Cambridge Locksmith Archives - Xpress Locksmith & Doors

Locks Change Brampton

Niccole — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 07:02:48 +0000

Locks Change Brampton

Brampton Locksmith 519-489-2331

Locks Change Brampton

Secure Locking Mailbox

What is the reason behind the Post Office having large secure locking mailboxes that are so large? The answer is to ensure enough security. This is the same reason that you will require not just a locking mailbox but a secure locking mailbox as well.

This will go a long way in ensuring that individuals with bad intentions have been kept away from taking your mails. It is alarming how the identity theft business has thrived both to those individuals out there who are in the business of stealing it and those who are in the business of preventing it.

However, there are several methods of preventing one’s information landing on the wrong hands. One of this is ensuring that you paper shredder your letters to ensure that they are completely destroyed and the second one is getting yourself a secure locking mailbox.

The following are some of the things that you should look for when searching for a secure locking mailbox.

Ensure that you get yourself a large angled designed drop chute mailbox. This will ensure no one can access your mail once they are dropped into the mailbox so long as it is locked. Therefore the only person who will access your letters will be you. Moreover, due the large space it provides, it makes sure that even the long envelops as well as magazines fall out and are not left sticking out for the sticky fingers.
Moreover, a secure locking mailbox should have plenty of space. This is because sometimes you will be away for some days and it is therefore desirable that you have a mailbox that will not fill up and hence have your mail sticking out. Mailboxes that have letters sticking out defeat the purpose of locking them.
A good secure locking mailbox should be well constructed. It is important that a mailbox be well constructed in such a way that it looks good and that it also serves for many years. It should also be in a position to prevent break through.
A secure locking mailbox should have deadbolt locks. These kinds of locks are usually very difficult to pop up open in comparison to the spring type cheaper locks.
It is also important to ensure that you have quite a separate mechanism that will be responsible for the outgoing mails. Usually you should attach this outgoing mails clip to your outside door box.
For a secure locking mailbox you should try mounting them on a wall, post, or have a built one into a pier. To add to this you can build one on a pillar in order to match the house architecture.

There are many varieties of locks that range from very cheap spring rocks to high quality activated deadbolts that are a bit expensive. In addition to this there are various styles you can use to make your secure locking mailbox enjoyable to anyone and without necessarily attracting people to steal from it. It is also important that you remember that thieves just like any other crooks will look for the most unsuspecting as well as easy pickings. With this in mind then it is very important you get yourself a secure mailbox to get yourself out of that group.

Service Areas

Locks Repair and Replacement Provide 24 Hour Services to Ontario areas including:

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Locks Change Etobicoke

Niccole — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 06:55:54 +0000

Locks Change Etobicoke

Etobicoke Locksmith 519-489-2331

Locks Change Etobicoke

Top Tips About Locks You Must Know

Locks are used for securing your home and they must be properly maintained in order to get the best from them. All of them have mechanical parts devised to function together and even though their styles have been improved and made more efficient over the years, their basic mechanisms have remained the same.

There are different types of home locks; mortise, rim and tubular.

A mortise lock has a threaded cylinder that links its both sides and the mechanism is taken in by a box concealed by a cover plate. A rim lock makes use of a cylinder extending through the door hole from the outside while an internal cover plate and a latch secure it to the door. A tubular lock consists of spindles that link two sides of its mechanism and the key is typically inserted into the handle on its knob or cylinder.

The major component of a lock is a latch or bolt that extends from it to the door frame.

When the key is turned, the bolt is pulled back into the mechanism so that the door can be opened. Rim locks have one keyhole, typically on the exterior, while the owner makes use of a latch to open from inside. Mortise locks need doorknobs to use its mechanism as soon as the right key is put into the keyhole. Spindle locks may have keyholes on one or both sides. It is important to note that all of them have disks, pins or wards so that they can be prevented from being indecently opened. The right key gives the owner the opportunity to move the tumblers or pins from the closed position to the open position.

One of the widespread problems with locks is a key that abruptly refuses to open one that it already fits.

