Friday, December 30, 2016

Your Safe is Jammed – what do you do?

You have a safe for one reason – to keep your valuables, well, safe! No one can dispute that a locking safe does just that, but what happens when you can’t open it? Ironic isn’t it? Now your cash, documents and jewelry are “safe” from you, too! Don’t worry; there are solutions! Optimal Locksmith Pro offers a few in this post so be sure and read this through and call our shop for a free, no-obligation consultation and more information.

Do you know how many safes there are in the greater Fort Lauderdale, FL area? Thousands and thousands. Once in a while these trusty locking boxes don’t open so it’s best to know what to do in these cases.

Often, people buy antique safes or safes at auctions or estate sales. Many times these safes do not have combination codes or keys to them and are sealed shut. An experienced safe technician or locksmith can get the safe open without damage and be able to provide a new working combination or install a new lock on it so that the new owners can start enjoying its use and protection.

Business Keys

Forget Brute Force!

Optimal Locksmith Pro NEVER recommends smashing your way back into your safe! Sure, being locked out is frustrating and all, but damaging a safe is not the answer! You can destroy the safe completely and incur large repair bills so try and keep calm and forego the temper tantrum!

Don’t Damage The Contents!

Smashing, prying and blasting your way into a safe is not only dangerous and damaging to the safe itself, it can also put your safe’s contents at risk. Think about it; safes contain important items like cash, jewelry, titles, appraisals, flash drives, software, receipts, treasured mementoes, documents, insurance papers, and even weapons. The main reason you put those items into the safe was to protect and preserve them.

So What Do You Do?

Your best choice is to get help from the professionals. This may sound expensive and a hassle but it doesn’t have to be! Just be sure to call the right Fort Lauderdale, FL source and you’ll see. Your first thought might be to call a shop that specializes in safes. Beware! The majority of these shops really specialize in SELLING safes. If you need them installed or repaired, they almost always outsource the job to someone else. That in itself is not bad except that you are now incurring extra bills by adding middle-men to the task. Usually these safe shops simply call THEIR locksmith and add the bill to their own. You can save the extra cost and time involved by calling your own locksmith shop that specializes in safe installation, repair and service. If you don’t already have one, give our Optimal Locksmith Pro location a call. We offer fast responding, 24-hour service that includes professional service for your home or commercial safe. We can open/repair any make or model of safe no matter what size it is or what material it is made of.

Whoever you call to help open your safe, they will ask you for some basic information about it, including manufacturer and model number, or type. You’ll need to describe the problem other than “it won’t open.” You can tell them you forgot the combination or the dial is not working, or that the hinges appear to be sticking. It’s always wise to have your warranty information, purchase receipts and maintenance records handy as well. Being organized like this can save hours of time if you are in a hurry to access your safe’s contents. Don’t laugh; we’ve had customers that needed fast cash or documentation to close a deal and every minute counted!

Is Your Safe Electronic?

When you call for repair or service, you’ll be asked if your safe is electronic. Here in Fort Lauderdale, FL we have a mixture of both, so it’s best that you know what your safe is. Another name for electronic safes is digital safes. Because there are more parts involved, they tend to break more often than “regular” safes. Also, these safes work much like the keyless entry system on cars – if someone attempts too many combinations or codes in an attempt to gain access, the system shuts down as a safety precaution; usually for up to 24-hours.

Sometimes the electronic circuitry shorts itself out and this too can prevent your safe from opening. In addition, the battery unit or other power source may fail. An experienced and skilled safe expert like ours here at Optimal Locksmith Pro will be able to rapidly discover the problem and be able to repair it.

Final Tips

Your safe needs to be maintained, cleaned, and lubricated on a regular basis; at least annually. Like anything else with parts, this makes your safe work better and last much longer. Many Fort Lauderdale, FL lock and key shops offer this service as does our firm. Feel free to call and speak to our Optimal Locksmith Pro friendly staff about your particular safe needs and issues. We offer free consultations, free price quotes, and convenient mobile service that comes directly to your location, and works on site.

Your safe is valuable on its own merit. Sure, you use it to store and protect your valuable items, but consider that you also have an investment in this hardware item itself. As such, it deserves the best care and treatment. If your safe is used for business purposes it can sometimes be a tax deduction, so be sure to treat it as an investment and speak to your tax professional regarding how to list and report its purchase, and maintenance. Whether you store cash and gems in your safe or just keep treasured photos and family heirlooms in it, a working and well maintained safe is always an asset to your security and valuables. It’s always worth the best treatment, so be sure to call on Optimal Locksmith Pro or your favorite Fort Lauderdale, FL lock professional in order to get it.




