When it comes to property security, there are various types of locks you can choose from. Knowing what each lock does will help you select the one most suitable for your requirements.
When selecting a lock, there are several factors to take into account such as materials, design, and functionality. Furthermore, you must take into account the environment in which it will be utilized. Let’s look at some of the types of locks you can use on your property.
Are you considering adding a security camera to your home or office to make it more secure? These are becoming increasingly popular for their effectiveness and advancements in technology. It’s a great way to watch out for criminals, watch for internal theft in your office, keep an eye out for quality assurance, and just feel a peace of mind. Take a look at why you need a security camera, what it can be used for, and what you should know before making the purchase.
One of the biggest reasons that people get security cameras is to watch for criminal activity. Whether it’s protecting your home at night or while you’re away, or having your office on watch during the night, crime detection can happen to anyone and by having proof on camera it will only help you recover your items or catch the thief. Most of the time when a criminal sees a camera, they will be more likely to leave to avoid getting caught doing something illegal.
There are a couple of great reasons to get cameras at work. If you want to make sure you’re getting the quality you expect from your suppliers, have cameras put up for quality assurance. Whether you’re a food manufacturer, a company that has to prepare shipments to your customers, or you want to make sure your sales staff is taking care of your customers properly, putting up cameras will remind your staff that they are being watched and need to perform to their best ability.
If you’ve ever worried about theft happening within the building, it’s a great way to catch any of this in the moment. Internal theft can be a large problem for companies that don’t realize it’s happening since it can go on for a long time and start to add up.
Whether your staff is taking home office supplies or something more serious, like internal records and sensitive customer data, this can become a financial problem or a legal problem. Having cameras up will deter your staff from getting any ideas, while at the same time giving you a chance to see if there are other issues in the office that are slowing down productivity.
Don’t forget claims made in the office that could cost you. Be extra cautious in case someone files a harassment claim, somebody slips and falls in the parking lot, or a customer says they didn’t get the service they expect, you’ll have it all on camera. These types of things can cost you a lot of money, but if you have proof something didn’t happen as it was claimed, it will likely get dropped.
While it’s nice to have the visual recorded for covering your company or your home’s security, you’ll want to be sure to avoid recording audio. There is an Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 that restricts audio recording.
Keep in mind that just like any other technology, security cameras can be hacked but you can stay secure by updating your password that accesses the cameras on a regular basis. Be sure to choose one that is higher-end and can see up to 100 feet in HD, because the lower-end versions will only reach 30-40 ft. at best with low quality. You’ll also want to look for features that apply to you, such as night vision, video playback, video recording, and have notifications sent to you when motion is detected.
Then decide where you want to place your cameras and if you want them visible or not, since a hidden camera will catch things that normally would happen while those doing the action wouldn’t know they are being watched. Keep in mind that a wired camera tends to perform better and wireless cameras will kill your wireless Internet.
These are some of the things to consider if you are looking to get a security camera for your home or office. They can really give you the peace of mind you need as long as you choose the right setup and understand the best ways to utilize them. Use these tips to get the most of out of your security camera needs.
Access control is a critical element in office building security, as it helps protect your building and those inside from unauthorized entry.
Your office building may require various levels of access for employees, depending on your requirements. For instance, you might want to restrict entry into certain areas or rooms where important company documents or equipment are stored. Let’s look at some of the ways you can control access to your office building.
Does your home have one of those old-school intercom systems still set up throughout the home? While you may love their vintage feel and still even try to use it at times, it’s likely causing an eyesore and isn’t really serving a purpose in your home. Older homes sometimes come with quirks like these old intercom systems that probably don’t function well enough to really consider utilizing today.
That’s why you are likely looking for a way to remove these old wired systems and integrate a modern wireless system throughout the house. The good news is that a professional can come out and remove these systems for you. Take a look at what you can do about the old intercom system in your home.
If you don’t want the intercom system in the house whatsoever, call a professional it have it removed from the home. They are usually hardwired into the home but sometimes they are actually just battery operated or plugged into the AC outlet of the wall.