This can occur when the grooves in the key have deteriorated to the point that they no longer match tumbler pins or ward positioning snugly enough. This problem can be solved by getting a new key and a working key should be used as a template. When spindle locks stop working properly, the key may open from one side but may have problem in opening from the other side. This problem can be corrected by carefully removing the cylinders or knobs and a flashlight can be used to inspect its spindles. The spindles should be repositioned to realign them and the lock should be tested before replacing the key cylinders.

Service Areas

Locks Repair and Replacement Provide 24 Hour Services to Ontario areas including:

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Locks Change Mississauga

Niccole — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 06:47:08 +0000

Locks Change Mississauga

Mississauga Locksmith 519-489-2331

Locks Change Mississauga

Sliding Glass Door Locks – How To Make Them Highly Secure

Glass doors enable you to enjoy the view outside from your house. They bear similarly to a window in that aspect. Moreover, they can be used as functional doors or in the bathrooms for enjoying a shower. These doors are perfect for your house provided they are kept safe. Generally, safety is found to be an issue with most of these doors; however making them safer need not be a complicated problem. Although these doors are fitted with sliding glass door locks, they are not always found to be most appropriate for the doors. Also, in most homes, glass doors are arranged on the back, patio or side portions of the house, making the security of your home a huge concern.

If you use low-quality sliding glass door locks, it would be easy for burglars to break them open and enter your house since they can do the task without making much noise, thereby leaving you unaware of their presence in the house. This problem can be dealt with by using perfect and high-quality locks for glass doors. Majority of these doors come with a latch at the center which often fails to provide the required security. What you have to do to deal with this problem is to go for a model that has internal deadbolts.

These doors tend to be strong.

Installed sliding doors of glass with handles in your interior may not cause security problems; These doors will also have locks which require a replacement only if found necessary since the location of these doors is inside your home and not outside it. Some people buy substitution bars which can be extended along the complete sliding door stretch. It is very difficult to break open these doors. The materials used in the preparation of these bars are reinforced metals of high strength and duration. If you are very particular about privacy inside your house, you can use locks which require only a key to open them since there is no necessity of making them strong.

Another thing to be taken care of is the age of the lock.

If these sliding glass door locks are used for a long time; it is possible that they may break easily. If this is the case, then it is better to approach a professional blacksmith than handling the problem yourself. This is because although these may look simple, there are several things that you need to know while handling these devices, especially if you are inexperienced in handling them. Also, since these door locks are available at affordable rates, fitting them on your glass doors is easy in terms of expenditure. So, there is no need to worry about making your homes safer. You have to select good products from reputed suppliers. Don’t hesitate to spend the required amount of time in search for good locks.

Service Areas

Locks Repair and Replacement Provide 24 Hour Services to Ontario areas including:

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Locks Change Milton

Niccole — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 06:40:21 +0000

Locks Change Milton

Milton Locksmith 519-489-2331

Locks Change Milton

How To Install High Security Door Locks:

One of the most important aspects of home security are high security door locks. These locks can be found at just about any hardware store online or off line. Price may vary considerably by brand but all secure door locks have some of the basic components: solid, case-hardened steel cylinder guard, case hardened screws and a bolt that protrudes at least 1 inch from the edge of the door.

Upon purchasing your new door lock you should have noticed a template.

This template should be marked for different door thicknesses. Take the template and fold it, make sharp corners along the lines of your door size. You will then position the template about 6 inches above the existing door knob and tape it to the door. Once the template has been taped to the door take a sharp object preferably a nail and mark the bolt hole and a hole for the lock. Once your marks have been made remove the template.

Next simply close the door so that it will remain steady, using an electric drill and a hole saw slowly make the necessary hole in the door. It may be necessary to stop the drill several times as to avoid splintering the wood around the edge of the hole. Be sure once the small bit has pushed through the door go to the other side of the door and finish the hole.

Once you have made the appropriate size hole in the door you will then need to wedge it open.

Using a wood drill make the holes for the lock. Next slide the bolt assembly into the bolt hole. Make sure the bolt assembly is flush and mark the outline of the face plate. Using a chisel cut out a hole for the face plate. Be sure to chisel just enough area for the face plate. Attach the face plate and move on to the final steps.

