Kitchener Locksmith 519-489-2331

Locks Change Kitchener

Biometric Locks – Know the Basic Facts About Them

The recent inventions of science and technology have certainly brought revolution in the world. The impact of the technology has been felt even in the minutest details of our lives. Obviously, it has been for good, to make our lives more comfortable. This is the case with carrying the locks. There is no need to carry separate locks and keys anymore. In fact, the time has come when you can open locks without any key at all. Well, the biometric door locks are nothing new; but, they are gaining in popularity at a rapid speed.

The greatest thing with the biometric locks is that they provide with a new level of interface that is extremely safe and easy. As a result of this, you are going to get rid of the irritating keys. Also, there is no problem regarding the secret PIN, RFID, magnetic strip cards, standard key and other things that you generally associate with lock and keys. Basically, the biometric locks identify the person with the help of his or her biometric properties. These properties are fed earlier to the machine and it will match these features to authorize a person. So, only the correct users can enter the system.

Well, the biometric locks have been there in the market for quite a while.

However, in earlier years, there seem to be two major demerits of this product. First of all, it was very expensive that took it beyond the reach of the common people. Another shortcoming was the visual design features. However, things have changed in recent times. Now, you will find the improved biometric locks at a really affordable rate.

There are different types of biometric locks.

This is because there are different biometric technologies to identify the users. Some of them use the fingerprint recognition technology. On the other hand, there are locks that use face recognition, voice recognition and even the iris recognition technologies. All of them focus on some of the unique features that each one of us possesses. However, it is upon the choice of the manufacturer that the biometric locks vary. All of them make sure that nobody can copy the features by some other means.

Certainly the biometric locks have created a lot of excitements.

Obviously, it is a great thing to experience your door opening just as you look at it. This is like a miracle. In fact, identifying the iris of every individual is a great thing to do. However, this is very effective. In fact, studies show that the nature of a person’s two irises is different. What is more the patterns of the iris never change. So, this is the ideal way to authorize a person.

This is a great step towards the enhancement of the security.

There is no fear of losing the ID card or forgetting the password anymore. Also, there is no fear of someone making a fake copy of it. In fact, this is precisely the reasons why the biometric locks are so much welcomed in areas of high security.

Service Areas

Locks Repair and Replacement Provide 24 Hour Services to Ontario areas including: Cambridge | Guelph | Kitchener | Waterloo | Hamilton | Waterdown | Caledonia | Burlington | Woodstock | New Hamburg and more..

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New Hamburg Locksmith 519-489-2331

Xpress Locksmith New Hamburg

What Is a Residential Locksmith Service?

Residential New Hamburg locksmith service is available for all of your residential  needs. While most people do not think of calling a locksmith in New Hamburg for a residential need, there are a variety of reasons why you may need to call a locksmith company. Other than lost keys, a locksmith can re-key an existing lock, rather than buying a brand new lock. This is helpful in a situation when a person who you used to allow access to your home no longer needs that access. Locksmith services are also very useful if you have somehow broken your key off in the actual lock. While this is not always common, in very cold weather, which New Hamburg gets, keys break more often than you might think.

New Hamburg is a big city and it can be difficult to find a locksmith in New Hamburg that is open for all of your residential needs. Many times, when something happens that limits your ability to get into your home, people will panic. Rather than calling a New Hamburg locksmith, they will break a window in order to crawl into their home. This creates a much larger cost than if you simply call for locksmith in New Hamburg. Being part of a large city can mean delays in getting services from everything from plumbing to locksmiths. Knowing which locksmith companies are open and available for your call can decrease the feeling of anxiety that comes with being locked out of your home. Safety comes in a variety of matters.

What is Residential Locksmith Service?

As part of residential locksmith services, there are many other aspects that they can help with. For example, they can install a brand new deadbolt lock set with the keys for you. Rather than you having to purchase the tools to cut through the doors, a locksmith has everything they need already in their vehicle. Another useful service that you may not have thought a locksmith service can do is to install a peephole in your door. Peepholes add security, which is a concern for many people living in a large city like New Hamburg.

Being able to look through the door before opening it gives a feeling of security that is worth much more than the cost. The last added value to having a residential locksmith service available is that they are often available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Knowing that you have help no matter what the time of day or night can be comforting for a person living in the New Hamburg area.

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Elora Locksmith 519-489-2331

Xpress Locksmith Elora – Do They Offer Higher Security?

Push Button Locks come in two basic versions; mechanical and electronic. Mechanical push button locks do not need any electricity to operate. Electronic push button locks need some type of electric to operate; either hard wired or battery. I am going to explain the basic functions and differences between both models. They range in price from $75.00 to $350.00 or more. There are many manufacturers that are making both locks. They are designed to fit standard doors either wood, metal or glass. Some of the applications are; commercial, government, military, hospitals, schools and residential.

