VARIOUS KINDS OF LOCKS

Locks are as varied as the uses for them are. You can find locks securing valuables in homes, businesses, cars, government offices, schools, and hundreds of other applications. If you do an online image search for locks you’ll find an array of items from diary locks to biometric entry systems and hundreds of others in between. That’s why our Virginia Beach Locksmith pros decided that it would be fun to make a post about many of the varied kinds of locks in use today. Read on and see what we have to say; you might just learn something new and fun in the process! Don’t forget to call our shop or that of your favorite Virginia Beach, VA lock and key firm with any questions or ideas that you may have.

Always choose quality!

The best quality lock brands don’t have to be expensive or out of reach of most buyers. Just use the right lock and key shop and you’ll get affordable access to best names in the lock industry, including Master, Baldwin, Ace, Schlage, Dexter, ASSA, Primus, Medeco, Abloy, Sentry, Kwikset, Llco, Yale, Falcon, Sentex, Mul-T-Lock, and many others. Keep in mind that even the best quality locks will do little good if they are not installed properly and if they are not used! Anyway, here are some of the most common and useful locks in use today:

Padlocks

Padlocks are very common and very useful! You see them everywhere on storage rooms, bicycles, lockers, yard gates, and backyard sheds. One reason that they are so popular is that they are portable and not built-in. As such, they are easy to transport and re-use to secure other items. Padlocks use a dial with a number sequence or sometimes a key to open. Overall, they are secure and do the job needed though they can be opened with a lock cutter or pried open with a crowbar.

High security locks

These amazing locks are better made and offer greater protection as they are not able to be smashed, picked, pried or cut open! You’d think that they would be super expensive but in fact, they are quite affordable. Some high security locks are also bump proof and this desirable combination can give you lasting security and peace of mind when used to secure your home, business or recreational property.

Ordinary locks are usually made of tin and are hollow. Not high security locks! Solid brass rules the day, here! They also have steel inserts placed inside the lock that prevents them from being drilled open, too. How’s that for sturdy construction?

Deadbolt locks

Our Virginia Beach, VA lock professionals recommend deadbolt locks to all of our customers. There’s a good reason for this; they work! Deadbolts are simple, easy to install, affordable and when used; effective. You can use deadbolt locks at home, at your business or anywhere else that needs an added layer of security. We recommend getting a high quality deadbolt and making double-sure that it is installed right.

Here’s where the magic of deadbolt locks comes into play. They are small, unassuming and offer a much needed second line of security wherever they are installed. A burglar wants to get in and out of your property as fast as possible. They want the “goods,” not to linger and say hello! The longer a burglary takes, the greater the chance of discovery and that can lead to arrest, confrontation with the homeowner, and even death. Once the crook bypasses your main door lock, they are now faced with having to deal with your deadbolt. This takes additional time and effort. It’s so much easier to simply move on the next property or just give up and call it a day!

Keyless locks

How on earth can you have locks with no keys? It’s easy; just use keyless locks and you can forget having to lug around burdensome keys that can become lost, broken or damaged. Consumers have been using keyless locks for years on automobiles and in banks. Now, these special locks are virtually everywhere including jewelry stores, museums, hospitals, high rise condos, nursing homes, restaurants, office rentals, storage facilities, retail stores and hundreds more. We are now also starting to see keyless entry in residential homes in all price ranges.

Keyless locks can be operated by key codes, number sequences, remote devices, thumbprints, badges, magnetic strips, swipe cards and in some cases, even retina scanners! As keyless lock technology advances, you’ll see more and more use of it in day to day life.

Mortise locks

The word mortise means recessed and that’s what these locks are; recessed into the door as opposed to being installed on the door’s surface. This method of installation provides the lock with added stability and security. These locks are very common on residential front doors. These are the ones where you turn the handle from the inside to open it, and where you use your key and then push down on the handle to unlock from the outside. These locks can be a bit awkward to install on a do-it-yourself basis, so you might consider the services of a local Virginia Beach, VA locksmith to make sure that it’s done right.

Cam locks

Right off the bat you may not know what a cam lock is, but you sure would recognize one if you saw it! They are distinguishable by the “cam” or tail that rotates 90 to 180 degrees when you lock it. You see cam locks installed on mailboxes, file cabinets, vending machines, small appliances and other similar low level security items.