It’s time now to insert the drive bar into its rightful place, keep in mind the drive bar may be too large so cutting may be necessary. Insert the guide bar and then the lock assembly. If the drive bar doesn’t want to turn rotate the assembly 180 degrees. If the rotation allows the drive bar to turn freely remove the lock assembly and install the retaining plate. Replace the lock assembly and using the available screws tighten your lock into place.

Service Areas

Locks Repair and Replacement Provide 24 Hour Services to Ontario areas including:

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Locks Change Oakville

Niccole — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 06:36:24 +0000

Locks Change Oakville

Oakville Locksmith 519-489-2331

Locks Change Oakville

Key Control or High Security Lock & Key Systems

What is the risk? Key control, or more accurately the lack of key control is one of the biggest risks that businesses or property owners face.

Without a key control system you cannot be sure who has keys or how many keys they have to your property. Not having a patent controlled key system leads to unauthorized key duplication, which leads to unauthorized access to your property or employee theft.

Most key control systems utilize patented keys and or cylinders, these lock cylinders employ very precise locking systems that can only be operated by the unique keys to that system. Because the cylinders and or the keys are patented, the duplication of keys can only be done by factory authorized professional locksmiths.

The key blanks and lock cylinders are made available only to those same factory authorized professional locksmiths. Procedures may be in place to allow you to contract with another security professional, should the need arise.

The control can be at the locksmith dealer level, at the distributor level, or at the manufacturer level.

All high security key control systems require specific permission to have keys originated or duplicated.

These procedures assure the property owner or manager that they will always know who has keys and how many. If an employee leaves and you get the keys back, you can be reasonably assured that no copies of your keys are floating around.

Most systems have cylinders that will retrofit existing hardware, keeping the cost of acquisition lower.

Some systems employ different levels of security within the system, still giving patented control, but not requiring ultra high security where it is not needed. These measures are again aimed at cost control.

Most systems can be master keyed, some will coordinate with existing master key systems. There are systems available that allow interchangeable core cylinders that will retrofit existing interchangeable core systems.

Locks Change Oakville can help you select the system most suited to your needs.

Service Areas

Locks Repair and Replacement Provide 24 Hour Services to Ontario areas including:

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Locks Change Toronto

Niccole — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 06:26:07 +0000

Locks Change Toronto

Toronto Locksmith 519-489-2331

Locks Change Toronto

High Security Locks – Are They More Secure?

Everyone has heard the term “High Security Locks”, but what does that mean? What makes a lock high security and are they worth the extra money that you will pay for them? For this article I will discuss mechanical locks.

Let’s take a look at what makes a high security lock.

High Security Locks must be physically secure, this means that they must be made of high quality material such as hardened steel, stainless steel or boron steel. They must be able to withstand physical attacks such as drilling, prying and hammer attacks and they should have either a Grade 1 or 2 ANSI rating I discussed this in a past article. Most will be UL rated and listed.

These locks should have keys and keyways that provide “Key Control”.

This is usually accomplished by the manufacturer designing a keyway that is very unique and has a utility patent. The utility patent will describe how the key and keyway function together, it will describe how the key activates the pins or discs and if there is any other mechanism in the keyway that the key will activate. This utility patent is how the manufacturer and its distributors will control the keys. These are not keys that you can have made in a big box store, you will have to have them made by the manufacturer or its distributors and you will have to provide some identification and the original lock codes.

Here are the major points of high security locks:

High measure of key control
Patented key, keyway and/or lock mechanism
Constructed of high quality materials
Pick resistant
Highly resistance to drilling, prying and hammer attacks

So, are these locks worth the price?

The answer to that question relates to what you are protecting. If you put a padlock on an outdoor shed then you probably do not need a high security padlock. However, if you are securing thousands of dollars of electronic equipment then yes the protection you get is worth the higher price. For businesses, hospitals and universities or colleges, high security protection should be the normal course of action.

What about your house, do you need high security locks on your house?

Again, look at what you are protecting. No, not your stuff, you are protecting your family, there is nothing more important to protect than that. So ask yourself: is your family worth the extra price that you will pay?

