CAN’T GET YOUR SAFE OPEN? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

Are you finding it impossible to open your safe? First of all, don’t panic. It’s certainly annoying and inconvenient, but don’t let it get to you. Normally, when a safe fails, it is still locked. Let’s look at some common reasons your safe won’t open. There are a number of things you can try before calling a safe technician.

Jammed bolt work. Is the motor trying to retract the bolt work, yet it still won’t open? If so, bang on the door with a mallet, or kick it. Go ahead and do it. It will work, as long as you don’t pound the keypad or the handle. If you do it correctly, it will effectively loosen the bolt work. After that, try pulling the handle in the opposite direction of what you usually do, and enter the code. If you’re fortunate, this should release the extra pressure on the bolt, so that the handle will now move.

Dead batteries. There could be enough power to operate the keypad, but not enough for the bolt work to function. Therefore, if the keypad beeps and lights up like it always does, the issue may be quickly solved as soon as you replace the batteries. Choose a reputable brand, because off-brands lose power more quickly.

Deactivated code. Maybe your safe isn’t opening because the code has been deactivated. If so, reset it.

Time delay. If your safe has a time-delay feature, then you need to wait for a specified period of time (generally 10 to 20 minutes). Now, put in the code again, and it should work.

The wiring is disconnected and/or damaged. The wiring might be disconnected. It may need to be repaired. Check the wiring behind the keypad, and you’ll see if any wires are kinked, loose, or cut.

• If it looks good, then temporarily disconnect the wire from the keypad, and take out the batteries. Wait for about 20 seconds. Then reconnect the wiring, put the batteries back in, and it should work.
• If the wiring is indeed damaged, call a professional safe technician.

It’s in lockout mode. If you’ve put in too many wrong passcodes in a row, your safe can go into a penalty-lockout mode. Depending on what type of keypad your safe has, there may be some rapid beeps. If you hear them, wait about 10 to 20 minutes. Your safe should open after that.

What if you’re entering the correct combination, but your safe still won’t open? If your safe has the conventional three-wheel combination lock (that is, three digits) then you need to do the following:

1      Turn the dial to the left 4 times, until the first digit of your combination aligns with the opening index. On the fourth time, stop exactly on your number.

2      Turn the dial to the right 3 times, until the second digit of your combination aligns with the opening index. On the third time, stop precisely on your number.

3      Turn the dial to the left 2 times, until the third digit of your combination aligns with the opening index. On the second time, stop on your number exactly.

4      Turn the dial to the right until it stops (around 95). If the dial doesn’t stop, then do your routine opening procedure again, accurately dialing each digit of your combination. Keep in mind that your safe will stay locked if you dial even a tiny bit past any number you meant to stop on.

5      To lock your combination lock again, turn the dial 4 complete revolutions, stopping on any number that’s not in your combination.

After all that, what if your safe still isn’t opening? There is no denying now that you need to call an expert safe technician. Please, don’t drill your safe, or you’ll cause damage!

What if your safe doesn’t lock at all, but stays open instead? Investigate these issues:

1      Replace the batteries. Choose only a top-value brand.

2      Make sure the edges of the cover are lined up. Be sure there isn’t any debris in the edges.

3      Verify that the bolts aren’t damaged in any way. You also need to see that the holes they go into aren’t blocked by any detritus.

4      Try to “lock” your safe, even with the door open. If the locking mechanism is still working now, you’ll know the problem lies elsewhere.

5      Lubricate the locking mechanism. If a spring is sticking, this will probably resolve everything. Choose the proper lubricant. Lubricant for a combination lock is different from the graphite-based lubrication for a keyed lock.

Did you misplace or forget your combination? Locate a legitimate safe technician with the knowhow and expertise necessary to open your safe. A topnotch safe technician will make your safe more secure than it was before, and without doing any damage.

Don’t ever try to “crack” your safe by yourself! Opening safes, and properly handling combination locks (mechanical or digital), are specialized tasks calling for exceptional precision, skill, and experience. Hire a dependable professional with a thorough understanding of the locking methods and maintenance requirements of today’s safes.

