IS YOUR SAFE JAMMED? HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO!

Are you in trouble with your safe? If you can’t get your safe open, of course it never happens at a convenient time, and it’s so unnerving. But don’t let it get you down. Generally, when a safe fails, it stays locked. Here are some common reasons your safe is malfunctioning. There are numerous steps you can take before you’ll have to hire a safe technician.

Dead batteries. Maybe there’s enough power to work the keypad, yet not enough for the bolt work to operate. If the keypad beeps and lights up as usual, you’ll resolve the issue as soon as you replace the batteries. Choose a top brand, because off-brands will lose power faster than a reputable brand.

Deactivated code. It may be that your safe won’t open because the code has been inadvertently deactivated. If that’s all it is, your safe will open as soon as you reset it.

The wiring is disconnected or damaged. The safe’s wiring could be disconnected. It may require repair. Inspect the wiring behind the keypad, and you’ll be able to tell whether any wires are loose, kinked, or cut.

• If all’s well, temporarily disconnect the wire from the keypad, and remove the batteries. Wait about 20 seconds. Then reconnect the wiring, place the batteries back in, and now it should work.

• If the wiring’s damaged, call a professional safe technician.

Time delay. Does your safe have a time-delay feature? Then you’ll have to wait for a specified time (around 10 to 20 minutes). Input the code again, and it ought to work now.

Your safe is in lockout mode. If you enter too many wrong codes in a row, the safe could go into a “penalty-lockout mode.” Depending upon what sort of keypad you have, you might hear a few fast beeps. If so, wait 10 to 20 minutes. Your safe should open now.

The bolt work might be jammed. Is the motor working to retract the bolt work, but it still isn’t opening? Then it’s time to kick the door. Or, bang on it using a mallet. Not kidding! It’s okay ~ Go ahead! As long as you don’t pound the handle or the keypad, this will work! If you do it correctly, it will loosen the bolt work. Then you can try to pull the handle in the opposite direction of what you normally do; now, input the code. If you’re lucky, this will release the extra pressure on the bolt, and now the handle will move smoothly.

Are you using the correct combination, yet your safe still won’t open? If the safe has the conventional three-wheel combination lock (3 digits) take the following steps:

1. Turn the dial to the left four times, until the 1^st digit of the combination aligns with the opening index. On the 4^th time, stop right on your number.

2. Turn the dial to the right three times, until the 2^nd digit of the combination aligns with the opening index. On the 3^rd time, stop exactly on your number.

3. Turn the dial to the left two times, until the 3^rd digit of the combination aligns with the opening index. On the 2^nd time, stop spot on your number.

4. Turn the dial to the right, till it stops (at about 95). If the dial doesn’t stop, then do your routine opening procedure again, accurately dialing each digit of the combination. Keep in mind that the safe will stay locked if you stop the dial even slightly past any number where you meant to pause.

5. Now, to lock your combination lock once again, turn the dial four complete revolutions, and be sure to stop on any number that is not part of your combination.

Is your safe still not opening? There’s no doubt: You must call a safe technician. Don’t drill your safe, or you’ll cause irreparable damage!

Does your safe stay open, and won’t close? Examine these issues:

1. First, replace your batteries. Use a respectable brand; they’ll last longer.

2. Be sure that the edges of the cover are in alignment. Make sure that there’s no debris in the edges.

3. Verify that the bolts aren’t damaged. Be sure that the holes they go into aren’t blocked by grime or debris.

4. Try this: “Lock” the safe, even while the door’s open. If the locking mechanism is still functioning, then the problem lies elsewhere.

5. Lubricate the lock mechanism. If the spring sticks, then lubrication will resolve everything. Keep in mind that the lubricant required for a combination lock is different from the graphite-based lubricant needed for a keyed lock.

Did you forget the combination? If you can’t find it, then you’ll need to locate a safe technician who possesses the expertise and knowhow it takes to get your safe open. An experienced safe technician will make your safe more secure than ever, without doing damage.