Service Areas

Locks Repair and Replacement Provide 24 Hour Services to Ontario areas including:

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Locks Change Caledonia

Niccole — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 00:21:43 +0000

Locks Change Caledonia

Caledonia Locksmith 519-489-2331

Locks Change Caledonia

Benefits of Keyless Door Locks

Rapid technological advancement continues to bring about complex innovations centered around simplifying our lives. We rely on expediency more than ever, and consequently expect products we buy to make our lives increasingly convenient. Today we can hardly recall our lifestyles before the advent of luxuries like cell phones, high speed internet and keyless vehicle entry. With the demand for convenience rising and keyless door locks becoming increasingly affordable, a growing number of people are upgrading to keyless door locks to protect and streamline their homes and businesses.

A keyless door lock is one that can be controlled using a combination, an access code or fingerprint recognition, eliminating the need for a key. Keyless door locks allow each person who lives at a residence to enter the home without a key, and give employees easy access to designated areas of their workplace. Lost, stolen or forgotten keys are problems of the past. For most people, the convenience of not having to toil with a key is enough, but numerous other benefits are associated with utilizing a keyless door lock.

Utilizing a keyless entry system is especially beneficial when a contract worker or house sitter needs temporary access to your home.

It is not necessary for contract workers to have a permanent key to your home, especially since key duplication is effortless. Additionally, the common practice of hiding a key outside makes your home vulnerable to burglars who know the routine.

Fingerprint recognition systems allow admittance only to those who have pre-programmed access, and many even allow you to grant access for a specified period of time. For instance, a housekeeper or contractor can be given permission in advance to enter on a certain date within a scheduled timeframe. And since fingerprints cannot be duplicated, fingerprint recognition systems have a tremendous authentication advantage over traditional door locks and even keypad locks. Similarly, access codes to keypad locks can be shared with temporary workers and then easily changed when access is no longer necessary.

A keyless door lock is also advantageous in cases where locks would otherwise need to be changed. People encounter the need to change the locks in their homes and businesses for a number of reasons, such as losing keys, theft, or to prevent entry by a former employee. Changing access codes or fingerprint permissions is much more expedient and cost effective than the process of changing all of the keyed locks in a building at once.

Keyless entry systems are no longer reserved for the elite few.

Along with more affordability, the security and convenience that keyless door locks provide are transforming them into a mainstream consumer commodity.

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Locks Change Waterdown

Niccole — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 00:18:02 +0000

Locks Change Waterdown

Waterdown Locksmith 519-489-2331

Locks Change Waterdown

T-Handles – High Security Locking System

T-Handles were first invented for use on Vending Machines. Over the years many different manufacturers have found ways to use them on a wide range of products. There are two major parts, the pop out handle and the body. The majority are made of zinc alloy. Stainless steel is used for high security applications.

The T-Handle uses a standard vending lock to secure it closed.

When the lock is opened a handle pops out, this handle is either turned to open or it is rotated, unscrewing a locking bolt. Many different manufacturers make T-Handles, they are self-contained. The manufacturer of the device or machine builds the latching devices and incorporates them into their machines. When the T-Handle is installed into the machine it is connected to the latching or locking device, this creates a complete locking system.

As stated before the T-Handle is designed to accept standard vending locks manufactured by a variety of manufacturers in a many different security levels. The lock can be changed in a matter of seconds; therefor, the security level can be changed by changing the lock. Vending Locks from Cobra, Abloy and Medeco all have locks designed to operate in T-Handles. They provide different security levels all the way up to an electronic lock.

When looking directly at the front on the T-Handle there is a round hole that the lock will go into.

The vending lock has a latch toward the end of the lock. The T-Handle has square holes toward the rear of the pop out handle. When the lock is inserted into the T-Handle the latch will pop up and go into the square hole. This secures the lock into the handle. When the handle is pushed into the T-Handle body the lock latch extends into the square holes in the body and they match up to the square holes of the handle. This action secures the handle closed into the body. As long as the handle is in the T-Handle body it cannot turn. When the lock is opened it releases the latch and the handle pops out allowing it to operate.

