The Most Common Type of Iron Gate Repairs

An iron gate needs to be taken care of to last a long time. Even with proper care, repairs may become necessary. Even though these gates are very strong, the welds can break, hinges come loose, and rust becomes a part of the look.

When it's time to deal with iron gate repairs, you need an expert to help. The Professional Locksmith handles all the common types of iron gate repairs found below, along with plenty of other repairs. If you're gate needs repair, we're here to help.

Rust

Probably the most common reason for an iron gate to need to be repaired is rust. Over time, the moisture may cause your iron gate to rust. This is a pretty easy fix, as a professional will be able to sand down the rust and repaint your iron gate restoring it to its' former beauty.

Broken Welds

Another common repair you may need to address with an iron gate is a broken weld. Sometimes, iron gate welds break and they will need to be repaired. If you don't address this type of issue, you could be leaving your property open for thieves to get in.

It's common to use an epoxy weld to repair a broken weld on an iron gate. This isn't something most people can't do on their own.

If you notice a broken weld, you will need a professional iron gate repair service in Chicago. The Professional Locksmith provides full iron gate welding services and will help get your gate back to normal quickly. You don't need to leave your property open for thieves.

Stuck in Open or Closed Position

If you have an iron gate that opens and closes automatically, you may end up with this common iron gate repair. Gates get stuck in an open or closed position for a number of reasons. A professional iron gate repair service will diagnose and fix the issues for you.

Broken or Bent Pickets

The pickets of an iron gate may become broken or bent over time. When this happens, it's best to have them replaced by a professional. The process includes cutting the damaged pickets out with a cutting torch, creating new pickets to fit the space, and installing them.

If the pickets are just bent, they may be able to be straightened. This requires a specialized tool and isn't an easy thing to do if you don't have experience with iron gate repairs.

A few other common iron gate repairs include:

• Broken Gate Openers

• Gates Opening on their Own

• Broken Hinges

• Sagging Gates

• Repairing Screens

Iron gates are very strong and provide an excellent security feature for any property. Even though they are strong, damage is still possible, especially around the welds. These common iron gate repairs should all be addressed as soon as possible, once they have been noticed.

If you need an iron gate repair service in Chicago, The Professional Locksmith is your go-to choice. We provide excellent service with the ability to repair just about any iron gate.

What kind of padlock is most secure

There is nothing more important in a lock than knowing it’s going to do its job and it will be secure. If you were to be a victim of a crime when a padlock went missing overnight, you’d feel very angry that this measure you took to protect your property did not do its job.

That is why it’s important to learn about the different options on the market for padlocks and know what to look for in one that is going to be the most secure when replacing your locks. From knowing the right brands to looking for the right materials and sizes, here is a look at the types of padlocks and what will be the most secure.

What to look for in a padlock

There are many features that you can look for in a padlock that will allow you to make a wiser purchase and a more sound investment. You’ll be able to determine if a padlock is a cheap, unreliable option, or a secure and sturdy one.

Start with considering the materials and size of the lock and the key. You’ll want to make sure the lock size is big and the key has as many pins as possible to increase the security. Choose a padlock that features either carbide or alloy steel for the best security. The better the metal you have the more secure your padlock will be. Make sure you choose a thick metal like alloy but don’t worry about its weight as this isn’t always a sign of its strength.

Next, look at the shoulder shroud because the thicker and larger it is, the better. This is also known as the shackle cover and any metal that shrouds the shackle will add an additional layer of metal that has to be cut or removed to access the lock for opening it. 

Keeping that shackle more protected happens with less access and a shackle cover.  Also, if you have a hardened plate called an anti-drill plate, you’ll find that a drill won’t be able to break through which will mean better security.

A common bypass for locks is shimming the shackle and this can happen when there are no ball bearings. The shackle can release in different ways affecting the security too, which means if you have a shackle that needs to be released on both ends rather than just one end, a criminal would have to spend more time cutting which can buy you time and slow them down.

