Thursday, April 13, 2017

How You Can Benefit from a Keyless Entry

Let’s face it; teenagers are not the most responsible people in the world. They have a lot going on and can often do things that are very irresponsible. Their being irresponsible can affect the safety and security of your household. If you have children who also have keys to your house, just consider the lack of security you will have if they misplace or lose their house key. The same is true of anyone in the household who has a key and loses it. Your homes security is now compromised. We only mentioned teenagers because they are not as careful as older ones when it comes to things of this nature. However, with the advances in technology, there is something that you can do to minimize the possibility of lost or stolen house keys. Many homeowners are finding out just how beneficial it is to have a keyless entry. The keyless entry allows you to get in and out of an area without the use of a physical key. It not only eliminates the need for a key but it also offers you a greater amount of convenience. If this isn’t enough to convince you of going keyless, perhaps these things will.

Benefits of Keyless Entry

  • When you divorce or separate from a spouse, you can quickly change the access code to prevent them from gaining access.
  • The need for keys is eliminated
  • Keys are not duplicated
  • No one can get inside without knowing the code
  • You can set codes for service providers and quickly change it after the job has been completed
  • You can open remotely from your smartphone
  • You can program your keypad to provide access to someone at specific times on specific days
  • It decreases the chance of burglary when there is no lock to be compromised

Now if you’re a business owner, you already know the value of having keyless entry. However, if you do not, here are some things for commercial business owners to consider.

  • You can monitor who is coming and going
  • Employees can be quickly added and deleted from the keyless entry system. Your other employees do not have to be affected by these changes
  • Employees can receive access into specific areas during specific times of the day
  • You can disable the system to keep employees out after-hours
  • Management can be offered access into areas where other employees are not able to access
  • Instead of having someone sign people in and out, your system can keep track of this information for you
  • Theft is decreased
  • You can keep track of how many people are in your building at any specific time of the day.

Since this type of entry allows for quick and easy access, it is no wonder they are placed in government buildings, hospitals and schools. With so much foot traffic, it could become a little congested if proper steps were not taken to avoid this from occurring. There are several types of keyless entry locks available to you. Here are some of the most popular.

  • Electronic Keypad Locks – This is one of the most popular types of keyless locks.
  1. If a code is compromised, it can be reprogrammed quickly. It can even be reprogrammed from a remote location.
  2. Specific codes can be given to each person with access or one for the entire family. If you are a business owner, you will likely want each employee to have a different code.
  3. It doesn’t require hard-wiring to be installed. This means it’s not very expensive to have it installed.
  4. When there is a power outage, most models offer an override feature, which will still offer you access into your home or business.
  • Electronic Keypad Lever Combination – This is another popular keyless entry option. However, this one is better suited for businesses rather than homes.
  1. A fob key is used instead of a traditional key
  2. They can be programmed based on the proximity of the transmitter
  3. They come with override feature that will allow you to open the door when there is an emergency
  4. Any access code can be quickly reprogrammed
  5. Access codes can be programmed and reprogrammed remotely
  6. Battery operated models are available
  7. They monitor who is coming in and out of the building
  • Intercom System – This is a valuable system that works for home or a business. It is a system that is used most often in apartment buildings and businesses. This system gives homeowners the ability to speak to who is approaching their home before giving them access inside. You will often notice that before you are able to just walk into someone’s apartment, you will have to call them on a call box. This call box has an intercom. You look up the tenants name and press the button associated with their name. Once they respond, they the door will disengage and you will have access inside. If this system ever needs to be replaced, our technicians at Locksmith in San Bernardino will be able to use the existing wiring. After someone moves out, the code is then deactivated and a new one is generated for the next tenant. This affords tenants an extra layer of security and they are able to easily access the building with the use of a fob key instead of a traditional key.

With all of these advantages, it is no wonder so many homeowners and businesses use the keyless entry. Once thought of as something only rich people invested in, the keyless entry is now accessible to everybody regardless of their finances. Manufacturers see the benefit in offering this to homeowners and now offer it in every price point. With the amount of burglaries that occur today, people are always trying to find ways to prevent it from happening to them. If you are one of these people, you might just consider the level of security offered with a keyless entry.




