KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR HOME SECURITY

Surprise Residential Locksmith

There are always things you can do to better secure your home.

Your home ought to be a safe place, a sanctuary from the rest of the world, where you can truly relax. No dwelling is impervious, but there are still plenty of ways you can protect your home and family from potential criminal trespass. Let’s consider how you can make your property less attractive to a thief. To keep your peace of mind, be on the lookout for any possible vulnerabilities that may come up regarding your locks, points of entry, and the premises.

Follow simple daily rules.

• Lock all your doors and windows anytime you leave, and before you go to sleep.
• Answer your door only if you know the person. (Install a peephole if you don’t have one. It’s best to use a wide-angle 160-degree peephole mounted no higher than 58 inches.)
• Keep any valuables well hidden in unexpected places.

Unclutter your yard.

Keep your shrubs, hedges, plants, and trees properly trimmed, in order to eliminate potential intruder hiding spots. If they’re too tall, not very well spaced, or otherwise unwieldy, a potential burglar will be able to hide easily.

Don’t keep a “hidden” house key.

Don’t keep your house key inside your mailbox, under the mat, or under a flower pot, because any smart intruder will find it. If you have a fake rock as a keyholder, a professional burglar will already know what it looks like. Instead, give a spare key to a trusted neighbor.

Keep all keys and garage-door remotes stored sensibly.

Don’t keep your keys and remotes in plain sight next to a door with a window, or otherwise visible to someone outside. It’s smarter to keep them handy hidden inside a cupboard or drawer instead.

Secure your air-conditioning unit.

To keep someone from getting through an unsecured window, protect your air-conditioner with a bracket, corner braces, or a sliding window lock.

Keep your ladders properly stored.

Don’t keep a ladder outside, because a burglar can pretend to be a handyman or contractor, and take your ladder to get in through an upper window, or maybe make it up to your balcony.

Keep your garage secure.

Don’t forget about the garage door. Keep it closed and locked when you’re not around, and you’ll prevent a potential criminal activity.

Use top-quality lighting, and keep your lights in working order.

Install outdoor lights with infrared motion detectors near each outside door. Motion detector lights will effectively keep trespassers away because they cannot hide. You can also choose lights that respond to changes in temperature, sound, or light, or time of day. Some lighting systems will even allow you to connect to a smart device with a mobile app, so you can continually monitor for possible undesirable activity and respond immediately.

Install timers.

You can put your outside lights on timers. Whenever you’re out for the day, or gone for an extended period, you can make it seem like people are home by using timers on your interior lights too, as well as on your radios and TVs. If you’re away on vacation, it’s even possible to monitor and control everything with a mobile app.

Reinforce your doors.

A hollow door is not as safe, because it’s easier to penetrate. Therefore, as soon as possible, replace it with a solid-core door made of wood or metal. Fortify your doors’ locks by replacing the strike plate (the stationary piece where the bolt enters), and mounting a solid metal plate on the doorjamb for the sliding bolt. Replace any short mounting screws with longer screws that will reach the door’s studs, and this will add more strength to the doorframe.

Replace any poor-quality or worn-out locks with upgraded locks.

Locksmith professionals will always tell you that deadbolts provide you with extra security. Get a grade-2 deadbolt lock, which penetrates the doorframe. Or, purchase smart or digital locks, which provide an additional layer of security.

Secure all your windows and glass doors.

Of course, a window left open is attractive to a potential robber. Ground floor windows are more susceptible to break-ins. Upper floor windows can also be fairly attractive if someone can enter from a tree, ladder, balcony, or fence. It’s good to use a secondary blocking device, such as a wooden dowel, on each window. For optimal safety in an emergency, make sure you can easily remove your window blocking devices from the inside.

For ground level sliding-glass doors, and for any aluminum windows that slide horizontally, use anti-lift devices. Install screws half-way into the upper track of the movable glass panel, which will prevent it from being lifted out in the closed position. Then you may want to place a decal on each glass door or windowpane, near the latch mechanism, to indicate that you have an alarm system, or a neighborhood watch in place.

Install an alarm system.

If you have an alarm system, be sure you know how it works, and then don’t forget to use it! If you’re not arming it, it’s worthless. Teach everyone in the family to operate it properly every day. Consider these strategies:

• Put your system on a timer schedule.
• Add a fire alarm.
• Always keep the batteries charged. The batteries’ warning system will tell you whenever they’re getting low, so don’t allow them to drain entirely. You want your home to be protected, even in a power outage.
• If you live in an area prone to floods, you can install a moisture monitor for your basement to detect flooding.
• Add a carbon monoxide monitor.
• With some alarm systems, you can use your smart device to monitor and adjust your security system anytime.

Finally, be a good neighbor.

Get to know the people in your neighborhood ~ at least on each side of your home as well as two or three across the street. Good neighbors look out for each other. Establish trust by communicating regularly. A good neighbor will keep an eye on your home while you’re gone. You don’t have to be friends; just be civil and help each other out. Some may be willing to care for your lawn, pick up your mail, or do small things that will make it look like you’re home. Be sure to return the favor.

When you can’t do it yourself, hire a professional.