Aricle source here: Your Safe is Jammed – what do you do?

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Watch This Video To Learn More About Our Services!

Just do it! Call Optimal Locksmith Pro at (954) 376-7373, we have what it takes to get you the help that you need for your automotive, commercial, residential and emergency locksmith service needs. Don’t accept just any type of lock and key service; get the best. When you are seeking the services of the best and most effective locksmith service in Fort Lauderdale, you’re sure to be able to receive it from Optimal Locksmith Pro. Getting you the best quality of services in Fort Lauderdale is possible when you turn to our locksmiths for your service needs. Make sure you’re able to get your money’s worth by getting your locksmith service needs attended to by our service technicians. We train our locksmiths to handle even the worst lock and key problems.




Aricle source here: Watch This Video To Learn More About Our Services!

Monday, November 28, 2016

THERE ARE MANY KINDS OF LOCKS AVAILABLE

If you’ve been looking to buy the best locks for your home or business, it can be daunting trying to find what’s exactly right for you. There is virtually an endless list of various types of locks: pin-tumbler locks, wall-mounted locks, bump-proof locks, high-security cylinders, lever-handled locks, interchangeable core cylinder locks, padlocks, cam locks, rim locks, mortise locks, doorknob locks, key-in-knob cylinder locks, combination locks, keycard locks, switch locks, deadbolts, biometric locks, and on and on. Some of the most recognized brands are:

Home Lockouts

  • Ace
  • American
  • Arrow
  • ASSA
  • Baldwin
  • Ilco
  • Falcon
  • Kwikset
  • Master
  • Medeco
  • Primus
  • Schlage
  • Yale

When it comes to protecting your property, any expert locksmith will tell you that the best line of defense is to install deadbolt locks. The reason these premium locks are called “dead” is because they don’t have springs to operate the bolt; in other words, a deadbolt is operated manually ~ with a thumbturn or key.

Locksmith professionals most commonly recommend that you install deadbolts on all your outside doors. There are a good number of deadbolt types. The most well-known deadbolts are jimmy-proof, single-cylinder, double-cylinder, and lockable thumbturn.

Keypad Devices

  • A jimmy-proof deadbolt is a surface-mount lock, which you’ll often see in an apartment building and on double doors. A surface-mount lock means that the lock screws inside the door, instead of with an intricate drill pattern, like an ordinary deadbolt. A jimmy-proof deadbolt is popular because only minor door modifications or required. In this type of deadbolt, the deadbolt interlocks with the jamb bracket. It’s a dependable lock that’s not easily pulled apart and quite difficult to force from the outside.
  • A single-cylinder deadbolt lock is a regular deadbolt lock with a key cylinder on the outside, and a thumbturn on the inside to open or close it. This kind of deadbolt is typically used on a solid metal or wooden door. Its only drawback is that if there’s any access to the inside (such as through a window that’s in or near the door) then the door can be opened using the thumbturn.
  • A double-cylinder deadbolt goes farther. This kind of deadbolt has a key cylinder both on the inside and on the outside of the door. Therefore, if it’s locked, the double-cylinder always requires a key to open the door from the inside. It’s the best choice if you have a door with any glass in it, or if there is a window nearby, because a burglar can’t break the glass and reach in to unlock it. Its one minor downside is that you’ll have to remember to always keep an extra key available on the inside, whenever people are home, so everyone will be able to get out of the house safely in case of fire or any other emergency.
  • Let’s take a look at the lockable thumbturn deadbolt, which is basically a combination of the single-cylinder and the double-cylinder deadbolt. This deadbolt provides optimum security and flexibility. With a thumbturn on the inside, it works just like a single-cylinder deadbolt, but you can lock it with a key, so that the thumbturn won’t unlock or lock the door, unless you have the key, too. Furthermore, the thumbturn can be left in the unlocked position while people are inside, but it will still work like a standard single-cylinder deadbolt. That means, whenever you leave, especially if you’ll be away for a long time, the thumbturn can be easily locked.

These are all smart choices in deadbolts ~ but there are plenty more. Topnotch locksmith professionals also recommend the following deadbolt types: rim, mortise, vertical, keyless, and digital.

