There are times when things will go wrong with locks and keys. Despite the fact that a superior locksmith in Fort Lauderdale will be available even if it’s after hours, it’s still better to be pro-active instead, so that you will prevent the possibility of most mishaps.
Protecting your home is obviously very important. We all want our place of residence to be a sanctuary, a safe space where you will always feel secure and comfortable. Accordingly, it’s essential to keep all your locks in tiptop condition. Make sure that your front-door locks ~ and any other outdoor locks ~ are always functioning properly, with excellent durability. You’ll keep your loved ones and valuables well guarded when your locks are tough and resilient.
Important Points to Consider
Rusty Locks
You and your family go in and out the door so many times every day, all day long. As time goes by, locks eventually get worn-out or even rusted, which means they will break easily. If you see any signs of rust, you’ll notice that you’re encountering difficulties placing the key into the lock mechanism, or maybe you can’t even turn the key at all. If this happens, replace the lock.
A New Home
If you move into a new home, you must replace the locks right away. Since you never know who may still be in possession of an old key to your place, it’s critical that you get your locks changed.
New Roommates or New Tenants
If you rent out space in your apartment or house, or if you have any rental properties, the same rule applies. You must absolutely replace the locks, every time you change occupants. Even if the last residents returned their keys, you cannot be totally certain that they didn’t keep spare copies. If a break-in ever were to happen, you don’t want to have any doubts about former tenants. Keep your property effectively fortified when you have the most reputable and durable locks.
Deadbolts
If you feel susceptible to an intruder for any reason, and you desire to enhance your home’s security, any locksmith professional worth their salt will advise you to install deadbolts.
Normal Wear and Tear
Worn-out or rusted locks are a major weakness in your security. They get increasingly difficult to open as time passes. Old or rusted locks are easier for an expert criminal to pick and break. If a lock has bad tarnish, rust, or if you notice any other signs of wear, it’s likely time to replace it. If your lock is growing more difficult to open with your key day by day, particularly in cold weather, then you ought to replace it.
Combination Locks
Do you often lose your keys? Then you may want to think about replacing your regular lock with a combination lock. A combination door lock can be opened using a code number you choose. If the combination input ever malfunctions, or if you ever forget or misplace your code, don’t despair, because most combination locks also have a keyed lock. Change the combination if you ever think that its access may have been compromised, just as you would replace a standard lock if you lost your keys.
Lost Keys
It may take you awhile to admit it, but if you know that your keys are really lost for good, then you need to change your locks as soon as possible. All your exterior locks, which could allow an intruder access, should be replaced. After your outdoor locks are completely secured, then replace any inner locks in the order of your personal security preferences.
Stuck Keys
Your key can actually get stuck, or even break off, inside a lock mechanism. If there is any issue with an internal lock mechanism, a key will not slide into the lock as effortlessly as it should. If there is any resistance when you turn your key, take it as a sign: It is time to replace the lock.
Damaged Locks
If your locks are tampered with, vandalized, or otherwise damaged, then it is time to get new locks. Don’t take risks with your security! Replace your locks now. Don’t keep a damaged lock for any significant amount of time, because it will make you vulnerable to additional problems, and make it easier for a robber to get in.
Break-ins
If the worst happens, and you are burglarized, it’s imperative that you immediately replace your locks. The force involved in the process of a break-in will compromise the lock mechanism’s integrity. A damaged lock will also put you at a greater risk of another theft. What’s more, mechanical failure could easily leave you locked out. You never know if your keys may have fallen into the wrong hands. So replace all your locks as soon as you can.
Peace of Mind
Your locks do not necessarily have to show visible signs of damage for you to have to replace your locks. Over time, you may forget how many friends, family members, and neighbors have been given spare copies of your keys. Therefore, to expand your level of security, it’s a good idea to replace the locks periodically to maintain your home. You’ll thus have peace of mind, knowing that you are keeping your possessions and loved ones extra safe.
Going Digital
Do you want to go high-tech? Replace all the conventional locks with digital door locks. This is an ideal way to secure your home, without needing keys at all. Keyless locks have opened new horizons in home security technology. They function with smart devices or remotes; alarm systems with remote codes; keypads; biometrics; and so on. As soon as you get accustomed to it, keyless locks are fairly easy to use. Most include an attractive selection of features that provide additional safety and convenience.
If you’re located any place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and you need to track down a trusty professional Fort Lauderdale locksmith, you may want to think about hiring a mobile expert locksmith on staff at Optimal Locksmith Pro.
Aricle source here: WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR LOCKS?