What to do With Your Old Intercom System

Does your home have one of those old-school intercom systems still set up throughout the home? While you may love their vintage feel and still even try to use it at times, it’s likely causing an eyesore and isn’t really serving a purpose in your home. Older homes sometimes come with quirks like these old intercom systems that probably don’t function well enough to really consider utilizing today.

That’s why you are likely looking for a way to remove these old wired systems and integrate a modern wireless system throughout the house. The good news is that a professional can come out and remove these systems for you. Take a look at what you can do about the old intercom system in your home.

Have it removed

If you don’t want the intercom system in the house whatsoever, call a professional it have it removed from the home. They are usually hardwired into the home but sometimes they are actually just battery operated or plugged into the AC outlet of the wall.

It doesn’t take much to remove the wall outlet or battery operated versions, but the hardwired ones can be complicated. Have a professional properly remove these units and then you’ll need to close the hole with drywall or putty.

You can simply conceal it

Others are looking for a simple solution to this eyesore and just want to conceal the unit. Sometimes removal is more than they were looking for so concealing it with furniture, wall hangings, or plants can be an easy solution.

Many people simply put their bookcase or wall pictures in that spot but you could easily camouflage with décor in the home. Perhaps the color of the unit is the only real issue in which you could paint it to reflect more modern style and maybe even use the unit.

Repair it for use

As mentioned, sometimes these units don’t work and that is why a homeowner wants it out of the house. You can actually look into simply having the intercom repaired so that your family can actually enjoy this fun feature in the home. if it’s not out of the budget to repair it, the right vendor may have the replacement part you need to actually enjoy the radio in the wall and the ability to talk to your family from another room.

Upgrade it with modern technology

Another fun option is to upgrade it using modern technology. Your home is already wired for the system, so now you can simply upgrade the operation of it with a more sophisticated intercom system. You could incorporate a video option, radio, and more.

Replace it

If you like the idea of the unit but you don’t want to pay for a replacement part, you could always replace it with another model. Look online for vintage replacements or use this as a chance to upgrade to a newer radio system. This is a great opportunity for some creativity with an older unit that is already a part of the home.

Whether you want to hide it, replace it, upgrade it, or repair it, you can have a lot of fun with your old intercom system. Use these tips to decide what to do with your home’s intercom system from years ago. Contact The Professional Locksmith for more information on what intercom system is best for you!

Why You Should Consider Adding a Latch Guard to Your Lock

You’ve probably used the old credit card trick before to get into a door or used other tricks to open a door in which you can actually see the lock. These types of doors are lacking a latch guard and this extra little feature is what protects a door from getting broken into using the oldest tricks in the book. This inexpensive addition to a door could mean the difference between a break-in and a close call. Take a look at why you need to add a latch guard to your lock.

What is a latch guard?

A latch guard is intended to protect your latch from someone trying to pry it open. These are pieces of metal that go over your door’s latch to block it from being accessed while locked. When a person comes up to the door and wants to try to access, they can skip over the knobs and lever and go straight to your latch to try to break in.

The door latch is a spring-loaded piece reaching from the door to the door jamb. A burglar will want to try to release the latch from the jamb of the door by prying it open with any tool they may have. A latch guard over the latch will require the burglar to attempt to pry it open further from the latch which will typically leave them locked out, but also standing around long enough to potentially get a good look at them on security footage.

Why you need one

If you’ve ever worried about someone trying to use a credit card to open your door, it’s because you don’t have a latch guard to give you that extra security. Sometimes locks aren’t properly installed or they simply get worn down and more likely to get bypassed. When you can see the actual latch, that means you are at risk of lock tampering. A latch guard takes that possibility out of the equation now that you can’t see the lock and nothing can access the lock in the event that it’s vulnerable and able to be easily bypassed. This could be a major security risk for your office that has doors that open out.

When a latch guard is applied, a burglar that is trying to move the frame of the door to pop the latch out of the frame can no longer do so. They would normally try to do so with a break bar or a long, narrow object inserted into the exposed crack at the latch, but a guard prevents any access for something to be inserted and forcing the latch to pop out.

It’s the best way to prevent a break-in to your business after hours when you are carrying sensitive data or money that you wouldn’t want accessed by a burglar. In fact if you were to get broken into, it’s possible that the intruder could cut into the wall and gain access to a business next door causing even more damage.

Types of latch guards

Latch guards are typically just a sheet of metal to cover the latch on the door, typically installed on exterior doors of commercial buildings to prevent break-ins to a business at night. While there is typically a one-size-fits-all solution, you can get a custom-made, full-length astragal to run the entire length of your door. These are great if you need even better protection because they will fit your door like a glove.

If security is a high priority for your business, be sure to get a latch guard installed to those exterior doors by a professional locksmith today.