  • Easy to install, the rim deadbolt is bolted to the inside face of the door. The great thing about this kind of deadbolt is that it automatically locks behind you whenever you shut the door, so you can’t ever forget to lock it. (If you often forget your keys, you may not like this one so much!)
  • A mortise deadbolt is an excellent choice, because it’s not easily tampered with. Rather old-fashioned in style, you can install this sort of deadbolt in a mortise or recess pocket, cut in the door’s edge. It indeed has extra resilience; but its shortcoming is that you have to penetrate the door frame to make a large hole, which means it may slightly weaken the structure of the door.
  • A vertical deadbolt lock is bolted to the inside face of the door, like the rim deadbolt is; but it’s placed on top of the door, making it impossible for an intruder to force it open by placing a bar between the frame and the door. This type of deadbolt is also a cinch to install. A small disadvantage to both the vertical deadbolt and the rim deadbolt is that they’re rather bigger than normal, so some people think they’re unattractive.
  • A keyless deadbolt lock is mounted on the inside of the door, but it has a keypad instead of a keyhole. It unlocks when you type in your secret code, rather than turning a key. Since you don’t use a key at all, you won’t ever have to worry about losing your keys again. Another benefit is that, to optimize security, you can change the passcode as often as you wish.
  • A digital deadbolt is similar to a keyless deadbolt, with a keypad; but this type requires electricity or batteries. Make sure you always keep the batteries charged, or you’ll be in big trouble in case of a power outage! Another disadvantage to such electronic devices is that there’s a slim chance it could be hacked.

We’ve given you a simple overview here. There are dozens more kinds of locks, one to fit every purpose and locale. If you want to make smart decisions about the ideal locks for your place of residence or your commercial property, it’s good to hire a local Fort Lauderdale reliable locksmith. If you live anywhere in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you might want to make an appointment with a dependable locksmith such as the mobile experts on staff at Optimal Locksmith Pro, where free consultations are available.




Aricle source here: THERE ARE MANY KINDS OF LOCKS AVAILABLE

Monday, November 14, 2016

Optimal Locksmith Pro: What Do Locksmiths Do?

Do you really know the type of help that you can get from a locksmith?

Automotive Keys

There is more to it than cutting keys, replacing locks, helping you when you’re locked out. These days, locksmiths tend to focus on the holistic side of security. Locksmiths are licensed and insured, meaning that they are fully qualified to provide you with guidance and the right solutions when it comes to all kinds of security issues. So you can rely on these professionals to be able to help you select a safe to protect your valuables, install security systems in your home or commercial building, and help ensure all of your security components (from locks to keyless entry and beyond) are installed properly and working as they should.

As you can see, locksmith services these days cover a lot of ground. In order to help you get a better understanding of the type of work that we do, here is an overview of the different types of services locksmiths are most likely to offer.

Emergency help

The vast majority of locally-based locksmith businesses will provide 24/7 assistance for lock and key emergencies. Not quite sure what that means? Don’t worry, we’ll tell you.

Lockouts tend to be the most common occurrence that locksmiths will attend to on a day to day basis. Whether you find yourself locked out of your car, home, commercial building, or any type of property that needs unlocking, you can count on a 24/7 locksmith service to provide you with the right type of assistance straightaway. The lock and key business you have hired will dispatch a certified professional as soon as they receive your phone call – as one should expect with an emergency service of any kind.

But that’s not the only urgent scenario locksmiths may attend to. It may well be that you are locked inside a building, for instance – in which case, you should be able to call a locksmith and they will be able to get you out. Or, you may have come back to your property to see it has been broken into – that’s where locksmiths can come to your location to provide you with repairs and replacements for any locks and security systems that have been impaired in the process.

We need to emphasize here that a local operator is the best choice in emergency situations. Not only will they get to you a lot quicker, you will also save yourself the hassle of being charged for travel expenses. The best way to avoid this is to keep the number of your trusted local locksmith business in a safe location that you can easily access if you are even in need of urgent assistance.

Automotive security

If you own a car, then this is something that you will benefit from knowing. Locksmith service providers will be able to help you save money in the long haul with some of their services. For instance, instead of going into your car dealer to replace a lost transponder key you can go directly to a locksmith who will do it for a cheaper price. Similarly, if your key is ever stuck in ignition you can count on the help of an auto locksmith – these professionals will have extensive amounts of experience working with all kinds of vehicles and will be able to replace any faulty ignition cylinders when they come to assist.

Locksmiths will also have all the machinery needed to program smart keys and transponder keys; will be able to produce protective features like installing locks and high security sidewinders; and will be able to help you with faulty car doors.

Residential protection

Residential Locksmith

Homeowners can request an array of services from a residential lock and key service provider. What’s even better is that locksmiths can help you along each and every stage of property ownership.

Just moved into a brand new house? Your locksmith can replace your old locks for you. In fact, this is highly recommended for all dwellings, as you never know how many people have spare keys for your home.

