Hiring a Good Locksmith: The Steps You Need to Take

Are you looking for a locksmith you can trust? Are you curious about what you should look for to make sure you get the best deal for any services you done? When it comes to hiring any kind of repairman or service, you want to make sure to only hire the best. This is especially true when it comes to hiring a locksmith. Personal security is something that should be taken very seriously. Working with the right locksmith will not only guarantee the safety of yourself and your family, but will also give you peace of mind knowing you are working with a trained expert. Locksmiths should uphold a certain standard for how they treat their customers and go about their requests. The following article will help you to not only find the right locksmith to work within your area, but signs to look for that may indicate that you should not work with a particular locksmith. 

Check Multiple Online Review Websites 

When in need of a locksmith, the first place where most people will start looking is online. A quick search in your area of local locksmiths will likely bring up a variety of options. Choose a few that are near you and look up various reviews for each locksmith. It is important to check out several different reviews sites in order to get a well-rounded picture of how a given locksmith operates. Some websites may have more generic reviews while others may give you a more realistic representation of their services.  

Ask Family and Friends for Recommendations 

Chances are, someone you know may have hired a locksmith in the past. Finding a trustworthy locksmith may be as easy as asking neighbors or coworkers that live in your area for their recommendations. Through the grapevine, they may have also heard of a locksmith that has a good reputation in the area. A lot of locksmiths, particularly local ones, rely on word-of-mouth in order to grow and gain new customers. Ask family, friends, or anyone who lives near you if they know of a locksmith that is local and can offer excellent services. 

Double-Check for Insurance and Proper Certification 

No matter where you find your locksmith, you will need to make sure that they have the proper certifications and carry locksmithing insurance. Both certification and insurance help protect you as a customer, as well as the locksmith themselves. Each individual locksmith is required to be certified.  

Locksmithing certification is done on a state-by-state basis where prospective locksmiths receive hands-on training in order to learn how to repair, replace, install, and work with locks and keys of all types. The Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) is the most notable organization that handles the training, testing, and certification of locksmiths.  

There are various certifications levels for locksmiths. The first certification a locksmith will receive is known as a Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL). This certification gives a locksmith the ability to handle basic locksmithing tasks, in addition to a small set of specialized skills. The second level of certification is a Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL). This type of locksmith will have basic locksmithing skills and will also have received training or advanced knowledge in certain areas of locksmithing. The last and highest level of certification a locksmith can achieve is known as a Certified Master Locksmith (CML). These types of certifications allow a locksmith to perform just about any task related to locks and keys, as well as security. A CML is usually needed if a locksmith intends to be proficient in electronic locks and other electronic security measures. 

Be sure to inquire about the level of certification the locksmith you hire has achieved. This will be important to know if you are intending to install smart locks or electronic security devices of any kind. 

Beware of Potential Scams 

Unfortunately, locksmithing scams happen all the time. Untrustworthy individuals may fake credentials, lie to potential customers, and cause intentional damage to one’s property upon being hired in order to increase the amount on one’s final bill. Before you make an appointment with a given locksmith, be sure to call them to ask questions, check out their website, and see what people have to say about them in their online reviews. A major red flag to look for is a locksmith that lacks a phone number, website, and other identifying information. A locksmithing scam on a website like Craigslist may only include an email to request services from, rather than a clear company name, phone number, and other business information. Also, be sure to call the number provided by a particular locksmith to make sure the line is active and to get a feel for how you will be treated as a customer by the locksmith on the other line. 

Contact a Trustworthy Locksmith Today! 

After reviewing the important factors to keep in mind when it comes to hiring a locksmith, you should be ready to pick the right locksmith to meet your needs. Remember to ask questions over the phone and get a feel for how a given locksmith goes about customer requests. If at any point you do not feel comfortable or feel you are not being treated well, decline their services and try a different locksmith. When it comes to your security, you can never be too careful. You will want to make sure you hire only the best locksmith to tend to your safety. 

If you live in Matteson, IL and need to hire a locksmith that you know has the proper qualifications and certifications, contact Tom’s Locksmith. We only hire the best and most well-trained experts to represent our business. All of our locksmiths are required to carry insurance and we are happy to discuss our insurance policies with you anytime. Our customers are our top priority and we promise you will feel secure every step of the way when working with our professional locksmiths. 