If you do find any weak spots in your home’s security, ask an expert on the best way to remedy each issue. If you’re in Surprise, AZ, you may want to request a free consultation from one of the residential locksmith specialists on staff at Surprise Secure Locksmith.

Visit or contact us for more information:

Surprise Secure Locksmith

24 Hour Emergency Locksmith Service

Monday through Sunday, all day

Dispatch Address: 16682 NW Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Email: Bill@surpriselocksmith.net

Phone: (623) 498-8694

http://www.surpriselocksmith.net/

Further details at: http://www.surpriselocksmith.net/news/news.html

Various Lockout Situations You May Encounter

A lockout can occur when you least expect it at home, at work or your car. When someone has your attention and you’re distracted, it is easy to lock yourself out. The first inclination of some people is to break a window to get back inside. What they are not considering is the problem that this would cause. It would resolve one problem but create another one. Now, you will need someone to replace the broken window right away. Perhaps you’ve locked yourself out after business hours? Now you’ll have to find a 24-hour locksmith service like Surprise Secure Locksmith. No matter how you look at it, being locked out is a pain.

Being in this situation can be frustrating for anyone, no matter how patient you are. It is because it was unexpected that makes it so annoying. While it would be easy for us to say not to panic, it would be a little unrealistic. However, being relaxed and not panicking makes it possible for you to think more clearly about how you will resolve the situation. When you think clearly, you are usually able to resolve the problem without making it worse than it already is. In Surprise, AZ, we have certainly seen our fair share of lockouts.

Types of Lockout Situations

Automotive Lockouts 

Automotive lockouts occur so often that we are assured of helping someone with their automotive lockout needs every day. When you are doing too many things at one time, it can easily happen to you. When you are talking on the phone, looking around to gather your belongs, or talking to children in the car, it is easy for you to forget to remove your keys from the ignition or lay them on the seat without picking them out. Does this sound familiar? Again, stay calm so that you can figure out the best way to gain access back inside without making the problem worse. 

If you want to get back inside your car in a hurry, it is a good idea to make sure someone always has a spare key to your car. This would be someone like a friend or family member who would be available to come to your aid when you need them. You should think about someone who is responsible and who will come to your rescue in a timely manner rather than making you wait for too long. We suggest you give the key to someone who can put themselves in your shoes and who will respond accordingly.

Commercial Lockouts

This is another lockout that is rather common, especially when you are the only employee or the last employee to leave the building. Sometimes, people walk out not realizing that they did not place a latch on the door to get back inside and before they know it, they are standing outside without a phone or anything of use to them. We are happy to aid you in getting back inside but you may be able to get back in before we even arrive. If you’re working late and you’re in a dark area without very much foot traffic, you may not have much time to wait for us to arrive.

We advise you to have someone else there with you at all times. This way, when you have to step outside to bring something back inside, there is someone to let you in and someone to watch over the business while you are outside. This also serves as extra security for your business. If there is a maintenance person who holds the keys to your building, you can always reach out to them to let you back in. However, if it is after hours, they may not be available. If there is a leasing office in walking distance, you could ask them to unlike your door. If all of this fails or isn’t possible, give us at call at Surprise Secure Locksmith where we work around the clock to assist customers who find themselves in this type of lockout situation.

Home Lockouts

Being locked out of the house is probably easier than being locked out somewhere else, only because you are on familiar ground. We aren’t saying that this is any less frustrating but at least you’re in an environment that you know. When you are running a quick errand next door or getting the mail out of the mailbox, you may not realize that you have a latch on your screen door or front door that locks behind you. You are now locked out with no way back in. This is when you’ll need to try to figure out a plan to gain access again. Locking yourself out of your home can happen so quickly that you are left numb, not knowing what you should do.

Again, if you have given someone a spare key, they can quickly come to your aid and get you back inside. If no one has a key, you may be stranded until a professional locksmith can get you the help you need. You wouldn’t want to just ask anyone off the street to let you inside your home; this would be dangerous. The best way to gain access again is to get help from someone you know or by contacting us. If your cell phone is inside, you likely do not even have the number of the person who may have your spare key. However, if you can make your way to a neighbor’s house, you may be able to receive the help you need. In fact, we would suggest that if you live in an apartment, you visit the leasing office and ask if maintenance can let you back inside. If you’re a homeowner, it might be a good idea to give a spare key to a trusted neighbor. This will enable you to gain quick access back inside your home where you will be safe and sound. More importantly, you can get on with the rest of your day.

Watch Our Streamed Video at Youtube

Source: Surprise Secure Locksmith – Live Stream Edited 

Watch more videos at our Youtube Channel

To get the best lock and key solutions in Surprise, Arizona, you have to come to Surprise Secure Locksmith. We offer mobile lock solutions and we are a full service company. Call us today to find out more about what we can do for you. Call: (623) 498-8694. We are always open so you can call us at any time. With our affordable rates, premium customer service, top brands and expert team, we are sure you will be happy with everything at Surprise Secure Locksmith. Surprise, AZ locals love us!

Browse through our website at www. surpriselocksmith.net

AND CALL US: (623) 498-8694

WHEN TO REPLACE LOCKS

At first it seems simple; replace your locks whenever needed! How hard is that? If it was that simple our Surprise Secure Locksmith techs wouldn’t be asked all the time when it’s time to replace locks. The simple truth is this; a lot depends on when or even if you replace your locks. You might find that rekeying your locks works just as well. You might HAVE to replace your locks and be left with no other alternative. The real question is; what are YOUR needs?