Maybe you’re already settled, but feel like you could use a security enhancement? Among the various options you could request from your residential locksmith include deadbolts, keyless entry systems, intercoms, garage door locks, master keys, CCTV installations and so much more.

If you own a gun or need to protect some documents and valuables, locksmiths will have a variety of residential safe options that you can select from. They will even install these and help you get everything set up according to your preference.

Commercial property security

Likewise, business owners can always count on their commercial locksmiths to help them keep all of their belongings secure. Often there is a lot at stake in commercial security, and the type of protection that locksmiths provide reflects that demand.

As such, business owners can choose from a very diverse set of services. For the protection of documents, money or valuables, there are safes and filing cabinet locks; to keep the whole building protected there are access control systems, panic bars, locks and hardware; for urgent services there are break-in repairs and safe unlocking assistance; and various other services to fit with all commercial specifications.

One final point

Keep in mind that not all locksmith businesses are equal. Some may choose to provide you with all of the services above, while others may decide to go on a highly specialized direction. Make sure to inquire with a couple of locksmith businesses in your area before you decide on hiring a professional – that way, you know exactly what services you can get from different businesses and at what cost.

Optimal Locksmith Pro is just one of the reliable lock and key businesses who can help those readers living in Fort Lauderdale, FL. As for everyone else, we hope that we have made it easier to understand the type of services you can expect from your local locksmith service provider. With this basic knowledge handy, you should feel confident that you will be able to find the right professional to help you protect your assets.




Aricle source here: Optimal Locksmith Pro: What Do Locksmiths Do?

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Evaluating Your Home Security

When you are about to move into a new home, you probably have a checklist of things you need to do. When you’re making out your checklist we would advise you to include an evaluation of your home security features. If you want to know that you and your loved ones are safe when you lock the door behind you at night, take a little time to make sure that you have all that you’ll need to remain safe inside your Fort Lauderdale, FL home.

Residential Locksmith

There are already enough things that you have to worry about when you move. Are there any infestation problems that you aren’t aware of, do hazardous gases exist, are the locks durable enough to withstand an attempted burglary. All of these are valid concerns and should definitely be considered when you’re about to move into a new home. Taking the time to make sure that all of these things and more are properly considered before moving in could save you from having to deal with a tragedy later. Instead of calling a locksmith, such as, Optimal Locksmith Pro to change your locks, pull out your checklist first and see how you can effectively improve upon your existing security.

Here are a few things to add to your checklist:

Evaluating Your Existing Deadbolt Locks

Business Keys

If you are aware of just how useful deadbolt locks are, you’ll like have them on the doors in your new home. Most people have them as an added source of protection. However, when you move into a new home, the deadbolt locks that are already there may not be the ones that you would buy yourself. The ones that are there may not be designed with the best quality of materials and might not work for your needs. We would suggest that the deadbolt lock you have on your door is made of steel. Anything softer wouldn’t be suitable as a deadbolt lock. If the existing lock is not made of steel, you should replace it with one that is. Make sure that the bolt of your deadbolt goes into the doorframe by one inch. If it does not go in at least one inch, it can be easy to pry open.

A tapered cylinder or free-spinning cylinder is best. If it is not this type, it will be possible for someone to use a wrench to force open the lock. The most common deadbolt lock is a single cylinder lock. This is because they do not require a key to open the lock on both sides. A double cylinder deadbolt lock, while just as durable, can pose a real threat to your safety if there is an emergency and one of the keys cannot be found. Instead, opt for a single cylinder and avoid the possibility of being trapped inside during an emergency. The deadbolt lock is not going to be of use to anyone unless it is used. Make sure you are in the habit of using the deadbolt lock in order to remain safe.

Evaluate the Exterior Doors of your Home

If you’re trying to determine if the deadbolt locks are quality locks, it might be necessary to first make sure the doors that they are installed on are strong and secure. It would defeat the purpose in having deadbolt locks installed if someone could simply kick in the door to gain access inside. Make sure the exterior doors of your home are solid core. This means they are solid through and through. This type of door is heavy and is able to withstand more pressure. It is also the type of door that offers maximum fire protection. If your door is a hollow core door, consider swapping it out for a solid core door. The hollow core doors are not has heavy and this type of door is generally used on interior doors. One of the many doors that is often neglected is the interior door that leads from your house to the garage. Have a solid core door installed here if one does not already exist. Make sure that even if someone is able to get inside your garage, they can’t get inside your home. Finally, if any of your exterior doors are made of glass, consider replacing them with unbreakable glass. Don’t give an intruder easy access into your home by simply smashing the glass and unlocking the door.

