The Three Most Common Door Lock Problems

You probably haven’t thought much about problems that can happen to your door lucks until an issue came up for your family. You knew that your locks were getting old or that you could always call a locksmith if something ever went wrong, but what are the most common door lock problems that happen and you should be aware of?

For starters, you could end up with a key breaking in the lock or just a key that isn’t working right. In another scenario, you could end up with your locks misaligning or being too loose, or even a slow lock and faulty door issues. Take a closer look below at the three most common areas of door lock problems. 

The key doesn’t work or broke

Have you ever tried to turn your key and it broke in the lock? Perhaps the key got stuck in the lock or maybe even the key won’t insert at all. Key issues are one of the most common door lock problems. 

If your key broke inside the lock because you tried to force it to turn after it got stuck, you can try to pull it out with pliers. If that doesn’t work, call a professional to help as they may need to help you try to get it out. 

If the key isn’t working, first make sure you are using the right key. If you are, then you may be having an issue with a deadbolt not interacting properly with the strike plate, which you would be able to find out in the case that you do finally open the door and find that the key now works fine.

 If it’s a new key, it may have been cut improperly. Call the locksmith to get this looked into and to see if it’s a bad key or a broken lock. 

Misaligned locks or loose locks 

Next, you could run into a lock issue in which you have poor alignment or it’s too loose. You want the deadbolt to fit properly into the strike plate along the door jam, but when it’s off even by a little, the lock may not work at all. This can sometimes happen when a person is too rough on the door or if a door isn’t installed properly or shifts from conditions like too much humidity. 

You could also be dealing with a loose handle or lock since these things will loosen up over the years. This is an easy fix with a tightening of screws, but if you wait too long to correct it, you’ll likely end up needing to call for help with an emergency lockout. 

Slow lock or faulty door 

Finally, beware of slow locks and faulty doors. A slow door lock is common when dirt or grime accumulates in the lock. This is not a hard fix, but it’s easy to make it worse which is why you should call a professional to help correct it. 

A faulty door mechanism can also happen with time and wear and tear. With excessive use and not getting the maintenance they need, they can become defective. In those scenarios, you’ll want to properly maintain your locks and doors to avoid a slow lock or faulty mechanism because these are mechanical functions that only a professional will be able to properly repair later on. 

These are a few of the most common door lock problems that you could come across on your property. Be sure to maintain your doors and locks, and call a local Chicago locksmithin the event that you need something repaired.

What is Lock Snapping and How to Prevent it?

One of the most common ways a burglar will break into your home is through the entry door. They use different tactics to get in through your door, such as your spare key in the fake rock or simply taking advantage of you forgetting to lock the door.

Even if you do everything correct, a burglar may break in through a method known as lock snapping. This common way of getting into a home usually happens due to a homeowner believing their home is secure when it's not.

Understanding What Lock Snapping is

A technique that doesn't require much skill, burglars use lock snapping, also called cylinder snapping to get into your home. Since this method doesn't require much skill or any special equipment, it's very common. All the intruder needs is a hammer and screwdriver to get into your home and they can do it very quickly with lock snapping.

Usually, this method is applied to a Euro profile cylinder lock, which is commonly used on uPVC doors. Even though the lock has multi-locking points, they are operated by a single-cylinder, which can be snapped into two halves rather easily. The burglar just has to apply the right force to the cylinder and it will break.

Once the lock snapping has occurred, entry into your home is rather easy. The burglar can now open the door with simple household tools and gain access to your belongings.

Simply put, lock snapping is the process of applying for to a lock cylinder to snap it in half. A burglar with very little experience can snap your lock in a matter of seconds.

How to Prevent Lock Snapping

Preventing lock snapping starts with figuring out if your locks are vulnerable. Make sure to check all entry points to your home as not all burglars break in through the front door. If you want a professional to check your locks, call a local Chicago locksmith. They will be able to tell you if your locks are anti-snap and if not, they can recommend the right upgrade to protect your home.