What lock replacement means…?

Lock replacement is just that – full replacement of the entire lock. The original lock is removed and a new one takes its place. Naturally you’ll need new keys in order to lock or unlock it. This is NOT a rekey but it is often called a change-out. Rekeys keep the original lock and only the inside pins and springs are replaced. There are many similarities and differences, but just remember that a lock replacement is just like it sounds; full replacement of the whole lock. Prices here in Surprise, Arizona reflect that rekeys are a little less expensive than replacements but to be sure, call your favorite local locksmith shop and get some price quotes and have your questions answered by the pros.

Residential lock replacement

You come home from a nice dinner and instantly notice something wrong; your locks were broken into! After finding that your house is safe to enter and that the intruders are gone, you get a frightening thought; how can stay there tonight with no locking door? How can you leave for work in the morning? This is a classic case of needing a lock replacement. No rekey job will help here! You need to call a 24-hour emergency locksmith for help and here in Surprise, AZ, there are several of them, including ours.

Let’s do another scenario. Say that the break-in happened to your neighbor and not to you. Your door locks were left untouched, but the intrusion did make you think! Are your locks adequate or are they easy to pick open? Is it time to upgrade to newer, stronger locks that offer greater protection? You talk to your spouse and decide that it is time for a lock upgrade. You guessed it – upgrading your home door lock involves replacing it with a stronger, more secure one.

Lock replacement for cars

The same scenario above also applies to cars and other automotive vehicles. Cars are broken into and stolen all the time and if the lock involved was rendered useless, it’s time to replace it. These car locks can be on the trunk, on the door, or they can be for the ignition. Sometimes the glove compartment is ransacked as the crook was looking for registration, insurance, wallets or even remote controls. A new lock can be installed on the glove box or an older, weaker one can be replaced.

Some people want better car locks and others want upgrades like keyless entry systems along with keyless remotes. These cases require replacing the old lock with these upgrades. Also, there is a huge business involving car repos, car auctions, estate auctions and probate sales involving personal property and cars. Many times, keys are not present or included in the transaction and the new owners want new locks installed for a “fresh start.”

Commercial lock replacement

There are thousands of businesses in the Surprise metro area and each one of them is protected by locks. Commercial lock replacement usually occurs when companies change hands and new owners want a “make-over” with better, stronger locks in place of the previous older ones. Crime is not high in our town but break-ins and lock damage do occur on occasion, and this also necessitates lock replacement.

Advances in new commercial lock technology also plays a big part in commercial lock replacement as stronger, more upgrades versions appear on the market. Local companies can use everything from deadbolts and padlocks to biometric entry systems and advanced electronic access control. In many cases, lock upgrades can be a business tax write-off so making improvements to a local commercial building or location can be beneficial in many ways.

Local businesses come in many forms. Locally, we have apartment rentals, beauty shops, fine dining, home improvement, laundromats, fast food, private schools, medical clinics, attorneys, home builders, convenience stores, grocery outlets, movie theaters, electronics stores, hotels, hospitals, dentists, and thousands more. We have locks on front and back doors, offices, bathrooms, conference rooms, lockers, desks, file cabinets, storage rooms, break rooms, lounges and literally all over town. With technology changing, improving and advancing, business owners and managers are always interested in improving profits as well as safety and security for their customers, staff and inventory.

Not sure yet?

Each person has unique lock needs and requirements. If reading the above leaves you still unsure about lock replacement, we encourage you to call our shop or that of your favorite local locksmith in Surprise, AZ. We deal with lock and key needs and requirements on a daily basis so a full service locksmith is always in a good position to answer your questions and to provide useful recommendations and ideas.

Weigh several factors; cost, need and future plans. If you are selling your home, car or business and you want to list newer, stronger locks as an upgrade; replacement may be a good idea. If you want greater peace of mind, security and to have the latest in quality lock hardware; replacement may be for you. Most locksmith shops offer free price quotes and are reasonably priced. It’s best to look for a locksmith that offers round the clock emergency service for those times when urgent help is required. Be sure to add your locksmith’s contact number to your smart phone. If you run a local business, be sure that all of your partners and senior managers also have access to your 24-hour lock professional. Good locks offer enhanced security and if you or your close associates need locks replaced; be sure and do it!

WHEN YOU’RE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH YOUR TRANSPONDER KEY, HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

How does a transponder key work?

These days, transponder keys are basically standard for most cars. They make it more difficult for anyone to steal your automobile. Although it’s more expensive than a traditional key, a transponder key is worth the peace of mind you’ll have.

If you’ve used a transponder key ~ also called a transponder “chip” key ~ then you know how effortless it is to use than a regular key. These specialized keys are ignition keys that make it much easier to get in and out of your car, because you can unlock the doors without putting the car key in the lock mechanism; you can open the trunk remotely; you can activate and deactivate your car alarm; and, with some transponder keys, you can actually remotely start up your car.

A transponder key has a chip inside, which sends out a distinctive signal to your vehicle’s computer, a unique frequency aligned to your automobile only. When the signal is received, the mechanical part of the key releases the steering lock so you can activate the ignition.