Find out more

The more you know about locks, the better your overall security will be. You don’t need to be an expert but you should strongly consider having 24-hour access to a full service Virginia Beach, VA lock shop. Preferably find one that offers all forms of lock and key expertise including emergency, home, auto and business needs. Locks are our friends and when used right, can save time, money, and even lives!

How You Can Find the Right Locks

When you’re thinking of the types of locks you’ll use for your business or home, you should always take your time to make sure you find the ones that will be the most effective when it comes to security. Your objective in selecting the right locks should be the level of security the lock can offer you. Regardless of where you choose to purchase your locks, you should go, knowing what you’re looking for. You could certainly make things easier on yourself by purchasing the same locks that you currently have. If you have not had your locks changed in a long time, there is a chance that the locks may be obsolete and are not being made anymore. If this is the case, you’ll definitely need to know what your next option would be. In this article, we will offer you some information that will be most useful when you are in the market for new locks. Finding the right lock means finding a lock that cannot be easily broken or compromised. Finding this type of lock is possible when you know what you are looking for.

What Do You Need to Know

You may not think that the expression, “You get what you pay for”, but there is some truth to this expression. This is actually true in terms of locks. A really good lock will cost you more than a traditional lock. While there are some locks that help keep your doors shut, there are some that are designed to offer you maximum security. If you want to secure your home, you will have to invest in a good, solid, durable lock. Locks have ratings. When you see the number ratings on the lock, you likely do not know what these numbers mean. These locks are meant to represent the level of durability of the lock but recent years have indicated that these ratings are not conclusive. If you really want to know whether or not the lock that you are considering is going to be as durable as you would like, you can always consult with one of our professional locksmiths at Virginia Beach Locksmith in Virginia Beach, VA.

Pricing

Again, when it comes to finding the best locks possible, you’ll have to consider just how much you want to spend because price does matter. The more expensive the lock, the better your chances are of selecting a really good quality lock. One type of lock that is considered a real investment due to its higher price tag is the smart lock. This is one of the locks that will undoubtedly provide you with the best level of durability. The smart lock uses advanced technology to make this lock more effective than your traditional lock. Many businesses tend to use smart locks because of the cost, however, homeowners who really want to improve the quality of their security, have also invested in smart locks. No worries though, if you are not interested in a smart lock, you can still find a great lock. When you are buying a new lock, keep in mind that what you are paying for is the way the lock is designed and the components that make up the lock. A good lock has solid construction, stable materials and security pins. Having these is how the level of effectiveness can be determined.

Lock Brand Information

Are you already familiar with Schlage locks or Kwikset locks? While you may have heard of these brands before, you may not know for sure whether or not they are actually good locks. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that simply because you are familiar with a certain brand that it must be a good lock. Some brands offer a range of locks to capitalize on the market. So they make locks that will suit everyone’s budget. Not every lock that is made by a popular brand will prove effective. The brands that are most popular tend to have the more expensive locks and have built brand awareness. Those that you may have never heard of are likely being made oversees. The craftsmanship of these types of locks is not too good. It isn’t the brand that you select that will determine the durability of a lock though. It is the fit of the lock, which determines this.

Finding a Deadbolt Lock

A deadbolt lock is often found with another type of lock. Deadbolt locks are often found right along with your exterior locks. It is always a good idea to have a deadbolt alongside your homes front door lock. This is where your keyed door-knob is located. A deadbolt lock is double-sided or single sided. With one, the lock can be opened from both sides but with the other, it can only be opened from one side. The problem with the deadbolt that unlocks from both sides is that if you’re unable to find the key for one side, you will not be able to open the door. This can be disastrous if there is an emergency situation. You’ll definitely need to carefully consider whether or not the double-sided deadbolt lock is best for you. A certified locksmith technician in Virginia Beach, VA at Virginia Beach Locksmith will be able to provide you with information about the locks advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you find the right one for your home or business.

What You Actually Need

Correct Installation

If your lock is going to be effective, it needs to be correctly installed. When you do not have the training or experience to do the job of installing your own lock, let a professional locksmith handle the job. Not only do they have the right training, they also have the experience that is needed in order to effectively handle the job. A professional locksmith will know whether or not the lock that you would like to install can actually be installed alongside the existing lock on your door. Hire a professional locksmith.

