Category Archives: Locks

Best Types of Door Locks for Security

Best Types of Door Locks for Security - Locksmith Sarasota Florida

A New Age For Door Locks

When was the last time you locked your keys in your home? How about getting halfway to your destination, only to realize that you haven’t locked your door?

Thanks to new technology, these annoyances and uncertainties are a thing of the past. You can enjoy the security and convenience of an electronic door lock at an affordable price point.

Types of Entry Methods

There are a few different types of electronic door locks, including:

  • Keypad
  • Biometric
  • Bluetooth
  • RFID

The earliest locks came with a keypad, which involved entering a pin to gain entry. While these methods are still popular, the newer models use touchscreens and have extra security features.

RFID uses radio frequencies, like a key fob or a card, to achieve entry. The main disadvantage of these is that, like keys, you’ll need the fob on your person to enter your household. This can be difficult when your arms are full of groceries or you lock them inside.

Biometric entries are likely the most sophisticated and use your fingerprint to open the door. It’s similar to the features available on newer cell phones. If you want additional people to have access to your home, simply program them into the system.

Finally, locks enabled with Bluetooth sense your phone and open automatically when you approach. These models often have a backup plan when your phone runs out of battery.

Utilizing New Technology for Locks

The nice thing about newer electronic locks is that they often offer remote entry via an app on your phone, and they can integrate with your other “smart home” features, which adds an extra layer of protection.

For example, you might realize on the beach three hours away that you left your curling iron plugged in and you can’t remember if you turned it off. You can alert your neighbor, unlock the door for them, disable your alarm system, and lock it again once they leave.

The August Smartlock

The August Smartlock consistently ranks highest in consumer publications because of its convenience and efficiency. Its sleek, circular design replaces your single deadbolt and allows you secure entry to your home using your iOS or Android device.

The August Smartlock works through Bluetooth or your wifi connection. The lock features AA backup power, so it will keep working even if your power goes out. Best of all, you can issue virtual keys to others as needed. Log records sent to your app will tell you who enters your home and when.

The Samsung Digital Door Lock

Samsung is a well-established brand in the IoT world. The main advantage of choosing a Samsung door lock is you can expect seamless integration with your other Samsung appliances, from TVs to security sensors.

The Samsung complete smart home system app can provide information about remote entries, visitor logs and more. Even if you use the digital door lock as a standalone product, you can use a passcode to unlock, or even a fingerprint on premium models. The door locks automatically when you leave, which is a convenient perk.

The Kwikset Kevo

Kwikset models often get high marks for the quality-to-cost ratio, and the Kevo is no exception. This is a historical brand in home locks, and they keep the aesthetics of their locks classic while loading them with high-tech features. The Kevo uses both RFID and Bluetooth, which allows users the flexibility of unlocking via the included fob or their smartphone. It’s both iOS and Android compatible.

Give out an unlimited number of guest “eKeys” and monitor all activity over the app. The Kwikset also integrates with the Nest Learning Thermostat, one of the most popular smart devices available.

The Schlage Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt

The Schlage touchscreen deadbolt is a good option for those who want the high-tech convenience of a smart lock, but don’t want to deal with key fobs or controlling anything remotely via an application. Schlage Locks have the highest lock security rating, which gives you valuable peace of mind.

There are several features that give Schlage this designation – for example, an alarm sensor goes off when someone opens the door, and you’ll hear it no matter where you are in your home. The touchscreen is fingerprint resistant, so you won’t have to worry about someone tracking your code and gaining unauthorized entry. You can also set it to lock automatically after you close it.

Schlage products integrate with all Z-Wave Home Automation products to aid in your home-monitoring needs. This makes it a great value, and a smart choice for those who want scalability in their door lock.

Finding the Right Door Lock

The smart lock you choose will be based on your unique needs, budget and security goals. No matter which locks you select, however, you’ll benefit from a professional installation.

For more information about the professional installation of your security door lock, please contact us.

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Lock Problem? Is the Problem Really Your Lock? (Key, Hinge, Strikes)

Lock Problem Is the Problem Really Your Lock - Key Hinge StrikesMany people encounter problems with locks that don’t involve the quality or performance of the locks themselves. When a door doesn’t lock properly, the issue may actually be related to another part of your home’s security system.