One mistaken notion about getting your safe opened by a professional is that the safe will be damaged automatically in the process ~ but this won’t occur if you find a legitimate, eminently qualified safe technician. Be skeptical of anyone who doesn’t have the proper credentials. Track down a safe technician of integrity whom you can count on ~ a trusty expert who is appropriately insured, officially licensed, suitably bonded, thoroughly background-checked, and fully certified. Choose an individual who will carry the proper tools, with the necessary sensitivity and skill with touch and sound.

DON’T ever attempt to “crack” your safe! Opening safes, and dealing with combination locks (digital or mechanical), are specialized tasks calling for precision, and exceptional experience and skill. Hire an expert safe technician with a comprehensive understanding of the maintenance requirements and locking methods of today’s safes.

If you’re in Elgin, Illinois, consider Ames Locksmith Service, where free consultations are available anytime with a staff safe technician professional. You’ll get answers to all your questions from a dependable technician before you allow any work to begin.

Aricle source here: IS YOUR SAFE JAMMED? HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO!

AMES LOCKSMITH SERVICE: LOCK AND KEY TYPES

There are a wide variety of reasons you would need a lock on your property. Of course, the obvious is that you want to keep undesirable people out. Secondly, you want to control who has access to your home, car or business. With that being said, there are many types of locks and keys on the market. Which one is best? What are all these things for? As burglars increase their skillset, the lock manufacturers also need to increase what they offering. Keep reading to learn a little more about different types of locks and keys that are available.

Keys

There are many different types of keys (too many to list). We will go through a few here to give you an idea.

Transponder Key

These types of keys are for your vehicle. Modern car keys come with a chip inside. When you place the key in the ignition, a radio signal is sent to the car that lets it know that the engine should start. These keys are popular because they are almost impossible to duplicate. The keys also come with additional security measures. In some cases, if the incorrect “code” is read by the car’s computer (because someone is trying to use a fake key to start the car) the car will shut down altogether. This is why cars that use transponder keys have lower rates of being stolen.

Double sided/Four sided keys

These are keys that have a set of teeth on one, or both sides. These are the type of keys you typically see used in homes. The keys on the key correspond with the grooves inside the lock, which allow the key to unlock the mechanism. Four sided keys are considered more durable, and the extra set of teeth on the key make the corresponding lock harder to pick.

Dimple Key

These types of keys have holes or “dimples” along the shaft of the key. These dimples match with pins that are inside the lock. When the dimples and pins are aligned, your key will work.

Skeleton Key

This is a simple type of key, and it is sometimes known as a passkey. This key is paired with “ward” locks, which are really no longer in use. Some old properties may still have skeleton keys to open their gates. But these types of keys (and locks) are easy to pick. This is why they are no longer in use.

Keycard

If you have stayed in a hotel recently, most likely you were given a keycard. These cards are the size of a credit card, and there is a magnetic strip on the back. The strip is programmed so that you can gain access to your particular room. Keycards are also used in some offices. There is usually a card reader outside of the office access door. When you pass your key in front it will give you access to the premises.

Locks

There are also a wide variety of locks. Depending on what you are trying to secure, there are different locks available to help you.

Padlocks

These simple locks can be used for anything from locking your bike, to locking your locker at the gym or at school. These locks are not permanently attached to the item they are securing, so you can take the lock with you or attach it to something else. These type of locks can be open using a key, or a combination.

Deadbolts

Most homes use a deadbolt on one or more doors. Deadbolts usually have a turn knob on the inside, and key access on the outside. When you turn the knob, a steel bolt will be driven into the door jamb (a steel plate should also be installed in the door jamb for added security). Deadbolts add security to your home, but there are some drawbacks. If your lock is located near a window pane, a burglar can break the window and turn the knob to gain access to your home. There are also dual cylinder deadbolts (that require a key from both sides), but these may not be the best choice in case of an emergency. This is because you would have to run and find your keys in order to be able to exit your home. For emergency evacuation, you want to be able to leave your property as quickly as possible.