Lastly, the core of a padlock where you would put the key in is a major part of whether or not a padlock is going to remain secure. The key is inserted into the cylinder and from there the lock’s variety of pins will play a huge role. You’ll want to ask questions about how many pins there are, what type of pins are they, and if there are other features like side bars or counter milling.

Brands on the market

Now that you know what to look for, it will be easy to spot a great product from a poor quality option. Look for brands on the market such as Sargent & Greenleaf, Ingersoll, ABUS, Master Lock, Hi-Shear, and Stanley Hardware. Depending on your budget, you can find a great variety of price points to suit your current needs. For a budget-friendly option, check out the Stanley Hardened Steel Padlock at a price around $50. For the absolute top-of-the-line type of products, you can find a $2,600 padlock called the Sargent & Greenleaf 951C which features military-level security.

Other popular options include the Ingersoll 10 at around $260, the Hi-Shear Padlock for just a little bit more, or the very simple ABUS  80TI/50 for just $15. Some of these options are going to offer more of those features above while others will allow you to save money while still offering some level of protection on your property.

While it’s important to save money, it’s worth the investment to get the security that comes with the higher-end padlocks. These are the things to look for that will tell you a padlock is most secure.

What Factors Influence the Cost of Locksmith Services?

Sooner or later, you'll likely need a locksmith. While it may not be a service you count on regularly if you get locked out of your home or car, you need to replace or rekey a lock, or you need a safe installed, you'll likely call a locksmith.

When the time comes for you to call a Chicago locksmith, it's a good idea to understand what factors will influence the cost of locksmith services. Here are a few factors that will be taken into consideration when determining the cost.

The Actual Service

You may only think of locksmiths helping you get into your car or home when you've been locked out. However, a locksmith provides many other services, such as rekeying locks, replacing doors, key duplication, safe installation, and more.

When you hire a locksmith, the type of service you require will be the starting point for determining the cost. The same amount won't be charged for opening a jammed lock compared to installing a new door or safe in your home. The skills needed, along with the time necessary for the service will help to determine the cost you will pay.

Type of Lock

One of the biggest factors in the cost of locksmith services is the type of lock. A complex lock will take longer to access and may cost more than a simple lock. With the massive selection of locks on the market today, it's necessary for locksmiths to determine the cost of their services based on the time and skill they will need to invest.

Mortise locks, high-security locks, and interchangeable core cylinder locks won't come in at the same cost, as they are all a bit different. Your locksmith will need to know the type of lock they are dealing with before they can provide an estimate of the cost.

Location

When a locksmith comes to your home, your car, or your office, they will charge a specific fee based on how far they have to drive. Some locksmiths have a flat, built-in fee for a specific service area and will charge extra for any job outside of their service area. Hiring a local Chicago locksmith will help keep the cost lower if they don't have to travel as far to get to you.

Time of Day, Day of the Week

Some locksmiths charge an additional fee depending on the time of the day or the day of the week. Usually, this will apply to any emergency services, as simply having a lock installed or rekeyed may be a service you can schedule during regular business hours.

The cost of locksmith services will likely be higher on weekends, holidays, and after business hours. Make sure you ask if there's a fee for requesting services during these times.

Demand or Availability

Locksmiths work on a first-come, first-serve basis. Even though they may set appointments for non-emergency jobs, they won't leave a job because you have an emergency. Choosing a company offering locksmith services compared to an individual locksmith is a good idea.

Not only will you avoid paying extra due to an individual locksmith being in high demand, but you may also receive a faster response. Most locksmith companies have a team of locksmiths, which means if one isn't available, another will likely be available to help you.

When it comes to the cost of locksmith services, it really comes down to the location of the job, the complexity of the job, the skills necessary, the time of day/week, and the availability of the locksmith. Make sure you ask what fees you can expect up-front before you hire a locksmith or you may be surprised by something you didn't expect.

How can a locksmith improve my home security?

Typically people think to call the locksmith only when they need out of a jam. You can actually call a locksmith to help you with improving your home security. Just like when you see the doctor for preventative care, you can have a locksmith come help with preventative security threats to your home.