When diagnosing problems with a lock, it’s critical to look at several factors aside from the lock itself. Locksmith Sarasota is constantly coming across security performance problems that have nothing to do with the lock. We want our readers to know how to diagnose these issues to avoid further damage and unnecessary repairs.

Common Locking Issues

It’s not uncommon for an apparent lock issue to actually be caused by another part of the door. Damaged keys, warped building materials, installation failures, and other mechanical issues could easily interfere with a lock’s performance.

Consider these common performance issues that arise from parts other than the locks themselves:

Key Issues

Key Issues That Can Get Stuck In Your Lock - Locksmith SarasotaIf a key becomes stuck in a lock or a piece of a key breaks off inside a lock, it can prevent the lock from engaging. A stuck key presents a significant security issue, so it’s imperative to seek a locksmith’s assistance as soon as possible.

If you try to remove a stuck key yourself, only pull the key directly out from the lock. Do not twist it. Twisting the key when it is stuck makes it more likely to break.

If the teeth of a key become worn or damaged, they may not strike the locking pins correctly and prevent the door from locking or unlocking.

Some believe that applying lubricants to stuck locks will help keys turn easier. While this may be an effective short-term solution in some cases, bear in mind that lubricants will likely gum up the pins of the lock, rendering it useless over time. The lubricant will also accumulate dust and debris, further impairing the lock’s effectiveness.

If you need to use lubricants to get a key to turn within a lock, plan to replace the entire lock soon.

Warping

Wooden doors and frames may warp due to exposure if they are not properly treated for weather resistance. A warped door can prevent the lock from aligning with the door and the frame.

Warping can also cause the strike plates on the door and the frame to bulge outward, possibly even preventing the door from closing properly. In these situations, fixing the warped door or frame, or moving the strike plates, may correct the problem.

When doors stick closed, they can also cause locking problems. Fixing a stuck door usually requires rebuilding the door jamb, an extensive and time-consuming task, or trimming the door to fit the space properly. The latter option is generally easier and may answer your locking problems.

Hinge Problems

If a door’s hinges dislodge, warp, rust or sustain damage, the door may not be able to close properly. An apparent lock issue may be a problem with the door’s hinges. In these cases, repairing or replacing the door hinges may correct the issue.

When replacing hinges, it’s important to use screws that are about one inch longer than the ones in the old hinges. This will help them to seat in the old screw holes securely and provide a smoother door swing.

Attempting to fill the screw holes with the same-sized screws will more than likely fail to hold up the door. Poorly fit replacement hinges will only cause the same issues, so be sure to invest in secure hinge screws so the repair lasts.

Call the Pros

Although these tips may help you quickly and accurately diagnose common locking issues, some lock problems require the help of professional locksmiths. Contact Locksmith Sarasota if these tips can’t solve your locking problems or if you know the issue is more complex than a broken key, warped door or loose hinge.

Even if your issue isn’t the result of a faulty lock, we can help you diagnose and address the problem. Reach out to us and you can rest assured that your home’s locks will soon be functioning as normal.

How to Choose a Truly ‘Safe’ Gun Safe for Your Home

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How to Choose a Truly 'Safe' Gun Safe for Your Home

Quality Matters When Choosing a Gun Safe

Gun sales have been on the rise for the past decade as more citizens opt to take a proactive role in self-defense. More than 16 million looked to reduce food costs by hunting. With gun ownership comes responsibility. Proficiency in the use of the weapon and buying a gun safe to store the weapon are vital.

Because of the latter, gun safe sales have also increased. With demand comes the inevitable onslaught of providers looking to fill the need. Unfortunately, that means there are a number of gun safes on the market, particularly from foreign sources, that are anything but safe. The use of a gun safe lets users lower their guard  – with tragic results when the safe fails.

In addition to protecting the family, particularly children, a gun safe is also vital for securing the guns so they are not stolen. For a gun safe to achieve this goal it must be durable – both the safe itself and the locking mechanism. Concealability can also be a factor, particularly with small handgun safes.

Types of Gun Safes

Gun safes fall into two categories – small gun safes and larger safes. Deciding which to get depends on several factors.

Type of Guns Owned

It is common sense that if you have something larger than a handgun a large safe is needed. However, going with a large gun safe may still be the best bet when numerous guns are owned or anticipated down the road. Additionally, large safes afford more security from theft. A small handgun safe can be easily transported for opening at the thief’s leisure. Keep in mind that the majority of people who have bought a gun safe invariably wish they had bought a larger one.