WHY YOU NEED A SAFE FOR YOUR HOME

Safes are great for banks, businesses, and millionaires ~ but why should regular people like us keep a safe at home? If you live in a quiet neighborhood, you may think a safe is necessary. If you live in a dicey area, you may wonder which safe will be the most effective. If you’re in doubt about the benefits of having a safe at home at all, you may be wondering what in the world you would put in it. Actually, there are a good number of reasons to own a safe, and some of them might not have occurred to you.

Better Safe than Sorry!

If you own any objects of exceptional value ~ an irreplaceable heirloom, rare coins, collectibles, or even important documents ~ why take the unnecessary risk of losing or misplacing them? Here are some critical points for you to consider:

You’ll always know where your stuff is. If you often misplace things, even items that are important to you, then it’s time to store them in a safe, so you’ll never lose them again.

Protect your family photographs. You can keep digital copies of all your family photos in your home safe on a computer disk or thumbdrive, and also preserve any older family photos. These photographic memories are irreplaceable.

Restore your computer. Every computer owner knows that you have to keep a backup of everything on your computer, because if you ever come across computer problems, your files can all be restored. If your computer ever suffers a hard-drive crash, you’ll be able to get back virtually everything if you can retrieve all your backup information from the safe.

Prevent theft. A safe can prevent anyone from stealing your most precious possessions. When you keep your most prized property in a home safe, you’ll have peace of mind. Do you throw parties at home? Do you often host house guests? When large groups of people are in your home, you can’t possibly keep an eye on every individual. Therefore, it’s a comfort when you know that your cherished items will stay untouched inside your safe.

Guard against floods. If any type of water emergency happens, if you have the right safe, whatever you keep inside will remain unharmed.

Protect against fire. In case of fire, a safe can guard whatever’s inside. Think about what would occur if you were to lose these crucial items to fire:

• your will
• birth certificates
• copies of driver’s licenses or other IDs
• mortgage records
• outstanding loans and other debt records
• passports
• documents regarding the properties you own
• tax records
• safe deposit box keys or any other important keys you rarely use
• investment documents
• insurance papers for filing a possible claim
• titles to all your vehicles
• emergency cash
• pharmacy and prescription medication information
• bank account information
• powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, & living wills
• retirement plans
• a list of family doctors with contact information
• funeral arrangements

A home safe is superior to a safety deposit box. You may think that a safety deposit box at the bank is better than a safe kept at home. But actually, a home safe provides several advantages.

• You’ll have 24/7 access, rather than just office hours.
• You’ll make a one-time investment, rather than pay a monthly fee.
• Your home is private; you can take items out and put items in anytime you want.
• Cash kept in a safety deposit box is not FDIC-insured.
• Upon the death of a loved one, if you are the beneficiary, you may presume you can open that person’s safe deposit box; however, banks typically seal safety deposit boxes as soon as they receive a death certificate, so you cannot open it until estate representatives provide the bank with court papers.
• At a bank, a safe deposit box’s contents are rarely insured, but your home safe’s items will typically be covered by your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.

Keep your family out of harm’s way. If you own any weapons, it’s absolutely essential that you prevent them from falling into the wrong hands, especially from a child. Avoid danger and tragedy with a specialized safe, and no one but you will have access to your guns, explosives, knives, axes, or any other harmful items.

Do your research. When you do your homework as you shop for the perfect safe for your home, you should also ask these questions:

• How big does the safe need to be?
• Should the safe be visible or hidden?
• Where will the most secure location in your home be for you to put the safe?
• There are industry manufacturer guidelines that indicate the security rating for every safe. What level of security is best for your circumstances ~ as basic as a combination lock, as sophisticated as a retina scan, or something in between?
• Also take a look at the industry standards for levels of fire resistance and water resistance.
• Do you need a mere metal box or should it be substantially anchored?
• Are there any additional factors to consider for proper protection of your items ~ such as humidity, temperature, light, etc.?
• What company will you contact if there are any technical problems with the safe?
• Which individuals will you trust to know how to open the safe?
• What is your backup plan should someone not be able to find the information needed to open the safe?