While a locksmith is the one to call when you’ve lost your keys or need to change the locks to your home, you can also call them to replace your window locks, to reinforce the door, and to get a security system installed. Take a look at these reasons and more your locksmith is going to help you improve your home security.

Reinforce your door

One thing that your locksmith can do to start off your efforts of improved home security is to reinforce your door. It’s possible that an intruder could kick in your door and it’s how many people end up with an intrusion. Don’t allow a criminal to kick in the door by reinforcing it with a professional locksmith.

Installing a deadbolt and high-security lock

Now that your doors are more secure like when the house was first built, you could install a deadbolt that will ensure it’s extremely difficult to break-in. just the presence of a deadbolt will convince a criminal to go elsewhere. Deadbolts will decrease the chances of a thief gaining entry, along with your reinforced door. They also can’t be pried open with a card.

You could also use this as a chance to install high-security locks. Getting locks on the door that can’t be picked at or drilled will give you peace of mind and decrease the threat of a break-in. Make sure to have a professional locksmith help with you both of these services.

Smart locks and cameras

Use the latest technology to your advantage. Smart locks are a great way to improve your home security. These are great for homes and offices and will come with a motion sensor camera that will detect the tiniest movements and alert you. Get a smart lock with a camera on the front door.

While you are getting security cameras, make sure you put a sign up to show criminals they will be filmed if they attempt anything. If something were to happen, you’d have video evidence and you would be able to watch a smart device from inside the home or another location as long as you have an internet connection.

Replace your window locks

While you’re reinforcing the doors, installing new locks, and setting up your security cameras, you should also keep in mind that windows can be a vulnerable place for an intruder. Your window locks can wear down over time so it’s important to replace them as needed. If there is a damaged window lock, an intruder may find it as they are attempting any way to get into your home. A locksmith can get these installed for you once you’ve chosen the option you want.

Minimalize your keyring

Lastly, having so many keys can feel overwhelming, especially on your keychain that you use all day. Getting one key to fit all is a great way to simplify your life and have everything you need on you. A locksmith can do a rekeying of all of your locks to have it so that it only requires one key to get inside the home. You won’t have to worry about forgetting a certain key and you’ll have a lighter keychain too. One key could open your front door, your shed, and more.

Call a professional locksmith today to get some of these preventative measures done on your home and you’ll have peace of mind like never before.

How to decide if you need indoor home security cameras

You’ve probably heard of families getting indoor home security cameras and you may have never considered the purpose of doing so. Why would you want cameras inside your home? Typically you would put cameras on the outside of your home to see in case there is an intruder, but a camera in the house seems unnecessary.

Actually, an indoor home security camera is wise because you’ll be able to check in when you’re away. Additionally, it can come in handy for pet owners. Take a look at some of the reasons that people get indoor home security cameras and why you should too.

Checking in on family and pets

You do have to leave the house sometimes as much as you may enjoy being home. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or just having a night away, it’s nice to be able to check in and make sure everyone is safe. Specifically, pet owners really like indoor cameras so that they can check in on their pets while they are away for the day or in the evening. If you have kids that are old enough to be home alone, you’ll feel better knowing that you can see them and make sure everything is ok.

Have evidence if something were to happen

If someone were to break in while you’re on vacation, you’ll have it on tape. You’ll be able to see what happened inside your home and have evidence to give the police in order to try to catch the criminal. Knowing you have this at your disposal will make you feel much more secure.

Even if you’re not on vacation and just tend to spend long hours at the office, you’ll love being able to monitor your home from anywhere. Indoor home security cameras work by giving you access from a smart device where you can watch a camera feed.

You’ll love being able to go live in your own living room from your phone at work. You could even check in on your tablet from your bedroom if you want to make sure everything is safe in another room of the house. 

See why an alarm went off

If an alarm were to go off, you’ll actually receive a notification on your smart device right away. This means that you can check in and see what is going on. Perhaps someone tried to enter your front door or a smoke alarm went off. Having that indoor camera feed will give you a way to quickly respond to a situation.

