Showing posts with label commercial locksmith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label commercial locksmith. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Aurora Master Locksmith: Lock Maintenance

Regularly maintaining your locks will ensure everything is working correctly. Whether you own a home or a business, keeping your security in check is important – after all, nobody wants to have to experience the aftermath of a break-in, nor will they want to be locked out because of a malfunctioning fixture that wasn’t cared for accordingly.

For these reasons, we’re taking the time to tell you some of the basic lock maintenance checks you can do yourself – and a how a locksmith can help you enhance your overall security.

Monday, February 6, 2017

HOW TO PREVENT LOCKOUTS



It happens to the best of us. It’s so aggravating and inconvenient to see that you are locked out, and it’s particularly infuriating if you’re stranded without your keys after sundown. Right now, you can decide to put some simple principles in place as a daily habit. Choose to adopt these easy strategies from now on, and there will be no reason you’ll ever find yourself locked out again!

Store a spare key in a common-sense hiding place. Putting a key under the mat, beneath a flower pot, or over your door frame, is not a good idea. Every thief knows to look in these places. A fake-rock keyholder is pointless if a professional criminal already knows what it looks like. It’s better to give your extra key to a neighbor you trust ~ preferably someone who’s home most of the time.

Keys, wallet, phone. Whenever you go out the door, remind yourself: keys, wallet, phone. Make it your basic mantra from now on. Stop. Do a pat-down, check your pockets, and check your purse or pack. (You might want to add a few more items to your list, such as: driving glasses, reading glasses, sunglasses, and so on.)

Replace any faulty locks. Keep an eye on all your locks. Upgrade, fix, or replace them when needed. If any of your locks become hard to open, the key could break inside the lock mechanism. Don’t get copies of keys made that are already duplicates, because they eventually won’t work. If you have any locks that are too worn-out, they’re bound to get jammed.

Always know where your keys are. Stay aware of your keys wherever you go. If you walk out, and you realize that you’ve forgotten something, and then you go back to get it, don’t put your keys down on the table and forget them! Keep your keys in your hand, or inside your pocket or purse. Remember, if you ever lend a spare key to a trusted friend, always get it back as soon as you can.

If you want to be bold, carry a phony credit card. Keep one of those fake sample credit cards from junk mail, or an expired gift card. Don’t use an actual one, because you will definitely ruin it. It doesn’t work like it does in the movies, but it still might work for you ~ that is, only if there isn’t a deadbolt. It must be a bored door lock, with the sloped ridge of the bolt facing toward you. (If the door opens toward you, then the bolt is probably facing the wrong way.) If the bolt is the right type, and it’s facing the right direction, then give it a try:

1.      Put the card in the space in between the door and the jamb above the bolt.
2.      Ever so gently, slide the card down between the strike plate and the bolt.
3.      Push the card, and push the door.
4.            If you are fortunate, the door will open, and you’ll leave everything (except the card) undamaged.

If you’re more adventurous, take a pick set with you. If your local and state laws allow you to do so, try picking the lock. Not all locks can be picked, but it could be worth a try. And perhaps some day you will be able to help someone else who’s locked out.

Before you get into a jam, find a legitimate locksmith. The right way to locate a reputable locksmith is to track one down ahead of time, before you ever need one. Do your research, so you won’t get scammed or overcharged.

Ask family, friends, and colleagues for recommendations. Word of mouth from a satisfied customer is always your best bet.

Do your homework. To find a local trusty locksmith, check your phone book and the Web. Write down locksmith companies in your area, with their addresses and telephone numbers. Locate the locksmiths who specialize in the services you need. Utilizing the Internet, you can match up the telephone numbers with the street addresses. A deceptive company may list a fake address, or none at all, claiming it’s local. If someone answers your call with a general greeting such as “locksmith services,” then ask for what the whole business name is. If that person won’t tell you, take it off the list. Bear in mind that some reputable locksmith companies might not include a street address simply because they run a mobile business, so that they can dispatch a locksmith professional local to every customer. Therefore, just ask why their address isn’t listed.

Confirm the locksmith’s credentials. When the locksmith arrives, ask for ID, a business card, and proof of license. The invoice ought to include the locksmith company’s name. The locksmith’s truck should show the company name as well, and match the company name on the business card and invoice. The locksmith must also ask you for your identification, too. Before beginning any work, a locksmith must authenticate your identity, and verify that you’re the actual property owner.