A myth about getting your safe opened by a professional is that the safe will be damaged during the process ~ but this will not be the case if you find a legitimate, eminently qualified safe specialist. Be doubtful of anyone claiming to be a safe expert who doesn’t actually have the appropriate credentials. Choose an accomplished safe technician you can count on ~ an individual who is officially licensed, duly insured, fittingly certified, suitably bonded, and thoroughly background-checked. Hire a reliable individual who will carry the right tools, possessing the sensitivity and skill with touch and sound required.

If you’re located anywhere in Centennial, Colorado, consider Mobile Locksmith Centennial, where you can request a free consultation with a staff mobile safe technician. Make sure to get all your questions answered to your full satisfaction before you give your permission for any work to begin.

Aricle source here: CAN’T GET YOUR SAFE OPEN? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

Lock and Key Types

Mobile Locksmith Centennial has provided details about just some of the different kinds of locks and keys that are available to consumers. Property protection is more important than ever, whether one is located in beautiful Centennial, CO or anywhere else. From padlocks and knob locks to deadbolts and wall mounted locks, the options are seemingly endless. Smart keys, transponder keys and other key types are available too. All of these things were designed to keep your property as safe as could possibly be, whether it’s a car, house or office building, or anything in between. Check out the different lock and key types, and see if there are any you believe would suit your needs. Always consider taking the time to talk with a professional locksmith in your area, no matter where that happens to be. Just about every city in the country should have access to someone that is relatively close by and most lock and security providers provide consultations free of charge so that locals can make informed decisions. Have all of the knowledge you need prior to making any decisions!

These are only some of the lock and key types available…

Deadbolt: This is a lock that is usually installed on an external door. It comes in many different varieties and materials. Single, lockable thumb turn and double are the types available. Single cylinder deadbolts are very common in the United States for homeowners. They have a key cylinder on the outside. Double cylinder deadbolts operate by utilizing a key cylinder which is on the inside and the outside of the door. They tend to be slightly safer than single cylinder deadbolts in terms of keeping unwanted persons out. Unfortunately, if you are ever in a fire or in another situation in which you need to exit your property fast, this type of deadbolt could be problematic. For this reason, one should keep a key on the inside to ensure that anyone who needs to get out fast for any reason can attain their safe, quick exit. A lockable thumb turn deadbolt is sort of like a combination between a single and a double deadbolt. It has a thumb turn on the inside and it operates in the same way that a typical single cylinder deadbolt would. The difference is that the thumb turn is able to be locked utilizing a key. Basically, for homeowners, a thumb turn can be kept unlocked if people are hanging around inside of the home and it will work just as a single cylinder deadbolt would. But when people are leaving, the thumb turn can be locked. This means that if a person has access to the door from inside the property, the deadbolt is unable to be unlocked.

Padlock: A padlock is different from other types of locks because it can’t be attached permanently to something else. Their portability makes them desirable to a lot of people, and the fact that they come in various sizes is useful, too. They can be keyed or combination locks. A combination padlock will use a number dial, and one must know the series of numbers to open it. One might have a padlock on their locker.

Knob Locks: This kind of lock is generally set up in residential properties. They also can be found on exterior doors. In some cases, they are the only form of security for a door but they should never be used as a stand-alone option for the security of an exterior door. As a matter of fact, many locksmiths will tell their customers that a property just isn’t protected fully if it is lacking a deadbolt. The reason that a knob lock shouldn’t be used without the use of any other type of lock is that it can be broken off the door. You might have seen this happen in a movie. A person can take a hammer or another object and break the knob right off. Talk with a locksmith if this is the type of lock that you have, and see what the other options are which are available to you. It is better to be protected than to not be fully protected.

So now that you know a little bit more about the different kinds of locks available, let’s get into some of the different key types that are available. From car keys to skeleton keys, you have a lot of options.

Transponder key: This is also commonly referred to as a chip key. It has been created to prevent theft from occurring. A radio signal activates the key, which is sent from the car when said key is put into the ignition. This type of key is virtually impossible to duplicate unless a person is a professional. Some car manufacturers make their vehicles shut down if the wrong key is inserted.