Problems, however, can sometimes come up. Here’s how to get out of a jam when it comes to challenges with your transponder key.

Is your transponder key lost?

Losing your car key is a bigger problem than it used to be. Back in the day, with a conventional key, you could get a spare key duplicated for almost nothing, at any local locksmith company or hardware store, or even at your dealership. But a transponder key is something else. If you’ve permanently misplaced your transponder key, replacing it is expensive. Depending on your car’s make and model, and on the intricacy of the key’s design, the price for replacing your electronic fob will range from rather costly to exceptionally pricey. Some dealerships will reprogram your key fob for free, but most will charge a lot.

Was your transponder key stolen?

When you bought your vehicle, you were given two transponder keys. Of course, you can retrieve your other transponder key from a family member or friend who has your spare copy, which will get you back on the road for now. But bear in mind that since your transponder key is aligned to your vehicle only, a car thief who locates your key could easily steal your car. Therefore, you ought to get a replacement now, and reprogram both of them.

To get a transponder key copied, replaced, and reprogrammed, find an automotive locksmith specialist, or go straight to the dealership. In many instances, a locksmith will charge you less than your dealership will charge. If you’re in Surprise, Arizona, bring your questions and concerns to a reputable locksmith company. For example, the mobile staff automotive locksmith specialists of Surprise Secure Locksmith offer free consultations, and they’re available 24/7.

For some cars, the transponder key is an all-in-one unit, which includes the fob. It’s also called a laser-cut key. The shank is slightly thicker, with fewer carved-out grooves. It’s also called a “sidewinder” key, because of the winding-cut feature of the shank. The dealership will probably need to program the laser-cut key’s built-in chip.

A switchblade key is a transponder key with a shank that folds into the fob, which you pop out with the press of a button. A switchblade key has either a laser cut or a basic cut. One advantage of a switchblade key is that you can buy its components separately; yet if you’ve truly lost your key permanently, you’ll need to program both parts.

A smart key really isn’t a key at all ~ not in the customary sense. It’s simply a fob, which you either insert in the dashboard, or keep in your pocket or purse. You just sit behind the wheel, and just by pressing a button, you start up or turn off the engine. A smart key gives you extraordinary protection because of its rolling security codes. Continuously randomizing the correct code, it prevents a car thief from hacking it with a code grabber. If you’ve got a smart key, your car dealership will be capable of replacing it.

Did your transponder key stop working?

• There could be a minute foreign object lodged in the ignition. Don’t attempt to take it out yourself, because you could easily damage the ignition irreparably. So, hire an experienced automotive locksmith professional instead, who is able to remove any foreign object from the ignition with the necessary precision, so you won’t need to replace the entire switch.

• Another typical reason your transponder key may not be working is that there’s a manufacturer’s defect, which has been there since the beginning. If your vehicle is still under warranty, you can get the problem corrected at no cost. If it’s not under warranty anymore, then you’ll have to call an automotive locksmith.

• Another possibility is that your transponder key can’t communicate with your automobile’s computer, because the chip has somehow lost its programming. You can get it reprogrammed, or, you can get a whole new transponder key with all-new programming. In either case, your car dealership or an automotive locksmith will be able to do it.

Do It Yourself

If you need to reprogram your transponder key, depending on your vehicle, you can take care of it yourself.

The following measures below will work well on a good number of American-made automobiles. But before you spend anything, ask your dealership, read your owner’s manual, and/or consult with a local dependable automotive locksmith company to find out whether this procedure will actually be successful on your car:

1. First, insert one of your two functioning keys. Turn the ignition to the “on” position for about three seconds (don’t start the car).
2. Then, do the same thing with your second key.
3. Finally, insert the new third key. Turn it to the “on” position for three seconds. This should properly program your extra key.

Interior Door Locks

When it comes to locks, there are a lot more options than people tend to think. It is critical that all properties are protected, no matter where they are located. Even in Surprise, AZ, the team at Surprise Secure Locksmith knows that it is important to lock up doors. And this applies no matter where you are. Theft happens, and that’s what locks are made to prevent. Let’s say your front door locks were broken off. A person then has entry access to your home. Having interior door locks on bedroom and bathroom doors allows you time to hide and call for help. Of course, interior locks mainly exist to help in regards to privacy. Here, you will find information that should provide you with guidance if you are looking to purchase new interior door locks, or if you just want information on something different.

From Bathroom Door Locks to Office Locks, You Have Many Options!

Does your bathroom door lock fail to work some of the time? Do you have a child who doesn’t seem to want to give you any privacy? This tends to be a complaint that many parents have, and they just want to be able to have even a few minutes of privacy to use the bathroom. Replacing your bathroom door locks is a great idea. Consider bed and bath knobs. These utilize a standard locking mechanism that is situated on the inside of a room. On the outside is a small hole. A flathead screw driver could provide easy access during a lockout. These are popular options!

In a customary locking door handle, a locking handle is situated on the inside of the room. On the outside is a knob typically with a flat head lock. Again, if you ever get locked out on the outside, this isn’t difficult to unlock with a screwdriver.