Space Restraints

How much space there is in the home influences the type and size of a gun safe to get. Owning one or two handguns with no expectation to obtain rifles or shotguns permits a handgun safe. Available space will determine the size of a larger safe, again go larger than you think you’ll need. In addition, make sure it is possible to secure the safe by bolting in place.

Accessibility

How often and under what circumstances you want to be able to reach your weapon also affects the decision. There are advantages of handgun-size safes, particularly when quick access is desired. To offset the theft danger, a concealable and/or bolted-in safe should be obtained. A large safe can be accessed fairly readily with optimal placement, but having a handgun safe nearby can give time to get to it in a break-in situation.

What to Look for When Buying a Gun Safe

As already noted, the durability of the safe and the locking mechanism are critical. Gun safes are built to varying specifications in order to provide different price points. There is a minimum you should look for, but going to the better or the best is advisable. The majority of the following are applicable mostly to large safes, but the quality is important with smaller units as well.

Steel Thickness

Locksmith Sarasota Steel Safe Thickness DiagramSeven gauge is the minimum thickness of the outer door sheet, while ten gauge would work for the walls thickest sheet. In reality, this thickness is only good for keeping honest people out. Better would be ¼” plate for the outer door sheet, and seven gauge for the walls thickest sheet. Best would be ½” and ¼”, respectively. In addition, go with plate doors rather than composite, which is steel wrapped around sheetrock. A thinner plate door is better than a thicker composite door.

Construction

Look for continuous, full penetration body welds, exterior door hinges, and a full-length seal. Also, consider the fire rating. A minimum gun safe has gypsum drywall which affords no fire protection at all. A better option is fiberglass/ceramic wool. The best is poured concrete amalgamate. Both better and best will have a steel inner fire liner.

Fire ratings are based on the duration of a fire, but the many variables involved with a fire mean these are only rules of thumb, not guarantees. Still, one rated for 2.5 hours would last longer than one rated for 30 minutes.

A common misconception is that a concealment method negates the need for a well-constructed safe. Just because a firearm is “hidden” in a hollowed-out book doesn’t mean an inquisitive child won’t find it. Not to mention that experienced criminals know all the tricks.

Country of Origin

Opting for the USA made isn’t just to support American industry or to not support a country that has restrictive gun laws. It makes sense in this case for a couple additional reasons. First, a quality safe should be heavy. The shipping costs alone would either inflate the price considerably or result in a low quality lighter substitute.

The second reason is that other countries use unsafe materials. For example, gun safes from China may include drywall with pyrite or formaldehyde which will corrode your firearms. It is wise to confirm that all parts of the safe were made in the USA and that it wasn’t just manufactured here with foreign components.

Lock

A weak lock on a strong safe is like having a weak link in a chain. Not only will it permit access easily by someone determined (and make no mistake about it, kids are determined!), but the lock will wear out quickly and be unreliable. A criminal in your home isn’t going to wait around while you fiddle with a defective lock.

The way to judge a good lock is to review the UL rating. If it doesn’t have a UL rating, don’t buy it. A gun safe lock should be UL 768 Group II or better. Safes with UL 768 Group II will provide better protection from basic assaults. Group I affords some protection and is certainly superior to a non-UL rated lock.

Keep in mind that the gun safe lock can be replaced and upgraded by a safe smith, so you don’t need to let a poor lock be a deal breaker if all other criteria are met. Choose which type of lock you want – mechanical dial or electronic keypad – and they’ll be able to swap it out later. Give them a call before completing the purchase to confirm and find out the cost.

Mechanical Dial vs Electronic Keypad

There are advantages to each type of lock, but the majority of purchasers opt for electronic keypad over the mechanical dial, in fact roughly 90% do. It is partially because of aesthetics, but there are other benefits as well. An electronic keypad is opened quicker (<10 seconds vs. up to 45 seconds) and is visible in the dark. Electronic keypads also do not require fine motor skills which can be diminished in a stress situation, permit multiple combinations, and have many optional features.

Locksmith Sarasota Mechanical Dial Locks vs Electronic Keypad LocksMechanical dials also have some advantages. Less maintenance (no batteries to replace), fewer failures, the ability to last more than 100 years and a longer warranty are all advantages of mechanical dials. The two types are evenly matched in terms of security, the number of combinations, and human error potential.