If you decide to check your locks on your own, you want to find out if you have cylinder locks that can easily be snapped. Look to see if the lock sticks out of the door handle and protrudes very easily. If so, it's likely time for an upgrade.

Install the Right Locks

The best way to prevent lock snapping and make your home more secure is installing the right locks. Have a locksmith install the highest quality locks for your doors and make sure they are anti-snap locks. Having an anti-snap lock fitted to your door will ensure you don't have to worry about a burglar breaking in, even if you locked the door.

Anti-snap locks have a tested cylinder that keeps the lock from being snapped by the method used by burglars. They can attack this lock, but it won't snap like a traditional euro-cylinder lock will.

As long as your new locks are properly fitted and installed, you won't have to worry about snapping. A professional locksmith will be able to make the right recommendation for your door and install the proper lock to better protect your home.

Safes for You to Securely Store Valuables at Home

When it comes to storing your valuables, this is one area that you don’t want to take a shortcut. If a home burglary is going to happen, it’s crucial that you have a secure safe to store your valuables to avoid theft. Some of the most common items taken from homes are jewelry, money, firearms, baseball cards, and family heirlooms.

Not only is it important to protect these things that are worth good money or sentimental to you, but you should have a way to protect important personal documents like birth certificates and passports in the event of a fire or other disaster. Take a look at the best way to securely store your valuables at home from theft or a disaster.

Small safes for your home or office

To get started, you may simply want a small safe to use in your home or office.

You can get a lightweight and inexpensive safes like Amazon Basics Security Safe which features 0.5 cubic feet of steel-enclosed space and a carpeted floor only accessible digitally.

A Combination Fire Safe is great if you need fire and water protection for things like photos and USB drives, such as the SWF123DSB for something heavy duty in the home.

One of the best in fireproof safes for those wanting a small safe is the First Alert 2092DF that can float and handle fires. It has a programmable lock and steel locking bolts and weighs a hefty 100lbs.

For a Biometric safe to hold your valuables or firearms, get the BARSKA biometric safe for an inexpensive, small, and ideal storage solution.

By Tanemori (Hatena Ftolife) [CC BY 2.1 jp (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.1/jp/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons

The Varieties in size and features

When you aren’t concerned about size or price and simply want the best for your valuables, your home could use one of the safes mentioned below.

The Safstar Digital Electronic Security Safe Box is a great choice for something compact, affordable, and for the smart accessibility, it allows between the digital PIN and the backup key option. It won’t hold as much as the large SentrySafe SFW205CWB water-resistant combination safe which gives you 60% more storage than a traditional safe, so it’s important to determine what size you need from the start.

If you are concerned about a fireproof option, the SentrySafe can’t offer that, but you can get that feature with the First Alert 2092DF. If you like something compact, the Safstar is one of the best, but the Stack-On PDS-1500 Drawer Safe is another option which allows access electronically and with backup keys. On the larger end of things, the SentrySafe is a top choice, as well as the BARSK Large Biometric Safe that features a huge memory storage for fingerprints and a silent access mode.

Options for the ultimate hiding places

If your goal is to be as discrete a possible, you may like one of these types of safes in your home. Store your valuables in a hollowed-out book, wrapped up in your freezer, or in a VHS tape. There are places in your home that a thief is less likely to look, giving you protection through discretion, but it won’t save you from a fire or flood. For discrete hiding options, hide your valuables in a houseplant or under the plastic liner of your trash can. Try a hollowed-out book or false VHS tape in your living room where a criminal is not likely to spend the time digging.

A false container in your kitchen could be under the sink or disguised as a food box, while an item that isn’t temperature sensitive could be hidden in aluminum foil in the back of your freezer. Try a floor safe in your bedroom or inside a container marked as “Christmas ornaments” in your attic. Just avoid hiding things in your desk drawers, your jewelry box, a DVD case that is worth more than your VHS tapes, or in an area that could get damaged like your jars of food or your toilet’s water tank.

