Various levels of locking systems

There are various levels of locking systems and security hardware mechanisms involved in locks. According to the knowledge and the skill level of the locksmith, they are established in working with commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. Apart from picking locks, the locksmith also cut keys, so that they can open up doors for the commercial and residential buildings, windows, and many more. Locksmith is an expert in repairing window and door locks mostly which are used for residential and commercial use. Locksmith specializes in the security system of the safe. They can install or repair and open different types of security safes and vaults. A locksmith can create keys from code. They can change the combinations for the lock on a vault and safe doors. The replacement of damaged components for the exit and entrance doors can be repaired by them. They are experts in replacing the lost or damaged keys. They are well trained in assisting the clients to unlock their doors especially when the keys are lost. The expert locksmith can also develop a master key system for manufacturing plants, warehouses, banks, and apartments.

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A qualified commercial locksmith will do more than showing up to help you out of an emergency. The right commercial locksmith will become someone you will call upon for every locking and security need. You build a long-term relationship together.

A Day in the Work of a Commercial Locksmith

A commercial locksmith’s work often includes installing new locks, repairing existing locks, assisting with lockout situations, staying up to date on security technology and monitoring services. Their training doesn’t stop the moment they become a locksmith. They receive up-to-date training and stay knowledgeable as to the latest advancements in locks. They are able to install both indoor, outdoor, and master locking systems and understand the components of key-less locking systems.

The lock and security systems of commercial buildings change constantly as employees are being hired or fired. A commercial locksmith needs to know how to repair locks and when to recommend a locks re-keying or locks change depending on the circumstances and individual building needs.

Often, a commercial locksmith is on call to handle any emergency situation such as allowing employee entry after losing a key or have otherwise become locked out. The commercial locksmith must be able to properly identify who has access and who does not.

Duplicating keys, changing lock combinations, and bypassing locks when authorized as part of their job. They will have the ability to make copies of keys for any type of lock on or within the commercial property.

A commercial locksmith may also help with locked filing cabinets, safes, or window locks. They must have the know-how and skill to install, adjust and repair commercial locking systems and security devices.

How To Choose A Commercial Locksmith 

Before you decide on a lasting commercial locksmith to help with all of your business needs, know what to ask. Be sure to inquire as to the skills range of the commercial locksmith you are considering hiring. Are they able to complete tasks including everything from installing door locks to providing on call help with security systems? Find a locksmith who is willing to consult with you and go over all of your company’s individual needs in detail. Ask if your property is within their service radius. In other words, is there an extra charge for travel if you find a professional who is a few miles away. Ask the commercial locksmith to inspect the integrity of your building’s doors, hinges, panic hardware, frames, and security systems.

A couple other questions to keep in mind when considering the best commercial locksmith for your needs is whether or not they belong to ALOA, Associated Locksmiths of America. Of course, belonging to such an organization is not a requirement, the ALOA provides ongoing education for locksmiths to keep their skills fresh and requires that they follow a particular code of ethics. Also, consider whether or not the commercial locksmith has the capacity to grow with your company and its future changes.

Take your time in finding the best commercial locksmith for your individual business needs. You will want to find a locksmith you can trust and who will be there at a moment’s notice in an emergency. Do not wait for an emergency to occur before you begin looking for a trustworthy professional. Find the best commercial locksmith for your business and commercial property needs without delay.

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This top lock guide will highlight various major lock brands and their main features.

• Schlage

Schlage makes both keyed and keyless entry locks offering top security solutions for home and office. For a durable, tamper-proof lock, Schlage Everest Primus is the industry leader to turn to. Schlage products provide optimal security with master/keyway systems and also with its keyless entry systems.

• Kwikset

Kwikset locks offer an innovative technology called SmartKey which allows you to re-key your lock by yourself, saving you money and time. Kwikset is perfect for rental properties and businesses where there’s need to change locks regularly. In addition to being bump proof and pick resistant locks, Kwikset SmartKey padlocks also provide the ability to rekey the lock.

