The Most Common Type of Iron Gate Repairs

An iron gate needs to be taken care of to last a long time. Even with proper care, repairs may become necessary. Even though these gates are very strong, the welds can break, hinges come loose, and rust becomes a part of the look.

When it's time to deal with iron gate repairs, you need an expert to help. The Professional Locksmith handles all the common types of iron gate repairs found below, along with plenty of other repairs. If you're gate needs repair, we're here to help.

Rust

Probably the most common reason for an iron gate to need to be repaired is rust. Over time, the moisture may cause your iron gate to rust. This is a pretty easy fix, as a professional will be able to sand down the rust and repaint your iron gate restoring it to its' former beauty.

Broken Welds

Another common repair you may need to address with an iron gate is a broken weld. Sometimes, iron gate welds break and they will need to be repaired. If you don't address this type of issue, you could be leaving your property open for thieves to get in.

It's common to use an epoxy weld to repair a broken weld on an iron gate. This isn't something most people can't do on their own.

If you notice a broken weld, you will need a professional iron gate repair service in Chicago. The Professional Locksmith provides full iron gate welding services and will help get your gate back to normal quickly. You don't need to leave your property open for thieves.

Stuck in Open or Closed Position

If you have an iron gate that opens and closes automatically, you may end up with this common iron gate repair. Gates get stuck in an open or closed position for a number of reasons. A professional iron gate repair service will diagnose and fix the issues for you.

Broken or Bent Pickets

The pickets of an iron gate may become broken or bent over time. When this happens, it's best to have them replaced by a professional. The process includes cutting the damaged pickets out with a cutting torch, creating new pickets to fit the space, and installing them.

If the pickets are just bent, they may be able to be straightened. This requires a specialized tool and isn't an easy thing to do if you don't have experience with iron gate repairs.

A few other common iron gate repairs include:

• Broken Gate Openers

• Gates Opening on their Own

• Broken Hinges

• Sagging Gates

• Repairing Screens

Iron gates are very strong and provide an excellent security feature for any property. Even though they are strong, damage is still possible, especially around the welds. These common iron gate repairs should all be addressed as soon as possible, once they have been noticed.

If you need an iron gate repair service in Chicago, The Professional Locksmith is your go-to choice. We provide excellent service with the ability to repair just about any iron gate.

What kind of padlock is most secure

There is nothing more important in a lock than knowing it’s going to do its job and it will be secure. If you were to be a victim of a crime when a padlock went missing overnight, you’d feel very angry that this measure you took to protect your property did not do its job.

That is why it’s important to learn about the different options on the market for padlocks and know what to look for in one that is going to be the most secure when replacing your locks. From knowing the right brands to looking for the right materials and sizes, here is a look at the types of padlocks and what will be the most secure.

What to look for in a padlock

There are many features that you can look for in a padlock that will allow you to make a wiser purchase and a more sound investment. You’ll be able to determine if a padlock is a cheap, unreliable option, or a secure and sturdy one.

Start with considering the materials and size of the lock and the key. You’ll want to make sure the lock size is big and the key has as many pins as possible to increase the security. Choose a padlock that features either carbide or alloy steel for the best security. The better the metal you have the more secure your padlock will be. Make sure you choose a thick metal like alloy but don’t worry about its weight as this isn’t always a sign of its strength.

Next, look at the shoulder shroud because the thicker and larger it is, the better. This is also known as the shackle cover and any metal that shrouds the shackle will add an additional layer of metal that has to be cut or removed to access the lock for opening it. 

Keeping that shackle more protected happens with less access and a shackle cover.  Also, if you have a hardened plate called an anti-drill plate, you’ll find that a drill won’t be able to break through which will mean better security.

A common bypass for locks is shimming the shackle and this can happen when there are no ball bearings. The shackle can release in different ways affecting the security too, which means if you have a shackle that needs to be released on both ends rather than just one end, a criminal would have to spend more time cutting which can buy you time and slow them down.

Lastly, the core of a padlock where you would put the key in is a major part of whether or not a padlock is going to remain secure. The key is inserted into the cylinder and from there the lock’s variety of pins will play a huge role. You’ll want to ask questions about how many pins there are, what type of pins are they, and if there are other features like side bars or counter milling.