While on the subject, handgun-size safes also offer a biometric mechanism, generally activated with fingerprints. The challenge with determining the quality of these is that the UL has not currently tested and rated them. However, there is a wide range in cost between an economy quality biometric and a commercial or military grade. Thus, the price is usually a dependable determinant. Keep in mind that there have been instances of children opening this type of lock.

UL 687 – Standard for Burglary-Resistant Safes

In addition to the UL rating for locks, there is also a UL rating for safes. The UL 687 covers a number of tests, including testing door, front face, and body against attack, and resistance to tools, torch, and explosives.

Recommendations

Start by selecting a trusted company that has made gun safes for many years. A few to note include Liberty Safe (1988), Hamilton Safe (1967), FireKing (1951), Schwab Corp (1872), and SentrySafe (1930). Each company offers many price points as well as specialty products that may fill a specific need, such as concealability or use in a vehicle.

It is recommended to get the largest you can afford and for which you have the space for if you’re going for something besides a handgun size. It is not uncommon to expand your firearm collection over time and you’ll need space for ammunition and accessories as well. You can also use the added space for other valuables, such as jewelry, important papers, and priceless photographs.

Keep in mind that even a highly respected company needs to cut some corners to make their budget models more affordable. Continue to apply the criteria offered in this article so that you get the model that provides the level of safety you desire.

Take the time to learn everything you can about the safe company and the safe(s) you are considering. If you meet unreasonable resistance when asking the hard questions, there is a good chance the quality is lacking in some way.

As with most things, obtain the best safe you can afford. It is better to wait to get the firearms until you can manage a superior safe to keep them in. Protecting the investment you have in your firearms and protecting your family from harm means never settling for just “good enough”.

Locksmith Sarasota Is Your Trusted Local Locksmith:

Call 941-281-4100

Locked And Secure: A Complete Home Security Checklist

Locked And Secure: A Complete Home Security ChecklistMany people don’t think they need security systems. They may assume security systems are too expensive and a waste of money, especially if they live in a smaller city or town. However, residents of these areas are not immune to break-ins.

At Locksmith Sarasota, we don’t simply provide locks. We seek to protect our clients any way possible, so we encourage them to invest in security systems before a break-in occurs. We have all the tools you need to ensure your home is a safe place.

What Homeowners Need To Know About Burglaries

The more you know about how burglars operate, the easier avoiding them will be. When most people hear “burglar,” they think of a stealthy thief dressed in black, breaking into their homes in the middle of the night. In reality, most burglaries happen between 10 AM and 3 PM, when most people are at work or school.

Additionally, burglars are not always strangers. You may have seen a potential burglar in your neighborhood, or talked to that person casually. Some of them get to know potential targets and their daily routines.

Be Careful What You Post Online

Social media has made break-ins easier than ever. Please be careful what you post on Facebook, Twitter, and other sites. Vacation photos or trip announcements let burglars know exactly when you’re away. Even if your privacy settings are tight, friends of friends may share your information with someone who’ll use it for a break-in.

Despite what you see on television, most burglars don’t jimmy open windows. An astonishing 34% of them enter by the front door because not all homeowners keep these locked. Another 30% enter using any easily accessible unlocked door or window. A professional burglar can burglarize your house in 10 minutes or less. If your security system isn’t up-to-date, that’s enough time for significant property loss and damage to occur.

Home Security And Police Response

The police are there to ensure safety, which includes tracking down burglars. However, only about 14% of burglaries resulted in arrests in the last two years. Burglaries are some of the hardest crimes to solve, and the chances of recovering your lost property are slim. You should always contact the police in the event of a burglary. However, a home security system prevents burglaries where the police cannot.

Pre-Security System Precautions

Before you install a security system, you should take several precautionary measures. None of your valuables should be visible from the street. When you are not home, keep doors and windows locked and the shades down. Do not keep jewelry boxes, safes, or other containers of valuables open. Do not post passwords or combinations in accessible places.

Home Security Lighting

A lit pathway keeps you safe at night, but may also encourage a burglar. Consider buying automated outside lights you can turn on and off using your phone or other device. When you aren’t home, make sure all the lights are off but keep your porch light, if possible. The porch light illuminates your house number, which helps law enforcement find you quickly.