More security for your valuables

Finally, you can stop worrying about your valuables. You can check on your pets and the status of your home any time you feel uneasy, but now you also have a way to keep an eye on your jewelry and family heirlooms. Stop worrying about your valuables by having a way to check in on them anytime you want.

There are so many reasons to get an indoor home security camera. Check out great options like the Nest Cam or Canary today.

Does Every Locksmith Provide the Same Type of Service?

When you think of a locksmith in Chicago, you probably think of someone to help you get into your house or car when you're locked out. While a locksmith can certainly provide emergency lockout services, they provide much more.

Are all locksmiths created equal? No.

Do they all provide the same services? No.

Can any locksmith get you into your car or home when you're locked out? Yes.

You're not wrong to think a locksmith is there to help in an emergency. However, it's a good idea to understand the many other services provides by a professional locksmith.

Basic Services Locksmiths Provide:

Along with helping you get into your car, home, or office when you're locked out, a locksmith will also:

• Duplicate Keys

• Install Locks

• Replace Locks

• Install Lock Accessories, such as a Latch Guard

• Rekey a Lock

Most locksmiths will provide all of these basic services, along with any other service having to do with a key or a lock.

Additional Services Some Locksmiths Provide

Not all locksmiths provide more than basic services. However, when you choose a locksmith, such as The Professional Locksmith, you can use them for much more than just emergency locksmith services.

Along with the basic services, a good locksmith will also provide:

• Safe Installation

• Security Camera Services

• Intercom Installation and Intercom Repair

• Iron Gate Repair & Security

• Building Management Services

• And More!

Some of these more specialized services allow your locksmith to do more for you. Whether you need a locksmith for commercial or residential needs, the right locksmith will do more for you than just help you get into your car, home or office when you're locked out.

Locksmiths that Specialize

While some locksmiths only work on automobiles, homes, or buildings, others cover everything. There's nothing wrong with a locksmith specializing in providing emergency lockout services or rekeying services. However, you gain many benefits by choosing a locksmith with the ability to do more for you than just help in an emergency.

When you choose a locksmith with the ability to provide multiple services, some of which don't even include a lock, you'll be able to get more done from someone you trust.

It's best to choose a locksmith that knows how to do everything you need. Some locksmiths don't deal with specific types of keys, and they cannot make security recommendations for you. Whether you're running a business or just need help with a lock at home, choosing the right locksmith will make a difference.

Not Sure, Just Ask

When it comes to finding the right locksmith for your needs, even if you don't see the service listed on their website, ask if they provide it. Locksmiths, such as The Professional Locksmith, have the ability to provide several services other locksmiths may not provide. If you ask, you might just find exactly what you're after.

When it comes down to it, the answer to the question, does every locksmith provide the same services, is simply, No! Some locksmiths do more than others and it's a good idea to know what a locksmith can provide before hiring them, especially if you think you'll need more than just a simple service.

How to Know What Type of Gun Safe You May Need

There’s nothing more important with gun ownership than having a way to secure your firearm. Whether it’s keeping your family safe from accidents or keeping an intruder from getting access to it, having a secure firearm should be a top priority.

The problem is, you can’t just buy any old gun safe and not think much of it. You have to choose your gun safe carefully and consider many variations in your decision on how to secure your guns. Take a look at some of the factors you need to consider before you’ll know what type of gun safe you’ll need.

Types of safes

The first thing you’ll want to look at is what kind of safe you will need. All safes are going to offer something different which means you will need to know what type of safe functions are important for your gun. Some safes are perfect from simply protecting children in the house from accessing it, such as a metal cabinet with a lock or a small gun safe if you don’t want something that is going to add weight to your wooden floors.

On the other hand, if you need something that is going to be hidden away from an intruder, you’ll want to get something that can be hidden easily, such as a floor safe or wall safe. You can incorporate safes into the home to be as discrete as possible from outsiders of the home.

You also may want a safe that is going to protect the gun from fire damage. In fact, the greatest risk to you is fire, followed by the threat of theft, which means you need to consider a fireproof option and a theft-protection type of safe at the same time. If you brought it into the house, a thief could remove it from the house, which means a safe that is built into the home will serve you better.

