Author Archives: Locksmith Sarasota

Top Home Security Tips

Everyone wants to feel safe in their own home, whether they are renting or own the property. When customers are asking about how they can help to protect their home, its contents and the people they care about most when we do our assessments for home security installation in Sarasota, we find that we end up offering the same suggestions time and again. We’ve compiled a list of our top home security tips to keep your home and property safe.

Top Home Security Tips-Residential Locksmith In Sarasota

Top Home Security Tips From A Professional Sarasota Locksmith

Doors

  • Make sure all of your exterior doors are equipped with a properly installed deadbolt.
  • Place a dowel in any glass sliding doors to prevent opening. You can buy “Charlie bars” for this purpose.
  • Consider replacing screen doors with aluminum or steel security doors instead.
  • Install a peep-hole viewer so that you can identify visitors before opening the door.

Windows

  • Keep curtains and blinds closed when not necessary. This strategy will prevent outsiders from observing the goings-on in your home.
  • Replace damaged screens or when they start to fall out of the window frame.
  • Limit access to your windows by keeping items that can be used to gain entry to your home locked up, such as maintenance ladders, chairs and tools.

Keys And Control Of Keys

  • Never leave your house keys unattended. I.e. don’t have them on the key chain when you have work done on your vehicle.
  • Consider keying all doors in your home the same, with the exception of one that is used by your housekeeper, babysitter, cleaner, or anyone else you need to give access to your home. If you decide not to work with this person anymore, you only need to pay to have one lock rekeyed.

Outside Your Home

  • Make sure you have plenty of lighting around the perimeter of your property.
  • Trim back bushes and trees so that potential burglars or predators do not have places to hide near entrances.
  • Cut up boxes from any major purchases instead of placing them at the curb. You don’t want to advertise the fact that you have just bought a new big-screen TV!

Additional Security Tips For Your Home

  • Consider installing a locking mail box to prevent mail theft. Arrange for direct deposit of regular payments instead checks, if possible.
  • Keep all of your personal papers and any firearms in your home in a secure lockbox.
  • Review your insurance coverage at least once a year to ensure that you have adequate coverage. Ask whether your insurer will give you a discount if you install an alarm system and get a list of approved vendors – then get the alarm installed.

Residential Locksmith Services In Sarasota

Locksmith Sarasota offers multiple, professional residential locksmith services including home re-keying, emergency home lock-outs and home security installation. Our experience, professionalism and care will ensure that you feel safe in your home.

Call Now To See What We Can Do For You!

The Evolution Of Car Locks

This entry was posted in News and tagged on by .

Looking back it’s easy to see how automobile designs and car locks have evolved over time. Compared to all of the car features available today, consumers in previous generations had to contend with either no locks or simple, easy-to-break-in designs. Security measures were limited.

Discover how car much locks have changed over time.

The Evolution Of Car Locks Over Time- www.LockSmithSarasota.org

How Car Locks Have Changed Over Time

Over time, because of both vehicle and personal property theft, it became apparent that security needed to be taken more seriously by owners. Since that time, vehicle owners and car locksmiths have been interested in finding the most secure locking systems for vehicles to keep both automobile and personal items safe.

Mechanical Car Locks

Early locks were mechanical in design; the technology to offer electronic versions to consumers was not yet available. Auto manufacturers used a particular type of key blank which could then be cut to fit any lock in their product line. The two man types of locks were pin tumblers and wafer tumblers.

Pin Tumblers

Pin tumbler locks have metal pins of different sizes positioned within the lock cylinder. When a key with the proper height of cuts is inserted into the lock, it raised all the pins to the correct level so that it can turn.

Wafer Tumblers

This style of lock is similar to the pin tumbler, but it uses flat, single-piece wafers of different sizes. The proper sized key pushes the wafers into the correct position, which allows the lock to be turned.

Mechanical locks like these can be opened with a tool called a slim jim. Car locksmiths carry them to help customers who have locked their keys in their car. It’s not a good idea to attempt to enter your vehicle on your own with a bent clothes hanger or other device; you can end up causing quite extensive damage to your vehicle. Our automotive locksmiths have the training and experience to do the job properly. This is one instance where you are better off leaving it to a professional.

Electronic Age Car Locks

Most newer vehicles are outfitted with electronic locks. Many models still have a keyed entry, and number pads and key fobs are often used to open the door locks. Modern keys now carry a computer chip, which prevents a fake key from being used to gain access to the vehicle.

Automotive locksmiths are now required to undergo specialized training to keep their skills current due to changes in car lock technology.

Locksmith Sarasota offers fast, friendly mobile automobile service if you’ve been locked out of your car. We also provide residential and commercial locksmith services.

Follow and like us on Facebook to see interesting news and posts!

Contact Us Now To Learn More!

Why Today’s Car Security Systems Aren’t Very Effective At Theft Prevention

There’s no question that car security systems have become more sophisticated over the years. As technology has become more advanced, would-be thieves have also adapted and become more clever at finding ways to dismantle, disable, or simply get around the anti-theft devices that we use or install on our vehicles.

