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!

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 Properly Care for Your Iron Gate After Installation

You decided you wanted to enhance your property and you had The Professional Locksmith install an iron gate. It looks fantastic and you couldn't be more pleased. But, how do you properly care for your iron gate after installation?

There are several things you need to know about iron gates when it comes to caring for them. Here are a few tips to help you care for your new iron gate.

Apply Protective Wax

Depending on the type of iron gate you have, it may be a good idea to add a protective coat of wax to your gate. Some iron gates tend to rust due to exposure to humidity and rain. With a coat of wax, you can keep your gate protected from rust and it will look amazing for many years to come.

Clean it Regularly

Every so often, your new iron gate will need to be cleaned. It's best to use a mild cleanser during the cleaning process and a non-abrasive cloth. Don't let the water actually dry on the iron gate as it could stain or damage it due to the hard minerals and chemicals found in tap water.

You'll want to dry the gate with a sponge or cloth and never use caustic cleaners on your iron gate. Surface sprays, window cleaners, and any harsh chemicals may permanently mar your gate.

Remove Rust

Your new iron gate won't have any rust, but over time, rust may show up. If you do find any rust on your iron gate, you want to remove it. This can be done easily with sandpaper. Just rub away the rust and, if necessary, you can repaint the gate once the rust has been removed.

Paint Your Iron Gate

While a layer of wax will help protect your gate from rust, paint works wonders to keep an iron gate in good condition, too. Instead of using wax, you can decide to paint your gate to help protect the iron from the air and moisture.

Keep it Oiled and Repaired

Iron gate hinges will need to be oiled every so often. If you notice a squeaky sound or another sound from the hinges, it may be time to get out the oil or grease. It's a good idea to apply oil or grease to the hinges at least once per year.

In addition, you want to make sure any missing fasteners or other repairs are made in a timely manner to your iron gate. If you don't address repairs quickly, they could turn into a bigger issue. If something you cannot fix has happened, such as the welds breaking, it's time to call The Professional Locksmith and let an expert fix your iron gate.

Along with caring for your new iron gate, you may want to beef up the security of your gate. Before it's installed, talk to an expert from The Professional Locksmith about boosting security with metal screens and other measures.

The Differences Between Common CCTV Camera Types

A CCTV camera is one used for your security system and there are several different types. The most common differences are found in the features and whether the camera can be used indoors, outdoors, or both. Let's look at a few types of CCTV cameras and how they are different.

Dome Cameras

A very common type of CCTV camera, dome cameras are used for both indoor and outdoor surveillance. They are dome-shaped and come in many sizes with different colors to choose from. These types of cameras are vandal-proof, offer a wide-angle field of view, and provide unobtrusive surveillance. They can also act as a visual deterrent.

Bullet Cameras

Another type of CCTV camera commonly used with home and business security systems is a bullet camera. This type of camera has a cylindrical shape and may also be called a lipstick camera. It's a weatherproof and waterproof option for indoor and outdoor use, but mainly outdoor use.

Bullet cameras don't provide the same wide-angle field as a dome camera. They are designed to provide better focus and can have a very good range of vision with the right placement. This is a very durable type of camera often used as a deterrent outside. Bullet cameras tend to be larger than dome cameras, too.

PTZ Cameras

Commonly used in security systems with an operator, PTZ cameras offers features allowing the camera to pan, tilt, and zoom. You can move the camera with a joystick to see a specific area better, which is a feature you won't get with bullet cameras or dome cameras.

Day/Night CCTV Cameras

Another commonly used type of CCTV security camera is the day/night camera. This is a type of camera with technology allowing it to go from day to night and still pick up a quality image. Typically, the camera will switch from color to black and white when low light conditions are present.

IP Cameras

A very common type of CCTV camera used with both business and home security systems, an IP camera will allow you to monitor things from anywhere. This type of camera provides real-time footage with an app on your smartphone or over the internet.

While this is a feature of many different types of CCTV cameras, not all cameras will allow you to monitor them from anywhere. However, you can find dome cameras, bullet cameras, and other types of CCTV cameras with this type of feature.

Hidden CCTV Cameras

If you're trying to provide surveillance without being noticed, a hidden or spy camera is a good idea. This type of camera can be very small and blend in so nobody knows it's there. Unlike bullet cameras and dome cameras, these types of CCTV cameras are not easily seen or found when just looking around.

There are many different types of CCTV cameras with different features. Figuring out which one is best for your specific needs isn't always easy. You can hire a professional to assess your security needs and recommend the right CCTV camera for your needs.