• Corbin-Russwin

If you seek commercial grade durability and strength, then Corbin-Russwin lock is for you. Attractive, sturdy and quite easy to install, these locks are great for institutional uses such as classrooms, healthcare facilities, and hotels.

• Arrow

For strong security reasons, universities, public schools, libraries use Arrow locks. It is durable and secure in highly trafficked places. Arrow Lock’s diverse line includes key systems, locking hardware, and door control, which implies that you can trust the durable, affordable, family of Arrow locks when you’re looking for a lock that will meet your security needs.

• Sargent

Sargent offers a broad range of high-security lock options which includes fobs, keyed entry, keypad locking systems, and keyless entry. Sargent lock systems come with complementary hardware and are generally used in hospitals, behavioral health facilities, and schools. If you need a great, durable, and secure lock system for your home or business, Sargent is a good place to start.

• Kaba Ilco

Kaba Ilco is the go-to brand for vacation property owners, hospitality agents, and property managers. With its comprehensive electronic key card system and mobile access solution, Kaba-Ilco lock systems are perfect for vacation rentals, housing complexes, and apartment buildings. They also have a variety of access control devices for commercial facilities such as turnstiles, pushbutton locks, barrier solutions and installed access control for secure areas.

• Baldwin

Baldwin locks are popularly recognized for their outstanding security and attractive design styles. With a variety of options ranging from traditional to contemporary hardware options, Baldwin locks work well with almost any home décor. With a large line of home security solutions such as knobs, levers, deadbolts, keyless entry, and pocket door locks in high-quality designs, they mix nicely into the surrounding furnishings.

• Falcon

When it comes to functionality, Falcon leads the pack in providing automatic door operation features as well as touch bar exit features and other effective hardware solutions for doors. Falcon locks can be found in many commercials, government, educational, and healthcare facilities. Falcon products are distinguished for their high security and are found at the Pentagon, White House, federal office buildings, and even state and federal prisons, and other secure government buildings.

• Medeco

The Medeco brand is certified by the Certified Environmental Facts (CEF) multi-attribute certification which makes this brand environmental friendly. Medeco also offers e Cylinder, which is a wireless locking format that provides accountability, system management, physical security, and controlled access.

• Adams-Rite 

Adams-rites primary focus remains the industrial settings. Electrified strike and latch, which is their most popular product, is fully loaded and suited for commercial and industrial facilities. Adams-rites line of e Latch products ensures ease of control and strong security. They also provide electric door lock features.

To know more about our recommended lock systems or to speak to our experts to help you select the best lock to meet your needs when you need your locks change, contact us. We’ll ensure that you find the best brand to keep your home or business safe and secure. Contact us at (678) 942-6714.

For more information visit us Atlanta Locksmith Experts.

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Facts About Bump Key

• More than 90% of United States home owners use a cylinder lock on their doors
• More than 95% of new lock brands sold at hardware stores are vulnerable to lock bumping
• A bump key aligns in a key way naturally and can naturally include methods to bypass auxiliary locking mechanisms. Keys are relatively inexpensive to obtain and modify. Bump keys are not universal due to key way restrictions.
• It is possible to bump open a lock in less than 10 seconds
• Lock bumping shows no signs of forced entry or damage
• A bump key can be made in less than 5 minutes by a nonprofessional
• A bump key can be purchased on the internet, no questions asked
• Lock bumping is so easy that a child can do it.

How a Bump Key is Made – How Bumping Works

A blank key with spaces cut to the lowest possible cuts is the first step in creating a pull-out key to be used for bumping a lock. The bump key is inserted into the lock and then moved one pin position before being bumped. All that is needed to create the impact of the bump is slight tension from your hand and then a strike, straight on, from a bump hammer. If everything works as intended, the driver pins will jump, and the plug will turn provided they are all above the shear line. It’s a sometimes delicate procedure that often times takes more than one attempt.