Mechanical Push Button Locks:

These are designed so that no electric is needed to operate. They have between 10 and 14 buttons that generate over 50,000 possible combinations. They are available with or without a key override and are designed to retro-fit into standard doors. These are a great option for applications that don’t have electric available or for those that don’t want a battery operated lock. A great example is military applications like in Iraq or Afghanistan.

• 10-14 mechanical buttons
• Over 50,000 possible combinations
• Electric or battery power is not needed
• Option for a key override
• Can retro-fit into existing doors
• Easily replaces current locks

Electronic Push Button Locks:

These locks need some type of electric to operate. Over the last few years, battery power has improved and you are seeing many models using this power option. When using battery power this lock is able to replace standard mechanical lock without any modification to the door. This makes installation easy and greatly decreases the cost of the lock. In another article I will discuss this lock in detail. Because it’s electronic it can use buttons, RFID, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Biometric and other ways to operate. A battery operated lock will produce over 150,000 operations depending on the manufacturer. The internal software offers many features such as; master systems, lock out, audit, and tamper time out to name a few.

• 150,000 operations on battery power
• Knob or lever handle
• Key override available
• Software programming features
• Low battery warning
• 50+ User codes
• Alarm functions and features
• Available for wood, metal and glass doors

This article is meant as introduction to Push Button Locks, and to provide a basic understanding of the types and features that these locks offer. I will expand on these features in future articles.

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Brantford Locksmith 519-489-2331

Xpress Locksmith Brantford.

All About Biometric Door Locks For Home and Corporate Use.

Biometrics uses a simple technology for security reasons. It has incorporated the fingerprint scanner and face detection method inside the door locks. Recognizing someone by looking at his or her face is not enough. For security reasons, you check written signature against his identity. This is being additionally done for security reasons. In fact the method of EAC or electronic access control has been used in different facilities in various forms. Although the James Bond movies have successfully incorporated many of the newest technologies like face detection method and fingerprint scanning, the use of biometric door locks is relatively new.

Now one can use the biometric access control for scanning the fingerprint of the person before they are allowed entry into a restricted zone. The advanced technology of biometrics will probably soon replace different other forms of access control like the PIN code and the magnetic cards which are used for swiping. The can even manage to replace the Radio Frequency ID or RFID. It has been noted by experts that biometrics can be really helpful for those who have a physical disability and cannot operate normal locks. Moreover there are many who are constantly forgetting the PIN code numbers. If you are one of those, the biometric locks can be a good solution for you.

In a biometric access control panel, you just need to place your finger on a small screen which will immediately scan the fingerprint so that you enter the property. Gone are the days when you will be required to carry a bunch of keys and remember precisely every number on the PIN code. In fact a number of facilities like the industrial complexes, high security government offices and day care center schools have been using biometric locks. There are a number of devices which have incorporated the facility of audit trails. These are mainly used to keep a track of all those who are entering the building. The entries will be tracked as per the records of the users, time when they have used the device and the date on which they have used the device.

Biometric access control panels are known to be perfect for keeping surveillance over children.

In most cases it is seen that biometric technology can easily replace the older technologies. They can be used almost anywhere. However there are times when this device can pose a problem. At times it is seen, that the physical attributes do not go well with biometric technology. The device may have some difficulty in recognizing the fingerprint or the physical attribute of the person concerned. When you use a biometric lock, you should get the manual which will offer good tips about the use of the device. It is better to have a good look at the outside operating interface. If the device displays standard numeric keypad on the outside lock body, this will be easier to use. A fingerprint scanner will be a little more complex. If the panel has a full keypad in the front, it will be easier to use it.

For more information and tips about biometric door locks Call 519-489-2331

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London, Ontario Locksmith 519-489-2331

Xpress Locksmith London

Over the last few years there has been a lot in the news about lock bumping. Some of it true and some of it, lets just say exaggerated. To help shed some light on this subject, from a London locksmith perspective, in the following, we will discuss what lock bumping is, how much at risk your business or home may be and some ways by which you can increase your security to overcome this threat.

What is Lock Bumping?

Lock Bumping is a technique of picking a lock cylinder through the use of a specially cut key and a hammer or other striking device. The would be burglar inserts the key into the lock cylinder and then by using a significant amount of dexterity and skill he hits the bow of the key until it essentially picks all of the tumblers and he gains access.

How Vulnerable are you?