Brands on the market

Now that you know what to look for, it will be easy to spot a great product from a poor quality option. Look for brands on the market such as Sargent & Greenleaf, Ingersoll, ABUS, Master Lock, Hi-Shear, and Stanley Hardware. Depending on your budget, you can find a great variety of price points to suit your current needs. For a budget-friendly option, check out the Stanley Hardened Steel Padlock at a price around $50. For the absolute top-of-the-line type of products, you can find a $2,600 padlock called the Sargent & Greenleaf 951C which features military-level security.

Other popular options include the Ingersoll 10 at around $260, the Hi-Shear Padlock for just a little bit more, or the very simple ABUS  80TI/50 for just $15. Some of these options are going to offer more of those features above while others will allow you to save money while still offering some level of protection on your property.

While it’s important to save money, it’s worth the investment to get the security that comes with the higher-end padlocks. These are the things to look for that will tell you a padlock is most secure.

What Factors Influence the Cost of Locksmith Services?

Sooner or later, you'll likely need a locksmith. While it may not be a service you count on regularly if you get locked out of your home or car, you need to replace or rekey a lock, or you need a safe installed, you'll likely call a locksmith.

When the time comes for you to call a Chicago locksmith, it's a good idea to understand what factors will influence the cost of locksmith services. Here are a few factors that will be taken into consideration when determining the cost.

The Actual Service

You may only think of locksmiths helping you get into your car or home when you've been locked out. However, a locksmith provides many other services, such as rekeying locks, replacing doors, key duplication, safe installation, and more.

When you hire a locksmith, the type of service you require will be the starting point for determining the cost. The same amount won't be charged for opening a jammed lock compared to installing a new door or safe in your home. The skills needed, along with the time necessary for the service will help to determine the cost you will pay.

Type of Lock

One of the biggest factors in the cost of locksmith services is the type of lock. A complex lock will take longer to access and may cost more than a simple lock. With the massive selection of locks on the market today, it's necessary for locksmiths to determine the cost of their services based on the time and skill they will need to invest.

Mortise locks, high-security locks, and interchangeable core cylinder locks won't come in at the same cost, as they are all a bit different. Your locksmith will need to know the type of lock they are dealing with before they can provide an estimate of the cost.

Location

When a locksmith comes to your home, your car, or your office, they will charge a specific fee based on how far they have to drive. Some locksmiths have a flat, built-in fee for a specific service area and will charge extra for any job outside of their service area. Hiring a local Chicago locksmith will help keep the cost lower if they don't have to travel as far to get to you.

Time of Day, Day of the Week

Some locksmiths charge an additional fee depending on the time of the day or the day of the week. Usually, this will apply to any emergency services, as simply having a lock installed or rekeyed may be a service you can schedule during regular business hours.

The cost of locksmith services will likely be higher on weekends, holidays, and after business hours. Make sure you ask if there's a fee for requesting services during these times.

Demand or Availability

Locksmiths work on a first-come, first-serve basis. Even though they may set appointments for non-emergency jobs, they won't leave a job because you have an emergency. Choosing a company offering locksmith services compared to an individual locksmith is a good idea.

Not only will you avoid paying extra due to an individual locksmith being in high demand, but you may also receive a faster response. Most locksmith companies have a team of locksmiths, which means if one isn't available, another will likely be available to help you.

When it comes to the cost of locksmith services, it really comes down to the location of the job, the complexity of the job, the skills necessary, the time of day/week, and the availability of the locksmith. Make sure you ask what fees you can expect up-front before you hire a locksmith or you may be surprised by something you didn't expect.

How can a locksmith improve my home security?

Typically people think to call the locksmith only when they need out of a jam. You can actually call a locksmith to help you with improving your home security. Just like when you see the doctor for preventative care, you can have a locksmith come help with preventative security threats to your home.

While a locksmith is the one to call when you’ve lost your keys or need to change the locks to your home, you can also call them to replace your window locks, to reinforce the door, and to get a security system installed. Take a look at these reasons and more your locksmith is going to help you improve your home security.