While there is no way to completely eliminate car theft, we can be vigilant about our vehicle protection and get smart about safety, including consulting with an emergency Sarasota locksmith for advice.

Emergency Sarasota Locksmith-Theft Prevention

Car Security Systems And Theft Prevention

Factory Installed Car Alarms

These theft prevention devices are common on most newer vehicles. The problem with them is that they no longer really act as a deterrent to car thieves. Once the theft is in progress, a thief who has a bit of experience will find them very easy to disable.

Tracking Systems

Tracking systems use a GPS transmitter to track the vehicle and cellular technology to communicate with the monitoring center. Radio technology is typically used to recover stolen vehicles. These systems are very effective, but have limitations.

OnStar, one of the best-known brands, is not available to all vehicle owners. It is only offered to GM customers. The first year is free; however, subscribers have to pay approximately $200 per year for the basic plan for subsequent years to continue the service.

LoJack is available as an alternative, but only in 26 states. It costs about $700.00 to install and is about 90 percent effective at recovering stolen vehicles. Unless you are looking to protect a higher-end vehicle, this is probably not the best choice for you.

Immobilizing Devices

This type of anti-theft device is often offered as standard in higher-end vehicles. Smart keys can prevent thieves from starting your car if they don’t have the correct key and can prevent hot wiring. They don’t however prevent crafty thieves from hitching your car up to a tow truck and simply towing it away, stripping it for parts or breaking in and stealing your possessions.

Consult A Sarasota Locksmith About Car Security

Car security is just as important as home security. At Locksmith Sarasota, we understand that our customers want to feel safe and protect their property.

Call Us Now To Learn About Affordable, Personalized Solutions
For Your Anti-Theft Needs!

Why You Need A Good Lock On Your Door And What Those Locks Are

This entry was posted in Residential and tagged , on by .

Your home truly is your castle. It’s the place you retreat to at the end of the day. You store your belongings there in addition to your memories. It’s the place where your family gathers at the end of the day for nourishment and rest. You need to make sure that it is safe, both while you and your family are at home and when you’re are out and about.

It’s important to have quality locks on both the front and back doors of your home to safely secure your home and belongings. Learn more about the different types of residential locks available:

Types of Home Locks - LocksmithSarasota.org

Types Of Residential Locks Available

There are a variety of locks available for your home, including:

Entry Lockset

The entry lockset is made up of two doorknobs which can be locked from either side. One type locks from the inside by turning or pressing down on a small knob, and a key must be used to unlock the door from the outside, whereas other models must be unlocked with a key from both the inside and the outside.

This is a medium security door-lock set.

Deadbolt Lock

The deadbolt lock is only operated manually with either a key from the outside or a thumb turn from the inside. Residential locksmiths recommend this type, since it provides a maximum level of security for a customer. The lock bolts the door to the frame and helps prevent an intruder from prying the door open.

Single-cylinder deadbolts are operated with a key from the outside and a turn button on the inside of the door. This type of lock is used mainly with either wood or solid metal doors Double cylinder deadbolts require a key on both sides of the door in order to operate them. These are best used on a door with glass in and around it, since this style will prevent a would-be intruder from breaking the glass, reaching into your home and turning the button to unlock the door and gain entry.

Handle Set

A handle set is usually an entry set that combines a lockset and a deadbolt. The deadbolt is installed just above the door knob or handle. It can be ordered with either a single or double-cylinder deadbolt in a number of styles and finishes to compliment the door hardware and the exterior style of your home.

Keyless Entry System

For the ultimate in convenience, consider a keyless entry system. You will be advised by audio and visual prompts when the lockset is activated. The system’s anti-theft rolling code will ensure that the same code is never used twice; some systems are compatible with garage door openers, so you only have to remember a single code.

Residential Locksmith

A residential locksmith is the best choice for quality installation of the right locks for your needs to keep your home and family secure!

For Advice About Which Lock Option Will Best Fit Your Needs Or To Schedule An Installation, Call Locksmith Sarasota Today!

How Does Key Cutting Work?

This entry was posted in Locks and tagged , , on by .

What kinds of services come to mind when you think about locksmiths? One of the first ones is installing and changing locks, no doubt. You may also think of calling a locksmith when you get locked out of your home, business or even your vehicle, since we can provide emergency services that are affordable. Locksmith services also include key cutting, too, and we can offer more than standard house keys with this service.

Key Cutting Services From A Locksmith

A locksmith can easily and efficiently provide you with a second set of keys to your home or apartment if you have lost your main set of keys. It’s always a good idea to have a backup set available to you so that you don’t get locked out.

If you own a business, having a second key holder will help if you lose your keys, but you will want to have your set replaced right away if they are lost. You can also have specialty keys, such as ones made for mailboxes or filing cabinets, copied. Our affordable locksmith services in Sarasota can look after this right away.