Paracentric Key: This key looks almost like it has teeth. It is commonly used in jails, so it might not really be helpful for a person just looking for residential or commercial keys.

Skeleton Key: This can open various different locks and is a fairly well-known key.

Keycard: This is commonly used at hotel properties. If you have ever taken a vacation somewhere, you might have been given a keycard to access your room. It utilizes a magnetic strip which is generally on the back of the card to unlock a door.

It is clear that there are many different types of locks and keys available for people looking for enhanced property protection. The best and easiest thing to do is to get on the phone with an experienced local locksmith in Centennial. Ask them any questions you have, and let them know what your concerns are. You might have a certain part of your property that simply doesn’t feel all that safe – say, perhaps, the patio or garage door. An expert can help you navigate the options!

Aricle source here: Lock and Key Types

The Responsibility of a Locksmith

Are you in need of a locksmith? Are you contemplating exactly how they can be of use to you? You would be surprised to find out all that a locksmith is capable of doing these days. They don’t only make keys and install locks, they handle home security systems by installing them and repairing them, program smart keys, secure windows, repair and adjust locks for businesses and on cars and they are a great resource for anyone considering having security installed in their business or homes. There security side of the business can really come in handy because they are often less expensive than a traditional security company.

In short a locksmith is a trained professional who is able to repair, install and make adjustments to your residential, automotive and commercial locks and security features. They are useful in changing lock combinations, duplicating keys and are very resourceful when you need them to bypass authorized locks. Since they are adapt at repairing and installing conventional hardware for security systems and locksets, they are often relied upon to work for larger commercial institutions and facilities. These types of businesses often require different levels of security that can effectively protect them from people who are not authorized to be inside.

Here is a simple break-down of some of the most common tasks locksmiths perform:

1. Cut keys

They cut keys for doors, cabinets, boats, motorcycles, padlocks and more……

2. Door and Window Locks

Any professional locksmith will be able to effectively service, fit and repair your home or buildings window locks, regardless of the make or model of the locks.

3. Safe Services

When you have a safe that you need repaired, installed or supplied, you can depend on a locksmith to provide it for you. They even work on vaults.

4. Automotive Lock and Keys

Most locksmiths have the skills needed to handle your automotive locksmith needs. With their training, they are able to unlock your doors if keys have been locked inside, repair or program transponder keys, program remote keys, fix key fobs and make duplicate keys on the spot.

5. Electronic Access Control

Installing and providing customers with access control systems is no longer just something a security company offers, many locksmith services in Centennial, Illinois, such as, Locksmith Centennial, also offer this service.

6. Emergency Lock and Key Services

Emergency services are generally offered 24-hours a day. This is necessary if you have locked yourself out, had your key stolen or have simply misplaced or lost your key. Your doors have been jammed or tampered with or your alarm is going off and you can’t stop it. There are numerous reasons for relying on a 24-hour emergency locksmith service.

If a locksmith service performs good work and they are reliable, dependable and affordable, many businesses will use them as their primary service provider. This is how some local locksmith services are able to secure government contracts. They are familiar with the building and where all of the locks are located. They are trustworthy and thus are a valuable resource to many local businesses in the area. They know the various types of locks used for any specific building, repairs and replacements that are necessary and have other important information that may benefit the company in the long run.

Responsibilities of a Locksmith

• Replace and repair damaged parts of your entry and exit doors
• Sell security systems, key control systems, smart key entry, locks and bars
• Assess locking mechanisms and duplicate keys to replace stolen, lost or damaged keys
• Repair damaged doors and window locks, locking mechanisms and hinges
• Unlock doors where keys are missing or lost
• Change combination locks
• Program codes for access controlled security systems
• Develop a master key system for larger institutions, such as, hospitals, banks, warehouses, apartments, government buildings and more.
• Change locks and unlock safes and vaults.
• Open safes when the key or combination has been lost or forgotten.
• Make repairs to safes or vaults.
• Make coded keys
• Duplicate keys for houses, storefront, and other commercial businesses.