Reinforce your door

One thing that your locksmith can do to start off your efforts of improved home security is to reinforce your door. It’s possible that an intruder could kick in your door and it’s how many people end up with an intrusion. Don’t allow a criminal to kick in the door by reinforcing it with a professional locksmith.

Installing a deadbolt and high-security lock

Now that your doors are more secure like when the house was first built, you could install a deadbolt that will ensure it’s extremely difficult to break-in. just the presence of a deadbolt will convince a criminal to go elsewhere. Deadbolts will decrease the chances of a thief gaining entry, along with your reinforced door. They also can’t be pried open with a card.

You could also use this as a chance to install high-security locks. Getting locks on the door that can’t be picked at or drilled will give you peace of mind and decrease the threat of a break-in. Make sure to have a professional locksmith help with you both of these services.

Smart locks and cameras

Use the latest technology to your advantage. Smart locks are a great way to improve your home security. These are great for homes and offices and will come with a motion sensor camera that will detect the tiniest movements and alert you. Get a smart lock with a camera on the front door.

While you are getting security cameras, make sure you put a sign up to show criminals they will be filmed if they attempt anything. If something were to happen, you’d have video evidence and you would be able to watch a smart device from inside the home or another location as long as you have an internet connection.

Replace your window locks

While you’re reinforcing the doors, installing new locks, and setting up your security cameras, you should also keep in mind that windows can be a vulnerable place for an intruder. Your window locks can wear down over time so it’s important to replace them as needed. If there is a damaged window lock, an intruder may find it as they are attempting any way to get into your home. A locksmith can get these installed for you once you’ve chosen the option you want.

Minimalize your keyring

Lastly, having so many keys can feel overwhelming, especially on your keychain that you use all day. Getting one key to fit all is a great way to simplify your life and have everything you need on you. A locksmith can do a rekeying of all of your locks to have it so that it only requires one key to get inside the home. You won’t have to worry about forgetting a certain key and you’ll have a lighter keychain too. One key could open your front door, your shed, and more.

Call a professional locksmith today to get some of these preventative measures done on your home and you’ll have peace of mind like never before.

How to decide if you need indoor home security cameras

You’ve probably heard of families getting indoor home security cameras and you may have never considered the purpose of doing so. Why would you want cameras inside your home? Typically you would put cameras on the outside of your home to see in case there is an intruder, but a camera in the house seems unnecessary.

Actually, an indoor home security camera is wise because you’ll be able to check in when you’re away. Additionally, it can come in handy for pet owners. Take a look at some of the reasons that people get indoor home security cameras and why you should too.

Checking in on family and pets

You do have to leave the house sometimes as much as you may enjoy being home. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or just having a night away, it’s nice to be able to check in and make sure everyone is safe. Specifically, pet owners really like indoor cameras so that they can check in on their pets while they are away for the day or in the evening. If you have kids that are old enough to be home alone, you’ll feel better knowing that you can see them and make sure everything is ok.

Have evidence if something were to happen

If someone were to break in while you’re on vacation, you’ll have it on tape. You’ll be able to see what happened inside your home and have evidence to give the police in order to try to catch the criminal. Knowing you have this at your disposal will make you feel much more secure.

Even if you’re not on vacation and just tend to spend long hours at the office, you’ll love being able to monitor your home from anywhere. Indoor home security cameras work by giving you access from a smart device where you can watch a camera feed.

You’ll love being able to go live in your own living room from your phone at work. You could even check in on your tablet from your bedroom if you want to make sure everything is safe in another room of the house. 

See why an alarm went off

If an alarm were to go off, you’ll actually receive a notification on your smart device right away. This means that you can check in and see what is going on. Perhaps someone tried to enter your front door or a smoke alarm went off. Having that indoor camera feed will give you a way to quickly respond to a situation.

More security for your valuables

Finally, you can stop worrying about your valuables. You can check on your pets and the status of your home any time you feel uneasy, but now you also have a way to keep an eye on your jewelry and family heirlooms. Stop worrying about your valuables by having a way to check in on them anytime you want.

There are so many reasons to get an indoor home security camera. Check out great options like the Nest Cam or Canary today.