Be skeptical if a locksmith tells you you’re going to have to drill or replace your lock just because you’re locked out. An expert locksmith of integrity will carry the right tools, and have the expertise to know that such drastic measures would be overkill. A true professional locksmith is able to unlock virtually anything.

When you’ve finally found a reliable locksmith, keep that company’s contact information in a logical place, such as on your smart device, on the refrigerator, in your wallet, or on your bulletin board at work ~ so you’ll always have what you need to get yourself out of trouble . An exceptional locksmith will always be happy to answer your questions.

If you’re in Aurora, Colorado, consider hiring Aurora Master Locksmith, a locksmith company whose staff mobile professional locksmith technicians are available 24/7 to provide automotive, residential, commercial, and emergency locksmith solutions.

What if you’re locked out now? If you don’t have a hidden extra key, or you don’t have a neighbor or friend who keeps one for you, then check to see if you left a window or another door open.

If all else fails, hire a locksmith! You may be tempted to entertain the idea of kicking in the door or breaking a window. But should you really risk being mistaken for a burglar? Of course not. Avoid this mess in the future! Plan ahead!

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Aurora Master Locksmith: What to Do When a Safe Is Jammed

Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, a safe is always a great choice for protecting your valuables. While you can trust these to provide you durable security, there’s always the odd occasion when you might be faced with a safe that’s no longer opening as it should. A locksmith will be able to help you with these issues, but there are some quick checks you can do yourself before calling for assistance. If you find yourself with a safe that is jammed, here is what you need to do:

Possible reasons your safe won’t open

1)    Dead batteries
The best case scenario for all safe troubles is that the culprit is simply a dead battery. Even if you see lights shining through your keypad, it’s always best to test the batteries – before applying any other fixes, as a low-power surge may impede it to complete its opening operations. See if a battery change resolves your issues. But take note: off-brand batteries wear out much quicker than branded ones, so it’s best to invest in a battery that will have a longer lifespan.

2)    Your bolt work is stuck
If you can hear a motor running but you can’t open your safe, the most likely reason for it will be that the bolt work is jammed. The first thing you need to do in order to get it unstuck? Kick it. Yes, you read that correctly – turn your back to the safe, and mule kick the door a couple of times. Be very careful not to hit the keypad or handle: you’re trying to loosen the bolt work, not damage the safe’s components. After doing this a few times, try and turn the handle in the opposite direction it’s supposed to go, and enter your safe’s combination. All these steps should release the pressure from the bolt work, allowing you to move it more freely.

3)    Deactivated code
When you have a safe with multiple combinations, a code deactivation could explain why your safe is not opening. In this situation, get someone else who has access to the safe through a different code to check if they can open it. If their code works without a hitch, you may need to set up a new combination for yourself.

4)    Penalty lockout modes and/or time delay
Many safes will penalize you for entering the wrong digits too many times. This can come in the form of a time delay, where you have to wait a few minutes before you try again, or a full lockout mode. You’ll know when you’re faced with the latter as it often comes with a loud beeping noise. In both cases, wait about 10 or 20 minutes, and try opening it again.

5)    Damaged wiring
Your safe’s keypads, like any other electronics, are not fully immune to damaged or faulty wiring. If you’re confident about your DIY abilities, remove the keypad from the door and inspect the wiring to see if anything has come loose, snapped, or there are any kinks causing an interference. Everything looks intact? Then try disconnecting the battery for 20 seconds, reinstalling it again, and connecting everything back together to check if it’s all back to normal. Seeing strong signs of damage? You’ll need to call a locksmith – make sure to tell them what type of safe and keypad you own so they can come with the right parts for your replacement.

6)    Shifting numbers
This is something that occurs in safes with older combination locks or locks that haven’t been properly maintained, where the code would have shifted positions. Combination shifting is a sign that you’ll need to call a professional, as these tend to indicate that, without proper repairs, the lock will fail completely.

The way to check for combination shifting is to either subtract one from each number, and keep trying this until you’ve subtracted five, or to proceed with the same steps but adding to the numbers instead. In other words, if you have a safe combination of 50-60-70, you would initially try 49-59-69, then 48-58-68 and so on until you’ve reached 45-55-65; and then you would do the same with addition: from 51-61-71; 52-62-72 right until 55-65-75. 