Protect Your Lock Against Bump Key

Most locks that are available in a hardware store are able to be bumped, so it is beneficial to look at more solid locks. However, before you think spending a lot of money on a lock is the answer, understand that even expensive locks can have cheap cylinders that are able to be bumped. To make locks even more vulnerable, bump keys are sold on the internet and are easily accessible to would-be criminals. Burglars who use bump keys to enter know that the forensics will show no visible signs of forced entry unless the lock is thoroughly examined. 

Sidebars or sliders are a good line of defense against bumping. Some key manufacturers, such as Schlage, make bump-proof locks and keys. These keys have an extra tumbler that is unable to be bumped. Some brands add multiple pins and a sidebar that is not able to be bumped. Medeco makes a Bi-Axle key teeth are angled. Tumblers fit the notches and twist. Mul-T-Lock brand is known for its security features and its strength.

Another option is to go key-less with programmable, combination locks that cannot be bumped.

For deadbolts, there is an anti-bumping device that is designed to prevent thumb turn parts of the deadbolt from turning, which means the key cannot retract back inside the lock to open it.

Install Security Pins

Have a professional locksmith install special pins, known as security pins, to make the lock more difficult to bump. These pins are designed to bind before they reach the lock’s sheer line.

Shadow Drilling – Top Gapping

Non-pin mechanisms, such as a disc-detainer, combination, wafer, warder, or lever based lock, cannot be bumped. To prevent a bump key from making contact with all pin stacks, a random pin chamber is drilled higher than the others. One downside to this method is if you ever need your lock re-keyed, shadow drilling sometimes presents issues unless the position and height of the shadowed chamber are identifiable by the locksmith. Top Gapping is a method used to prevent driver pins from falling into the plug. Top gapping tapers driver pins.

Lock Bumping and Bump Keys Video

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Why Evict?

Buying or renting a house, apartment or condominium should be a pleasant, happy experience. Two parties enter an agreement where one agrees to pay the other in exchange for the right to occupy and live in the premises of a house, an apartment, or a condo. When a renter and a landlord or a buyer and a mortgage company enter an agreement, no one likes the thought of something going wrong, ending in a possible eviction. However, when the renter or occupant fails to pay the rent or otherwise breaches the lease agreement, things tend to get unfriendly. Often, eviction locksmith services are needed.

Eviction Locksmith Services Must Comply With The Law

Eviction laws are different in every state, but generally speaking, a locksmith is not allowed to change locks on a rental property for a landlord if the tenant is still in possession of the property and has not given their permission.

Tenants use locksmiths

When you arrive home and find it boarded up or new locks installed, a locksmith may be able to help, though sometimes a court re-entry order may be necessary. Landlords are not allowed to legally lock tenants out of their apartment, condo, or home unless there is a court order that states otherwise because the property has been abandoned or rent way overdue.

Unless a lease or rental agreement prevents it, a trustworthy locksmith will be able to install security devices for tenants and is able to open locks on mailboxes, garages, safes, or other storage areas.

Landlords use locksmiths for legal evictions

After a landlord has obtained a court order to evict a tenant, a locksmith is able to legally open the locks, sometimes this requires the presence of a police officer or sheriff if the tenant has become uncooperative.

A locksmith will be able to help in changing locks or rekeying locks after the tenant is moved out to ensure the safety of the next renter or occupant of the house.

Eviction processes can be messy and pose the risk of the renter retaliating with a break-in attempt or vandalism. Often a landlord feels safer by asking a locksmith to change locks or beef up security settings, change intercom systems or key-less entry codes, change filing cabinets or safe locks, changing garage locks or codes, and covering locks on storage areas, gates, and mailboxes.

Locksmiths who deal with evictions know when it is appropriate to change or re-key a lock, make sure the tenant will no longer have access to the premises, and show up to get the job done in a timely manner.

When you need eviction locksmith services, call upon the help of a knowledgeable professional you know you can trust. Locksmith technicians who understand and are experienced with the eviction process know how to work with law enforcement and court orders to ensure the safety and protect the rights of both the renter and the landlord.