It is also common place to use key locks. Basically, this just means that they require a key to be unlocked. This means that if the key is locked, you really will be left with no way of getting back inside. Everything is dependent on your personal preferences – whether you have a business you are thinking of getting interior locks for, or even a residence, there are many options available.

Grade 3 Security

Grade 3 security tends to be sufficient. Bear in mind that there are instances in which you might want specific doors to lock right when they are closed. Of course, you might want the complete opposite because you are fearful of getting locked out. If you are afraid of being locked out, you can have a latch kick off to stop the door from locking as you walk out. Children were brought up earlier as a reason to potentially want interior door locks. Ask yourself – do they enjoy playing around with locks? If so, you might want to take advantage of emergency release. You might want the option of being able to use a hair clip to unlock a door.

Do Your Research!

When the need for interior locks comes up, look around to see what is available. Certain stores carries these, and you can also find options online. In addition, a wise option is to talk with a lock and security specialist in your area. They will be able to talk about options with you that you might not even know existed. If you voice your concerns to them, they should be able to give ideas – this can save a great deal of time on your end.

Protection and Convenience

Interior locks serve an important purpose. Protecting your property doesn’t stop with the front door. This applies to both commercial properties and homes. If you want to be able to lock your bedroom door at night, whether your primary intention is just to have privacy or you would feel better protected with the door locked, then you should look into what is available to help you to do this. If you have a commercial property with restrooms, then you will certainly need interior locks so that customers and employees are able to have privacy. Interior door locks aren’t a convenience – they are a requirement.

Other Benefits

Don’t forget to think about the benefits which come along with locks for interior doors. They might make you sleep more comfortably at night, knowing that your doors are secure. Or perhaps they will give you just that tad bit of extra privacy that you need because your children like to constantly come into rooms that have closed doors. Surprise Secure Locksmith is one of the most renowned local businesses in Arizona. But if you aren’t located in an area they serve, then be sure to pull up companies that are local to where you live. Make sure to check for the following:

• The company should have insurance and licensing.
• The company should have great reviews from customers.
• The company should offer information for free, for instance, consultations and price estimates.
• You shouldn’t feel pressured to hire the business for any specific service, but you should feel that you are getting accurate information that is useful to you.

When you find the right business, you can find the right locks. It is our hope that this information has been useful to you. Keep in mind that when it comes to any kind of lock, you have many different brand options at your disposal. Kwikset, Schlage, Weslock and Mul-T-Lock are some common names you might come across. All of them produce excellent products, but again, talking directly with a locksmith might help you to narrow down options. There are different finishes available and totally different options.

Good luck finding the right locks for your property, whether it is one that is commercial or residential, and make sure to stay safe! You deserve to have peace of mind, no matter where you are, but especially in your own property.

Why Secure Your Sliding Glass Door

Did you know that it only takes an intruder a minimum of 60 seconds to break-into your home. The break in usually occurs in the rear of the home. This is also most often where you’ll find a sliding glass door. While most people remember to lock their windows and doors, they generally forget the sliding glass door needs just as much protection as any other door. At Surprise Secure Locksmith in Surprise, AZ, you can count on our representatives discussing in detail, the need to secure every inch of your home, including your sliding glass door. This is one of the easiest ways for an intruder to enter your home and that is why it requires just as much protection as any other door in your home; probably even more.

A thief will often seek out a home with a sliding door for so many reasons. We have decided to inform you of the many reasons why your home might become the target of a thief.

• Convenient – Since the majority of these doors are designed to be used with only one lock it can quickly and easily be unlocked by using a simple screwdriver. This is especially simple for an experienced thief.

• Advertising – Homeowners love the natural light that a sliding glass doors allows to permeate into the room. Despite this doors ability to allow a lot of natural light in, this feature can be one of its biggest drawbacks. Since this is why so many like this type of door, they often do not put any type of window covering over the door. This allows others to see what you have inside. Without anything to conceal what you have inside, you’re advertising to those on the outside, what you have. A thief is more willing to take a chance when they see what they stand to gain by getting into your home.

• Quiet – Since you do not have to open and close the door, you don’t have to worry about it shutting too hard or slamming shut. They just slide on a track, back and forth without much sound at all. The fact that they are so quiet makes it possible for a thief to enter your home undetected.

Ways of Securing a Sliding Glass Door

Install a Wooden Dowel

A wooden dowel is the least expensive way to secure your sliding glass door. All you’ll need to do is a cut a dowel from a wooden broom handle and place in into the door tracks. With a dowel in place, despite the thief picking your lock, they will not be able to actually open the door. Just be sure to cut the dowel so that it is long enough to fit tightly in the track and have the thickness needed to make it sturdy. Another word of caution when you are cutting a dowel, make sure the dowel  isn’t too think that it will not fit into tracks.

Install Window Coverings

Not everyone enjoys having curtains, drapes or blinds on their windows. Despite the fact that it can affect the design aesthetics of your room, it is definitely beneficial in avoiding an intrusion. Again, using window coverings is another inexpensive and cost-effective way to avoid anyone from breaking into your sliding glass door. Don’t let them see what they stand to gain by breaking in. A thief is more likely willing to take a chance if they know what they stand to gain from their efforts.