When it comes to protecting your valuables or those hard to replace items, these are some of the most efficient ways to protect them. Be sure to get your home and office equipped with what you need today. Call The Professional Locksmith for more information!

Why a Home Intercom System Might be Right for You

If you're considering a home intercom system, you might be wondering if this is the right decision for you. There are many good reasons to get an intercom system for your home. Let's look at some of the top reasons why a home intercom system might be right for you.

Integrates into Other Home Automation Systems

When you choose the right home intercom system, it can be integrated into your home automation system pretty easily. It can be paired with smart home devices, as well. You can control things from your smartphone, too, as it will easily integrate with just about any device.

Provides Live Security Footage

If you want the ability o check on things from anywhere, a home intercom system can help. You can get a video intercom and check out camera footage anywhere you can get internet access. This can make it easy to check on things when you are away.

Easily Communicate

An intercom system will give you an easy way to communicate with everybody in and around your home. Whether it's a delivery person at the door or your kids home after school, you can keep the lines of communication open very easily without interrupting what you're currently doing.

Excellent Front Door Security

Many homeowners want a home intercom system for the front door security. You'll be able to see who is at the door. It's even possible to instruct someone or even unlock the door for them, with the right type of system.

If an unexpected visitor shows up, you can stay safe without having to answer the door. You can decide whether you want to answer the door or leave them outside your home.

Maybe you're worried about packages getting taken. Home intercom systems with front door cameras have helped many people catch criminals in the act. Even if someone gets away, they will be recorded, which gives the police a chance to track them down and catch them.

Motion Sensor Activation

Some home intercom systems offer motion sensor activation for the front door camera. This is a big deal as it will pick up movement and send you a video if someone or something shows up at your door. Whether it's a package being delivered or someone showing up that doesn't belong, you'll know and you'll be able to decide how to act.

A home intercom system offers many different features and options. They are great for communication and excellent for security. Whether you choose a basic option with a front door camera or a whole-house intercom system, you can gain many benefits from a home intercom system.

Even if you have other security or automation features with your home, this type of system can easily be integrated. If you don't have anything, you can make the home intercom system a part of your security system or use it as a stand-alone option. Either way, this type of system can make a big difference for your home security and communications.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover a Locksmith?

There is no cut-and-dry answer to this question. Homeowner's insurance isn't all the same. Some homeowners' insurance might cover a locksmith, while other policies might now. When you get homeowners insurance, you might have to add this to your policy or it might just be a part of it.

If the insurance will cover a locksmith, it might be rather limited. It's better to assume your insurance policy won't cover a locksmith, but you should know for sure. Of course, the best way to find out is to ask your insurance agent.

How much will it cover, if my homeowner’s insurance covers a locksmith?

It's common when a policy does cover a locksmith, that it won't cover the full cost. In some cases, it will cover up to $100, but a locksmith might charge more than this, depending on what you need. It's also possible that your policy will cover less than $100 for a locksmith.

When might my homeowner’s insurance cover a locksmith?

Even if your homeowner’s policy covers a locksmith, it might not cover one in every single instance. However, there are times when it will likely cover a locksmith. Those include:

• Damage to your doors or windows due to a natural disaster - In this case, you might need a locksmith for the lock on a door or window that was damaged. Usually, your homeowner’s insurance will cover you in this event.

• Vandalism - Another type of incident where you might be covered is vandalism. If someone vandalizes your home and a lock is damaged, you might be covered.

• Stolen Keys - Sometimes, when your keys are stolen, your homeowner’s insurance will cover a locksmith to rekey your locks. It depends on the issue and what your policy covers.

• Your Safe is Stolen or Vandalized - As long as your safe is covered by your homeowner’s policy, you will likely be covered in this event.

It's best to check with your agent and find out if you're covered. In some cases, you might be able to add this type of coverage to your homeowner’s policy, if it's offered as an addon.