When you need eviction locksmith services in Atlanta, call on the help of an expert technician who will be available to provide you with the best workmanship and at your service when you need it, 24/7. Call us at Locksmith Atlanta (678) 942-6714.

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Knob Locks

Knob locks have a knob handle on both sides of the door. One side has a keyhole, while the other side has a turn button lock. The lock cylinder is inside the lock and not inside the door. Knob locks are used with success for interior doors but are not recommended for exterior doors unless it is a modified version, or simple passage knob, that includes a deadbolt lock because they can easily be jarred loose with a tool as basic as a hammer.

Deadbolts

A deadbolt provides extra security by adding a metal bolt that slides into the door jamb. The bolt turns by a latch or a keyhole. Deadbolts are common, extremely effective, and cost-effective in securing external doors. Though, they may also be used well for locking cabinet drawers or doors. There are several types of deadbolts. They typically are available in two types – single cylinder or double cylinder. A single cylinder requires one key. A double cylinder requires a key no matter which side of the door you are locking or unlocking. The strike plate, the rectangular metal piece in the door frame, helps to keep the bolt secure and keeps it from ripping through the frame.

• Single-A single deadbolt has a keyhole on the outside of the door and an affixed thumb turn on the inside.
• Double-A double deadbolt has a key cylinder on both sides of the door instead of a thumb turn on one side.
• Captive – A captive deadbolt is a double deadbolt that has a key which looks like a thumb turn hidden on the inside.
• Jimmy Proof – A jimmy-proof deadbolt is a surface mount lock that works well with double doors. The deadbolt interlocks with the jamb bracket, which makes it almost impossible to pry apart or to remove from the outside.

Electronic Keyless Entry

Keyless locking systems are basically deadbolts that use a numbered keypad instead of a key. Get the code right, and the deadbolt slides open. Electronic keyless entry systems are more expensive than other locks and feature two main types of keyless entry pads – A touchpad, or a card tag system. They work well when more than one person has access to the lock.

Patio Door Locks

Sliding patio doors, often made of glass, require a special kind of lock. They need to secure the door while taking into account the style of the door. The patio door locks don’t get in the way when trying to open and close the door. Patio door locks come in deadbolt style for hinged single and double doors, cam style for hinged doors that requires a bored hole through the glass, keyless or combination style locks for sliding or hinged doors which are less obtrusive than typical combination locks, and ratchet style locks that are designed specifically for sliding glass doors and require a key to open.

Lever Locks

Lever handle locks are often used in commercial settings on the interior doors. These locks are easier to open than knob locks because they have a large pushdown style handle that is easy to press or lift. They are often used when handicap accessibility is an issue of importance.

Still don’t know what type of lock to choose or what lock brand to buy, give us a call at (678) 942-6714 before changing your locks, we will be happy to guide you.

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Any qualified locksmith is able to do the lock and key job you need to be done, so why is it so important to find a locksmith near me in the Atlanta area?

It’s definitely more than a factor of buying local to support local businesses. Calling a local locksmith when you need the services of a professional is the smart thing to do when safety and convenience are important.

Qualified, professional locksmiths handle a wide range of services that can be performed at any time, but people often call a locksmith when something has gone wrong. When something has gone wrong, and you are in an emergency situation, you don’t have time to waste.

Many national professional locksmith companies often advertise locally, sometimes even using a local area code. They present themselves as being local, but when you call for help, your call is redirected to a national call center. These call centers will then give you an inexpensive minimum quote and tell you that a locksmith is on the way. What they don’t tell you is that they have dispatched a subcontracted locksmith, sometimes one who is new or under trained, and will take a long time to arrive. If they finally do arrive, they quite often will damage your locks or vehicles and then charge you way over the quoted price. These national companies do not have any incentive of building a relationship with clients like a truly local company does.

Safety

When you are stranded in a dark parking lot or roadside late at night, or even outside of your house or office, and need the help of a locksmith, you need help in a hurry. You do not want to wait for someone to arrive from miles away and cannot take chances on sitting around in a troubled spot waiting for help to arrive. When you call a locksmith nearby, help is on the way in no time. Your safety depends upon it.