Aricle source here: How You Can Benefit from a Keyless Entry

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

TIPS TO HIRE A GOOD LOCKSMITH

Do you need help from a locksmith? Would you like to know how to hire one? Locksmith in San Bernardino should know; after all, we are an established, highly regarded, full-service lock and key firm that services the entire San Bernardino, CA metro area with many highly satisfied customers that call us again and again for premium quality, 24-hour locksmith service. Of course you can always call us for help with your locks and keys, but what if you live somewhere else, or you just want to know the best ways in which to select a solid performing, highly professional locksmith company?

Just call any locksmith, right?

Um, no! This is the wrong way to go about hiring a good locksmith. The sad truth of the matter is that many people go through more effort selecting a cleaning service than they would a locksmith. Sure, clean is important, but so are your safety and security. Throw in the protection of your loved ones and belongings and you can see how choosing the best locksmith for your hard earned dollar is important.

Insist on a license

This surprises many people. They sometimes feel that they are paying more for “a piece of paper” and concentrate more on getting a lower price or bid. Big mistake! The truth of the matter is that with a tiny bit of effort, you can find a fully licensed, bonded, and insured San Bernardino, CA locksmith company that is not only affordable, but is skilled, experienced and great to work with, too!

Oddly enough, many of the people saying that you don’t need to hire licensed lock and key help are the ones that didn’t pass the tests or requirements needed to actually gain a license. But think about it; would you go to an unlicensed doctor or attorney? Would you let a dentist work on your teeth if he or she never got certified? Remember; you are not hiring cleaning help or a baby sitter. Your quest is to hire a person that can properly and professionally service the locks and keys to your home, car or business! Let that sink in for a minute.

Anyone can make keys, right?

At first, this is a good observation. It’s partly true. You can take your house key to any local home improvement store or mail center and someone there will most likely be able to copy it for you. So far; so good. Now, let’s say that your house gets broken into and you need new locks installed on your door tonight; before you go to sleep or leave for work in the morning. Can you call your clerk from the convenience store and have him come over? A locksmith does more than just make house calls. He is a specialist in lock protection. A proper locksmith will be able to repair the lock damage done or install a newer, better lock in its place.

Another example would be your car keys. If you lose or break your car’s transponder key, you would have to call upon your car dealership to supply you a new one. That key would have to be programmed and duplicated at the dealership and you would have to bring your car in to do it. This would involve a big price tag, long service area waits and tow fees too, as your car won’t run without a proper key.

On the other hand, a full service automotive locksmith in San Bernardino, CA would simply come to your location and cut and program a key for you on-site. The convenience is astounding and the price would only be a fraction of what the dealer charges. The quality would be equal or better, too. Are you starting to see where hiring an experienced and licensed professional is vital for good customer service and proper locksmith quality?

Start calling now!

What? Call now? What if you don’t need a locksmith yet? Actually, this is the best time of all to call. Think about it. When do most people call for a locksmith? It’s when they need one immediately! Maybe they just go locked out or lost their keys. Maybe their home was burglarized and the locks were damaged. We agree; call a locksmith when you need one, but have one picked out beforehand so that when the need arises, he or she is already selected and on speed dial on your smart phone!

Insist on these qualities!

Your locksmith of choice needs to be affordable; not cheap, but fair in price and honest. Look for a shop that offers free price quotes along with good customer service. Many of your better establishments also provide no-obligation consultations and friendly telephone assistance anytime needed.

Emergencies happen; that’s a fact of life. Look for a shop that offers 24-hour urgent lock and key help including nights, weekends and holidays. Make sure that fast response times are part of their offering – minutes count when you are having an emergency! Some shops offer live response telephone dispatchers and this is a good thing! Too many emergency messages go unanswered when lost in voice mail or in an outdated answering machine.

Mobile service vehicles are important. Ask your locksmith of choice if theirs are fully gassed, fully stocked, and always ready to come to your aid, 24/7. You don’t want to need a lock professional, only to have him held up because they are waiting on a vehicle.

Your San Bernardino, CA locksmith needs to carry insurance and be bonded. If a mishap occurs on one of the jobs, both you and the lock professional need to be covered. Be sure to ask about this when calling local shops and if the staff shy away from this question or any other, avoid them and call someone else.

It’s worth taking a little time to call, ask questions and find the right locksmith for your needs. Look for the above qualities and you can’t go wrong! Who knows; you may never need to use a great locksmith, but if you do; he’ll already be logged in your mobile devices!