Getting help from a qualified locksmith 

A qualified locksmith will be well-versed in safe installations, repairs and replacements. If you’re experiencing any kind of issues with your home or business safe, these pros should be your port of call – they will have all the right equipment to solve your issues promptly and efficiently. Remember to always hire a locally-based expert who specializes in the type of protection you are looking for – some locksmiths may only focus on residential services, for instance, while others may offer a fully-inclusive set of options.

When choosing the right professional to hire, it’s always best to get recommendations and take the time to do some background checking. Local lock and key services providers won’t balk at you for requesting information like license and insurance details, how long they’ve been in business, and a list of client references in your area. Reading up on online reviews and cross-checking each company through your local Better Business Bureau will also help you get better insight into the locksmith business’s reputation.

Always get a full cost breakdown for your safe repairs, and be very wary of any locksmith who changes their price quote upon arriving to your property. Whenever possible, try to visit a company on their location and consult with a professional about their solutions. Never hire a business you can’t trace a physical address back to, and be very wary of any locksmith who changes their price quote on arrival and tries to get you to agree to a full safe replacement without a valid reason.
 
Are you looking for safe repairs in and replacements in Aurora, CO? The licensed and insured team at Aurora Master Locksmith will be able to help. We’re available 24/7 in case of emergencies, and you can always get a free consultation and price quote from our locally-based business too.

No matter where you live, a locally-based locksmith will help you resolve any issues that emerge from a jammed up safe. Whether you need to replace a keypad, or you simply need to change the combination, a qualified expert will bring you full peace of mind in all situations.  

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

ARE YOU LOCKED OUT? IT’S TIME TO CALL A LOCKSMITH!

Keys, wallet, and phone. That’s what’s always in the back of our mind when we walk out the door. And we always remember...until that one time...when we forget! Oh no! Locked out again!

The first thing to do is to call that trusted friend or family member who always keeps that spare set of keys for you. If you don’t have a person like that set up already, then you will have to look for a door or window left open, so you can get back in. 

Whether you’re stranded from your place of residence, your car, or your business ~ it’s certainly infuriating, and never convenient, particularly after dark. You may find yourself worrying and wondering if the help you need will ever come at all, but don’t waste your time getting upset. Should you really consider breaking a window, and risk being mistaken for a burglar? Of course not. It’s vital to plan ahead so you can avoid this scenario altogether!

Before such an emergency happens, find a reliable locksmith. The best way you can track down a legitimate local locksmith is to find one ahead of time, before you actually need one. It’s important to do your homework beforehand to avoid getting scammed or overcharged.

Ask people you trust for their locksmith recommendations.
Word of mouth from satisfied customers is always your best bet. 

Find a local, dependable locksmith company. If you can’t get a good recommendation, do some responsible research, using the phone book or on the Internet. Write down the names of the potential reputable locksmith companies in your area, with their phone numbers and addresses. Choose those locksmiths which specialize in the services you require. When you see a street address, confirm that it truly belongs to that locksmith. Sometimes, a disreputable company will list a fake address, claiming to be local but it’s not. You can match up a phone number with a street address using the Web. If someone answers the phone with a generic greeting such as “locksmith services,” rather than with the company name, be sure to ask for the legal name of the business. If the person refuses, just go on to the next one. Keep in mind that some perfectly acceptable locksmith companies may not include a street address on their advertisements, because their business is mobile, dispatching a professional locksmith that’s local to you. So, if an address isn’t given, simply ask why. You can check with the Better Business Bureau to verify if there are any complaints on file. You can also ask your local consumer protection agency, and your state’s attorney general’s office.

Are you locked out of your vehicle? If you’re a member of a roadside assistance organization, it’s best to call them first. Roadside assistance companies keep their own good list of pre-approved subcontractors. In this case, you’ll already know that they can be trusted to properly perform standard services such as unlocking your vehicle, giving you a jump, and so on. 

If you don’t have a roadside assistance membership, then seek an automotive locksmith who specializes in such services as replacing your car keys and car locks, programming transponder keys, installing a new ignition cylinder, and so forth.

If you’re stranded any place in Aurora, Colorado, you may want to hire Aurora Master Locksmith, where mobile professional locksmith technicians on staff work around the clock providing emergency, automotive, commercial or residential locksmith services.