Besides showing up when you need them, local professionals, like Locksmith Atlanta technicians, care about their clients. The time it takes for us to show up, and the skill used to perform your locksmith need is what you will tell your friends, who are no doubt also local. We work hard to build a trusting relationship with our clients so you will call us for other locks and keys needs and will share your experience with other locals who will call us when they need us as well.

Convenient

Even if it’s not an emergency, knowing that a professional locksmith nearby is on the way means that the wait time is cut by seconds, minutes, and even hours or days. Get keys duplicated, locks re-keyed or changed, have a safe, keyless entry or security system installed, get inside your home, office, car, or get your trunk opened without any damage to your locks, in a matter of minutes not days.

Research and store the number of a trusted locksmith service in your area before you need it. Then, when an emergency arises, simply pull out the number and give the nearby locksmith a call. Locksmith Atlanta will show up in 30 minutes or less to help.

If you live in the Atlanta area, call us we are a qualified locksmith company who is really local, will show up in no time, and will get you out of a worrisome situation. Are you looking for a locksmith near me in Atlanta, GA, and surrounding areas? Call Locksmith Atlanta at (678) 942-6714

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It may sound trite, but it’s true that the most important thing to do in a stressful situation like discovering that your keys are locked inside your vehicle, is to stay calm so you can think of all of your viable options. You locked your keys in the car, and while this happens every day to someone out there, that someone is not usually you. It is time to take the necessary steps to get back into your car, retrieve your keys, and get on with your day. There are do-it-yourself DIY tips that may work, or they may leave you in worse shape with a damaged lock or car that is not covered by insurance. Calling a locksmith is often your best bet to get help on the way, get you back inside, and on with your day. In the meantime, here are some helpful tips to try:

Make Sure You Are, Indeed, Locked Out

When you think you have locked your keys in the car, panic often takes over and all reason is thrown to the wayside. Sometimes, you are not actually locked out. There may be an open passenger door or a way to enter through your trunk or hatchback.

If you have checked all of your options for entry, and you are sure you are locked out, look around for tools that you might be able to use to get inside. Gone are the days, on most recent model cars, of picking up a wire or coat hanger and pulling the locking knob up. If you have a post lock and are wearing shoelaces, you might have enough of a tool to get the job done. Coat hangers and shoelaces work in much the same way. The basic idea is to get a loop-ended straight object through the window seal and the window and into position to lift the lock button. For sliding or push locks, a coat hanger that is straightened may be maneuvered to push the lock open as well. Sometimes a screwdriver as a makeshift wedge can be used.

WARNING: These tried and true sliding or push locks methods often leave damage to your car.

Another option is to go to a local store and buy tools to help get you inside your vehicle to retrieve your key. These tools include:

Wedges

Air or rubber wedges are used to create a gap where you can insert the necessary tool to lift a lock. If you do not find an actual car wedge, a rubber door stop, or even a screwdriver may do the trick.

Probe or Plastic Strap

A probe works much like the coat hanger. It is basically a long, sturdy thin object with a loop on the end that can be inserted and positioned to lift a push button lock.

Slim Jim

The slim Jim method is similar to the coat hanger, wedge and probe method. The difference is that the slim Jim fits into your door and is designed for this purpose. Be very careful, because there are now many wires and electronic components that are inside door panels that you could damage in an attempt to open your door.
Picking the Lock

If your vehicle was manufactured before the mid-1990’s, it probably has traditional locking mechanisms that consist of inside wafers and pins that can sometimes be jiggled into position to open. Use a professional lock-picking tool, or something like a paperclip sometimes works.

WARNING: An attempt at picking a lock may result in a damaged lock that is not covered by insurance.

Keys Locked In Trunk

To complicate a typical “locked my keys in the car” situation, sometimes your keys may be trapped inside a locked trunk. If this is the case, the best help some services can offer is to drill open your trunk lock, which leaves you with a hole in your car that isn’t covered by insurance.