Types of Locks

Are you having a new home built and now have to determine which locks to use where? This is something that you probably haven’t given much consideration to. However, it you are having a brand new home built, this may be what you are tasked to do. If you are having some remodeling work performed around your home then you may have to determine which locks will be used on your interior or exterior doors. Don’t worry because Tom’s Locksmith in Matteson, IL is here to help. Our locksmiths will be able to provide you with all of the information that you’ll ever need to make a well informed decision about the types of locks that you should be using. First and foremost, if you are looking for exterior locks, undoubtedly you will want a lock that offers a great deal of durability. You may simply select a lock based on the fact that you are familiar with the brand. This wouldn’t be the best way to go about choosing the right locks. All that this means is that the manufacturer is using their marketing dollars for brand recognition. Whereas, a less known brand may be putting their marketing dollars elsewhere. They may not even allocate as much money to marketing their locks because they want to pay the designers of their locks more to create a durable and effective lock. Just keep this in mind when you are thinking about purchasing new locks.  

There is a serious possibility that someone could break into your house when you least expect it, especially if you do not have durable exterior locks. Locks have ratings and even if you find the rating you may not know what it means. Our locksmiths can help you determine the durability rating on any lock. That is why it is in your best interest to consult with a locksmith when you are considering purchasing new locks. They can advise you on the best locks for your needs.  

How Locks Work 

It is a good idea to know how the mechanics of locks actually work when you are looking for new locks. Knowing how they function may help you to determine which ones will be best suited to your needs. The most standard type of lock is a doorknob lock. This is a rather simple lock. Unfortunately, there are those doorknob locks that can only be used on interior doors and shouldn’t be used on exterior doors. A qualified locksmith would be able to tell you exactly which type of lock would be suitable for your needs, whether it is for interior or exterior use. 

We have highlighted some of the most commonly installed locks for your consideration: 

Pin Tumbler Locks – The pin tumbler has a set of pins that should be perfectly aligned with its locking mechanism in order to disengage. If the wrong key is placed in the keyhole then the pins will not align properly and this means the turning mechanism will not turn to unlock the lock. 

Warded Locks – This type of lock has a bolt inside of it that will only move once the correct key has ben inserted into the lock. It is the ward that actually obstructs the movement. It only moves when the right key has been inserted. 

Lever Tumbler Locks – This type of lock doesn’t allow the bolt to move within the locking mechanism. This prevents the lock from disengaging.  

The locking mechanism may be different for every lock. The key to being able to successfully unlock the door is to make sure you have the right key. If you don’t then chances are that you won’t be able to gain access. 

Electronic/Digital Locks 

Lets face it. Most people appreciate convenience. In fact, more and more products that are designed today are designed with convenience in mind. Most people do not mind paying a little more convenience. With the invention of electronic locks, users have a lot more convenience than they would have through the use of a traditional key. The cost is higher but if you like convenience, it is likely worth the added expense to have one installed. The other thing that you are paying for when you buy an electronic lock is the safety of this type of lock. It is very difficult for someone to compromise this type of lock. When a burglar notices that you have a electronic lock they will often go somewhere else because they realize just how difficult it is to break through it. 

Below is information about the two types of electronic locks used most often: 

Push Button Locks – The push button lock requires a code that is used to lock and unlock the door. When the right code is entered into the keypad, you will be able to gain access. There are some push button locks that actually have internal motors and others with a magnet that engages the locking mechanism. It is an easy lock to program, which is why it is also one of the most widely used types of electronic locks used today by many homeowners. If you’re interested in high-security locks then this would be a good option due to its durability and inability to compromise. 

Fingerprint Locks – This type of lock was once only found at businesses but today, many homeowners are now using this type of lock, also known as a digital or biometric lock. A keypad is installed and your fingerprint and that of your family members are entered into the system. When the right fingerprints are recognized then the lock will disengage. This type of lock is highly effective and thus is the reason it is one of the most expensive types of locks on the market today. 

Regardless of the type of lock that you choose, you can always rely on one of our qualified locksmiths at Tom’s Locksmith to install it for you. We’re here for you 24-hours a day. 