Cut Down Bushes and Shrub

This is another aspect of home safety that is often neglected. If you take pride in your homes yard and you’ve planted beautiful trees, plants, bushes and flowers, make sure they don’t provide coverage for a would-be robber. If you want to avoid being startled by an intruder when you come home, late at night, keep the bushes and trees around your home cut down and pruned. You don’t want to provide a hiding place to a burglar who is simply waiting for the right time to break-in.

When doing landscaping around your home, consider home-security. Some security specialists suggest planting bushes with thorns around your home. It is less likely that a burglar will stick around for too long. If you have shrubbery around your new house, cut it down to a minimum of three-feet and cut back any hedges or plants where someone can hide.

Evaluate Your Outdoor Lighting

Now-a-days, outdoor lighting is more than a way to add curb appeal to your home; they serve as a protection to the occupants of the house. Sufficient lighting along your doorway, walkway, porches, driveway and garage offer additional security. If you have these already, make sure that the lights are working. They won’t do you much good if the lights do not work. It is suggested that you also consider adding this same type of lighting to the front and back of your new home. Motion sensors are the best type outdoor lighting to invest in since they pick up on any movement around your home. You are quickly alerted to any potential intruders trying to get into your home and can then contact the appropriate authority to check out the situation. Some lights can also be programmed to turn on and off, as you see fit.




Aricle source here: Evaluating Your Home Security

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

HERE ARE SIGNS THAT YOU NEED BETTER SECURITY!

Are you the trusting type? Do you believe in the overall goodness of people? If you are easily fooled or feel that it can only happen to the “other guy” then read this post carefully and take our pointers to heart. Everyone (yes, you too!) needs security. Whether it’s at home, at your business, at work or in your car, you need to feel and be safe. This is especially true if you are responsible for others. Parents with children, pet owners, teachers, tour guides, public servants and many others all have the responsibility of taking good care of their human or animal obligations. So how do you know if you need better security without becoming paranoid and cynical? Easy; pay attention!

Residential Locksmith

SURROUNDINGS

Where do you live and work? Where do you shop and dine out? What stores do you frequent and at what times? Being aware of your surroundings can go a long way towards improving your safety and security. It happens on a frequent basis here in Fort Lauderdale, FL and everywhere else. A shopping cart in the store is left unattended, even briefly and someone steals a purse or reaches into one and steals keys, wallets, credit cards or cash.

Small children are especially susceptible. They can wander off, get lost, lock themselves in a trunk, climb onto a balcony, go with a stranger; you name it! Being vigilant at all times is vital; even in places where you’d least expect a problem like home or work.

THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD!

There are pros and cons to living and working in well to do “safe” neighborhoods vs working class “inner city” locations. Older parts of town tend to have higher crime rates due to lower socio economic residents and types of businesses. You typically don’t drive through country club areas and see huge billboards for bail bonds or injury attorneys. Older locations tend to have older and outdated locks and security systems too. Many times crime rates are higher because of the ease involved in actually picking open or prying open cheap home or commercial lock hardware. Fort Lauderdale, FL is home to luxurious mansions as well as to mobile home parks and low rent areas.

Better neighborhoods also have their security drawbacks. Often a false sense of security arises from living with roving security, home alarm systems, manned gatehouses and high surrounding walls. It’s easy to assume that security is “taken care of” and not notice a stranger lurking behind a neighbor’s tree or a car that doesn’t have a visitor card on the windshield parked nearby. Plain and simple, you just can’t stop paying attention to your surroundings. Being aware of your neighborhood, workplace, coworkers and even customers is a huge part of living a more secure home and work life.

RECENT CRIME

Home Lockouts

Have you had a break-in recently? This could spell trouble if you are not careful. Were you home at the time or were you out for the evening or on a trip? Think about it. Was someone aware that you were gone or is your daily routine so predictable that others know when you are in or out? If you were going to burglarize a home would YOU want the owners there? Of course not!

Be smart and take steps to bolster your home security. Start by rekeying your door locks. Even if forced entry was used in your break-in, having new keys adds peace of mind and an extra layer of protection. Rekeying your locks is simple, fast and very affordable. Here at Optimal Locksmith Pro we offer this service to our local customers often with same day appointments. Call for free price quotes and for additional details.

Rekeying your locks allows you to keep the same lock mechanisms as only the interior pins are altered so that new keys must be used. Now, all those spare keys that your kids, friends, neighbors, realtors, contractors and delivery men had copies of will no longer work.