Call for Help

Unless you have the proper tools or are extremely skilled at unlocking your vehicle with these or similar tools, there is a great chance you will damage your car in an attempt to get inside. It is time to call someone who is equipped with the proper tools and knows how to properly use them to open your doors without leaving any damage to your car.

Call On star or AAA

If you are a member of AAA, unlocking your vehicle may be part of your coverage plan. Otherwise, some On star services provide remote unlocking services. If your service agreement has run out, or if a car lockout is not part of your policy, these services will assess a fee that you may not be prepared to pay.

Call the Police

Some police officers are equipped for lockout situations, but some municipalities allow an officer to open your vehicle only if it is an emergency, such as a child trapped inside with the engine running.

Call a Locksmith

A local mobile locksmith is prepared to come to you quickly, usually within 30 minutes or less, get your car door open, and retrieve your keys or even make you a duplicate set on the spot, leaving you with no damage to your vehicle and charging a competitive and often very affordable rate for these services. Another benefit to using a professional locksmith when your keys are locked in your car is that they are trained and handle these lockout scenarios every day.

TIP: Calling a locksmith is often the best place to start to save you time, needless effort, and a whole lot of money, not to mention repair bills for damage that DIY attempts often leave.

Be prepared to share:

Your location
Make, model, and year of your car
Explain where your keys are located inside the vehicle
Provide proof of ID

Stay calm, and relax. Because, when you go straight to best solution, you will be back inside your car, with car keys in hand, and being locked out of your car with locked keys in car will not be a problem for long.

The post Locked Keys In Car? Here Are Some Quick DIY Tips appeared first on Locksmith Atlanta.

Some reasons to call upon a home locksmith include:

Lockout

One of the most common reasons to call upon a home locksmith is when you find yourself locked out of your house and need help to gain access without causing damage to your locks. Don’t think it will never happen to you. It happens every day to even the most successful and well-organized individuals.

Lost Keys

Lockouts and lost keys often go hand-in-hand with calling upon the services of a home locksmith. When your keys are lost, other services are frequently needed to ensure security. Sometimes, lost keys will lead to having new keys cut or asking for locks rekeying or a complete change of locks. A home locksmith who knows his trade will be able to recommend services that fit your needs.

Locks Rekeying

When your locks hardware is intact but you need a new set of keys, often a locks rekeying service is the answer. This takes your existing locks and changes out the inside components so that a new key is needed to use it. Locks rekeying is cheaper than a locks change, yet provides you with the security of knowing you are the only one with the working keys.

Locks Change

When a locks rekeying is not feasible, because the hardware or the lock is worn out, a locks change will be needed. Locks wear out over time even when they are well maintained or, for instance, after a burglary or an attempted burglary, complete home locks change is needed to provide you with a new set of locks and keys along with a sense of higher security.

Deadbolt Installation and Repair

An added measure of security comes with a quality deadbolt. A home locksmith is able to recommend the best brand for your door and lifestyle needs as well as install or repair your deadbolt to ensure safety.

Safe Installations and Cabinet Locks

A home locksmith will be able to install a home safe and install or repair cabinet locks throughout your home.

Garage Locks

The garage is a vulnerable spot for would-be intruders to enter your home. It is a fairly common means of entrance. Make sure your garage locks are working and are the best fit for your personal and family’s needs.

Keyless Entry Systems

Never worry about losing your key again with an electronic keyless entry system. These systems require a bit of know-how about electronics and setting or using codes, but home locksmiths are well acquainted with which ones are best for your needs and how to install and service them.

Security

Not only can a qualified locksmith recommend security systems, but they also know first hand about offering tips to keep your home safe. Many also specialize in security system installations.

The time to find a trusted home locksmith for your locks and security needs is before you are in an emergency situation and need one in a hurry. Take some time to research and find a reliable locksmith now, before you need one, to establish a trusting relationship with the one you know you can count on when you need a home locksmith.

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