How to Protect Yourself From Getting Locked Out of the House

Sooner or later, almost everybody gets locked out of the house. You may think that getting locked out of the house won’t happen to you, but just you wait. If you don’t take preventative measures against getting locked out, it could very well happen when you least expect it.

Yes, you could break the glass on your patio door, or drag a ladder from the shed to climb into a second story bedroom. Been there, done that. But there are better options!

The Simple Secret to Avoid Getting Locked Out of the House

Should you leave a door or window unlocked as protection against getting locked out? Of course not! Because if you know how to break into your house, a burglar can easily discover that method, too. Always lock your doors and windows.

 

The secret to avoid getting locked out of the house is to make an extra set of keys, and make sure you have access to a spare key in the event you are locked out. If you do not have an extra key, you may need to call a locksmith. Just in case, program a locksmith’s phone number into your cellphone. Be prepared to prove you own the home when the locksmith shows up.

Good Places to Stash a House Key

Start by making sure that all the locks in your home are keyed to one key. You can remove your door knobs and take them to a hardware store, do it yourself (if you know how) or call a locksmith to change all the locks so they unlock with the same key. A locksmith is your easiest but most costly solution.

Once your locks are in line, it’s time to stash extra sets of keys. Here are places to hide your extra key:

Give an extra key to a friend, family member or neighbor whom you trust. My housekeeper has a key to my house, so does the pet sitter.

Buy a fake rock, put the key inside and hide the rock in the garden. Make sure the rock looks real because burglars know how to look for these. Not everybody agrees this is a good idea.

Carry an extra key in a briefcase or, if you’re a woman, your bag.

Install a wireless keypad on the outside of your garage and hide a key inside the garage. Bear in mind that in the event of a power failure, your garage door may not open. Make sure you have a battery backup.

Lock the key inside your electrical panel and lock the panel with a combination padlock. Put the combination into your cellphone so you don’t accidentally forget the code.

Attach a heavy duty contractor’s box to a gas pipe and put the key inside. It is best to hide the contractor’s box so it is not in plain sight.

Bad Places to Stash a House Key

Many burglars prefer to enter homes through unlocked doors, but they rarely take the time to search for a key. Breaking a window is faster and more convenient for crooks. Still, that doesn’t mean you should leave a key in a conspicuous spot where a burglar is likely to find it. Here are bad places to hide an extra key:

• Under the mat. First place people look, not to mention, a strong wind might blow it off the steps.
• Under a planter.
• In the mailbox (this is definitely where crooks first look).
• In your car’s glove box.
• Taped inside a gutter.
• On a window ledge.
• On your dog’s collar.
• In the lock itself.

Remember that anyone else who lives with you should also know exactly how to get into the house, and how to avoid the need to smash a window! Be sure you’ve communicated the location of extra keys to everyone who needs to know.

 

Original Article Here: How to Protect Yourself From Getting Locked Out of the House

Related Article Here: What To Do When You’re Locked Out

If you want to acquire for a professional help during locked out situation, Tom’s Locksmith is always ready to help you!

5 Home Lockout Tips

When you find yourself locked out of your home, there is no one better to learn tips from than locksmith Professionals themselves. Here’s what professional locksmith service experts recommend you do if you find yourself locked out of your home.

5 Home Lockout Tips from Locksmith Professionals

Getting locked out your home or office or vehicle can be a very frustrating experience. Lockouts happen to everyone at some point or another. Perhaps you stepped out of your house and the door locked behind you automatically. You may have lost your house key entirely, or possibly, you have accidentally locked your house keys inside your vehicle. Regardless of what your reason might be for being locked out, these tips are sure to help you out!

1. Look for an Unlocked Window

It is never a good idea to leave your windows unlocked, but if you do find yourself locked out of your house, you should always check the perimeter of your home for an unlocked window. An unlocked window is easy enough to fit through, all you have to do is remove the window screen if you have one, and you can climb right through to unlock your front or back door. Just be careful as you climb through a window to insure that you don’t lose your balance and harm yourself in any way.