Aricle source here: TIPS TO HIRE A GOOD LOCKSMITH

Friday, March 3, 2017

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT KIND OF LOCKS FOR YOU

San Bernardino DeadboltAre you shopping for the best locks for your home or business? Once you start, you’ll see that there’s an almost countless selection of sorts of locks ~ such as wall-mounted locks, pin-tumbler locks, deadbolts, bump-proof locks, high-security cylinders, lever-handled locks, padlocks, cam locks, rim locks, interchangeable core cylinder locks, mortise locks, doorknob locks, key-in-knob cylinder locks, combination locks, keycard locks, biometric locks, switch locks, and even more! The most well-known reputable name brands are:

  • Ace
  • American
  • Arrow
  • ASSA
  • Baldwin
  • Ilco
  • Falcon
  • Kwikset
  • Master
  • Medeco
  • Primus
  • Schlage
  • Yale

Deadbolts, as any expert locksmith will advise you, are a dependable line of defense when it comes to effectively guarding your place of residence. The reason they’re called “dead” is because they don’t have springs to operate the bolt; that is, a deadbolt is operated by hand ~ with a key or thumbturn.

Professional residential locksmiths usually recommend that you install deadbolts on all exterior doors. There are many different types of deadbolts. The most common are: single-cylinder, double-cylinder, jimmy-proof, and lockable thumbturn.

  • The single-cylinder deadbolt is the standard deadbolt lock, with a key cylinder outside, and a thumbturn inside to close or open it. These deadbolt locks are normally found on solid wooden or metal doors. The only drawback to this deadbolt is that if there’s any access to the inside ~ such as through a window in the door, through the peephole, or through a window close to the door ~ then a thief could open the door with the thumbturn.
  • A double-cylinder deadbolt adds a bit more security. This deadbolt has a key cylinder both inside and outside the door. That means that if it’s locked, the double-cylinder always requires a key for opening the door from inside. It’s perfect if your door has glass in it, or if your door has a window nearby, because a thief who manages to break the glass and reach in will not be able to unlock the door. Its one minor downside is that you have to remember to keep an extra key available in the house, so whenever folks are home, in case of fire or any other emergency, everyone can quickly and safely get out of the house.
  • A jimmy-proof deadbolt is a surface-mount lock, which you often see on double doors and at apartment complexes. A surface-mount lock means that the lock screws inside the door, instead of with a unique drill pattern, the way a basic deadbolt does. A jimmy-proof deadbolt is well-liked, since only minor door modifications are required. In this kind of deadbolt lock, the deadbolt interlocks with the jamb bracket. Thus it’s not prone to being pulled apart, and it’s also hard to force it open from the outside.
  • The lockable thumbturn deadbolt combines the features of the single-cylinder and the double-cylinder deadbolt. With a thumbturn inside, it works like a basic single-cylinder deadbolt, yet it can also be locked with a key, so that the thumbturn won’t unlock or lock your door unless you also have the key. The thumbturn can thus be left in an unlocked position while you’re home, but it will still work just like the single-cylinder deadbolt. Then, when you go away, especially if it’s for a long time, the thumbturn can easily be locked. This deadbolt provides superior security and flexibility.

These are all smart choices in deadbolts. There are also other viable deadbolts you ought to consider: mortise, rim, vertical, keyless, and digital.

  • A mortise deadbolt is a deadbolt that can’t be easily tampered with. Old-fashioned-looking, this deadbolt is installed in a mortise or recess pocket, cut into the door’s edge. This lock offers you extraordinary resilience; but one disadvantage is that because you need to penetrate the door frame to make a large hole, it may slightly weaken the door’s structure.
  • A rim deadbolt is an easy-to-install deadbolt, bolted to the inside face of the door. One plus to this deadbolt lock is that it locks behind you automatically when you close the door, so you won’t ever forget to lock it. Obviously, if you lose your keys a lot, you may not see this feature as an advantage. Also, some view a rim deadbolt as unappealing and clunky.
  • A vertical deadbolt lock is bolted to the inside of the door, but on top, making it impossible for a burglar to force it open by placing a bar between the door and the frame. It’s relatively effortless to install this deadbolt. One minor shortcoming to the vertical deadbolt is that it’s a little unwieldy; some folks view it as unattractive.
  • A keyless deadbolt lock is mounted on the door’s inside, but it has a keypad rather than a keyhole. You put in your secret code rather than turning a key. Since you don’t use a key, there won’t be a concern over having it stolen or losing it. Another benefit is that you can change the code as often as you want to optimize your security.
  • A digital deadbolt is much like a keyless deadbolt, having a keypad, but it also requires electricity or batteries. With this deadbolt, make sure you always keep the batteries charged, or your property will be absolutely vulnerable if there is a power outage. One weakness to such an electronic device is that there’s a small possibility it could be hackable.