Knob Locks

These type of locks are usually found in residential doors (hopefully used in addition to a deadbolt). Knob locks are found inside the door knob, with a knob to turn on the inside, and a key on the outside. These types of locks are extremely easy to break. Knob locks should never be the only security measure on the door. The reason these locks are so easy to penetrate is that the lock is found in the knob itself, not in the door. So if someone wants to gain access, they can simply break the knob off using a hammer or other device.

Lever Handle Locks

These type of locks are usually found on interior doors in commercial buildings. These handle locks are easier to grasp than knob locks, so commercial buildings use them as they comply with accessibility legislation. These type of locks are very sturdy, but they can be susceptible to “torque”. This is where extreme pressure is applied to the locks in an attempt to force entry. However, there are lever handle locks that have security mechanisms built in for just these situations. These are called clutch lever locks. If torque is applied, the lever itself will just continuously turn, instead of applying pressure to the internal lock mechanism.

The above lock and key types are just a cross section of what is available on the market. Your best bet is to discuss your options with a qualified locksmith in Elgin. If you are in the Elgin, IL area, a great choice is Ames Locksmith Service. Give us a call to discuss your options, we are happy to help!

Aricle source here: AMES LOCKSMITH SERVICE: LOCK AND KEY TYPES

Making Sure Every Door Is Secured

You may think that your home is safe and secure when you leave out and lock up. However, this isn’t always the case. There is one particular door that is often forgotten and this is your sliding glass door. If you have a patio, terrace or balcony, you might not consider locking it up when you leave. Since most of these types of doors are out of the view of others, it becomes a great way for a burglar to get inside without being detected. This is why it is in your best interest to double check to make sure that all of the doors in your home, including your sliding glass door, are all locked when heading out. The other thing that you may be overlooking is the fact that most of the sliding doors made today only have a lock that will keep the door shut; it doesn’t provide much security. It is up to you to secure the door with a good, solid locking mechanism. There are locks that one of our locksmiths at Ames Locksmith Service in Elgin, IL, can apply to your sliding glass door. The lock applied will help in keeping out any would-be burglar. Your security is our priority and it should also be your top priority.

Ways of Securing Your Sliding Glass Door

Connect to Your Home Alarm System

Since the sliding glass door is the door that is often overlooked by most homeowners, it is clear to see why most do not even include this door in with the other areas of the home that is connected to the homes alarm system. When you have the chance to do so, we would highly recommend that you have your sliding door connected to your alarm system. This will help alert you to anyone attempting to come inside your home without permission. If you do not have an alarm system, you should invest in one immediately.

Add a Lock

One of the most effective ways to secure your sliding door is to add another lock. The lock that comes with your sliding glass door is not strong enough to resist the pressure applied to it by most burglars. This is often why they will target your patio or terrace when trying to gain entry inside your home. You can make it difficult for them to get inside by having reinforced lock applied to the door. Don’t make it any easier than it already is for a burglar to get inside your home.

Install a Commercial Grade Lock

Commercial locks are not just for commercial businesses anymore. They can also be used on your home doors. A commercial grade lock is usually a lot more durable and made with better materials than a standard lock. A qualified locksmith in Elgin will know which types of commercial locks will be best for your type of sliding door. Consult with one today.

It is the responsibility of a locksmith to know where the most susceptible areas of your home are located so that they are able to successfully secure them. When they are attempting to break into your home, they are looking for the area of least resistance. This is why your sliding glass door is often a target of intruders.

Why the Sliding Glass Door

You may wonder what it is about the sliding glass door that makes it most appealing to a burglar, other than it usually being located toward the rear of your home. We have put together a few of the reasons that an intruder would target this door as opposed to other entryways of your home.