CRUISE CONTROL

Do you travel? Cruises and trips are fun and educational and are often part of the job. If people know you travel however, they can tell others and your home can become a target for vandalism, burglary or even arson. Optimal Locksmith Pro offers several ways to make your home better protected while you are away. Between security cameras, deadbolt additions, garage door locks and mailbox locks there are many ways in which you can bolster your home or business security while you are relaxing on beach somewhere!

ARE YOU A BUSINESS OWNER?

Not every business needs security surveillance but high traffic and high cash commercial enterprises would do well to consider it. You wear many hats as a business owner so you have other duties besides being the “watchdog” and being on the lookout for employee theft, shoplifters or pilfering. Even having vigilant managers on hand often isn’t enough. Don’t let this concern you too much; there are dozens of affordable ways in which you can increase your commercial security without making your firm look like a federal prison and without any interruption of day to day business. Most established commercial locksmiths in Fort Lauderdale, FL will be able to help by providing consultation services, commercial safes, CCTV surveillance, panic bars, high security locks and other smart options.

DO YOU HAVE NICE THINGS?

Do you have valuables at home? We’re not talking about family photos or your child’s first grade plaster hand print. If you have real collectibles, cash or art at home it may be time to consider upgrading your home security system including alarms and lock hardware. Items worth stealing don’t have to hang in your great room either; your garage can contain expensive or rare vehicles, four wheelers, jet-ski’s, boats, motorcycles and even your gun cabinet. Don’t become paranoid but do consider paying a little more attention to your surroundings and how your property can viewed from the standpoint of a crook, kidnapper or thief. Optimal Locksmith Pro offers full service locksmith care for home, auto and business needs along with free, no obligation consultations where we can discuss any and all of the above points.




Aricle source here: HERE ARE SIGNS THAT YOU NEED BETTER SECURITY!

Sunday, August 28, 2016

DEADBOLTS ARE THE BEST LOCKS FOR YOUR HOME

When you’re shopping for the right locks for your home, there seems to be an almost endless selection of various kinds of locks. The truth is, however, that overall, locksmith experts agree that deadbolts are your best bet.

Deadbolts are indeed typically viewed by most professional locksmiths as one of the safest and most secure ways to protect your place of residence. The reason they are called “dead” is because they lack springs to operate the bolt; in other words, a deadbolt is operated manually ~ with a thumbturn or a key.

Professional locksmiths recommend that you install deadbolts on all of your external doors. There are many types to choose from. The most common are jimmy-proof, single-cylinder, double-cylinder, and lockable thumbturn.

Home Lockouts

  • A jimmy-proof deadbolt is a surface-mount lock, most frequently found on double doors and at apartments. A surface-mount lock means that the lock screws into the inside of the door, rather than with a complex drill pattern, the way a regular deadbolt does. A jimmy-proof deadbolt is very popular, because of the minimal door modifications required. In this unique type of deadbolt lock, the deadbolt interlocks with the jamb bracket, which prevents it from being pulled apart easily or from being forced from the outside.

  • A single-cylinder deadbolt lock is what we usually imagine when we think of a deadbolt. It has a key cylinder on the outside, with a thumbturn on the inside to open or close it. These deadbolt locks are normally used on wooden or solid metal doors. The one disadvantage to this type of deadbolt is that if there’s any possible access to the inside (such as through a window nearby, or even through your peephole, which a professional thief can do using simple tools), then the door can be opened with the thumbturn.

  • A remedy for this challenge is to choose a double-cylinder deadbolt. This type has a key cylinder both on the inside of the door and on the outside. As a result, if it is locked, the double-cylinder always requires a key to open the door from the inside. It’s ideal if your door has any glass, or if your door has a window nearby, since it prevents an intruder from breaking the glass and reaching in to unlock the door. Its drawback is that it is a bad idea in case of fire. Therefore, if you choose to install this type of deadbolt at your home, you ought to always make sure that you leave a key on the inside whenever people are there, so that you’ll always be able to get out safely in an emergency.

  • The lockable thumbturn deadbolt lock is basically a blending of the single-cylinder and the double-cylinder deadbolt. It has a thumbturn on the inside, which works like a regular single-cylinder deadbolt, but it can be locked with a key, so that it cannot lock or unlock the door. This means that the thumbturn can be left in an unlocked position while people are inside your house, but it will operate exactly like a standard single-cylinder deadbolt. When you all go out, especially if it’s for an extended length of time, the thumbturn can be easily locked, so even if a burglar manages access to your door from the inside, the deadbolt cannot be unlocked. This is a kind of deadbolt that will definitely provide you with maximum flexibility and security.

