Are Smart Locks as Secure as Standard Locks?

If you're considering upgrading your local to smart locks, you might be wondering how secure they are compared to standard locks. This is an important question to consider when you start looking at new locks. So, are smart locks as secure as standard locks?

How Secure are Traditional Locks?

Anybody with the ability to search online and a little know-how can pick most traditional locks. Some deadbolt locks are harder to pick and with the right installation, you can make it harder to pick a traditional lock.

Along with picking the locks, those trying to break in often use brute force to get past a lock. This is doable with the right tools or even just kicking in the door. Installing a strike plate can make it much harder for brute force to be used to break into your front door.

Some deadbolts are more secure than others. They may be given an ANSI rating of Grade 1. This rating means they offer maximum security. Even with the most secure traditional locks, adding a strike plate or a longer deadbolt throw is often necessary to make them more secure.

It's also possible to look for locks that are resistant to lock bumping, lock picking, and other ways to bypass the locks. While traditional locks can be made to be very secure, they might not be as secure as smart locks. It might not even matter, depending on the smart lock you choose or the traditional lock you choose.

How Secure are Smart Locks?

When you look at the simplest smart locks, they are just an automated version of a traditional lock. The locking mechanism might even be the same, but it's capable of being engaged remotely and electronically. What makes smart locks different is the type of interaction necessary compared to traditional locks.

While smart locks offer ease of access and they can be locked from anywhere, if you forget to lock up, they are very similar to traditional locks when it comes to security. Since most smart locks work with a traditional deadbolt, they are just as secure as traditional locks.

The one downfall you will find when comparing smart locks to traditional locks is the accessories you can use to make them more secure. Some smart locks cannot be used with certain additional features due to the way they are designed. Traditional locks are a bit easier to make modifications to when you want to upgrade the security.

Which is Better for Security?

While the locking mechanism is likely going to be the same with smart locks and traditional locks, the best option for security is up to what you like better. Some people are worried about cyber-attacks on smart locks, which are possible. However, with the right smart lock and the right features, you might be able to gain a very secure lock.

For most homeowners, traditional locks with a strike plate and other features are the best options for security. However, if you're looking  for a lock replacement offering ease of access and the smart features of a smart lock, you can still gain excellent security, with the right installation and accessories.

3 Types of Door Lock Repairs

When you have a lock that needs to be repaired, it's not doing the job you want it to do. Your locks need to be reliable and they need to guard your home or business. If you have a lock that's not working, it's time to call a professional locksmith and get it repaired.

There are many types of lock repairs that you might need. You might notice one of the many issues and not know why it's happening. Let's look at some of the types of door lock repairs you might need.

Door Won't Latch Properly

This is a pretty big issue. If your door lock won't latch properly, you need to get it fixed immediately. Usually, this means the strike plate and the latch are not in alignment.

It might be as simple as tightening the hinge screws or adjusting the strike plate. However, the repairs could be rather minor or could include adjusting the entire door.

If your door lock isn't latching properly, you need to call a residential locksmith. It's important to make sure your door latches properly. Even if you think you can fix it yourself, you might be leaving your door vulnerable if the job isn't done correctly.

Door Lock is Frozen

sometimes, an exterior lock will freeze during the winter. Interior locks can also freeze up due to dirt and wear and tear. While you might need a replacement lock, you can start with a few simple fixes first.

Try putting a little graphite in the keyhole. Then, operate the lock a few times to get the graphite into the mechanism. Sometimes, this is all it takes.

Lock de-icers can help if the lock is frozen, too. This can help with gummy, dirty deposits or during cold weather.

If neither of these options help, you may have to disassemble the lock. When you get to this point, hiring a professional is the right choice. They can assess the situation and make the right recommendation for your frozen lock.

Broken Key in a Lock

A very common repair you will likely need a locksmith for is a broken key in the lock. When this happens, it can be very difficult to remove the broken key yourself. It may also require tools you don't own. If you try to do this yourself and you don't do it right, you could cause quite a bit of damage to the lock.

When you break a key in your door lock, you should call an emergency locksmith. This type of locksmith will show up quickly to help you get the broken key out of the lock and give you access to your home or car again.

Whenever you're dealing with a door lock repair, a professional locksmith is best. You don't want to cause more damage to the lock. With the right help, you won't have anything to worry about. Locksmiths have the right tools and they are highly trained to deal with all types of door lock repairs and issues.

How to Fix Jammed and Stuck Locks

Sometimes you end up with a jammed lock or a stuck lock that means you can’t get into a room, your house, or your car properly. You can’t have a door misaligned from the deadbolt or loose setscrews without ending up with a door jam. 