Give an extra set of keys to someone you trust. When possible, give the keys to someone who lives nearby and can check on your house while you travel. Ask the post office to hold your mail, too. Burglars become suspicious when they see a full mailbox after one or two days.

Your doors should be either wood or metal-clad with keyed deadbolts and secondary locks. Secondary locks are especially important on sliding, deck, attic, or garage doors. These entrances are some of the easiest for burglars to use.

Always keep medications out of sight. Some burglars are also substance abusers and choose homes based on whether they’ll find drugs. Additionally, lock up outdoor valuables, including tools burglars might use to access the rest of your house.

Take personal inventory of your property. Secure your valuables in a safe place. If you leave pets behind, ensure they are in a safe place, too. Your security system should extend to your garage, yard, deck, or wherever else your pet normally stays.

Residential Home Security Basics

Your home security system needs alarms, and these must be tested regularly. Test your alarms at least once every few months. If you travel often, the tests should be more frequent. Keep security codes in your phone, or memorize them if possible. If you must write them down, do so in a notebook you always carry with you. Consider changing codes at least once a year. This way, even if a burglar sees you using one code, there is no guarantee it’s always correct.

A good home security system places your lights and possibly appliances on timers. You need at least two light timers that work in a logical sequence. If desired, set timers for televisions, radios, or computers. These may fool burglars into thinking you’re home. Make sure your security system has floodlights. Burglars don’t want the attention floodlights attract, so the faster your house lights up, the faster a burglar will leave. Check your floodlights regularly.

The garage, pool area, and sheds need manual locks. Don’t rely solely on a garage door opener, especially if that opener doesn’t come with a code. Keep the keys on your person when possible, or in a high, inaccessible location. Never let outdoor locks rust. If you experience a break-in, whether indoors or outdoors, call a locksmith immediately. He or she will change the locks and may help you change codes, too.

Protecting Sensitive Valuables

Most burglars come into homes looking for specific items like computers and televisions. To ensure their protection, inscribe items with legitimate, law enforcement-approved serial numbers. Take photos of these and other valuables. This makes it easier for police to identify and find your valuables if there is a break-in.

Contact Locksmith Sarasota For All Your Home Security Needs

If you live in Sarasota or in the Tampa, FL area, contact us online or by phone about home security systems. Together, we will customize one that fits your needs. Don’t wait until after a break-in. Prepare and protect your home now.

A Brief History Of Lock Picking

A Brief History Of Lock PickingThe lock got its start at the dawn of civilization, with early renditions simply using rope. No historian is truly sure who developed the first mechanical lock. Many believe the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians created them separately from each other. More than 6,000 years ago in Egypt, a locksmith managed to create a pin tumbler lock made completely out of wood. The first locks were not very secure, and “perfect security” — the term that security experts use to describe complete safety from intruders — was unattainable. That is, until an inventor named Joseph Bramah came along in the 1770s.

The “Perfect” Lock

A History Of Lock Picking - From Ancient Egypt To TodayIn the 1770s, Bramah arrived to the locksmithing scene in England as a polymath engineer. He created a lock that was far better than any other at that point in history: the Bramah safety lock. His lock had complex layers between the key and the lock’s deadbolt. He believed he’d created the perfect lock. Bramah was so confident in his lock that he even created a contest, offering 200 guineas (about $30,000 today) to anyone who could pick the lock. The British government took interest when the lock proved unbeatable.

The government wanted a perfect lock that would alert the owner if someone tried to open it. Thus, the Chubb detector lock came about, invented by locksmith Jeremiah Chubb. The lock would seize if a lockpicker tried to lift a tumbler too high, so that even the key wouldn’t work. The owner would know that someone tried to open the lock because he or she would have to use a separate key to reset the tumblers. From the 1770s until 1851, civilization enjoyed what is perhaps the only period of “perfect security” in history.

The Lock Controversy Of 1851

An American locksmith named A.C. Hobbs made a living selling his own locks. He generated a great deal of business by showing bank managers how easily he could pick their locks. During London’s Great Exhibition in 1851, Hobbs decided to end the era of perfect security by picking Chubb’s lock. It took him about 25 minutes to successfully get the lock open. Then, he moved on to pick the Bramah lock, which took him about 52 hours total. The feeling of perfect security evaporated.