In addition to these solid choices, there are also five more types of deadbolt locks that are often recommended by the experts: rim, vertical, mortise, keyless, and digital.

  • A rim deadbolt is a deadbolt lock that’s bolted to the inside face of the door. The good thing about this type of deadbolt is that it locks automatically behind you every time you shut the door. This way, you won’t ever forget to lock up.

  • A vertical deadbolt lock is bolted to the inside face of the door as well, but this kind is placed on top of the door, which makes it impossible for a potential robber to pry it open by placing a bar between the door and the frame, which someone can do in the case of some horizontal deadbolts. The vertical and rim deadbolt are both very easy to install. A minor drawback to both the rim deadbolt and the vertical deadbolt is that they are more bulky, and therefore not as attractive as conventional deadbolts.

  • A mortise deadbolt lock is an old-fashioned-style lock that you can install in a mortise or recess pocket, cut in the edge of the door, so that it cannot be easily tampered with. This kind of lock is tough; but one thing to keep in mind is that because you have to penetrate the door frame to make a rather large hole, it can slightly weaken the structure of the door itself.

  • A keyless deadbolt lock is also mounted on the inside of the door, but it has a keypad instead of a keyhole. Instead of using a key, you type in your own secret code. The advantage of this type of deadbolt is, of course, that you won’t need a key at all, so you won’t ever have to worry about losing your key or having it stolen. And, for optimized security, you can change your code every few months, or as often as you wish.

  • A digital deadbolt is much like a keyless deadbolt, because you have a keypad instead of a keyhole. What’s different here is that it requires batteries or electricity. Be sure to always keep the batteries charged in case of a power outage!

Before you can decide upon exactly the right deadbolt locks for your home’s needs, you ought to bring all your questions and concerns to a local professional trustworthy locksmith in Fort Lauderdale. If you live anywhere in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you may want to meet with a reliable mobile staff locksmith expert at Optimal Locksmith Pro, where free consultations are available.




Aricle source here: DEADBOLTS ARE THE BEST LOCKS FOR YOUR HOME

Monday, June 6, 2016

What to Try If the Key Is Stuck In Your Car’s Ignition

Automotive Keys

When it comes to automotive security, you can usually trust the locks, keys and security features that came with your vehicle to be reliable and durable. These have been especially designed to provide its users with the best possible protection, but nothing is ever immune to damage. Even simple lock and key issues may cause a bit of trouble, and that is why automotive locksmiths such as Optimal Locksmith Pro are here to provide you with trusted help with all security-related matters.

A common issue automotive locksmiths in Fort Lauderdale, FL, attend to is assisting car owners with keys stuck in the ignition. It is something that can happen to anyone, at any given time, and some car owners may feel at loss of what to do when they encounter themselves in this predicament.

Even if you have never been in this situation, you could can probably imagine the frustration felt by those who have. Simply put, a key stuck in the ignition will make your vehicle inoperable. If your key gets stuck when the car is turned on, you won’t be able to turn it off or drive away; if it happens when the car is turned off, you may be stranded until the issue has been resolved. In either stuck key situation, locally-based locksmiths will be able to get to you, and help you out, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We hope to ease the stress you may experience by providing you with all the information that you need to know about handling a key that is stuck in the ignition. Consider this your step-by-step guide to getting through this frustrating problem, no matter when you find yourself in this situation. Knowing in advance what to do, and what to expect, will prepare you in case you ever find yourself in a car with a jammed key.

So, let’s take a look at what you should do in this sticky situation.

Before you contact a locksmith, see if you can solve the issue yourself. Sometimes a stuck key can be released through some basic troubleshooting, other times key extractions and ignition cylinder replacements may be called for.

Emergency Locksmith

Here are some of the different steps to take prior to requesting automotive lock and key assistance.

Basic checks

There are situations where your key may get stuck while the car is turned on, or with the car turned off. So here is what to do in each individual situation:

If your car is turned on, you should:

  • Check the gears. If the car is in drive instead of park, it will not let you remove the key or turn the vehicle off.
  • Check the dashboard to see if it matches your gear lever’s transmission. Shift it back and forth to the correct one if needed, and see if you can extract they key then.
  • After these checks, try to bring the car back to park to see if the issue persists.

If your car is turned off, you should:

  • Check the key position. Aged cylinders can mean that your key becomes stuck.
  • Move the steering wheel back and forth while gently trying to remove key from lock position.
  • Check for a dead battery. A sure sign you may have a dead battery is that the dashboard has lit up. Dead batteries will lock the keys into the ignition as the car won’t be able to correctly identify the chip being inserted.
  • If you have some lube, try loosening the key with it and see if you can remove it then.