What to do if your insurance won't cover you?

When you need a locksmith and your homeowners’ insurance won't cover you, there are a few things you can do.

First, if it's an issue with your vehicle, you might be covered by roadside assistance or other services through your auto insurance policy.

Second, you can pay out of pocket to cover the cost when it has to do with your home and you're not covered.

Finally, you can speak with your insurance agents to make sure you understand your coverage. Sometimes, you will be covered to get a duplicate house key, but the coverage may have some strings attached.

It's best to understand when you're covered and when you're not before you need a locksmith. Then, you will not your options, if something happens to your home or you become locked out.

What to Consider for an Effective Security Budget at Your Business

The security of your business is vital to your success. Without proper security, you could be at risk of something happening that causes a huge loss or even bankruptcy.

Setting up an effective security budget requires a few specific considerations. Here are some of the top considerations you should have if you're trying to set up your business security budget.

Figure Out What's Absolutely Essential

Every business has specific things that are essential to doing business. These could be systems you own, business equipment you use, intellectual property, data or anything else you need to stay in business.

Before you set up your security budget, make sure you identify what's most important to protect. Something that is absolutely critical for your business to function needs to be considered above something non-critical.

Identify the Risks to Your Business

Every business has risks. Identifying the risks will help you set a budget as you will know which areas of security need to be protected the most. Some of the risks you may be facing include:

• Brand Reputation

• Legal repercussions

• Fines

• Financial losses

• Competitive advantage

While protecting your business from hackers and from break-ins is very important, you also have to consider other risks when setting up your security budget. Sometimes, it makes sense to invest hundreds of dollars every year to protect against a risk that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars, such as a hacker holding your valuable business systems hostage.

Cover All Your Bases

It doesn't do much good to set up a security budget that leaves holes in your security. If you were to invest in an actual business security system for the building and the things inside, but you decided to only secure three of your four doors, criminals will figure this out. You're left vulnerable, which isn't good.

Along with protecting your physical assets, you also need to consider your data, intellectual property and employees. The entire business needs to be protected and you need to consider this when setting up your security budget.

Start with the Basics

It's important to start with the absolute basics, such as the locks on your doors and windows, anti-virus software on your computers and access control for any sensitive areas, such as server rooms. Having your doors fully secured with high-quality locks will go a very long way to deterring actual break-ins. Make sure you have top-quality locks, such as Mul-T-Locks, installed by a commercial locksmith.

Once you've covered the absolute basics, it's time to start budgeting for things, such as security cameras and high-quality monitoring services for your systems. Make sure you start with the basics in your budget as most will come with a one-time cost or a smaller investment. Then, move on to the more sophisticated security measures.

Setting up a business security budget isn't easy, but it's necessary. If you're not sure where to start, you can hire an expert to analyze your business and let you know what the major risks are to your business. This will help you to assess what the costs may be to secure your most vulnerable areas.

3 Things to Consider When Installing New Doors at Your Home or Office

If you’re planning to install new doors at the house soon or even your office, there are a few things you’re going to want to consider before doing so. Sometimes asking the right questions now before doing the project makes a huge difference in the results of the project.

For example, have you considered how often a door will be used when choosing the materials of that door? Are you choosing a door based on aesthetics or practicality? What kind of door really makes sense for what you’re trying to do? Take a look at these 3 considerations that you should take before you install doors at the home or office.

What kind of door makes sense to use

The first question to ask if “what type of door really makes sense to use for this space?” there are a number of factors that you’ll consider in answering what type of door makes sense to use, including the style, the security, and even the energy efficiency level.

The style of the door should match the overall look of the home or office build which means you wouldn’t choose a bold statement of a door for a simple colonial home. Make sure to choose a style that suits the building but also expresses the right mood for what you prefer.

Next, consider if you’ve chosen a door that makes sense for the space. A strong front door with proper locking abilities is vital for your front door to your home or office building. It’s important to deter thieves with the door you choose. For an interior door, you want to make sure the door will function well for the room it leads to and that will be easy and efficient to use.