What Security Looks Like Today

After the downfall of Bramah’s unbeatable lock, locksmiths created with their own renditions. Linus Yale, Jr. mass-produced his pin-and-tumbler locks until it became the world’s most commonly used lock. Yale locks still are available today, and his design likely is the same kind of lock on your doors. Pin-and-tumbler locks are relatively easy to pick if you know what you’re doing have the right tools. Today’s security depends on other more impressive technologies, such as electronic security systems and innovative technological locks.

Modern “lock picking” often involves a crowbar through the window or a breach of a high-tech security system. To protect your home, trust the professional locksmiths and security experts at Locksmith Sarasota.

 

Facts You Never Knew About Locksmiths

Facts You Never Knew About LocksmithsYou’ve locked yourself out your home and the only keys you have are inside. What do you do? Break down your own front door? Smash one of your windows? Calling a locksmith to come pick the lock and let you inside to get your keys is probably your best option.

Locksmiths provide an invaluable service; one that anyone who has ever needed it was extremely grateful for. However, the industry has some severe issues that people need to know about before they hire a locksmith.

Lax Regulations For Locksmiths

Were you aware that only 15 states in America require locksmiths to be licensed? This is a rather alarming fact, as it means that anyone can claim to be a locksmith without any legal proof of their profession. A person simply has to trust that the stranger saying they are a locksmith really is and doesn’t have some other motive for unlocking the door.

Facts You Never Knew About LocksmithsThe lack of licensing is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it makes it very difficult for people who need the help of a professional locksmith to ensure that they are actually getting that help and not that of an amateur or a person who isn’t a locksmith at all. On the other hand, the abundance of people who can claim to be locksmiths makes it difficult for true professionals to find work.

States That Require Licenses

The only states that require licenses for locksmiths are:

  • California
  • Alabama
  • Illinois
  • Connecticut
  • Nebraska
  • Maryland
  • Louisiana
  • Nevada
  • Oklahoma
  • North Carolina
  • New Jersey
  • Oregon
  • Virginia
  • Texas
  • Tennessee

Hiring a professional locksmith is critical. Not only will a professional have the knowledge and tools to properly help you, he or she will have had to have gone through rigorous background checks to ensure he or she isn’t a criminal.

Conditions Are Worse Out Of Country

Outside the United States, conditions are even worse for locksmiths. Very few countries regulate locksmiths at all. Complete strangers are allowed into a person’s private space, but few governments seem concerned with making sure that these strangers do not have any ill intentions toward the people who asked for their help. Japan, Poland, Hungary, and Canada are the only other countries to regulate the locksmith industry.

Expensive Practices

When you lock yourself out of something and need to call a locksmith, the only service you may want them to provide is to quickly pick the lock and allow you inside. However, this may not be the service you get. What little training most locksmith companies gives their employees is usually just about how to perform drills and replacements.

Drilling is when a locksmith drills out the lock in the door, destroying it in the process. Most people want to be able to lock their door afterward, so if the locksmith drills the lock the customer will also have them replace it.

Locksmiths are often trained not to offer any service other than drilling and replacing a lock. Even if a lock is undamaged and could easily be picked, they will still push the other service. This is because drilling and replacing a lock is the most expensive service locksmiths perform, and they know that most of their clients are desperate enough to accept the more expensive service rather than fighting for a cheaper one.

Not only do locksmiths often push customers to accept their most expensive services, the price for those services is not standardized. There is no set price for locksmithing services; a locksmith can charge any customer any price they believe the customer will pay.

What To Look For

So, if there are so many untrustworthy people claiming to be locksmiths, how can people find a good one? Here are some things to look for:

  • Pick a local service. They need to maintain a good reputation, to stay in business, so choose one that has been working in your area for a while.
  • If you live in one of the states that require locksmiths to be licensed, ask to see their certification.
  • Get a complete price quote on the phone before asking the locksmith to come to your location.

Finding a trustworthy locksmith is difficult, but at least knowing these things allows people to be forewarned before the next time they have to hire a locksmith. Remember to find a licensed locksmith, if possible, to make sure you only get the service you need and, above all else, protect yourself and your home.

Sarasota-Area Locksmiths

If you live in Sarasota and are in need of an honest, professional locksmith, you are in luck. Locksmith Sarasota is an expert and reliable family-owned locksmith company that can help most of its customers in less than half an hour.