If none of these troubleshooting tips have helped, then it is definitely time to contact a locksmith.

While waiting for assistance

So you contacted a Fort Lauderdale, FL, professional and told them the issues you are faced with. You can expect the assistance from a locally-based automotive locksmith to be quick and easily accessible. They will always try to get to customers as soon they possibly can, but while you are waiting we recommend that you do the following:

  • Make sure key is kept in lock position to avoid battery drainage
  • Use a spare key to manually lock the vehicle if required

Hiring a licensed and insured locksmith is always the best resort for lock and key issues, as it will save you time and money. Especially when it comes to handling keys stuck in the ignition, automotive locksmiths will promptly tend to all issues and will save you the hassle of getting your car towed into an expensive mechanical garage.

What to expect from your automotive locksmith

When the locksmith arrives, they will fully inspect the issue at hand. An automotive locksmith will go through all the common troubleshooting techniques, paying attention to batteries, dashboards, or any signs of damage. This will enable them to provide you with a full diagnosis of the problem.

Sometimes all they will have to do is extract your key for you. Other times, they may need to replace a worn out or damaged ignition cylinder, or provide a fix for a faulty component. Regardless, a reliable locksmith service provider in Fort Lauderdale, FL, will have all the tools and components on hand to readily perform any required fixes.

Before they begin the repairs though, you can request them to explain exactly what they will do and a full price quote to go along with their services. Reputable locksmith businesses will provide consultations and price quotes at no cost to their customers.

Remember, locksmiths are on-call to handle urgent matters 24/7, so you should be able to get assistance from them any time of the day. In order to be fully prepared for anything that comes your way, keep the contact details of your trusted locksmith service provider in an easy to access place so that you can get help the moment you experience an issue.




Aricle source here: What to Try If the Key Is Stuck In Your Car’s Ignition

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Tips for Choosing a Locksmith

Posted on 6/11/2015 10:43 AM by Wes Wernette

Facility management is a 24/7 job. So is security. Whether security is breached at 3 p.m. or 3 a.m., it's usually the facility manager who gets the first call. Quite often the locksmith gets the second call. Today, locksmiths do more than make keys – the modern facility manager needs to partner with a locksmith who can keep abreast of current technology. 

Keyless Entry

Card Access
Employees at many companies carry a card with a magnetic strip or proximity capabilities. When swiped, the door reader accesses and verifies the digital credentials stored on the card and matches it against the data saved on a dedicated computer. If it jibes, the door unlocks. The key word here, no pun intended, is unlocks. This may be electronic access control, but it boils down to opening a locked door. The difference is the type of lock. A locksmith called to install or service such a card access system needs to be knowledgeable about magnetic locks, electric strikes, and electric locks.

Keypads

Keypads have been used for some time; however, various high-security buildings are now using a double credential system. The cardholder inserts the magnetic strip card but also has to enter a PIN. Again, the data is checked against the central computer. Keyboard locks are not mechanical, they are battery powered: the newest batteries are quite energy efficient — and it's not uncommon for one to last three or four years. Low power indicators signal when it's time for a new battery. Some have audible beeping, others, blinking lights — whichever it is, a delay replacing the battery can result in a company-wide lockout. A locksmith commissioned to remedy the situation should be an expert in stocking batteries and changing them. Since keypads may need occasional reprogramming, the locksmith should also be digitally knowledgeable.

Fireproof Safes

A safe should be bought only from a qualified locksmith who knows how to install it securely to avoid theft.  Organizing a maintenance schedule is highly recommended since nothing can bring a bank or jeweler's business to a screeching halt like a safe that will not open. A locksmith trained in safes should know how to replace a worn-out tumbler, adjust a door so it doesn't drag, or decipher a forgotten combination code. If desired, he should also be able to remove the lock and upgrade the safe with a digital entry system that uses a magnetic strip card or biometric verification access card.

Alarm and Surveillance Systems

A growing number of locksmiths are training to install and service electronic access control systems, as well as closed circuit television systems (CCTV), network-attached surveillance cameras and alarms. Some locksmiths will send a representative to examine the facility and design a comprehensive system.
With so many buildings employing computer network-attached security systems, a new breed of locksmith is branching out to service computer hardware and software, in addition to locks. No matter the job, it is essential that the locksmith you work with is professionally trained. For further research, here’s a look from the Associated Locksmiths of America of what you should expect from a skilled locksmith.

Wes Wernette oversees marketing at Fireking Security Group.