Poor Lock

Most sliding glass doors only have one lock on them that is usually not the best quality. Anyone can break a sliding glass door lock. They do not have to be a professional thief in order to do so. The doors are not sturdy and are susceptible to intrusion. Very little effort is required to remove the door from the tracks. This is why you should invest in a lock bar or put a bar across the tracks of the door for added security. If you want to have another lock placed on your door, consult with a professional locksmith. You do not want to place the wrong type of lock on the door that may or may not prove effective in keeping out an intruder.

Maintain Your Privacy

Since sliding glass doors let in a lot of natural sunlight, it is most appealing to homeowners. No matter how attractive this feature might be, you should keep it covered up, especially in the evenings. In the evenings, when it is dark outside and there is light on inside your home, others can see inside more easily. This can pose a serious threat to your security. By allowing others to peer inside your home, you are letting them know what valuables you have inside. An intruder is likely to break-in when they know what they can get that is of value. If you want to avoid letting a burglar know what you have inside your home, make sure you have blinds or curtains placed over your sliding glass door. Don’t give an intruder an invitation to come in and take what they want. Take steps today to avoid a break-in by coving up your sliding glass door.

Quiet Way to Enter

The sliding door does just that; it slides over tracks. Since there is no door opening and closing, it is a quieter to open. This means that someone can enter through the sliding glass door without being detected. This gives them the chance to enter your home, even when there is someone in the house. Having an alarm on the sliding door will alert you to anyone sliding the door open.

The suggestions provided are very useful and practical. Make sure you remain safe by putting these suggestions to work and maintain your peace-of-mind in knowing that you’ve done all that you can to secure your home.

Aricle source here: Making Sure Every Door Is Secured

LOCKOUTS – WHY CALL A LOCKSMITH?

At first, it seems like a strange question. “What do you do if you are suddenly locked out?” The answer is obvious; “Call a locksmith!” If you polled 10 people on the street with that question, 9 out of 10 times they would give that answer. But, would they really call for lock professional to come and help them? Most would not; at least, not right away. They would panic first and some would call for a friend or family member to come help them. Others would attempt to break back in. Why not? It IS their own property, isn’t it? The smart money is on calling a licensed, bonded and insured locksmith in Elgin, IL and simply having him or her let them back inside safely, easily and quickly.

Why call a locksmith?

Here at Ames Locksmith Service we respond to lockout situations every day; sometimes every night, too! We’ve noticed a few of the same reasons that some people hesitate when calling for professional help. They might have had a bad experience with a lock professional in the past. They may have never worked with a locksmith and the fear of the unknown prevents them from calling one now. Maybe they were over charged once and don’t want to repeat that mistake. They might even have called for a locksmith in the past and no one showed up or was so late that it didn’t matter. There are many reasons why people hesitate to call for professional lock and key service but if you read this post and follow our advice, you’ll never have to wonder or hesitate about getting quality locksmith service again!

“I don’t need a locksmith; I can get back in just fine!”

You should NEVER break into your own property! Doing so is risky as bent metal and shattered glass can cause not only property damage but also injuries to you and whoever you are with. Is it really worth it to save on locksmith expenses but end up paying much more for doctor bills, glass replacement and property restoration? If you have a child or pet that is locked inside the house or car, that is another matter, but unless it’s a life or death situation your best overall strategy is simple and fast; call a locksmith!

Avoid getting arrested, or shot!

It happens; people get locked out and then force their way back inside. Sometimes in the process they can be mistaken as a burglar, vagrant or kidnapper and arrested, accosted and even shot. Many times a well-meaning neighbor will call police. Just as often, a family member or close associate will think that their life is in danger and “defend” the property by attacking the intruder who simply wanted to get back inside their own place! It’s not worth it folks! Not only here in Elgin, IL but anywhere else where lockouts can occur, be sure to call for professional help and play it safe!

“The police will let me back in!”