The History Of Locks And How They Will Impact Our Future

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History Of Locks And How They Will Impact Our FutureLocks and keys form part of our everyday lives, but how often do we stop to think about them? Most of the time they exist only in the background, until something happens to them and we can’t access our stuff. The other time we think about locks is when our security has been breached and someone has damaged or destroyed our things, or taken them outright. All of these scenarios point to the importance of locks in our lives.

A Brief History Of Locks

Locks have been around for thousands of years. From the time the first human had something worth keeping, they were looking for a way to keep that item secure.

The first evidence of a lock designed to keep something secured dates to about 6,000 years ago. It was fashioned in Mesopotamia, which today is made up of modern Iraq, as well as parts of Syria, Iran and Turkey. A wooden pin lock was used during this time to keep possessions secured, as well as a means of keeping track of who was coming and going

First Pin Lock

Modern-day Iraq is also the birthplace of the pin lock. Archaeologists discovered a basic lock and key system while on a dig at the Palace of Khorsabad in the 1800s. The find dates to 4000 BC and its wooden design shares some basic similarities with modern locks.

Here’s how it worked: Pins of different lengths inside the lock mechanism would stop the door from opening unless the correct key was inserted in the lock. Only the correct key would push the pins up and move the wooden bolt holding the door securely in place could be pushed out of the way.

Development Of Metal Locks

Metal was first used to fashion locks using the same basic design developed in ancient times during the Middle Ages. Locks had a keyhole with a cylinder on their far end. The keyhole featured a series of wards, or concentric plates, that would be able to block a key from turning unless it had the correct pattern of notches to match they pattern or wards. If the key turned freely, it would engage the bolt when turned.

Modern Locksmithing Is Born

The Industrial Age of the 1760s saw power-driven machines replacing hand tools. During this period in history, Robert Barron patented a double-acting lever tumbler lock. His design required between two and four separate levers to lift to separate heights in order for a lock to be opened. These locks were more secure than anything on the market to date, but they could still be picked.

In 1784, Joseph Bramah patented his design for a lock that is still in use in London today. It uses a cylindrical key to press a number of wafers inside the locking device. The correct key hits the wafers and will retract the bolt.

Inventors like Chubb and Schlage improved upon these lock designs, adding their own innovations. Linus Yale, Jr. added the flat grooved key with a notched edge that we are all familiar with for residential locks.

The Future Of Locks

Our need for security has not gone away, but the way we keep things secure is ever-evolving. The future of locks will likely involve doing away with a physical key, which can be used by anyone who has access to it and can become lost.

Instead, digital locks are becoming more popular. We already have locks that can be programmed to use passwords, codes or fingerprints for authentication methods. Facial recognition software is now available to open some doors. Lock companies are also experimenting with technology that will allow you to open a lock with your smartphone or the sound of your voice.

In the meantime, you can trust Locksmith Sarasota for all your residential and commercial locksmith needs. Call us today if you want to replace or update your existing locks.

Benefits Of A Mobile Locksmith

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Mobile LocksmithMost of us are familiar with going to a hardware store to get a key copied from time to time. If you need the services of a locksmith, there may be times when having someone come to your location would be preferable.

Benefits Of Calling A Mobile Locksmith

 

Fast Response Time

If you find yourself locked out of your home or office, can’t find your car key or it has broken off in the ignition, you’ll want to get help right away. All of these are very stressful situations, and you don’t want to put your, or anyone else’s safety at risk. A mobile locksmith can be dispatched to your exact location as soon as you call, and you will not have to wait long before a professional will arrive to provide assistance.

Available 24 Hours A Day/Seven Days A Week

Emergency services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are locked out of your home, office or car, you don’t have to be concerned about being stuck if the problem occurs outside of regular business hours. Just call the mobile locksmith for help.

Have Equipment To Deal With Variety Of Situations

Mobile locksmiths’ vans are fully stocked with tools and equipment to deal with a variety of situations. The locksmith arrives at your home, office or wherever your car is parked able to deal with your issue, and without having to wait for any parts to arrive.

Mobile Locksmiths Can Perform Several Types Of Services

If you need to contact a mobile locksmith for an emergency lockout, or you need to have your lock rekeyed, installed or replaced, you can get all of these services from the same provider. Mobile locksmiths can come to you and provide prompt, professional services for your security needs. They can also provide information about and installation of digital and electronic lock systems.