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.

How to Replace a Lost File Cabinet Key

When you can't find the file cabinet key, it could cause a huge interruption to your workday. You need a file and you cannot get to it without the key. Most filing cabinets are designed with safety features to keep anybody from bypassing the lock. This means you need a key replacement to get into the filing cabinet.

It doesn't matter if you have a lateral or vertical file cabinet, replacing a lost file cabinet key isn't difficult. You will often just need the right help from the cabinet manufacturer, but this can take time. You may be waiting for weeks to receive a new key and that may be too long.

When you cannot wait, you need to know how to replace a lost file cabinet key quickly. Start by writing down the brand name, model number, and style of your file cabinet, including the serial number and the model number found on the cabinet drawers. Once you have this information, calling a skilled Chicago locksmith should be your next move.

How a Locksmith will Help You with File Cabinet Key Replacement

When you cannot get a key replacement from the manufacturer or you cannot wait as long as they need to send them, a skilled locksmith can create a new key for you. Even if the locksmith doesn't have the right key template to make a replacement, they may be able to make the current key fit (if it's not lost) or pick the lock so that you can get into the file cabinet.

What Not to Do About Your Lost File Cabinet Key

You may be tempted to break into the file cabinet yourself. This is a bad idea. You never want to pry open the file cabinet unless you're ready to replace it after you do so. Once you pry into the cabinet, you will void the warranty and it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to fix the damage. It's better to call a Chicago locksmith and let a professional get you into your file cabinet.

How to Prevent This in the Future

After you've accessed your file cabinet, you'll want to take measures to prevent this in the future. It's important to have additional copies of your file cabinet keys in a safe place just in case they are lost again, break or bend. Have a professional locksmith make you extra keys and either give them to another trusted person in your business or keep them in a safe you have access to.

Having an extra key or two for your file cabinet can take a large interruption to the workday and turn it into a small inconvenience. Instead of having to call a locksmith the next time, you'll just need to retrieve the extra key. Then, you can call the locksmith to have another copy made at your convenience.

Dealing with a lost or broken file cabinet key isn't an easy situation. It's annoying and can screw up the entire workday. Make sure you have a professional locksmith in Chicago ready to go in case this issue happens to you.

What Types of Keys can a Locksmith Duplicate?

When you need a new key, a locksmith will be able to provide duplicate keys for you. Even if you don't have a key for a specific lock, it's possible a locksmith can help.

There are several types of keys and it's helpful to know which ones a locksmith will duplicate for you. Here's a look at the most common keys a locksmith will be able to duplicate.

"Do Not Duplicate" Keys

The biggest question many people have when it comes to keys being duplicated by a locksmith are the keys labeled as "Do Not Duplicate". These keys seem like they shouldn't be able to be duplicated, but that's a myth.

There are no regulations or laws keeping a key with "Do Not Duplicate" on it from being duplicated. While chain hardware stores may refuse to duplicate these keys, locksmiths will often be able to provide a duplicate key.

Restricted Keys

While "Do Not Duplicate" keys are not considered restricted keys, there are some keys Locksmiths refer to as "restricted". These types of keys may not be able to be duplicated due to the duplication rights of the original manufacturer. In addition, these keys are harder to copy due to the type of equipment necessary and the patent-protected design.

Any key classified as "restricted" is covered by U.S. Patent Laws, making it a key you will likely not find a locksmith willing to duplicate. The penalty for duplicating this type of key can be a fine of up to $10,000.

Keys Locksmiths Will Duplicate

Most keys a locksmith can create a duplicate for. Some of the more common options include:

• Yale Key - This is a standard, smaller key and can be cut pretty quickly by a locksmith.

• Chubb Keys - A larger key with a unique design, Chubb Keys take longer to duplicate, but they can certainly be duplicated by a locksmith.

• Safe Keys - All types of unique safe keys can be duplicated and may take longer, depending on the type of key.

• Car Keys - Some car keys can be duplicated by a locksmith, while others require a brand new key to be created. Most modern car keys have to be created and cannot truly be duplicated by simply cutting a new key.

• House Keys - Keys for locks on the front door of a home can easily be duplicated by a locksmith.

• Padlock Keys - Often, padlock keys are Yale Keys and even those that are not Yale Keys can be duplicated.

The Professional Locksmith will not only duplicate most keys but will also be able to ensure you know which keys can be easily duplicated and which might provide a better form of security. Whether you're trying to choose a lock to ensure the keys cannot easily be duplicated or you need a copy of a key created, The Professional Locksmith can help.

Having the right key matters and you want a duplicate made by a professional. With the right duplicate, you won't have to worry about whether the new key will work or not. If you need a key duplicated, call your Chicago locksmith today!