No, they won’t! Your local police department is not going to have a key to your car or home and they certainly are NOT going to pick your locks for you and usher you back inside your property as a public service! It’s hard to think straight when lockouts occur but always bear in mind that it’s vital to stay calm and follow your pre-arranged plan so that you stay safe and get back inside as soon as possible. What pre-arranged plan? The one you are going to make now!

Start here…

If you never, ever get locked out, at least you formulated a plan of action. If you do find yourself on the wrong side of a locked door, you’ll know exactly what to do to end your lockout situation as quickly as possible and at a minimum of time and expense. Start by leaving a spare key with a trusted neighbor or family member that does NOT live with you. If you get locked out, chances are that you still have your smart phone handy. Use it and call your spare key “person” to come and let you back in. If you don’t have anyone that you trust in that capacity, then hide a key where you can find it. Do NOT hide the key under the door mat or in the flower pot by the front door! A better location would be in the BBQ grill, inside a rain gutter or behind a window shutter. If you are locked out of your car try keeping a spare key in your purse, wallet or with a friend.

Call a locksmith already!

Don’t fear calling a locksmith! Even if you’ve never used one before, or had a bad experience with one previously, it just makes sense to work with a professional that can get you back inside your car or home quickly and safely. You may be wondering just whom to call? Here’s the secret; you pre-select your locksmith! That’s right; find one now, before you need their help!

Do this by calling around town and asking questions. Select a locksmith shop that is established, affordable, fast responding and available 24/7 for emergency situations. Ask about response times and notice things like how they answered the phone and how eager were they to provide answers to your questions. Are price quotes free and cheerfully given? Was the person on the other end of the telephone helpful and ready to provide answers to your questions?

Ask your friends and family members who they recommend and listen closely to their praises and concerns alike. What you are going to do is to find a locksmith shop that you feel worthy of handling your next lockout situation. Add their contact telephone number to your smart phone as well as that of your spouse, children, or significant other. If happen to get locked out, simply tap to call and a licensed, bonded and insured lockout professional will be on his way to you to let you back inside!

Aricle source here: LOCKOUTS – WHY CALL A LOCKSMITH?

WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME SECURITY? HERE’S HOW!

We want our place of residence to be private, a sanctuary where everyone at home can relax. For peace of mind, it’s vital to keep your household secure. Start by observing how all your home’s locks are working, and being on the lookout for any vulnerabilities in your exterior doors. Also, monitor the surrounding premises. It’s not as hard as you think to have optimal security where you live.

Be a good neighbor. Get acquainted with your neighbors, at least the ones on each side, as well as two or three neighbors across the way. Good neighbors watch out for each other. Establish trust. Communicate once in awhile. You don’t have to be friends; simply be civil. A good neighbor will watch your place while you’re gone. Some may even collect your mail, mow and water your lawn, or even help in other ways to make it look like you’re still home. Return the favor whenever you get the chance.

Have everybody in the family agree to follow basic rules.

• Answer the door only if you know the person. Install a peephole if you don’t have one already.
• Lock windows and doors every night before sleep, and anytime you’re away.
• Keep your valuables stored in unusual places.

Do It Yourself. Pay attention to possible weaknesses in your security, and your house will be less attractive to a burglar. No one’s property is completely impervious, but there are a good number of ways to prevent criminal trespass.

Don’t “hide” a spare key outside. Don’t leave an extra key atop your door, under the mat, or under a planter. That’s where a robber will look first. Will a phony rock keyholder be safer? Perhaps, but an experienced thief will likely already know exactly what it looks like. Instead, it’s far better to give a copy of your key to a trusted friend or neighbor.

Upgrade weak or worn-out locks. Any professional locksmiths worth their salt will tell you that deadbolts provide better security. Be sure to get a grade-2 deadbolt, which penetrates the doorframe. Heavy-duty is always superior. Digital or smart locks will add an additional security layer. With some, you can synch your locks to your smart device, so you don’t even have to use a key at all.