Install Reinforced Locks

Again, sliding glass doors come standard with only one lock. It is a simple latch that then hooks onto the doors frame. Without any other lock installed on the door, it is very easy to open this type of lock. You should always reinforce your locks from the inside with an auxiliary lock, which can be accessed from inside. You’ll find that pins and chains and even bolts are some of the most practical and effective options.

Install Commercial Grade Locks

This might not seem logical to you but you actually stand to benefit from having a commercial grade lock installed on your sliding door. A commercial lock can be installed on various types of sliding doors. You can use a standard key and lock type and even get one that has a battery powered audible alarm.

Home Alarm System

We would highly recommend that you allow a Surprise, Arizona locksmith to handle the job of connecting your sliding glass door to your home alarm system just like you would to any other door in your home. It’s important that you are notified as soon as there is an attempted burglary made via your sliding glass door. An alarm will immediately alert you to this. You would be surprised to know that almost every home we service with a sliding glass door is left vulnerable to a break-in due to lack of security on the sliding glass door.

Why Act Now

Just because you are considering doing something about your sliding glass door doesn’t mean that you will. Take action now because if you don’t, you may be setting yourself up for an intrusion. This doesn’t have to happen if you take the steps to do something about it today. We suggest that if you’re thinking about it, it is obvious of serious concern to you. Why not start by applying the simplest technique to securing your door, securing it with a dowel, at least until you can do something more substantial. The tragedy would be that if you were thinking about doing something about it and you actually experienced a burglary. You might never be able to forgive yourself for not taking the right steps in securing your home, possessions and loved ones.  You have the necessary tools to secure your sliding glass door at your finger tips, the key to remaining safe and securing your sliding glass door is to do something with the information that has been provided to you.

Keyless entry for home; pros and cons

You’ve heard of keyless entry for cars, but did you know that keyless entry is also great for homes, as well? There are many pros and cons to using this technology at your place of residence and that’s why Surprise Secure Locksmith made this post – so that you can see for yourself if home keyless entry systems are right for you!

Why is keyless entry becoming so popular not only here in Surprise, AZ but everywhere else? Because it is fast, convenient, and best of all; it works! Keys can break, and become stuck or lost. They can be stolen, damaged and be hard (and expensive) to replace. With keyless locks, you bypass the traditional key with the metal grooved blade and the rounded head. Instead, you enter a number sequence into a keypad and you are in! No keys to lose or worry about breakage or theft!

There are many forms of keyless entry. You can punch in numbers to a keypad. Or, you can swipe a badge or plastic card with a magnetic strip on the back. Now, you can even use fingerprint technology and even a retina scanner in some applications. Keyless entry has taken off like gangbusters in commercial locations. Banks, hospitals, hotels, museums, government offices, medical clinics, credit unions and even grocery stores have been effectively using it for years.

Keyless entry at home

At first, having keyless entry at home may seem odd. We are so conditioned to drive up to the house and find the house key in preparation to go inside. With keyless entry, that is now changed. Just swipe your entry card or enter a number code into your keypad and you’re done. Now, you can go for that run with the dog and just enjoy your outing without having to lug a cumbersome key ring along with you. Now, you can get inside even though your arms are filled with grocery bags (or pizza boxes!) and you only need a finger to access your home instead of fumbling around for your set of keys.

More benefits

Remember that key you hide under the door mat? Our Surprise, AZ locksmiths have never liked that idea. This is the first place a home burglar will look, along with the flower pot next to the door! When you use keyless technology you can dispense with all that and just punch your code in, instead.

Do you vacation? Instead of giving a key to the house sitter or summer renter, just give them an alternate key code that is just for them. You can always change it once you get back.

Do you want to restrict access to your home? The “old” traditional method of rekeying the locks can get expensive when it’s done again and again. An easier way is to simply re-program your keypad so that the previously allowed number codes no longer work and only the ones do.

Are you selling your home and don’t want to mess with a lock box installed in your front yard? Simply give a key code to the realtor and have him or her use it for open houses or for showing. You can use a different number sequence for contractors, plumbers, loan officers and repairmen. Your only requirement is to remember to change the code later – you don’t want carpet cleaners waltzing into your home unexpected!

Some drawbacks

So far, keyless technology for home use sounds great. In our post title, we mention pros and “cons” so what are the drawbacks? To be fair, everything has benefits and drawbacks, including not using keys.

Forgetting – hey, we all do it! No matter how often you use or recite your key code or number sequence, you can still forget it! In today’s busy world of multi-tasking and hectic schedules, it can be easy to simply not remember what your entry code to your keypad is. Writing it down can make the problem worse! Imagine losing the paper or having it fall into the wrong hands – you might as well give out a copy of your key!

Power failure – keypads run on power. Power goes out once in a while. This is not a problem when a battery backup is included but if it’s not; beware! You might be locked out of your home until the electricity returns!

Wrong entries – what happens when you type your bank password incorrectly too many times? You get locked out for a spell! The same applies to residential keyless entry. This consequence is designed for your own good as you don’t want a burglar standing outside your door entering dozens of random numbers in an effort to get inside. Many systems will lock up and some even alert security or the police!

Find out more!

You’ve read this far so if you are interested in learning more about residential keyless entry we encourage you to make some inquiries. You are welcome to call Surprise Locksmith or any other local Surprise, AZ lock and key firm. Get additional details as well as free price quotes. Check review on keyless entry systems on Amazon and by doing some online searches on Google, Bing or Yahoo.