Whatever the circumstances, always request an estimate. Even for emergency locksmith services, before you allow any work to take place, get a written total quote including labor, parts if applicable, and any fees. If you’re locked out ~ of your home, your automobile, or your commercial property ~ a legitimate locksmith will tell you over the phone either an exact or approximate estimate of the total cost. There may be a minimum fee; there might be an extra charge if it’s after hours; there might be a mileage charge; etc. If the price the locksmith gives you upon arrival isn’t the same as the estimate you got over the phone, then say thanks but no thanks.

Check the locksmith’s credentials.
When the locksmith arrives, ask for identification, for a business card, and for proof of a license. The locksmith’s invoice should include the company name. Verify that the locksmith’s vehicle has a name on it matching the business card and the invoice. For acceptable security procedures, the locksmith must also request your identification to absolutely verify your identity. Furthermore, before any work can begin, you’ll need to show that you’re the actual property owner, whether of your home, car, or commercial property.

Be skeptical of any locksmith’s claim that replacement or drilling of a lock is necessary. A consummate professional locksmith will bring the right tools, and possess the sufficient experience and knowledge to realize that such extreme moves are overkill. A genuine expert locksmith is highly skilled, able to unlock just about anything.

A top locksmith is thoroughly background-checked, appropriately insured, officially licensed, and properly bonded. If your property were to be damaged in any way during a service call, or if the locksmith were to do faulty work, the locksmith must have insurance. Therefore, be sure to ask if there is a warranty.

When you’ve found a reputable locksmith
, keep that particular company’s information on hand for future reference ~ in a logical spot such as your refrigerator, your smart phone, your wallet, and the break room’s bulletin board at work. Then you’ll always be able to get out of trouble quickly should any problems with keys and locks arise ~ residential, automotive, or commercial.

Whether you need a skilled locksmith for a one-time job, or you need to hire an expert locksmith specialist to work on a large-scale project, you don’t want to give permission to just anyone when it comes to resolving lock and key issues. The best locksmiths will be happy to answer all your questions and concerns.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Aurora Master Locksmith: Signs Better Home Security is Needed

Protecting your property is highly important. Aurora Master Locksmith strongly recommends all homeowners, whether you live in Aurora, CO, or anywhere else in the world, to regularly keep all of their security in check

This is just basic home maintenance. You would re-paint your walls when there are obvious signs of chipping, so why not replace security systems that are no longer up to standard?

The trick is identifying when you need to enhance your security. Which is exactly what we hope to explain to you today. Read on to find out everything you need to know about reaching optimal security levels.

When to improve your home security 

We will start by looking at the best times to do a security audit. The situations we are listing here tend to occur when properties are at their most vulnerable. Remember, burglars are opportunistic – they will always be on the lookout for an easy loot. So don’t make your property look exposed or easy to access, and you will save yourself from much bigger problems.

Without further ado, here are our recommendations.

1. Make a full security audit when you move into a brand new home
This is by far the very best time to improve your home security. You don’t know how many people the previous owner gave keys to, nor do you know whether the security systems in place are otherwise reliable. Install new locks and security systems as soon as you move into a new property to get full peace of mind over who can access your home at any given time.

2. Going on vacation? Time to take precautions

Remember what we said about thieves being opportunistic? It doesn’t matter how long you’re away for, burglars always keep an eye out for properties that look empty. Make sure all your alarms are working and lock everything up, but also find a way to make sure that your property looks occupied while you’re away. We’ll provide you with some tips on doing this later in this blog post.

3. If you’re making renovations, you need to be cautious 
People will be coming in and out of your property, day in and day out. Builders’ tools may be left outside, someone could forget to close a door behind them, or you may just get distracted while tending to numerous deliveries. As you can probably guess, all these factors could make your property more vulnerable to a break-in. Be as vigilant as you can in this situation, and make sure that all valuables are hidden in a safe place.

4. Check everything when the clocks go back after daylight savings
Summer is out, fall is looming in, and with the seasonal change come darker evenings. Incidentally, that tends to be the time where some places may experience a slight increase in burglaries too. So take care during the seasonal change to ensure that all your locks and security systems are in good working condition.

5. Stay put during Christmas/the holiday season
With people rushing to buy presents, heading out of town to visit their families, or otherwise socializing and celebrating the end of another year, properties become even more vulnerable. Not
only because you are out of the house more frequently, but also because of the allure of newly-bought gifts. This is where you need to make sure that nothing in your property is left in full view of thieves.