Hire a reliable professional. For sure, buying a safe for your home will allow you numerous benefits. Safes come in a great number of brands, sizes, and types. If you have any questions about which safe is just right for your place of residence, if you’re located anywhere in Virginia Beach, Virginia, you may want to consult with an expert mobile safe technician on staff at Virginia Beach Locksmith.

Virginia Beach Locksmith –Ignition Cylinder Problems: What to Do

The team at Virginia Beach Locksmith is one of those businesses that is so dedicated to helping customers that they have provided a list of tips to try out when your vehicle has ignition cylinder problems. This is relevant to people in Virginia Beach, VA but also all over the place. Anyone who has a car can benefit from their knowledge, because let’s face it, whether you drive a Mazda, a Hyundai, a Honda or a Lexus, you can end up having issues come up that you just don’t know exactly how to deal with. Sometimes, the issue might entail overheating because of extreme temperatures, belt problems, A/C problems or brake problems. Other times, the concern might be something that an automotive lock and security provider would deal with. Ignition cylinder problems are generally fixable with the help of a trusted locksmith.

Have a look at some common issues that might arise with the ignition cylinder, and use this advice to help determine the best course of action. Ultimately, if you don’t have the right parts and tools, or experience, it is a wise idea to hire a lock and security professional who specializes in automotive solutions. Hiring someone licensed and insured can save you a lot of stress, and money in the long run. Of course, there are checks that you can do yourself without having any previous experience. Browse through these common problems and see if you are facing something similar.

Key Stuck in Ignition

Generally speaking, when you buy a new car, you have faith that the locks and keys are going to work. Unfortunately, things can go wrong, and one of the things that might happen is the car key becomes trapped in the ignition cylinder. This is one of the most common problems that an automotive locksmith is called for. Your vehicle will not be usable if the key is trapped in the ignition. If the key gets stuck while the car is turned on, you will be unable to turn it off or remove the key. And if it happens while the car is turned off, you will not be able to turn it on. This is why you need access to 24/7 emergency assistance, and with many locally based locksmiths, you will be able to get this service.

But before you call a lock and security professional, there are things you can try on your own. If your car happens to be turned on, take a look at the gears. Is your car in drive rather than park? If so, your issue was very simple. All you have to do is put the car in park. If your car happens to be turned off, check the position of the key. Jiggle the steering wheel gently from side to side while attempting to extract the key. Don’t pull too hard, though. Finally, make sure that you don’t have a dead battery. These are some common things that happen which cause a key to become stuck in the ignition, and the issue isn’t really that severe after all.

If you have determined that you need the help of a professional to extract your key from the ignition, make sure that your key is kept in the lock position so that you don’t drain your car’s battery while you wait for the expert to get to your location. Also, make sure that you hire someone who is licensed and insured to assist you.

Attempted Theft

Another issue that can occur with regards to the vehicle’s ignition cylinder is damage after an attempted theft. If someone tried to steal your vehicle and messed around with the ignition cylinder, it will very likely need to be replaced. They might have caused extensive damage to the switch or other components. If you know your vehicle was broken into, make sure that you have the right repairs made. You should feel safe using your car at all times, and if you do not, you should have anything that is problematic taken care of right away. It is your safety and security at stake, after all.

Jammed Wafers

The ignition cylinder could end up having jammed wafers. What exactly does this mean? This is when the wafers which match up to specific parts of your key become worn out or filled with dirt, which can cause the switch to malfunction. Individual wafer replacement might be the solution, but you might also just need a deep cleaning.

What to Expect with a Professional

If you determine that a professional is needed, then be sure to keep the following in mind. When the locksmith arrives to provide you with assistance for key extraction, ask any questions that you might have. They should tell you exactly what they need to do. They might end up needing to replace the ignition cylinder. Regardless, they should arrive with the right tools to get the job done. Make sure that you get pricing information upfront so that no hidden fees are tacked on. You should know exactly what to expect.

When ignition cylinder problems come up, those who are in Virginia Beach, Virginia should reach out to the team at Virginia Beach Locksmith. But if you reside somewhere else, just do a quick Google search to be able to view the best locksmiths in your local area. You are sure to be able to find someone who is available 24 hours a day to help you out. Your vehicle was expensive and it is important that it is handled with care. When you hire the right place for the job, you can trust that everything will be handled with care and professionalism. Hopefully the information provided here offers the guidance you are looking for in making a decision and identifying the source of the problem.