Secure windows and glass doors. Any open window will attract an intruder. First-floor windows are riskier of course, but upper-floor windows are also attractive, since a cat burglar can get in by tree, balcony, ladder, stairway, or fence. Accordingly, use a blocking device, such as a dowel of wood, on each window. This will prevent a person on the outside from sliding it open. Make sure you can remove these window-blocking devices easily from the inside, so that people will be able to leave quickly if there’s a fire.

For horizontally sliding aluminum windows, and ground-level sliding-glass doors, anti-lift devices are necessary. Install screws half-way into the upper track of the movable glass panel, so it cannot be lifted out when in the closed position. You can also stick a decal on windows and on glass doors, right next to the latch mechanisms, showing that you’re part of a Neighborhood Watch program, or that you have an alarm system.

Fortify your doors. Look at the quality of your outside doors. A hollow door is susceptible, so you ought to replace it with a solid-core door of metal or wood. Bolster your doors’ locks by replacing the strike plate ~ the stationary piece where the bolt enters ~ and mounting a solid metal plate for the sliding bolt on the doorjamb. Replace any short mounting screws with longer screws, which reach the door’s studs, thus reinforcing the doorframe.

Fasten down your air-conditioner. Apply an air-conditioner bracket, corner braces, or a sliding window lock, so someone cannot get in through an unsecured opening.

Store your keys and garage-door remote sensibly. It’s a rotten idea to routinely keep your keys and remotes near a door with glass, or a door near a window, making them visible to anyone outside. Hide them in a drawer or on hooks mounted inside a cupboard door instead.

Put ladders away. Don’t leave a ladder out, because an imposter, pretending to be a handyman or contractor, could take the ladder to enter through a window or balcony.

Keep the yard tidy. Regularly trim your hedges, plants, shrubs, and trees. If not ungainly, not properly spaced, or too tall, prowlers will find hiding places.

Protect your garage. Some thieves prefer the effortless method of getting into your home through the garage. Whenever you’re out, keep the garage door closed and locked.

Keep the lights functioning. Install lights by every door, with motion detectors to deter trespassers. Some lights also respond to variations in temperature, sound, or daylight. With some, you can connect to your smart device, so you’ll be alerted of any activity and you can respond even if you’re not home.

Install timers. You can make it look like you’re home using timers on your lights, radios, TVs, and sprinklers. If you go on vacation, you can get a mobile app synced to your smart device, and control everything remotely.

Install an alarm system. If you can afford it, install an alarm system. Teach the family how to use it daily. Keep the batteries charged, so your home will be secure even in a power outage. Consider:

• keeping your system on a timer schedule;
• adding a fire alarm;
• installing a moisture monitor in the basement to detect flooding;
• adding a carbon monoxide monitor; and
• using a smart device for remote access to the whole system, so you can monitor and adjust it anytime.

Hire an expert. If you find any weaknesses in your home’s security, to learn how to remedy each problem, consult with a trustworthy local locksmith. If you’re in Elgin, Illinois, it’s a good idea to request a free consultation from a reputable residential locksmith specialist in Elgin, such as those on staff at Ames Locksmith Service.

Aricle source here: WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME SECURITY? HERE’S HOW!

Why Homeowners Need Deadbolts

Ames Locksmith Service is one company that is reputable and highly recommended because they care about their customers. They care so much about people having safety that they have even put together information that is beneficial to people in Elgin, IL and beyond. It is more than just important that homeowners consider taking extra measures to protect their property – it is absolutely critical. In your studio apartment or condo, you surely have belongings that mean something to you. Perhaps you have an expensive TV that you just wouldn’t want stolen.

Maybe you have pets that stay at home alone while you are at work in your single family home. Regardless of what type of property you live in, you want it to be safe. Locksmith experts in Elgin can help you to achieve precisely what you are looking for. For the sake of this piece, we are going to focus on the importance of deadbolts, and what exactly they can do for you. You can do a search online to find out all of the specifics, but we have put together the basics here. Of course, it doesn’t matter if you are based in Elgin, Illinois or elsewhere – deadbolts can help you no matter where you are.