Where Locksmiths Work

Some locksmiths receive training and belong to an association of locksmiths. When their services are needed, someone may find them along with a list of other qualified locksmith technicians. These types of locksmith technicians may receive minimum training but can come in handy for smaller jobs, such as, installing locks or making duplicate keys. These types of locksmiths are freelance locksmiths because they do not work for anyone other than themselves. They work whenever they prefer to work. In some instances, it is just supplemental income for some locksmiths.

There are other locksmiths who work for a locksmith company. They may be held to higher standards than a freelance locksmith because of the quality of services that a particular service provider intends on offering to their customers. These locksmith services are generally reputable and reliable due to compliance standards that they adhere to. They typically try to maintain a certain level of consistent work in order to maintain their business.

How to Find a Local Locksmith

Finding a good locksmith requires you to do a little research prior to allowing them to attend to your needs. Find out if they offer quotes. Make sure the quote doesn’t go up after they begin performing the job they have been hired to perform. Ask friends and family for referrals. If they have been satisfied with the work offered to them, chances are that you will be also. Make sure they communicate effectively by letting you know what the problem is and what they intend on doing to resolve it for you. Most importantly make sure that they are trustworthy. You can do this by checking reviews from trusted review sites, such as Angie’s List or the Better Business Bureau. It doesn’t matter what anyone else’s experience has been with them, you need to know for certain that the service you are hiring is effective and trustworthy. When you invite someone into your home or business, you need to be certain that they are there for the right reasons.

Aricle source here: The Responsibility of a Locksmith

Lockouts; why you should call a locksmith

Lockouts happen every day by the thousands, all across the country and everywhere else, too! No matter how careful you are, you can’t always prevent them from happening. Here’s the ironic part – if you polled 20 people about what they would do if they were locked out of their house or car, they would say “call a locksmith!” and that seems like a perfect answer. The strange reality is that most of them probably would not. They might be afraid of the unknown cost or of trusting their keys and locks to a stranger.

Maybe they’ve called a locksmith before and were not pleased with the results. Did they wait too long for help to arrive? Did the quoted price suddenly change once the locksmith arrived or let them back in?

Here in Centennial, CO it can get real cold at night, especially in the winter! Being locked out can cause anxiety, panic, and even health problems, so it’s best to have a plan of action, just in case. Let’s explore what NOT to do first.

Don’t damage things!

We’re serious! In their panic, it’s easy to try and force your way back inside your property. Forget it; broken glass, bent metal and pried off window sills can only make matters worse. You could be mistaken for a vandal, burglar or peeping tom and arrested, assaulted or even shot by police, mistaken neighbors or even your own household members. Then, you have to deal with damaged property repairs, messy clean-ups and even injuries!

Don’t panic!

Easy to say; hard to do, we know! No one plans to be locked out; it happens unexpectedly and at the worst possible times. We are in the midst of going somewhere or doing something when it happens and the suddenness and shock of being on the wrong side of a locked door can really throw us off! Just remember; it’s hard to think when you are panicked and wrong thinking often leads to wrong decisions. What can we do to reduce panic when faced with a lockout? Have a plan of action!

Can I call a friend?

Sure, friends are always nice to call upon. They are even nicer if they have a spare key that you entrusted them with! Even if they don’t, a friend is great for keeping on the phone while you call for a locksmith. Waiting for your technician to arrive can be nerve wracking and having someone to talk to makes the time go by faster and helps keep nerves under control. Plus, if you are in any kind of dangerous situation it’s nice to have a potential witness to your dilemma. A friend is NOT a good idea if they are going to help you panic or assist you in breaking-in to your home, workplace or car. Be smart. You choose your friends wisely, now call them for the right reasons!

Ok, ok; I’ll call a locksmith!