How Key Cutting Works

How Does Key Cutting Work - Locksmith SarasotaKey cutting is a relatively simple process. The locksmith first chooses a blank that is most appropriate for the lock. The two keys (the original and the one from the key bank) are inserted into the key cutting machine. The blade of the blank key is flat and the original key is used as a guide for the key cutting machine.

Both keys are held firmly in place next to each other, and the original key is used to guide the blade, which cuts or shaves off the excess metal through the machine to match the indentations on the original key. A key cutting machine makes an exact copy of the original key that will be a perfect fit in the applicable lock.

Next, any sharp edges in the new key are filed down. This process is called debarring. It not only prevents you from getting cut on the sharp edges from the newly cut key, but also prevents the lock from being damaged.

Affordable Locksmith Services In Sarasota

When you need an affordable locksmith in Sarasota for key cutting, or any other service, call Locksmith Sarasota at (941) 888-7518.

We offer affordable residential, commercial, auto and emergency services!

Remember, We’re Always Here – Whether You’re Locked Out Of…Or In Your Car!

This entry was posted in News and tagged on by .

Have you ever had one of those days when your mind is focused on the next several things you have to do instead of the task at hand? We’ve all done it, and being distracted can lead to mistakes, like locking your keys in your car. You’ll realize it the instant you hear your door close, too, and may possibly think (or even say) a few choice words. You may even have had the experience of having your key break off in the ignition.

When In Doubt, Call An Automotive Locksmith

In both situations, the best solution is exactly the same: to call an automotive locksmith for assistance.

Reliable Automotive Locksmith Services - LocskmithSarasota.org

A recent news story points to the importance of knowing who to call when you are having trouble with your car’s locks.

Couple Trapped In Their Car For More Than 13 Hours

In a recent news story, a senior couple was trapped in their car for 13 hours because of a misunderstanding about the modern technology of keyless entry. Mollieanne and Brian Smith, aged 65 and 68, respectively, had left the keyless transponder outside of the car. The manual for their vehicle was in the house.

The combination of stress of the situation, a simple lack of information about how the keyless entry worked, and the fact that it was after dark led them to believe that they were trapped and that the only means of escape was to smash out a window. They tried to break the glass in the car without success. Trying to sound the horn to alert someone to their plight also did no good.

The Smiths were in their car from 7 p.m. until 7:45 the next morning, when neighbors freed them and called emergency services. By that point, Mrs. Smith was unconscious and Mr. Smith was having trouble breathing.

Locksmith Sarasota Has The Expertise & Flexibility To Help – 24/7!

When you are locked out of your car or your key has just snapped off, it is a stressful situation. The best thing you can do to resolve it is to make a call to an automotive locksmith in Sarasota who can get to you promptly, whether you are at home or on the road.

We here at Locksmith Sarasota offer car, truck and RV lockout services; including trunk lockout, unlocking of the ignition, jumper cables and more!

Call us when you need an automotive locksmith; we are available 24/7 and can have a professional, licensed technician be at your location in less than 25 minutes to help you get on your way.

When You Need Professional Lockout Service, Call Us Anytime At (941) 888-7518

The Virtual Key – Why Choosing a Residential Locksmith is a Better Approach

This entry was posted in Uncategorized on by .

As a homeowner, you have worked hard to buy your house and everything that is in it. You want to take steps to make sure that your possessions are safe and secure, both when you are at home and at work or elsewhere. One of the best things you can do to protect your valuables is to make sure that you have a secure lock system in place. A residential locksmith can advise you about the best system for your needs and provide valuable services after installation.

Moving into a New Home

Moving into a brand new home (whether it is new construction or a previously occupied one) is an exciting time in anyone’s life. As a homeowner, you will have received keys when the sale closed. You don’t have any way of knowing whether there are any “extra” sets of keys that may have been given to anyone else in existence.

To ensure that you have the only sets in existence, arrange for a locksmith to come to your home to have your locks re-keyed. You will receive new keys and have the assurance that no other ones can be used to gain access to your home.

Lockout Service

Have you ever locked yourself out of your house? It’s frustrating, especially when you realize as soon as the door closes behind you that you don’t have your key. You could try to get a ladder and break into your own house through a window, risking an injury and/or damage to your own property (as well as having to explain to the police what you are doing if a sharp-eyed neighbor who doesn’t recognize you spots what you are up to).

Some people decide to hide an extra key somewhere on their property so that they have a backup in case they get locked out. The only problem with placing a key under the mat or putting it over the door is that these types of hiding spots are very easy for potential thieves to find, too. They are experts in locating likely spots were a key might be located and once found, it won’t take them long to gain entry to your home.

A much better choice is to avoid giving a potential intruder the keys to your home and calling a residential locksmith to help you gain entry to your home. Emergency lockout services are available on a 24-hour basis and you will get the help you need to regain access to your home quickly.

For professional residential locksmith services, contact Locksmith Sarasota at (941) 888-7518. We are available 24 hours a day to serve you.