Now you know the when, let’s focus our attention on the how.

How to ensure your property is protected 

Having the right locks, hardware and security systems is only the beginning. In order to cover all bases, we will focus on a combination of basic checks as well as additions that will keep your home secure.

1. Check your insurance

This is crucial for identifying your current protection demands. It’s worth checking whether your insurance offers that right levels of cover in case your valuables are stolen. Read the fine print, phone up your insurance company to clarify anything you are unsure about, and make sure you know exactly what you’re getting.


2. If you have a good relationship with your neighbors

Suggest them to take turns helping each other out. Think small gestures like watching their property while on vacation (and vice versa), collecting their mail, and so forth – basically, things that would make the house look occupied while they (or you) are away.


3. Protecting the outside

Put any ladders, bikes, or tools away in a locked shed or garage; make sure your front and/or side gates are locked; and install outside lights with motion sensors. Very simple gestures like these can make a deal of a difference.


4. Protecting the inside

If you’re going to be away for a few days, set lights to a timer so it looks like there are people inside; keep any valuables out of sight and away from windows; make sure to close curtains and blinds in the evening. Again, simple precautions that really go the distance.


Reviewing your security 

Now, we get to the specifics. When it comes to increasing your home security, you can readily rely on a licensed and insured locksmith to provide you with everything you need to keep your property protected. Among the various features they could install into your property, you will find these popular – and highly effective – security components:

Locks, deadbolts, and other types of hardware
* Not only for your doors, but for locking up your windows and garages too
Keyless entry systems and CCTV surveillance

* Often these two go hand-in-hand. They are also highly recommended for more control over who can access your property as well as reducing any stress caused by a loss of a house key.
Intercom and alarm systems

* Again, very good deterrents that will help you closely watch over your property
Safes

* Whether you need to protect a gun or some valuables, these are guaranteed to do the job. What’s more, because thieves are looking for a quick getaway safes offer a greater sense of deterrence too.

This is just a very brief overview of the different things to look out for. Consult your local locksmith for more information as they can guide you on how to best protect your home. Locksmiths are highly knowledgeable about these things, and may even suggest some ideas which you may not have previously thought about.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Locksmith Offering Free Pet & Child Rescue Services

Social awareness of dangerous scenarios involving children and animals trapped in hot cars has grown significantly over the past several years, and a Nashville, Tennessee area locksmith is doing their part to contribute. This week, Armstrong Locksmith, a full service locksmith serving the regional Nashville area, announced that it’s offering free pet and child rescue emergency services.


Armstrong’s record of excellent service in the Nashville community has been overwhelmingly positive, but the company’s passionate team sought an additional way to give back.

“Any time you can use your business to provide a positive impact to your community, it’s a great thing,” said owner Rahim Ezzadpanah. “Hopefully we can be an asset to people and animals that find themselves and their loved ones in dangerous situations.”

Last year, a TODAY show correspondent highlighted the potential danger of leaving children and animals in a closed vehicle, even when it may appear that the conditions are safe. The temperature within a closed vehicle can change rapidly, posing an extreme risk to the fragile internal systems of humans and animals alike, especially young children and small dogs.


Most of the time, a pet or a child left in an overheating vehicle is the result of a simple lapse in judgment or a mistake. In 2002, the story of a man who left his 9-month old to die in the car shocked the nation. The act wasn’t purposeful or malicious; the man simply got distracted and made a mistake that changed his entire life forever.

These types of tragic stories showed Ezzadpanah a way he could make a major difference in the lives of the people in the Nashville area. Armstrong Locksmith already provides a wide range of emergency services to people locked out of their homes, cars and offices, and prides themselves on one of the industry’s quickest response times.

Making steps to protect the children and animals of Nashville is the Armstrong Locksmith team’s first priority, according to Ezzadpanah.

“We hope to use our quick emergency response times and technical expertise to prevent these tragedies in our community,” he said. “Armstrong has 15 years of experience helping residents with emergencies. My hope is that we can extend that service to rescuing pets and children trapped in potentially dangerous situations.”

So far, the response from the community about Armstrong’s new free-emergency services has been positive, as the citizens of Nashville are optimistic about the company’s ability to make their city a safer place to live.