As you know, not all locksmiths are the same. Some are not available 24/7 (even if they imply it!). Some are not affordable or they pretend to be to get your business. Some are not even real locksmiths and have not been licensed or are lacking experience. So whom do you call? If you already have a trusted lock professional that you’ve used before or have heard good things about; call them. If not, you can always call our family owned shop. Mobile Locksmith Centennial is always a smart choice to call upon. Our rates are easy on your wallet and our emergency service is truly 24/7! Unlike some shops that use outdated answering machines or simple voice mail, we work with live response 24-hour telephone operators so that no calls are missed or go unresponded to. In addition, as our name says; we are mobile. Our licensed, bonded and insured lock professionals come to your location wherever the lockout may be in town. This can be home, car location, workplace, business location; anywhere! Response times are fast and we never change rates once we get to you.

Worth the cost

Don’t view paying for a locksmith as a luxury or needless expense. Cost can vary per shop and per occasion but like anything else, you get value for your money. Almost always the cost of hiring a lock professional will be less than replacing a broken window or smashed in door. It will most certainly be less than paying for emergency room treatment for removing glass shards or for getting stitches. How much is your time worth anyway? The cost of a locksmith is totally worth it when considering the speed and ease that you can regain entry to your property.

Payphones are bye, bye!

Have you noticed? Payphones and those huge yellow page books are a thing of the past. In days gone by you could walk to one and if enough pages weren’t missing, you could call someone for help. In today’s world, everyone has a smart phone on them at all (if not most) times. Doesn’t it make sense to have the telephone number to your locksmith of choice entered into it? If a lockout situation arises; just tap to call and a 24-hour mobile technician will be on his way to you. Here’s one time when being proactive really makes sense. Find a good locksmith (like Mobile Locksmith Centennial) that can handle not only lockouts but other tasks, too. These can be rekeys, security upgrades, damaged lock repairs, door knob changes, installations, lock replacements, ignition cylinder replacements, trunk opening, gun safe additions, video surveillance and of course, any possible locksmith emergency. Enter this shop’s phone number into your smart phone and in those of your family members or even co-workers. If you never need to use it; great! But if you do, you’ve got lightning quick access to highly trained and experienced professionals that can make your lockout (or other) situation end safely and quickly.

Aricle source here: Lockouts; why you should call a locksmith

HOW TO ENHANCE YOUR HOME’S SECURITY

We all want our home to be our sanctuary, a safe place, where we can relax. In order to keep your peace of mind, it’s important to keep an eye on your locks, points of entry, and the surrounding premises of your property.

You can do a lot yourself to make your home more secure. No one’s property is impervious, but there are numerous ways you can effectively protect your home and family from criminal trespass. If you don’t pay attention to potential vulnerabilities in your security, your house will be more attractive to a burglar. Let’s look at what you might be overlooking.

Upgrade weak or worn-out locks. Any knowledgeable locksmith will tell you that deadbolts always give you better security. Get a grade-2 deadbolt lock, which penetrates the doorframe. Heavy-duty is superior. Smart or digital locks will provide an additional security layer. With some, you can synchronize your smart lock with your smart device, so you won’t have to carry a key at all.

Secure windows and glass doors. An open window is obviously attractive to an intruder. Ground floor windows are more susceptible to break-ins, but upper-floor windows can also be attractive if a robber can get in by stairway, fence, ladder, balcony, or tree. Use a secondary blocking device, such as a wooden dowel, on each window to keep someone from sliding it open from the outside. To comply with the fire code, be sure these window blocking devices can be easily removed from the inside.

Anti-lift devices are needed for ground-level sliding-glass doors, and for aluminum windows that slide horizontally. Install screws half-way into the upper track of the movable glass panel, to prevent it from being lifted out in the closed position. Stick a decal on the glass door or window, near the latch mechanism, indicating that a neighborhood watch system or an alarm system is in place.

Fortify your doors. Check the quality of your outside entries. A hollow door is easier to penetrate, so replace it with a solid-core metal or wooden door. An outside door with a weak lock is vulnerable. Strengthen all 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 short mounting screws with longer screws, which reach the door’s studs, adding additional strength to the doorframe.

Follow simple daily rules.

• Answer the door only if you know who’s knocking. (If you don’t have a peephole, install one.
• Lock doors and windows whenever you leave, and before you go to sleep.
• Keep valuables well hidden in unexpected locations.