2. Get a Backup Key from a Neighbor

It is always wise to keep a backup key at a neighbor’s home or even at the home of one of your friends or family members. If you do have a backup house key somewhere out there, now would be the time to retrieve it, be it thorough calling up a friend or by making your way to a neighbor’s home. Having a spare key made in advance can help you out in a big way when it comes to finding yourself in a home lockout situation.

3. Unlock Your Door with a Plastic Card

If the door that you are locked out of has a spring bolt lock that those found on most of the simpler model doorknobs you can try to unlock your door simply with a plastic credit card. This method is simple to do, and it won’t leave your door or lock damaged in any way, it may however damage your card, so only attempt this method with a card that you don’t mind ruining.

The method is simple, all you need to do is locate where the latch is on your door frame and then slide your card down the side of the door frame so that is slides the latch back, and away from your door jam. If you slide your card at just the place, your door should unlock easily, letting you back inside your home.

4. Remove Your Door Knob

Assuming that the only lock on your door in use is the door knob, and not a more powerful lock such as a deadbolt, you might be able to remove your door knob entirely, thereby letting you back inside your home somewhat painlessly. In order to remove your door knob, all you really need to do is borrow a screw driver or electric drill from a neighbor.

You might not know this, but most knobs have mounting screws that are not always visible until you remove the outer layer that is covering the lock screws. Once you unscrew these screws that are keeping your door knob in place, your whole door knob should come apart fairly easily. At this point, all you really have to do is unscrew the lockset inside your door knob and pull back the lock mechanism inside it, which will unlock your door.

If the door you’ve been locked out of does not have a simple doorknob on it, but rather a stronger type of lock that you might not be able to remove so easily, you can always try the same method on a back door that might have a simpler lock installed on it.

5. Call a Professional Locksmith

If you are concerned about damaging the locks or doors on your home, or you just don’t have the tools necessary to get you back inside your home, you can always rely on a certified locksmith service to pick your lock and get you back inside your home in no time at all. Getting a locksmith is as simple as searching for one online or by going to the Associated Locksmiths of America website to find a local locksmith near your home. A trained locksmith will have all the tools and techniques necessary to help you get back inside your house quickly and affordably.

If you are locked out of your house, try these tips to help you make your way back inside your home in no time!

Original Article Here: 5 Home Lockout Tips

Related Article Here: How to Avoid Being Locked Out of Your House

For emergency cases, don’t panic. Call a locksmith expert like Tom’s Locksmith. They will be there in no time.

4 TIPS FOR REPLACING DOOR LOCKS

What are the biggest things hoteliers should consider when replacing or upgrading existing door locks? Lock companies narrowed down their top suggestions.

1. Security

“While there has no doubt been momentous change in the field of guestroom access with a focus on streamlining the guest experience, a solution provider will nonetheless ensure that any advancement in innovation does not come at the sacrifice of a hotel’s ability to ensure guest safety,” said Markus Boberg, VP of business development for Assa Abloy Hospitality.

This includes not only guest locks but back-of-the-house locks as well. “The bad people aren’t always trying to get into guestrooms—they want to get into the back end of a hotel operation,” said Matt Mrowczynski, VP of global hospitality at Salto Systems. “The locks also must be able to adapt to the existing doors for fire ratings and allow security warnings.”

2. Upgradability

“They should consider how efficiently their properties can upgrade from magnetic locks to radio-frequency identification, and if the existing door treatment can be used, which helps preserve their initial investment and reduce out-of-service rooms,” said Casey Fale, GM of Onity. “Also, they should ask if the replacement locks are mobile-key-ready if their plans include implementing mobile access in the future.”

3. Cost

“As with everything else, you get what you pay for,” said Brian Shedd, OpenKey VP of sales and marketing. “While hoteliers can source cheap locks from China, you won’t get the quality, functionality or support that would come from major manufacturers that have the majority of the market share.”

Plus, partnering with a supplier that has both a local and global presence will guarantee proper support whenever needed.

4. Future-proof

With the constant advances in technology and considerable expense typically associated with maintaining up-to-date services, hoteliers should always focus efforts on implementing future-proof systems.

Original Article Here: 4 TIPS FOR REPLACING DOOR LOCKS

Related Article Here: Door Lock Parts: How to Identify and Replace

 

Need a professional help with this matter? Tom’s Locksmith is now here to give you locksmith solutions at very affordable rates!