Speaking of efficient, look at the energy efficiency of your doors. You can affect your heating and cooling costs by choosing the right door. you’ll lose the majority of your hot and cold air through your windows and doors, so it’s important to select high-quality doors through the property.

The type of material you’ll be using

Now you should consider what type of material you are going to use. Once you’ve chosen the right door that makes sense, you’ll need to think about how the different materials will affect its ability to function well, its aesthetic, and its deterrence from both thieves and the elements.

A wooden door is a great, classic choice that will make a home or building look rich. They are expensive compared to other materials, but they look beautiful. They will require more maintenance though as the sunlight can warp the wood.

Another option is to go with steel if you need something strong and durable. You can actually paint these to match the home’s decor and you’ll save money on your energy bills. Lastly, consider fiberglass if you want something low maintenance and more affordable than wood. You’ll love how energy efficient they are, as well as durable.

How often it will be used

Are the doors you are looking to install going to be the main entry to the home or will it be an interior door that requires more privacy? Consider if you need it to look attractive to the outside world or simply the most functioning.

Is it going to be a beautiful door but also heavy to open and close regularly? Do you need a door that has a window on it to help you see outside more easily? Think about the use of the door before making your purchase since it can be easy to get caught up in either the beauty or the affordability of one without considering the function it will have.

Use these 3 tips of things to consider before installing any new doors at the home or office. Contact The Professional Locksmith in Chicago and we’ll help with the installation!

How can you increase the security of a door lock?

Your door locks are in place in your home to protect your home and your family. That is why it’s important to always take the time to perform maintenance and increases to your home’s security system. This all starts by ensuring your locks are as secure as the day you first bought them and utilizing technology to increase your security as new features hit the market. Take a look at the ways you can increase the security of your door lock and keep your home safer.

Upgrade them

Start by upgrading your locks. Since this is a thing you use every single day and it’s a major way that you keep your home secure, you should make sure you are using the right kind for your door and that it’s working properly. Did you choose one that is appropriate for your door? Is it going to be weak against blunt force or the use of a bump key?

It may be time to call a locksmith to replace your old locks and install one of the trusted brands of door locks on the market. It’s also a great time to make sure you have a deadbolt since the handle or keyed knob is less important. Your deadbolt will be much harder to break-in compared to a spring loaded latch because you can’t get the bolt to move without rotating it at its core.

Your front door’s locking system is your entire security system to your home, which is why it’s so important to have the latest technology in door locks and have a professional locksmith install it for you. The wrong locks could mean a break-in and harm to your entrance. Make sure to get a deadbolt that extend one inch beyond the door and choose be a high-quality brand like Medeco that will be resistant to lock-picking or fake keys.

Reinforce your doors and glass surfaces

Next, take the time to have your doors and glass surfaces examined. These are other ways that criminals will try to break in. If you are using an old, light-weight door, it may be time to replace it with a solid door made with hardwood or metal inserts.

Have a professional locksmith come out to reinforce doors that do not need replaced and then have them examine your windows. Since windows are by most front doors, a criminal may try to break-in through this method. Strengthen your windows and glass by replacing them with a stronger material or by adding a security window film for extra protection. You can get a tinted window film or a clear one that will at least discourage most burglars because it’s not easy to shatter.

Add a security screen

Speaking of window films, you can also add a security screen to your front door. This is basically like having two doors in which one door is in front of the other door. This allows you to have a metal barrier with additional locks for your front door. Since they are made to open out, attempting to kick them in will likely be unsuccessful.

If a criminal sees additional deadbolts and keyed knobs to get in a house, they may give up on their plans. You will have the option to see through this door much better than a peephole while still remaining inside the house.