It doesn’t take much to remove the wall outlet or battery operated versions, but the hardwired ones can be complicated. Have a professional properly remove these units and then you’ll need to close the hole with drywall or putty.
Others are looking for a simple solution to this eyesore and just want to conceal the unit. Sometimes removal is more than they were looking for so concealing it with furniture, wall hangings, or plants can be an easy solution.
Many people simply put their bookcase or wall pictures in that spot but you could easily camouflage with décor in the home. Perhaps the color of the unit is the only real issue in which you could paint it to reflect more modern style and maybe even use the unit.
As mentioned, sometimes these units don’t work and that is why a homeowner wants it out of the house. You can actually look into simply having the intercom repaired so that your family can actually enjoy this fun feature in the home. if it’s not out of the budget to repair it, the right vendor may have the replacement part you need to actually enjoy the radio in the wall and the ability to talk to your family from another room.
Another fun option is to upgrade it using modern technology. Your home is already wired for the system, so now you can simply upgrade the operation of it with a more sophisticated intercom system. You could incorporate a video option, radio, and more.
If you like the idea of the unit but you don’t want to pay for a replacement part, you could always replace it with another model. Look online for vintage replacements or use this as a chance to upgrade to a newer radio system. This is a great opportunity for some creativity with an older unit that is already a part of the home.
Whether you want to hide it, replace it, upgrade it, or repair it, you can have a lot of fun with your old intercom system. Use these tips to decide what to do with your home’s intercom system from years ago. Contact The Professional Locksmith for more information on what intercom system is best for you!
You’ve probably used the old credit card trick before to get into a door or used other tricks to open a door in which you can actually see the lock. These types of doors are lacking a latch guard and this extra little feature is what protects a door from getting broken into using the oldest tricks in the book. This inexpensive addition to a door could mean the difference between a break-in and a close call. Take a look at why you need to add a latch guard to your lock.
A latch guard is intended to protect your latch from someone trying to pry it open. These are pieces of metal that go over your door’s latch to block it from being accessed while locked. When a person comes up to the door and wants to try to access, they can skip over the knobs and lever and go straight to your latch to try to break in.
The door latch is a spring-loaded piece reaching from the door to the door jamb. A burglar will want to try to release the latch from the jamb of the door by prying it open with any tool they may have. A latch guard over the latch will require the burglar to attempt to pry it open further from the latch which will typically leave them locked out, but also standing around long enough to potentially get a good look at them on security footage.
If you’ve ever worried about someone trying to use a credit card to open your door, it’s because you don’t have a latch guard to give you that extra security. Sometimes locks aren’t properly installed or they simply get worn down and more likely to get bypassed. When you can see the actual latch, that means you are at risk of lock tampering. A latch guard takes that possibility out of the equation now that you can’t see the lock and nothing can access the lock in the event that it’s vulnerable and able to be easily bypassed. This could be a major security risk for your office that has doors that open out.
When a latch guard is applied, a burglar that is trying to move the frame of the door to pop the latch out of the frame can no longer do so. They would normally try to do so with a break bar or a long, narrow object inserted into the exposed crack at the latch, but a guard prevents any access for something to be inserted and forcing the latch to pop out.
It’s the best way to prevent a break-in to your business after hours when you are carrying sensitive data or money that you wouldn’t want accessed by a burglar. In fact if you were to get broken into, it’s possible that the intruder could cut into the wall and gain access to a business next door causing even more damage.
Latch guards are typically just a sheet of metal to cover the latch on the door, typically installed on exterior doors of commercial buildings to prevent break-ins to a business at night. While there is typically a one-size-fits-all solution, you can get a custom-made, full-length astragal to run the entire length of your door. These are great if you need even better protection because they will fit your door like a glove.
If security is a high priority for your business, be sure to get a latch guard installed to those exterior doors by a professional locksmith today.
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?
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.
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.
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.
When you can't find the file cabinet key, it could cause a huge interruption to your workday. You need a file and you cannot get to it without the key. Most filing cabinets are designed with safety features to keep anybody from bypassing the lock. This means you need a key replacement to get into the filing cabinet.