“Why do I need deadbolts?”

The reason that deadbolts are an important security measure is because they make it incredibly challenging if not impossible for an unwanted person to enter your property, at least, through the door in which they are located. A person could break off your front door lock in an attempt to get in, only to find that there is the added security of a deadbolt. This might be a deterrent enough in itself to convince a would-be thief to leave.

“What is a deadbolt?”

The very basic answer is that a deadbolt is a type of lock with a steel bolt that can extend to the door jamb and strike plate of a door frame. A single cylinder deadbolt is one type of deadbolt. Different types work differently, and some use a twist knob on the inside of the door with an outside key. Double cylinder deadbolts are another type available. Of course, with improving and ever-changing technology also comes the availability of keyless electronic deadbolts.

There are so many options to choose from. Details of different kinds of deadbolts have been outlined here for your reference. Of course, there are many other types available and they come in all different price ranges. Certain people might have a preference for a specific look, while others just want the strongest one. Have a look at what your options are. You will see popular names like Schlage and Kwikset here, amongst others:

Keyless Deadbolts – With this type of deadbolt, one just needs to remember the passcode to get in. Keyless deadbolts operate with the use of a battery. These are beneficial to homeowners who don’t want to have to keep track of a key. Mechanical deadbolts are similar but they don’t use batteries to operate. When you’re in need of added security for your property, these are good items to look into.

Kwikset Single Cylinder Satin Nickel Deadbolt (SmartKey Rekey Technology) – If you’re looking for something affordable, as in, something in the ballpark of $30 or so, you can take advantage of this single cylinder deadbolt which is able to be unlocked using a key on the outside. Smart Key Re-key Technology allows a property owner to control who can or cannot enter their property.

Baldwin Single Cylinder Venetian Bronze Arched Deadbolt (SmartKey Rekey Technology) – This comes with a turn button on the inside and it operates using a key on the outside.

Schlage Single Cylinder Satin Nickel Deadbolt – This is available in different finishes such as chrome, nickel, as well as other options. It is a single cylinder deadbolt put together for standard door prep. The cost is low just like the Kwikset Single Cylinder Satin Nickel Deadbolt.

Prime-Line Single Cylinder Satin Nickel Jimmy-Resistant Deadbolt – This item is incredibly inexpensive, and can be purchased typically for under $20. The shutter guard which is tamper-proof helps to give you the feeling of security that you are looking for.

Single Sided Deadbolts – These are not the same as a single cylinder deadbolt but they are very frequently confused with this type of deadbolt. These only have a thumb turn on the inside of the door, and on the outside of the door is blank. A locksmith should install these as unique prepping is needed. The bore hole is drilled through just half of the door rather than through the entire door.

As you can see, there are a vast array of deadbolts available in today’s market, and these are just a few of them. Hopefully you have a better idea of what is out there, and you realize that there are many different options to assist with home protection. Of course, there are tons of solutions that are entirely affordable and that can surely fit within your budget, no matter how tight it might be. Because things can get overwhelming when it comes to making the best choice, it is often times the best decision to reach out to an expert lock and security provider.

No matter where you are, you should be able to find a professional that is local to your city. One thing you can do is an online search for the best locksmith in Elgin, IL, and you can also ask family, neighbors, colleagues and friends if they have someone in mind. It is good to have someone you can use for all of your security concerns, whether you want deadbolts for your home or any other option for any property that you own. Ames Locksmith Service is a great option if you are in Illinois, but be sure to find a lock and security provider you can trust where you live. Remember that deadbolts are affordable and can make a huge difference!

Aricle source here: Why Homeowners Need Deadbolts

The Affect That Weather Can Have On Locks

If you’re experiencing problems with your locks, it might surprise you to find out that it could be due to a change in the weather. Yes, the weather. You might think there is a problem with your key when in reality it is your lock that has the problem. There are various reasons you could be experiencing a problem with your locks. Your locks may be damaged by using the wrong key or because of an attempted break-in. When the weather begins to change, you might start to find that some of your locks have become a lot more difficult to open. Here is why………..