Locksmith Sarasota is your mobile locksmith choice in Sarasota, Florida. As a family-owned and operated business, we understand how important it is to keep your family and your property secure. We are licensed, bonded, and insured, and respond to calls in 25 minutes or less. Call us now!

Steps To Choose The Right Door Lock For Your Home

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

Steps To Choose The Right Door Lock For Your HomeIf you are in the market for new door locks for your home, you have a couple of options for where you can purchase them. You can either visit a hardware or a big box retailer and go the DIY route, or you can call a professional locksmith.

Hardware Stores vs. An Experienced Locksmith

 

An experienced and licensed locksmith provides the knowledge and understanding of which lock option will work best for your home and your specific preferences. They can also work with you to ensure you’re getting the best product for your budget.

While hardware stores and big box retailers are wonderful for a number of products, they are probably not the best choice when you are purchasing house door locks. You are choosing a product that is going to keep you, your family and your property safe and secure, and you don’t want to leave anything to chance.

What You Need To Know To Find The Right Lock For Your Home

 

In order to find the right door locks for your home, you need to consider a number of factors (and none of them involve which one “looks right” when you are examining the product through the packaging):

  • Type of material the door is made from (wood, steel or fiberglass)
  • Quality of materials used to construct the door frame
  • Level of key security you want
  • Any insurance requirements
  • Your personal desired security level

 

Not all door locks are created equal and what may be perfect for one homeowner, may not be for the next. You’ll want to make sure you are installing the right door lock that can give you the level of security you are looking for and that will also be effective with the existing door frame.

Your best bet is to get advice from an expert in home security locks before you make a decision on your purchase. A locksmith is a trained professional who will listen to your needs and recommend the right solution for you.

With a residential locksmith, you can be rest assured that your new door lock will be expertly installed to your specifications. We can also replace and upgrade locks on sliding doors and patio doors. If your current locks are wearing down or you are interested in upgrading your door hardware, call Locksmith Sarasota today!

Learn More About Our Security Lock Services Here

What You Need To Know About Home Security Door Locks

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Home Security Door Locks-Locksmith SarasotaNothing is more important for your family’s safety and the protection of your assets than a reliable home security system. Installing high security door locks on every entryway is the most effective and reliable way to fend off unwanted intruders. At Locksmith Sarasota, we have everything you need to secure your property and protect your loved ones.

Types Of Home Security Door Locks

There are several types of home security door locks that you can choose. From basic, to high security, to convenience. Discover the information that you need to know now regarding these residential house locks.

Basic Key-in-Knob Lock

When it comes to discouraging unauthorized entry to your home, nothing is more effective than a deadbolt lock. Most doors have a basic key-in-knob lock, which utilizes a spring to hold the bolt in place. If you apply enough force to the bolt, it can retract regardless of whether you use a key. Because a deadbolt lacks a spring mechanism, it is impossible to force open by turning.

Single And Double Cylinder Deadbolt Locks

A single cylinder deadbolt mounts on the interior face of the door and features a twist knob inside and a key cylinder outside. A double cylinder deadbolt also mounts inside but has key cylinders on both sides, so a key is needed to lock it or unlock it from inside the home. The double cylinder lock is a good option if your door is next to a window. With a single cylinder lock, an intruder could break the glass, reach in and twist the inside knob to gain access.

Keyless Pin Pad Locks

A keyless deadbolt eliminates the need for a key. To gain entry, you enter a numeric code on a keypad. You never have to worry about misplaced or stolen keys and you can change the code quickly and easily if you ever suspect someone knows your combination. This pin pad code-type of system, is also convenient if you ever need to let someone into your home when you’re not there, like a repair man or babysitter, but don’t want to give them a key. After they’re gone, you can simply just change the code.

Home Security Door Locks

We at Locksmith Sarasota offer a wide variety of high quality home security door locks to suit all your home security needs and we carry locks made by the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. Whether you need a deadbolt for your front door or a secure locking system for you sliding glass patio door, our professionally trained locksmiths can provide you with the best locks your money can buy.

Investing in high security door locks for your home is a small price to pay for the peace of mind you get knowing your family and personal possessions are safe.

Contact Locksmith Sarasota Today For Affordable
Home Security Solutions!