Be a good neighbor. Get to know your neighbors, at least on each side of your home, and also two or three across the street. Good neighbors look out for each other. Communicate often and establish trust. You don’t have to be friends; simply be civil. A good neighbor watches out for your home while you’re gone. Some may even mow or water your lawn, pick up mail, or do other little things to make it look like you’re home. Return the favor.

Don’t keep a “hidden” key outside. Please don’t put your house key under the flower pot, over the door, or under the mat. That’s exactly where a robber will look. If you have a keyholder inside a fake rock, a professional criminal will already know what it looks like. Instead, it’s better to give your spare key to a trusted neighbor or friend.

Sensibly store your keys and garage-door remote. It’s a rotten idea to keep your keys and remotes near a door with a window, or otherwise visible. Hide them inside a drawer or cupboard instead.

Secure your garage. Every prowler knows how to get into your home through the garage or the back door without being seen. When you’re not around, keep the garage door closed and locked.

Store your ladder. Don’t keep a ladder outside, because a crook can pretend to be a handyman or contractor, and use the ladder to enter through a window or balcony.

Keep your yard orderly. Get rid of possible hiding spots by keeping your plants, hedges, shrubs, and trees trimmed. If they’re not well spaced, too tall, or ungainly, a trespasser can hide.

Secure your air-conditioner. Use an air-conditioner bracket, corner braces, or a sliding window lock so no one can get in through the unsecured opening.

Keep your lights in working order. Install outdoor lights near each door, with infrared motion detectors to discourage trespassers. Some lights respond to changes in sound, temperature, or daylight. You can even connect light to a smart device, to detect possible undesirable activity and respond instantly, even while you’re away.

Install timers. Put your porch lights on timers. When you’re out, you can make it look like people are home, using timers on your lights, radios, and televisions. If you’re gone for a long time, you can get a smart light timer installed, so you can monitor and control everything with a mobile app.

Install an alarm system. If an alarm system is in your budget, learn to use it correctly! Teach every family member to use it daily and properly. Clearly, if you don’t arm your alarm system, it’s useless.

• Keep your system on a timing schedule.
• Use a smart device to get access to your system remotely, so you can monitor and adjust it anytime.
• Add a fire alarm.
• Keep your batteries charged. Watch to see when batteries are getting low, and don’t ever allow them to drain totally, so your home will remain secure even in a power outage.
• Add a carbon monoxide monitor.
• Do you live in an area prone to floods? Then install a moisture monitor for your basement to detect any flooding.

Hire an expert. If you come across any weak spots in your home’s security, ask a trustworthy residential locksmith specialist about how best to remedy each issue. If you’re in Centennial, Colorado, it would be a good idea to request a free consultation from a reputable local company such as Mobile Locksmith Centennial.

Aricle source here: HOW TO ENHANCE YOUR HOME’S SECURITY

Security system watches over your home without cameras

By: Jon Fingas , @jonfingas

You don’t have many great choices for home security systems right now. Conventional systems are expensive and effectively fixed in place, while connected cameras are conspicuous and carry the risk (however small) that someone might spy on you. Xandem thinks it has a better way, however. It’s crowdfunding a security system that uses motion-detecting wireless mesh networking (previously the stuff of research) to alert you to intruders. It only requires plug-in nodes to work, and the resulting radio frequency web can both travel through objects and follow subjects. If all goes well, you’re getting more complete coverage that stays hidden and reduces the chance of a false positive — you can even track motion in apps or the web to see if it’s a burglar or just a family member who got home early.

Xandem isn’t cheap up front: you’re looking at a minimum $475 pledge to get a 10-node system, and $575 for 15 nodes. However, early bird buyers get the accompanying cloud service free for life. Even the latecomers skip the $120 yearly subscription for the first year. That’s potentially a big discount if you’re both aiming for broad coverage and plan to use the service for a long while. You won’t get yours until August, assuming the project meets its funding goals, but your patience may pay off if you don’t think existing home security technology cuts the mustard.

Source: Security system watches over your home without cameras

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