These are things you can fix if you have a little bit of knowledge, the right supplies, and the ability to determine what the problem is. Below we will show you what’s needed to fix your jammed and stuck locks, or what your locksmith could do if you want the professional job done for your home. 

Determining the jam or stuck lock

To determine if you have a jam or stuck lock, you’ll want to look at a number of things first. The first sign may be that your knob will turn but the door won’t open. Another may be that the door lock is stuck in an unlocked position, but you’ll want to check to see if another key will work in case your key has been damaged. Perhaps the doorknob lock button is stuck or maybe your deadbolt is stuck in a locked position. 

Examine the situation to make sure you know what needs to be fixed and how to handle it. for a stuck button, try turning the handle while pushing and holding the lock button, and then jiggle the handle to see if it helps. If the door lock is stuck in an unlocked condition, try to see if the door will lock when it is ajar in case of an alignment issue. 

Get some supplies

Next, you’ll want to get some supplies to check for different issues. You may need to use powdered graphite or TD-40 as a lubricant to help with jammed locks. Get a key-extractor tool and screwdrivers or a multi-magnetic hand tool with a screwdriver set. You may want to use kerosene for any rust removal. 

Addressing various issues 

Once you’ve tried to unlock the door with a different key in the event that you have the wrong key or a damaged key, you may have a temperature issue. Try to warm up the house if the home has gotten too cold. If it’s a hot location, you may have excess oil or dust, which you can check your key for stickiness or accumulation. 

Next, try a key extractor to fix a lock that has a broken key jammed inside. You may need to spray some of that lubricant in the keyhole to make for a smoother removal. A sticky lock happens when a door gets older, so the dry lubricant of the powdered graphite can help to smoothen the jam. 

Avoid a WD-40 since it will attract dirt, unlike the TD-40 or graphite. If you’re dealing with rust that is causing the jam, soak your lock in kerosene for a day to remove the rust. Feel free to lubricate the spring mechanism with some Teflon lubricant which will help if it’s becoming faulty and the deadbolt isn’t retracting completely. 

Lastly, you may need to use a screwdriver or the multi-magnetic hand tool to fix your jammed lock. This can help you to tighten screws and bolts in the event that something has come loose. Try tightening the hinges if your door is loose on its hinges because it may be causing your latch to sit too low on the striker plate. 

Is there a gap between the door and the doorframe? You’ll also want to tighten the set screw because you could have a loose setscrew making the door not opening despite the knob turning. 

You don’t have to address a jammed lock or stuck lock on your own. The professionals at Chicago Emergency Locksmith can handle a jam like this in no time and carry the proper tools and skillset for situations like yours. 

How to Know When it’s Time to Replace Your Doors

Doors don't last forever, but you might not think about replacing them very often. Depending on the type of doors you have and what you replace them with, you can add curb appeal and even value to your home. If you're considering replacing your doors, here are a few signs it's time to do so.

Top 5 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Doors

1. It Looks Old or Outdated

While an old or outdated-looking front door may just need a coat of paint, it could also need to be replaced. Inspect the door to see if it's in good shape or if it's starting to show signs of wear. If the door is in good shape, replacing the hardware with new locks and hinges, along with a coat of paint might be all you need for a curb appeal boost.

2. The Door is Damaged

If you find signs of damage when inspecting a front door, back door, or any other door, it's time to replace it. You don't want to have less security due to a damaged door. Instead, make sure you have the door replaced or repaired as soon as possible.

3. Your Utility Bills Have Gone Up

A small increase probably has nothing to do with your doors, but if you notice your utility bills have gone up over time, your door might be causing a draft. This can be a sign it's time to replace your door and gain the energy-saving benefits of a new door that's properly installed by experts.

4. It's Hard to Open and Close

A door that is hard to open and close may not be properly installed. It can also be a sign that the hinges are sinking and the door needs to be replaced. When you get a workout just opening and closing the door, it's time to consider replacing it.

5. Moisture Between the Glass

When you have a glass door or glass in your front door, if it has two panes, you might end up with moisture between the panes. If this happens, it's a sign it's time to replace the door. This could lead to mold or mildew and it's a bigger problem than you might think. Don't put off replacing this type of door or you could end up dealing with an even bigger issue.

There are many signs you need to replace your front door, back door, or any other door in your home. A new door can help to boost your curb appeal, offer better security, create an inviting entryway, and even help you save on your energy bills.

When it's time to replace your old door or upgrade the hardware, make sure you hire a good locksmith to handle the job. Not only can a good locksmith install a new door for you, but they can also make recommendations for the most secure locks for your home. If you need to replace your door in Chicago, call The Professional Locksmith today!