question to ask if “what type of door really makes sense to use for this space?” there are a number of factors that you’ll consider in answering what type of door makes sense to use, including the style, the security, and even the energy efficiency level.

The style of the door should match the overall look of the home or office build which means you wouldn’t choose a bold statement of a door for a simple colonial home. Make sure to choose a style that suits the building but also expresses the right mood for what you prefer.

Next, consider if you’ve chosen a door that makes sense for the space. A strong front door with proper locking abilities is vital for your front door to your home or office building. It’s important to deter thieves with the door you choose. For an interior door, you want to make sure the door will function well for the room it leads to and that will be easy and efficient to use.

Speaking of efficient, look at the energy efficiency of your doors. You can affect your heating and cooling costs by choosing the right door. you’ll lose the majority of your hot and cold air through your windows and doors, so it’s important to select high-quality doors through the property.

The type of material you’ll be using

Now you should consider what type of material you are going to use. Once you’ve chosen the right door that makes sense, you’ll need to think about how the different materials will affect its ability to function well, its aesthetic, and its deterrence from both thieves and the elements.

A wooden door is a great, classic choice that will make a home or building look rich. They are expensive compared to other materials, but they look beautiful. They will require more maintenance though as the sunlight can warp the wood.

Another option is to go with steel if you need something strong and durable. You can actually paint these to match the home’s decor and you’ll save money on your energy bills. Lastly, consider fiberglass if you want something low maintenance and more affordable than wood. You’ll love how energy efficient they are, as well as durable.

How often it will be used

Are the doors you are looking to install going to be the main entry to the home or will it be an interior door that requires more privacy? Consider if you need it to look attractive to the outside world or simply the most functioning.

Is it going to be a beautiful door but also heavy to open and close regularly? Do you need a door that has a window on it to help you see outside more easily? Think about the use of the door before making your purchase since it can be easy to get caught up in either the beauty or the affordability of one without considering the function it will have.

Use these 3 tips of things to consider before installing any new doors at the home or office. Contact The Professional Locksmith in Chicago and we’ll help with the installation!

How to Integrate Smart Home Accessories with Your Security System

There’s nothing more important than a secure home. That’s why integrating a security system into your home is the first step in bringing a sense of security and deterring crime while living in this home. What’s better is that now you can incorporate smart technology into your security system which will take that security a step further.

Instead of just your basic security system setup, you’ll now have access to more features and all at your fingertips from your smart devices. With features like smart lighting, automation controls, access to your locks, and automated system checks throughout the day, your security system will now be working for you. Take a look at how to integrate smart home accessories with your security system.

What home automation systems can do

Home automation security systems are the future of home security systems and homeowners are already installing these left and right. With most people owning smart devices now and accessing apps for just about every process they do throughout the day, it just makes sense that one of those processes would be keeping an eye on your home’s security to watch out for breaches. Smart homes now have all of their systems automated and give you access through your smart devices so that you can be a part of the process from home or while away.

While you’ll need a professional to install these systems, you’ll gain so many benefits to incorporating it into your home. for starters, you’ll find that home automation systems give you control from one place through the app on your phone or tablet, while before you had to rely on being physically present in front of the system where it was installed in the home.

Next, you’ll be able to be in two places at once because you’ll be able to do things like lock the front door while changing the thermostat and lighting all from the touch of a button. The way things used to work would require you to actually go to the door or the light switch to change these things.

You’ll also have video cameras, a wireless system, a 2-way voice panel, and automation that can be controlled through both the app and by voice. These systems come with customer service, warranties, and system checks throughout the day to ensure everything is working. You’ll have professional monitoring to ensure you can reach someone when needed and all you’ll need is a contract and monthly rate to ensure your house is protected in the most efficient way.

How smart homes increase security and simplify life

With smart accessories, security systems in homes are becoming more efficient and better overall. When you start integrating these accessories into your home’s security system, you’ll find that it’s easier to leave the house to go out of town or simply go to work each day knowing that your home is protected. 

Not only is your home more protected, but you have easier access to the regular functions of your home that you would need to interact with anyway. Entertaining guests now becomes hassle-free when you can change the lighting or turn on the music from your smartphone.

Change the thermostat while you’re at work and shortly before you get home to ensure comfort and savings to your utility bill. Turn the lights on while you’re on vacation to ensure that a possible criminal thinks that you are actually home. These affordable accessories won’t break the bank, while also helping your utility budget and giving you that priceless peace of mind while you’re away.

Recommended systems

You can start integrating smart home accessories right away into your security system. Simply call the professionals at The Professional Locksmith in Chicago and ask about getting your home equipped with smart technology today.

You can also purchase equipment to add to your current setup, such as a smart thermostat, smart lighting, smart locks, and smart speakers. These can be integrated into the home by connecting your switches and plugs to give you the remote control of the unit from your smart device.

If you want to deter criminals and simplify your home’s daily functions, integrate smart home accessories into your security system.

What it Means to Work with a Licensed & Insured Locksmith

When you hire a locksmith for an emergency job or simply to switch out locks on your front door, you want a licensed and insured locksmith. It's important to know what this means and why it's so important.

What's an Insured Locksmith?

An insured locksmith carries liability insurance. This type of insurance isn't meant to just protect the locksmith, but also the client. If accidental damage happens to the property or to someone, this insurance will protect the financial aspects of the damage.

What is a Licensed Locksmith?

When a locksmith files the proper paperwork with the government, they gain a license to work as a bonded locksmith. If they don't have a license, they haven't gone through the proper training to gain a state or federal license as a locksmith.

What is a Bonded Locksmith?

While licensed and insured are very important when hiring a locksmith, so is bonded. The process of bonding is similar to insurance. Once the locksmith has paid a bonding company, they become bonded. This will add protection for clients if damage happens due to an accident.

What Could Happen if You Don't Hire the Right Locksmith?

Imagine you're leaving work and you realize you locked your keys in your car. You hop on your phone, find the nearest locksmith and call them without verifying anything.

About 45 minutes later, the locksmith arrives in an unmarked vehicle or in a poorly marked vehicle and goes to work on getting into your car. In the process, the locksmith accidentally breaks your window and never actually got into the car until the window was broken.

If this is an unlicensed and uninsured locksmith, you'll likely get a huge bill to pay the locksmith and no help with the damage caused. This is a big deal and could happen if you don't verify that your locksmith is licensed and insured.

When you hire a licensed and insured locksmith, they will have certain policies and procedures in place to ensure there is minimal risk of damage. They will show up quickly and get you into your vehicle without damaging your vehicle much faster. If an accident does happen, they have insurance to cover the damage instead of leaving you responsible for something they did.

Hiring a Licensed and Insured Locksmith

Verifying that your locksmith is licensed and insured protects you, but it will also offer plenty of benefits. Locksmiths won't go through this type of trouble without having solid skills and the ability to provide you with quality service.

Most licensed and insured locksmiths are going to be available 24/7 and will offer you quality services at an affordable price. Plus, you will know you're dealing with a professional instead of taking the chance with someone else.

When you need a locksmith, even if it's an emergency, always hire a licensed and insured locksmith. You don't want someone that cuts corners helping you get into your car or handling the locks on your home.