It doesn't matter if you have a lateral or vertical file cabinet, replacing a lost file cabinet key isn't difficult. You will often just need the right help from the cabinet manufacturer, but this can take time. You may be waiting for weeks to receive a new key and that may be too long.
When you cannot wait, you need to know how to replace a lost file cabinet key quickly. Start by writing down the brand name, model number, and style of your file cabinet, including the serial number and the model number found on the cabinet drawers. Once you have this information, calling a skilled Chicago locksmith should be your next move.
When you cannot get a key replacement from the manufacturer or you cannot wait as long as they need to send them, a skilled locksmith can create a new key for you. Even if the locksmith doesn't have the right key template to make a replacement, they may be able to make the current key fit (if it's not lost) or pick the lock so that you can get into the file cabinet.
You may be tempted to break into the file cabinet yourself. This is a bad idea. You never want to pry open the file cabinet unless you're ready to replace it after you do so. Once you pry into the cabinet, you will void the warranty and it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to fix the damage. It's better to call a Chicago locksmith and let a professional get you into your file cabinet.
After you've accessed your file cabinet, you'll want to take measures to prevent this in the future. It's important to have additional copies of your file cabinet keys in a safe place just in case they are lost again, break or bend. Have a professional locksmith make you extra keys and either give them to another trusted person in your business or keep them in a safe you have access to.
Having an extra key or two for your file cabinet can take a large interruption to the workday and turn it into a small inconvenience. Instead of having to call a locksmith the next time, you'll just need to retrieve the extra key. Then, you can call the locksmith to have another copy made at your convenience.
Dealing with a lost or broken file cabinet key isn't an easy situation. It's annoying and can screw up the entire workday. Make sure you have a professional locksmith in Chicago ready to go in case this issue happens to you.
When you need a new key, a locksmith will be able to provide duplicate keys for you. Even if you don't have a key for a specific lock, it's possible a locksmith can help.
There are several types of keys and it's helpful to know which ones a locksmith will duplicate for you. Here's a look at the most common keys a locksmith will be able to duplicate.
The biggest question many people have when it comes to keys being duplicated by a locksmith are the keys labeled as "Do Not Duplicate". These keys seem like they shouldn't be able to be duplicated, but that's a myth.
There are no regulations or laws keeping a key with "Do Not Duplicate" on it from being duplicated. While chain hardware stores may refuse to duplicate these keys, locksmiths will often be able to provide a duplicate key.
While "Do Not Duplicate" keys are not considered restricted keys, there are some keys Locksmiths refer to as "restricted". These types of keys may not be able to be duplicated due to the duplication rights of the original manufacturer. In addition, these keys are harder to copy due to the type of equipment necessary and the patent-protected design.
Any key classified as "restricted" is covered by U.S. Patent Laws, making it a key you will likely not find a locksmith willing to duplicate. The penalty for duplicating this type of key can be a fine of up to $10,000.
Most keys a locksmith can create a duplicate for. Some of the more common options include:
Yale Key - This is a standard, smaller key and can be cut pretty quickly by a locksmith.
Chubb Keys - A larger key with a unique design, Chubb Keys take longer to duplicate, but they can certainly be duplicated by a locksmith.
Safe Keys - All types of unique safe keys can be duplicated and may take longer, depending on the type of key.
Car Keys - Some car keys can be duplicated by a locksmith, while others require a brand new key to be created. Most modern car keys have to be created and cannot truly be duplicated by simply cutting a new key.
House Keys - Keys for locks on the front door of a home can easily be duplicated by a locksmith.
Padlock Keys - Often, padlock keys are Yale Keys and even those that are not Yale Keys can be duplicated.
The Professional Locksmith will not only duplicate most keys but will also be able to ensure you know which keys can be easily duplicated and which might provide a better form of security. Whether you're trying to choose a lock to ensure the keys cannot easily be duplicated or you need a copy of a key created, The Professional Locksmith can help.
Having the right key matters and you want a duplicate made by a professional. With the right duplicate, you won't have to worry about whether the new key will work or not. If you need a key duplicated, call your Chicago locksmith today!
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.
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.
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.
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.