Best of luck with fixing or replacing your ignition cylinder!

What to Do When Locked Out of Your Car

Motorists dread the idea of being locked out of their car, however, this happens quite frequently. There are all sorts of reasons why you may find yourself locked out of your car. You may lose your keys somewhere in your home. Perhaps you put them in a jacket or pant pockets that you don’t remember. Maybe you laid them down while shopping and didn’t realize you ever took them out in the first place. If you have had to endure a hard day at work, it may have gotten even worse once you walked to your car only to realize that you have lost them.

Perhaps the keys have fallen out of your pocket or purse, somewhere in your car. If you are rushing and you snatch the key out of the car ignition or door, you may break the key off in the door or ignition. All of the above mentioned instances are common. If you have done any of these things, trust me when I tell you that you are not alone. While we understand that this is an extremely frustrating situation, there is a solution for your lockout situation. The key to quickly resolving the problem is to remain calm so that you are able to think clearly. Here are a few ways to avoid being locked out for too long.

Always Have a Spare Key

This is one of the most logical things to do if you want to avoid being locked out of your car for too long. Despite this being a practical solution, it might surprise you to know that not everyone has a spare key. Stop what you’re doing and put this on your to-do list, if you do not already have a spare key. The worst part of this solution would be for you to keep the spare key inside your car, where it obviously can’t do you any good. The best way thing to do is make sure that you give the spare key to someone that you trust. This way they can bring you the key and viola! Yes, it is just that simple. Knowing that someone else has a key that can quickly get you back into your car should put your mind at ease in the case that you are locked out of your car.

DIY vs Locksmiths

There are some motorists who would simply prefer to handle the problem on their own. This is a lot easier for those who have an older model vehicle. However, cost-effective doing it yourself might seem to be, consider the amount of time it may cost you to gain access again. You should also consider the amount of damage that you might make to the exterior of your car during the process. This might actually make the situation worse. Contacting the services of a locksmith, such as, Virginia Beach Locksmith, enables you to avoid the aforementioned.

Since most locksmith services offer 24-hour mobile servicing, they can get you the help that you need in no time. This means that you won’t have to waste time attempting to gain access. Since locksmiths are experienced in working with various makes and models of cars, it is easier for them to effectively unlock your car without causing damage to exterior or interior of your car. The good thing about a using a locksmith service to handle your lockout needs is that they come to where you are. You don’t have to pay extra to have your car towed to them.

Roadside Assistance

There are several well-known roadside assistance services that you may want to join. What they do is provide you with roadside assistance if you have car trouble, including, car lockouts. You pay a monthly fee and you are able to receive a specified amount of roadside assistance. This type of service is especially useful to anyone who has an older car. It is also a great idea for anyone who is prone to locking themselves out of their car. Check your car insurance to see if you are paying for roadside assistance. In many cases, motorists have insurance policies that enable them to receive a certain amount of roadside assistance per year. This is extremely helpful because they will send the nearest locksmith to assist in getting you back inside your car.

Stay Safe When Locked Out

Since a car lockout can occur when you least expect it, you may find not be fortunate enough to be locked out while still at work or at home. It is quite possible that you may be locked out in the middle of nowhere. When you are in an unfamiliar location, it is important that you take notice of your surroundings and never leave your car unattended when the key is locked inside the car. This could spell real trouble. If you need to get to a phone because yours in locked inside your car, make sure you leave someone to watch the car so that your car windows are not broken and your car stolen. If you are traveling alone, you may need to wait in order to get the help of a police officer, highway patrol or some city roadside assistance service. Whatever you do, don’t leave your car or hop into a car with someone you don’t know. If a stranger stops to help, simply ask if you can use their cell phone to call for help instead of asking for a ride anywhere.

Recap

Again, the key to gaining access back into your car as quickly as possible is to make sure you have a spare key, call a reputable and reliable Virginia Beach, VA locksmith that offers 24-hour servicing and buy roadside assistance. These are all sure to help you get back on the road sooner than later. With a little forethought, you’ll be back in your car before you know it. Don’t wait until you’re locked out; act now to avoid any further frustration by being locked out longer than you have to be.