Lengthen set screws

Talk to your locksmith about how they can lengthen set screws. This is another trick to improve home security that is simple but effective. Simply have your strike plate and hinges’s ¾ inch set screws changed to 3-inch screws. If someone tries to kick the door in, you’ll find that the door is more likely to just splinter and fracture but not actually get kicked in.

Typically with the shorter set screws, when the door is kicked in the strike plate will get torn off the door when the trim is breaking. With a longer set screw, the strike plate won’t be as vulnerable since you are likely just attacking the stud of the door jam. You must also secure the door’s strike plate and hinge side in order for this to be effective during an attack.

Maintain and install more hardware

Finally, make sure you take the time to maintain your hardware and add additional features where needed. You can use slipcovers to add more metal content to a door to help strengthen it where it has vulnerabilities. If you have exposed or weakened bolts that you use to secure a door, get a cover that extends over the jam.

Consider installing securing devices from inside the home, such as a lock in the middle of the door or a chain lock. Add front door monitoring through surveillance cameras, smart locks, and smart doorbells to improve your ability to see what’s going on and deter criminals.

Use these tips to increase your front door locks since it is the most important security feature of your home!

How to Integrate Smart Home Accessories with Your Security System

There’s nothing more important than a secure home. That’s why integrating a security system into your home is the first step in bringing a sense of security and deterring crime while living in this home. What’s better is that now you can incorporate smart technology into your security system which will take that security a step further.

Instead of just your basic security system setup, you’ll now have access to more features and all at your fingertips from your smart devices. With features like smart lighting, automation controls, access to your locks, and automated system checks throughout the day, your security system will now be working for you. Take a look at how to integrate smart home accessories with your security system.

What home automation systems can do

Home automation security systems are the future of home security systems and homeowners are already installing these left and right. With most people owning smart devices now and accessing apps for just about every process they do throughout the day, it just makes sense that one of those processes would be keeping an eye on your home’s security to watch out for breaches. Smart homes now have all of their systems automated and give you access through your smart devices so that you can be a part of the process from home or while away.

While you’ll need a professional to install these systems, you’ll gain so many benefits to incorporating it into your home. for starters, you’ll find that home automation systems give you control from one place through the app on your phone or tablet, while before you had to rely on being physically present in front of the system where it was installed in the home.

Next, you’ll be able to be in two places at once because you’ll be able to do things like lock the front door while changing the thermostat and lighting all from the touch of a button. The way things used to work would require you to actually go to the door or the light switch to change these things.

You’ll also have video cameras, a wireless system, a 2-way voice panel, and automation that can be controlled through both the app and by voice. These systems come with customer service, warranties, and system checks throughout the day to ensure everything is working. You’ll have professional monitoring to ensure you can reach someone when needed and all you’ll need is a contract and monthly rate to ensure your house is protected in the most efficient way.

How smart homes increase security and simplify life

With smart accessories, security systems in homes are becoming more efficient and better overall. When you start integrating these accessories into your home’s security system, you’ll find that it’s easier to leave the house to go out of town or simply go to work each day knowing that your home is protected. 

Not only is your home more protected, but you have easier access to the regular functions of your home that you would need to interact with anyway. Entertaining guests now becomes hassle-free when you can change the lighting or turn on the music from your smartphone.

Change the thermostat while you’re at work and shortly before you get home to ensure comfort and savings to your utility bill. Turn the lights on while you’re on vacation to ensure that a possible criminal thinks that you are actually home. These affordable accessories won’t break the bank, while also helping your utility budget and giving you that priceless peace of mind while you’re away.

Recommended systems

You can start integrating smart home accessories right away into your security system. Simply call the professionals at The Professional Locksmith in Chicago and ask about getting your home equipped with smart technology today.

You can also purchase equipment to add to your current setup, such as a smart thermostat, smart lighting, smart locks, and smart speakers. These can be integrated into the home by connecting your switches and plugs to give you the remote control of the unit from your smart device.

If you want to deter criminals and simplify your home’s daily functions, integrate smart home accessories into your security system.