If you work with a locksmith shop, be sure that they are full service residential lock specialists offering keyless lock technology from the quality brands only. Some of the best and most trusted national lock brands include Medeco, Baldwin, Primus, Schlage, Kaba, Yale, Falcon, ASSA, Kwikset, Abloy and Master. Their products are not expensive but they are effective. Remember, we are talking about your front door locks and your home security overall. Go with the best and expect the best. Make sure that the Surprise, AZ lock shop you work with also offers round the clock emergency service. If your keyless entry system is damaged, breaks down, or stops working you’ll want 24/7 fast response experts to make everything right again as soon as possible. As a last precaution, save their phone number to every smart phone in your home for handy access if needed!

DO YOU WANT TO ENHANCE YOUR HOME SECURITY? HERE’S WHY LOCKS WITH MASTER PINS ARE A LOUSY IDEA AT YOUR PLACE

A master key lock is a pin-tumbler lock allowing a lock to open with two or more various keys. Master pins are utilized to pin up locks so that one master key will function in the lock, as well as a change key. This is what’s usually used in door locks in buildings with numerous occupants, such as hotels, apartment houses, storage facilities, and businesses. All tenants are given a key that unlocks only their own door, called a change key. The master key unlocks all the doors in the building.

At an elementary school, for example, the custodian often has a master key that will function in every classroom, but each teacher will have a change key, which works only for a specific classroom. There are also subordinate master keys, which typically open every room on one floor of a dormitory or office building. Moreover, a grand master key will open all of the rooms in a whole office building, hotel, or dormitory. There’s also a great grand master key, which will open all the doors for an entire college campus, or every single office in a commercial building complex. The higher you go, the more intricate it becomes. Overall, the lock’s pin stacks have multiple key pins and master wafers above the key pins, allowing several keys to function in one lock.

By contrast, a residential lock at your home is different. It has only one shear line, which means that there’s one possibility only for the split to occur between the driver pins and the key pins and the ~ so only one unique key will work. If you were to introduce master pins into the pin stacks, you would have at least two shear lines for each pin stack with a master pin installed. Essentially, that means you just shouldn’t do it, because there will be more ways for a criminal to pick the lock, since there are more possibilities of creating a shear line. In a master-keyed lock, all, or at least some, of the pin stacks in the lock have three pins rather than two. Between the driver pin and the key pin is a third pin, referred to as the spacer pin. Each pin line has two shear points, one where the spacer pins and driver meet, and one where the key pins and spacer meet. The lock opens with two keys: One key aligns the first set of shear points, and the other key aligns the second set. These locks are manufactured so that one set of shear points is unique for each lock, while the second set is identical for all the locks. A more secure kind of lock mechanism has two discrete tumblers, each of which is opened by one key.

A typical method professional thieves apply is snap guns and lock bumping. A standard pin tumbler lock by itself is susceptible to lock picking. To prevent this from happening, superior-security cylinders contain specialized security pins, which are designed to catch in the lock cylinder if a snap gun or bump key is used, thus making it much harder for a crook to break in.

You can upgrade your locks. Explore your many options first. As any professional locksmith in Surprise, AZ will tell you, deadbolts are a good way to increase your security at your home. A deadbolt lock is, hands down, better than a basic lock. There are actually many different kinds of deadbolts. You may desire a deadbolt with an interior thumbturn, which you can operate without grasping. You may want to look into a bump-proof lock or combination door lock.

You can augment your security, right away. A burglar often acts from convenience. So if any lock has an obvious weakness, it will be an easy target. Some locks are less difficult to bump or pick, and others are nearly impossible to penetrate. Combination locks and padlocks are particularly vulnerable. No home can ever be completely impermeable, but anywhere you are, you can take reasonable measures to improve your security.

There is an almost endless list of various sorts of locks, so you cannot actually ever know about them all. Therefore, before you install locks, do your homework. It’s also smart to bring your questions to an expert locksmith you can trust, who can advise you on all your property’s security issues. If you reside in Surprise, Arizona, consider choosing an accomplished mobile residential locksmith specialist such as those on staff at Surprise Secure Locksmith.

Go high-tech. Is it time to go digital? You can choose to replace all traditional locks with electronic door locks. It’s an excellent way to secure your home, and it doesn’t require any keys whatsoever. Keyless locks offer new horizons today in security technology. They work with remotes; with keypads; with an alarm system with a remote code; from your smart device; and even with biometrics (eye scans, fingerprints, hand prints, and so on). New innovations continue, which could soon become commonplace ~ such as voice recognition, ear scans, and even DNA sampling and heartbeat recognition! The systems that function with your smart device are ideal when you are on vacation, because you can monitor all activity while you’re gone, and be alerted immediately at any sign of trespass. You may want to put timers on radios, TVs, lights, and so forth, to make it appear that you are still home, an effective way to prevent a robbery.

Most keyless systems give you attractive features providing added convenience and safety. When you get accustomed to the system that’s right for you, keyless locks are relatively easy to use. They’re also ideal for kids, since your children often forget their keys, but they can usually recall a simple code number you can all agree upon. Or, if you’re frustrated because you’re always misplacing your keys, then perhaps you’ll want to decide to go keyless.