This has been an overview of the most popular no-nonsense locks. The fact is, there is a lock to fit every purpose and locale. If you want to make well-informed decisions about the exact right locks for your home or your commercial building, take your questions to a trusty local locksmith company. If you’re in San Bernardino, California, hire a reliable locksmith such as a mobile residential locksmith specialist on staff at Locksmith in San Bernardino, where free consultations are available.




Aricle source here: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT KIND OF LOCKS FOR YOU

Friday, February 24, 2017

What to Do If You Lose Your Transponder Key

Automotive Castle Rock Locksmith - (720) 310-1717 Castle Rock, CWhen you end up misplacing a key, it is extremely frustrating. This is especially true when you use that key every single day. Maybe you have occasions in which you seem to misplace a piece of insignificant jewelry, or even a piece of clothing (which is actually just at the bottom of your closet). But losing a key is a much bigger deal. The team at Locksmith in San Bernardino, which is based in San Bernardino, CA gets so many calls about missing transponder keys that they have put together this information so that if it ever happens to you, you will know exactly what to do. One thing that many people do is turn directly to their car’s dealership, but the fact is, you can actually get much better rates and sometimes even faster service by turning to an automotive locksmith for help.

A locksmith provider that is local to your area who focuses on automotive options will provide you with repairs and replacements for a great rate. This covers more than just transponder key programming and transponder key replacement. From an expert such as this, you can also usually take advantage of break in repairs, lock replacement and a whole lot more. Now let’s have a look at what goes into transponder key replacement, and the steps to take if you end up losing a transponder key.

First of all, be sure to retrace your steps to make sure that your transponder key isn’t actually just hiding out in your home. Check the places you normally put your key down. Do you typically have it sitting on the driver’s seat while you unload groceries? Do you come in and set it down on the counter? Sure this sounds like common sense, but in a state of panic, it can be easy to forget the basics. If you are sure your transponder key is lost, read on!

Transponder key replacement

Here is what you need to know: a transponder key is made with a chip that is placed inside its head (usually plastic) and once it is activated, it sends a signal to your vehicle. Basically, without the right transponder key, you can’t start your vehicle. This is a theft deterrent, and a strong one. In order to replace a transponder key, one needs a replacement key blade which is cut to the appropriate configuration and then the transponder chip must be programmed. If this sounds a bit confusing, it is, and that’s why it is best to turn to an expert for help with transponder key replacement and programming if you happen to lose your transponder key.

Here is what you can expect to need

If you misplaced your transponder key, you will need to be able to prove that you are the owner of the car. Car registration is useful for this. If you have a chip code, this will make things even easier. This can be obtained through the manufacturer of your vehicle. An expert will, upon verifying that you are in fact the owner of the vehicle, cut a new key for you. They will need the vehicle’s chassis number to do this. Again, this is why you will need registration for said vehicle. The chassis number will be in this documentation. A locksmith will then program your chip with the chip code. They might also end up reprogramming the ECU so that it will work properly with the replacement key.

Choose someone you can trust for the task

Obviously, whenever it relates to the security of your property, you want to hire someone you can trust. If you have made the decision to avoid going through your dealership because the price is too high or because there isn’t a dealership anywhere near you, then here are some steps to take to pick the best lock and security provider for the job.

  1. Ask people you already trust if they have an automotive locksmith that they would recommend. Word of mouth is a great way to learn about excellent businesses. Talk to your neighbors, talk to your friends, talk to your coworkers. See if they recommend anyone. If you tried this and didn’t get the information you were looking for, then try an online search. Through Yelp, Facebook and other apps/sites, you will be able to find more information and reviews on local businesses.
  2. Once you have found a locksmith, give them a call. Ask them about what they have to offer. Make sure that they are insured and licensed.
  3. Make sure that they are willing to provide you with a free price estimate for transponder key programming or transponder key replacement.

Obviously, if you are in San Bernardino, California you can call the team at Locksmith in San Bernardino for help. This is a team that understands exactly how to work with transponder keys and they can even give you tips on how to avoid misplacing your key in the future. There are so many other services that can be discussed with you as well, from lock replacement to repairs after a break in. You might even want to know more about keyless entry for the future. Just be sure to turn to a professional when it comes to services such as transponder key replacement. You don’t want to end up making a mistake that ends up costing you more money later. If you have done your research and know now that you want to talk with a lock and security provider, be sure to pull up one that is local to your area. There are locksmiths all over the country who have plenty of experience handling locks and keys for homes, businesses and vehicles. You can rest assured that most of these local experts offer very competitive prices, so it won’t cost you a small fortune to have the work done that you need.