What should the safe include?

After you’ve decided which type of safe you’ll need, you’ll want to think about what you’re putting into the safe. In some cases, homeowners want to include more than just their guns into the safe. This means that you would need to find something that is going to be the right size for both your rifles and other guns, to your valuable jewelry or important documents. Get a larger rifle safe if you’re going to keep all of this together and plan on it holding twice the number of guns you currently own.

Options to consider

There are many different types of gun safes that you could choose from but the most important thing is that you pick one that can be attached to the floor, handle a high-temperature fire, and can withstand the beating of an ax that an intruder may try on it. Then look at the locks and decide between a low-maintenance combination lock, the popular electronic lock, or a biometric lock using a fingerprint to open it up.

You’ll want to avoid getting a discounted safe and focus on one that will do the job which could run you anywhere from $1,200-$1,500. Choosing the right lock is vital, but keep in mind that many experts prefer the electronic locks. Choosing one big enough to accommodate future gross and easy access to your other valuables is important.

Make sure the safe can pass fire ratings, offer climate-control seals, and has external hinges for an improved door swing. Great options on the market right now include the Buffalo 38-gun safe, the Vaultek VT20i Biometric Handgun safe, and the Fort Knox Personal Pistol Box Handgun Safe.

Be sure to consider these factors before choosing the right gun safe for your home and speak to a professional about safe installation.

Essential Home Security System Features You Need

What are some of the essential home security system features you may need for your home? Home security systems have been around for years but today’s technology has allowed homeowners to put smart technology into the home, increasing the level of security and making the home more efficient altogether.

Instead of a few basic options that we used to have, homeowners now have thousands of possibilities that they can find on the market varying from small DIY home security systems to professionally-installed hardwired systems. Here’s a closer look at what features you could choose from and why you need them included in your home’s current security system setup.

Camera technology

For starters, hidden cameras used to just be found at businesses to keep surveillance on potential crime at a company, but now these little cameras are being found in neighborhoods at each house. Video technology is such a large part of today’s world that it just makes sense that homeowners would want an enhanced way to survey their home’s boundaries for potential threats.

While the first security cameras to be featured in these systems offered a simple grainy image in black and white, now you’ll have HD camera feeds that can be accessed from any of your smart devices in any location. These are a great way to record, watch, and be aware of what’s going on around your home while you’re away or from inside the home.

Wireless and hard-wired options

You’ll get to choose from both the wireless and hard-wired security systems when you get one installed in the home, but many current options are actually a mix of both. You’ll have those hardwired parts but you can communicate wirelessly.

It’s wise to choose one that has cellular capability because these systems will still work when the internet is down or the power goes out as long as you have a battery backup. Older systems worked with analog phone lines which are going to be obsolete in a matter of years.

Home automation

Automating the home is what everyone is doing right now because of the convenience of having a better sense of what is going on in and around the home from anywhere. This is one of the biggest innovations in technology right now as homeowners can now use a simple app on their phone or tablet to check on the home and interact with its systems.

You can now check your camera feed, arm your security system, turn the lights on and off, and open or shut your garage door from any location. These are not only great for securing the home, but they also allow you to function in the home from the touch of a button rather than being physically present.

Updating simple tech

Lastly, updates to basic technology are a great option to incorporate into your home. Your simple smoke detector can now be updated with a more modern sensor which allows you to get an actual alert of your home’s air analysis. Your window and door sensors can be integrated into your home security system to see if someone has tampered with either.

You can now update your technology with tamper-sensitive sensors to show you if someone has been altering your control panel and the temperature, or if there is a flood or fire alert to your home. You can now go a step farther when it comes to protecting your home from natural disasters or intruders.

You can even get a system in which the authorities are notified when a fire alarm system trips or have your HVAC system shut down and doors unlock if there is smoke in the home from a fire.

Whether you want to update your home with special sensors and cameras or you want to incorporate a brand new home security system with the hybrid wired and wireless technology that also features home automation, these are some of the essentials you need when it comes to today’s home security systems.