Visit or contact us for more information:

Surprise Secure Locksmith

24 Hour Emergency Locksmith Service

Monday through Sunday, all day

Dispatch Address: 16682 NW Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Email: Bill@surpriselocksmith.net

Phone: (623) 498-8694

http://www.surpriselocksmith.net/

Further details at: http://www.surpriselocksmith.net/news/news.html

Surprise Secure Locksmith: Commercial Keyless Locks

Keyless entry systems are a very common feature found in the busiest buildings. You would have seen them in hospitals, schools, churches, corporate offices, apartment complexes and anywhere else that gets a high influx of people entering and exiting throughout the day.

For businesses, keyless locks can bring a lot of security benefits. Having these installed means that you’ll never have to worry about keys falling into the wrong hands, nobody will be able to sneak into your building after hours, and you won’t need to keep changing locks every time a key has been lost or misplaced.

Keyless systems come in different variations. Some are definitely more sophisticated than others, and they may be better suited for smaller or larger businesses. It would be wise to talk to a commercial locksmith about the options available before settling on a system for your property. That way, you’ll be able to know exactly what kind of security you are getting from your keyless locks, as well as whether these are in line with your commercial needs and, most importantly, your budget.

To get you thinking about which commercial keyless lock may be the best choice for your business, here is a basic outline of some of the most popular options around.

Intercom systems

Probably the most popular choice of them all. These don’t need much of an introduction: You’ve definitely seen them in residential apartments, just as you would have previously seen them in offices. Intercom systems often come with special swipe cards and key fobs for people who need easy access to the building they have been fitted into. The best thing about these keyless locks is that you can control who can access the property through this system, adding or deleting people as needed.

Card access systems

Also known as proximity locks, these give you as much control over who can access a property as you wish. That means these locks are a great theft deterrent, whether the culprit is an employee or an unwanted intruder. As with intercoms, individuals can be added or deleted quite easily once these have been installed, taking away the need to fully replace your security if it has been tampered with in any way.

A basic breakdown of some of the benefits of card access systems include:

• Monitoring who enters/exits the property at any given time
• Restricting access to certain areas during business hours
• Preventing unwanted access to the building after hours

Similarly, these come with the option of setting up master key systems that only managers and owners have access to. These can be programmed to grant access to specific rooms or even full access to all doors in the building in case something goes amiss.

Commercial electronic keypad locks 

Similar in function to the card system, only it comprises a special entry combination. You can have unique numbers for each employee, meaning that if someone gets hold of your code it can be changed in a very efficient manner. In case of emergencies, most models will have a special key that overrides the code, so you won’t need to worry about getting locked out if a system malfunctions. What’s more, many models these days are wireless – making them cheaper to install, fully useable during power outages and very simple to handle whenever a new battery is called for.

Keypad lever combo

Think of these as an addition to electronic keypad locks. They bring the exact same benefits as your standard electronic keypad, only differing in the variety of access options users can choose from. With a lever combo, access to the building can be granted using a card, fob or key code.

Manual keypad locks for commercial operations

A good option for smaller businesses. With manual keypad locks, codes can be changed quite easily, and there is never any need to worry about wires or batteries as there are no electronics involved. Businesses can choose from a wide range of options, including:

• Deadbolt keypads – these can be left unlocked during different times of the day without any issues.
• Storeroom keypad – locks the door behind you as soon as you close it
• Knob and deadbolt combo – combines two locking mechanisms for an additional layer of security

So you want to install a keyless entry system

Proper security is a serious investment for all business operations, big or small. A reliable commercial locksmith in Surprise will make things a lot easier for you in the long haul. Not only can you trust them to have access to a wide variety of keyless technologies, you can expect them to know how to install and maintain these with precision. Locksmith installations, repairs and replacements are quite affordable, and a lot of businesses will provide you with a free consultation and price quote too.

A few quick tips if you’ve never hired a commercial locksmith before:

• Always go for a local business with a fully verifiable address
• If possible, get a few recommendations from people you trust – great reputation travels through word of mouth
• Call the commercial locksmith and get information about their licensing, insurance, as well as a full breakdown of installation costs. Never hire a locksmith that refuses to provide crucial information like a full business name or other credentials upon request

Is your business based in Surprise, Arizona? Then make sure to contact Surprise Secure Locksmith when looking into a keyless system for your commercial property. Our licensed and insured professionals are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about our options, the installation process, or anything else that’s on your mind. We have an array of commercial options you can choose from, so if you need anything else – let us know.

Whether you are based in Surprise, AZ, or anywhere else in the world, we hope you are able to use this start guide to make a wise security decision. Find a great commercial locksmith in your area to truly reap the benefits that come from the latest keyless technologies. With your newly-acquired knowledge and a little bit of planning, you are well-placed to make a really great investment for your commercial property.

Visit or contact us for more information:

Surprise Secure Locksmith

24 Hour Emergency Locksmith Service

Monday through Sunday, all day

Dispatch Address: 16682 NW Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Email: Bill@surpriselocksmith.net

Phone: (623) 498-8694

http://www.surpriselocksmith.net/

Further details at: http://www.surpriselocksmith.net/news/news.html