Every trade has its secrets, and locksmiths are no exceptions.
There are a few trade secrets that we would like to share to educate our customers. This is to ensure our clients don’t get scammed by a scam artist posing as a professional locksmith.
We’ve condensed a Reader’s Digest article to what we reckon are basic yet essential things most locksmith won’t tell you:
- Cheap locks are easy to defeat. Most locks from home improvement stores are mass-produced. Though they have the stamp promise of mostly reputable manufacturers some are made to low standards. You will benefit from at least a Grade 2 lock to ensure that your door isn’t easily picked. Ask us about the brands that we use.
- When buying or renting a house, always have locks re-keyed. Simple logic, doesn’t take a rocket scientist. It is easy to dismiss a break in to be unlikely but be aware of the probability. Never ignore the chance of the keys out there that were used in the past to open your home.
- Watch for that window on or near the door. This window location is synonymous to ‘Danger’. Even if you install a thumb-turn dead bolt lock, it won’t do you much good. It is easy to knock out the glass, stick a hand in, and turn. You can do two things – either get rid of the window or secure a double cylinder lock. This lock needs a key on the inside, or a key-coded pad that allows you to have an access code instead of keys.
- Only me can duplicate this car keys is just not possible. This phrase is equivalent to more charges. Chances are you will have to find a way to the dealer, where as a locksmith can come to you. In most cases, a locksmith who specializes in automotive work can make you a key— and usually cheaper.
- The best lock is a dead bolt lock that’s properly installed. This means the lock must have at least a one-inch latch. On the strike side, there should be a security plate with screws at least three inches long that go all the way into the door’s wood frame.
Take these tips into consideration the next time you need a locksmith. Or simply contact us.
Source: http://www.rd.com, http://www.readersdigest.ca,