How to Choose a Commercial Safe for Your Office

Choosing the right safe for your office isn't always easy. A commercial safe needs to offer plenty of features to ensure you can keep your valuables protected. In addition, it has to offer you peace of mind when it comes to the security of running your business.

Not all commercial safes are the same. Many commercial safes offer similar features, but some will give you an extra level of security when added to your office. Here are some of the things to consider when choosing a commercial safe for your office.

Full Protection

Choosing the safe that will give you full protection should be first on the list. Consider what you will be keeping in the safe and choose a safe with the best features to protect your items.

You may need a torch resistant or tool resistant safe to ensure your belonging are protected from intruders.

In addition, you may need a specific type of safe for specific reasons. For example, a retail store may need a drop safe or a deposit safe to ensure employees can make drops without opening the safe. Others may prefer an office safe with a high fire rating.

Location

The location of your office safe should be a factor, as well. Will you be keeping it under a desk, in a wall, in the floor, or in another location? This can impact the type of safe you choose.

Some safes are specifically designed to be kept in the floor, while others fit better under a desk or in the wall. It depends on what you need and the space you have for the safe.

Size

Depending on what you may be keeping in the safe, you may need a larger or smaller safe. Size does matter as choosing the right size can be difficult. For most businesses, you want a safe large enough that someone cannot easily pick it up and walk off with it. However, if you get something too large, it could become a nuisance. Contact The Professional Locksmith today and find out what safe is right for your specific needs!

Choosing the right size may depend on where you plan to keep the safe, as well. Consider the location of the safe, along with the things you plan to keep in it before you make a decision on the size.

Security Level

Of course, you want the best protection possible, but you may not need a high security safe if your budget won't allow for one. However, if you need a high security safe, you will likely spend more, but you will have a safe with a high fire rating, drill prevention, and many other great security features.

Choosing the right commercial safe for your office can be difficult. The size, location, security level, and protection you need will make a pretty big difference when looking at the options.

Take your time and compare a few safes before choosing. It may be a good idea to consult an expert to help you with the decision. An expert may also be able to install your new safe properly.

Rekey or Lock Replacement: Which is Right for You?

When you lose your key or it gets stolen, you have to decide if you want to rekey the lock or replace the lock. This is a bit of a big decision as they are similar options, but they could have a difference in the security of your home or building. Let's look at when you should rekey a lock and when you should replace a lock.

Rekey Your Lock if...

When you lose control over who has access to your business or home, you want to rekey your locks. This could be due to a staffing change or a renter moving out and another one moving in. If it's your personal home, it could be due to losing a key to your house.

As a business owner, you don't want an employee with a grudge getting into your business. If they have a key, they could vandalize your business, steal from you, or cause other damage to the business.

Another important time to consider rekeying your locks is when you lose a key. You never know who could have it and the last thing you need is the key ending up in the wrong hands. Whether you're a business owner or a homeowner, a lost key means it's time to rekey your locks.

The last circumstance when it makes sense to rekey your locks is when you have locks allowing you to easily rekey them by inserting a step change key. If you have these types of locks, it's usually much easier and quicker to rekey the locks than to replace them.

Change Your Locks if...

While most of the time rekeying is the better and less expensive option there are times when it's a good idea to change your locks. Whether you're running a business or you own a home, you may want to consider lock replacement in the following circumstances.

If the locks are worn out or outdated, it may be time to change them. Maybe you were considering rekeying due to a lost key, but the locks haven't been replaced in years. It may be better just to replace the locks in this circumstance as you may be able to upgrade for better security features with new locks.

The other circumstance that garners lock replacement instead of rekeying is upgrading your security system. If you plan to upgrade your security system, you don't want to be using old locks that don't provide the very best security features. It's better to upgrade to locks you can easily manage as a business or the most secure on the market if you own a home.

As a business owner, you can choose to replace your locks with a better system allowing you to manage all locks and keys. This can make it easier to deal with a lost or stolen key and help to protect your business.

The decision to rekey or replace isn't an easy one when it comes to your business or home locks. If you're not sure, a professional locksmith can inspect your locks and make a recommendation for your business or your home.