Aricle source here: What to Do If You Lose Your Transponder Key

Friday, January 27, 2017

Getting the Best Locks

San Bernardino Keypad LockIt is true that most people want to get what the pay for. Nobody enjoys spending their hard earned money on crap, even if it is something as small as a lock. Just because it is a lock doesn’t mean that it can’t be a quality lock. If you do not take the time to find out what types of locks are considered to be the best and which ones are not, then you actually stand a better chance of getting a good lock. Don’t be in a jury to buy something to have a lock on the door. What is the point in securing the door with a lock if the lock doesn’t prove effective. If you are in a hurry and you must put something on the door, get what you can for now but don’t make this your permanent solution.

Our San Bernardino locksmiths at Locksmith in San Bernardino will still encourage you to shop around for the best lock possible to secure your door. If you want to be able to get what you pay for, make sure you do your research before purchasing a lock that is ineffective. A good lock will offer you the best level of security. Regardless of where you buy your lock, you just want to make sure you’re able to make a well-informed decision about the level of durability a certain lock has to offer. We understand that it is possible to buy the same locks that you already have on your door but it might not be the best choice, no matter how easy it is to go with what you already have. The following article will highlight ways that you are able to find the best locks for your doors. The best lock would be one that you will not be easy for someone to break.

Get Your Money’s Worth

When you don’t take the time to do the research to find the best lock possible, you often end up with something that wasn’t worth the expense. Instead of taking chances with your safety and security, why not give yourself enough time to really research the various types of locks offered to you. You actually will get what you pay for when you choose a less expensive lock. This is because they do not use the same quality of materials to design the less expensive locks. Since they don’t have to use quality materials when designing these locks, it is logical to conclude that you may not get the best quality lock at the cheaper rate. If you buy a cheap lock, it is fine if you’re using it just to keep a door shut. However, if you are buying a new lock to secure an area, you want the best quality of lock possible. You’ll definitely want a more durable lock, which cannot be compromised. There is a number rating associated with locks. Many people use this rating to determine, which type of lock they will buy. However, be advised that the rating doesn’t always prove to be accurate in determining the level of durability that a lock has. If you want to know for certain just how durable and sturdy a certain lock is, consult with the professional associates at Locksmith in San Bernardino.

Price Does Matter

It is often proven that the more expensive the lock is the more durable it usually is. However, there may still be a price point that you feel is most appropriate for you based on your household expenses. This is fine, just keep in mind what you want to spend on a new lock and remember that this is all that you would like to spend. Make sure you are able to receive the absolute best lock at your specified rate. A more expensive lock often uses better material to design and construct it. If you’re interested in a more high-tech lock, you may even choose to buy a smart lock. With advanced technology, it is extremely difficult to compromise this type of lock. Although the upfront expensive of having this sort of lock installed is expensive, it is well worth it in the end as you’ll never have to worry about it being compromised. However, if this type of lock doesn’t interest you, there is nothing to worry about, there are still plenty of lock options. Just keep in mind that you are paying for the lock construction when buying a lock. When you’re looking for a consistently effective lock, it will often be made with solid construction. The manufacturers make it worth the added expense.

Does Lock Brand Matter

It doesn’t always matter as to whether or not a certain lock was designed by a well-known manufacturer or not. In many cases, people will buy a lock simply because they are familiar with the brand or have heard the name of a certain brand before. This does not mean that that particular brand offers the best locks; it just means they have the marketing dollars to market to a larger audience of people. This is likely why you hear of other brands more than others. You cannot trust every brand simply because they are popular. You also have to be careful about less known brands. Those that you are not familiar with are often made overseas. They often lack good craftsmanship and therefore are not always in effective in securing your room or area. The fit of a particular lock determines just how effective the lock will be along with its level of durability.

At the end of the day, you just want to make sure you make a conscientious decision about the locks that you use to ensure you have the best chance of preventing a break-in. Keep safe and secure your valuables by researching the types of locks that you will be able to choose from. The last thing to remember is that no matter how good the locks are, if you do not have a good locksmith to install the locks, it really doesn’t matter how good the locks are, they still won’t be effective.




Aricle source here: Getting the Best Locks