Besides vending machines, T-Handles are used on gas pumps, cabinets, emergency vehicles, industrial tool chests to name a few. Some manufacturers can supply both the T-Handle and a variety of locks in different security levels. It is important that the correct type of T-Handle and lock match the application for the best security.

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Locks Change Hamilton

Niccole — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 00:15:05 +0000

Locks Change Hamilton

Hamilton Locksmith 519-489-2331

Locks Change Hamilton

Broken Key in Lock

It’s a frustrating thing that luckily doesn’t happen often. But on occasion you may find that a key snaps in half while you are locking or unlocking a door or even in your car ignition.

What can you do about a broken key in a lock?

Step One – Lubricate

Spray the lock with a lubricant such as WD-40. This will make any jiggling and removal that little bit easier. Powdered graphite also works as an effective lubricant. If you don’t have a product such as these, you can use vegetable oil but be aware that this will ultimately leave a residue and if used to excess can result in the build up of unwanted grease or gunk – so be sparing if this is your only option!

Personal and family security are crucial when moving home. Having a clear strategy for any lock changing is absolutely essential. Your move may be very simple but even so, we recommend adding: ‘Changing Locks’ to your to-do list and follow this simple checklist to ensure you have taken any actions that you need.

Step Two – Manoeuvre

The next step is to get something into the lock, preferably a tool with a barbed edge so you can ‘grab’ the teeth of the key that is left in there.

You can purchase a key removal set from your local hardware store, use an extractor wire or failing that, simply use an implement such as a hacksaw blade or kitchen implement such as a pumpkin carving knife – anything with a serrated edge and that will fit.

You want to slot the jagged edge of the tool so it slots in and ‘grabs’ the jagged edge of the key.

If the key snapped while turning it is likely that the lock is in a stuck position. Try to manoeuvre the key with the implement so the barrel is in fully locked or unlocked position.

Then jiggle the implement up and down to try and edge the key out of the lock, even slightly.

Step Three – Extricate

The final tool you will need is a pair of needle nosed pliers or tweezers. They should be small and with a firm grip so you can clasp the end of the key and remove it from the lock.

Push or pull the door or surrounding area (if it is your car key in the ignition) so that there is as little pressure as possible on the lock itself (ie: so there is room for movement).

Other Methods

As an interim method you may be able to use a flat head screwdriver to work the lock.

You can also try removing the lock yourself, with a drill, so it is easier to extricate the key. But we advise against this unless you are a skilled handy person as you can damage the lock and door.

When all else fails…

Call a locksmith! 519-489-2331

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Locks Change Cambridge

Niccole — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 00:11:25 +0000

Locks Change Cambridge

Cambridge Locksmith 519-489-2331

Locks Change Cambridge

A Lock Change May Be in Your Future

Sometimes due to circumstances beyond our control we have to rely on the services of a locksmith. For instance, a disgruntled employee could deliberately leave with the keys to the office, or someone steals your purse which contains your keys to your house and car. When faced with dilemmas of this nature, it is best to have a locksmith do a Lock Change. It can be presumed that everyone has a good heart and your keys will be returned, but is is better to be safe than sorry. Why take that chance and put your family and your valuables at risk.

There are companies that specialize in emergency locksmith services.

The employees of a professional locksmith company are highly trained to ensure quality standards are met. Mobile services are a major factor in the locksmith industry. The services of a mobile locksmith provides a sense of safety in an emergency situation, whether it involves a Lock Change or a car ignition re-key. Most mobile locksmith companies provide their services 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

The fees associated with emergency services can be more expensive than that of a non-emergency service. The fee can also be based on the time of day or night the service is needed. There could be extra charges involved if the company has to come from another city. The most popular service of a locksmith is a Lock Change. Most people feel safer when the locked is changed rather than re-keyed.

Before obtaining the services of a locksmith be sure to get recommendations from family or friends. This is an important decision that should be made after a sufficient amount of research on the company.

Can they be trusted? Are the employees properly trained?

Does the company guarantee their work? Are they covered by any type of insurance? Will they be able to do a Lock Change in the middle of the night? Does the company have a good reputation? These are just some of the questions that need to be addressed when searching for a locksmith. You will find that most professional locksmith companies will answer all of your questions and concerns openly and honestly.

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