The Result of Hot Weather on Locks

One of the most commonly known complaints in the warmer months of the year is that their door is jammed. This means that the lock will open in one direction. This typically happens on exterior doors. The warmer temperatures make the doorframe expand. If you have a deadbolt lock on the door, the problem will get worse as the door continues to expand. This makes it almost impossible for you to unlock the lock. If you have wooden doors, you’ll likely experience this problem at some point. It doesn’t generally occur with steel doors. Wood easily expands thus causing all sorts of problems with locks.

The Result of Cold Weather on Locks

Our locksmith technicians at Ames Locksmith Service in Elgin, IL seem to experience more calls about lock problems during the colder seasons than any other time of the year. Most lock problems happen once the temperature is below freezing. Instead of expanding, the door actually contracts. This means that you’ll notice a problem with the door and the lock. The first sign of a problem is when the key will no longer turn whether you are locking or unlocking a door. You don’t need a new key since the problem isn’t the key rather it is the lock that is contracting. If you pull the lock and re-align it with the frame, it is possible to get the lock to turn. This is merely a temporary fix not a permanent solution. Rather than simply continuing to maneuver the door lock, call a professional locksmith for help.

How The Colder Weather Affects Car Locks

You might experience problems with your locks turning inside your lock due to cold weather. That is because of the moisture inside your locks. This moisture makes it difficult for your key to work. You might try to solve the problem by warming up the key a bit before placing it inside the lock. This doesn’t always work but you’ll never know unless you try. If you’re lucky enough to actually get inside your car, sometimes the heated engine is enough to unfreeze the locks. It certainly would be to your advantage to at lease try these suggestions before contacting an Elgin, Illinois locksmith.

Prevent Lock Problems Due to Changes in Weather

You might not know just how upsetting it is to have your locks change until you are not able to turn the lock you’re attempting to open. It is possible to avoid some of the problems that occur during changes in the weather. You can start by depending on the services of a reputable locksmith who knows how to correctly install your locks. This can at least minimize the possibility of your locks changing due to changes in the weather.

Although you may like the design and style of wood doors, you can avoid problems with your door and lock by choosing another type of door. There are doors that you can have installed, which are not prone to changes due to the weather. If your door isn’t expanding or contracting, you’re less likely to notice problems with your locks. There are fewer problems with your locks due to weather changes when you have steel or fiberglass doors installed. Why create a problem by having a door that can be problematic when there are others to choose from. If it is simply the design of the door that you like, don’t worry, there are more design options now more than ever being offered. A qualified locksmith can even help you find one to fit the design of your style home.

You will seldom have a problem with your door locks if you remember to keep them lubricated. When they are lubricated, you generally do not have to worry about the changes in the weather. If the job is going to be performed correctly, you’ll need to disassemble the locks prior to lubricating them. If you’re not certain about how to do this, you can always rely on the services of a local Elgin locksmith.

Relying on the Services of a Locksmith

Rather than standing in the cold or the heat trying to determine why you can’t unlock your door, you can always count on the services of a locksmith service professional. Prior to contacting a locksmith, it might be a wise option to at least try the steps above to see if this will resolve your issue. Again, if you need someone to take your door apart to lubricate it, you can rely on a locksmith. Knowing when to rely on a locksmith is up to you but we can tell you that instead of ignoring the problem and simply getting a quick fix; do yourself a favor by relying on a locksmith who is capable of handling the job for you. They know how to quickly troubleshoot the problem and are aware of the problems you might experience with certain locks based on the weather outside. Not just any locksmith service will do when it is weather related problems. Only hire a locksmith service that is known for their effectiveness and responsiveness. This will save you any further time and frustration that you might experience. They get the results that you want to achieve.

Aricle source here: The Affect That Weather Can Have On Locks