So the question becomes just how vulnerable is your home or place of business to such an entry technique? First off, let it be said, there are easier ways to gain entry into a building then by bumping the lock. Lock bumping creates a significant amount of noise for the perpetrator must repeatedly hit the bow of the key which is inserted into the lock mounted to the door. Thus, every time that the key is struck the sound reverberates throughout the house or building. Let’s face it, if the burglar is not concerned about making a raucous then it would be both faster and easier just to pick up a rock and break a window.

Second, lock bumping is a lock picking technique thus it does take some amount of skill and practice in order to do it efficiently. If someone is motivated to pick locks by the use of a bump key they may as well just learn traditional picking techniques. In fact do to the amount of noise that bumping produces it would be more prudent for a burglar to pick the lock, not bump it.

Ways to stop Lock Bumping and Picking.

Take it from me, a security professional working as a London Locksmith for ten years; lock bumping is no more of a threat then lock picking. That being said lets briefly cover some of the security upgrades that can be done to decrease the chances of a burglar either picking or bumping into your home or business. The least expensive option would be to have a locksmith replace all of the driver pins in your existing locks with a spooled or mushroom variety. These specially designed pins make your lock have essentially two different sheer lines that must be aligned before the lock will open. The net result is a lock that is extremely difficult to either bump or pick.

The second and more expensive option would be to replace all of your lock cylinders with a high security lock cylinders. These locks are designed to use a key that incorporates a side bar. If the sidebar information does not match the original key then the lock cylinder will not turn. These locks are available from multiple manufactures and can also be ordered with restricted keyways, I.E. one that only your locksmith has access to. This can greatly increase your key control; no one will be able to copy the key but you. These lock cylinders are considered both pick and bump proof.

So in conclusion, while it is possible for locks to be opened via lock bumping it’s probably not as much of a threat as the media has made it out to be. However, if you are still concerned about your locks being opened either through the use of traditional lock picks or Lock Bumping then please contact your local London, Ontario Locksmith and request a lock security upgrade. 519-489-2331

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Waterdown Locksmith 519-489-2331

Xpress Locksmith Waterdown – Deadbolt Locks and Home Security

I believe the key to a home’s front door security lies within the deadbolt lock. Many standard door-knob locks are of a low security grade. Ironically, these low security grade door-knob locks are the very same locks that are installed in homes across the country. Over time a deadbolt lock may experience ware and tear, thus needing to be replaced. With all of the different brands and choices out there you may find it difficult picking out a deadbolt lock that suits both your security needs and budget. The following information will touch base on different types of deadbolt locks, as well as listing the major pros and cons of each, helping you to make an educated decision on which deadbolt lock is right for you.

First up is the single cylinder deadbolt.

Single cylinder deadbolts have a key cylinder only on one side of the lock. On the opposite side there is a knob. An advantage of single cylinder deadbolts is the fact that you can open them from the inside without a key. A possible disadvantage of having a single cylinder deadbolt installed, would be if there is any window or glass installed around and or close enough to your door that if broken, would allow a burglar to reach through the broken glass and unlock the deadbolt.

Next up is the double cylinder deadbolt.

DCBs have keyed cylinders on both sides of the lock. Double deadbolts do NOT have a knob! You MUST have a key to open it. The fact that you have to have a key to open either side make DCBs more secure than single cylinder deadbolts. Any home that has children whom are prone to wandering off might want to consider having a double cylinder deadbolt installed because you would be free of worrying if your “Adventurous youth” snuck out of the house. However double cylinders could cause major problems in emergency situation because a person who doesn’t have the key would be able to exit safely.

The final deadbolt to review is the keyless entry deadbolt.

There are a number of different types of keyless entry deadbolts that are on the market today. There are keyless entry deadbolts that can be operated via remote control, alphanumeric keypad, and even fingerprint readers. Many consumers find that the sole, yet unfortunate drawback of keyless entry deadbolts is the hefty price tag that comes along with them.

Call Xpress Locksmith Waterdown Anytime! We Provide a 24 Hour Locksmith Service! 519-489-2331

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Cambridge Locksmith 519-489-2331

Xpress Locksmith Cambridge – Where Has Lock Snapping Taken Place?

Within Canada Lock snapping first started in Toronto, but is spreading with cases reported in at least 17 other Police Forces.

Many Police areas don’t keep records on lock snapping cases. We know that lock snapping has been recorded in 18 police forces, but there may be more areas.

Lock snapping is simple to do, force is applied to cylinder door locks and it snaps in two. Vulnerable locks are fitted to millions of properties, usually UPVC or double glazed doors. As a very basic guide, if you haven’t fitted a new door lock since 2009 you lock will probably be vulnerable.

Where Has Lock Snapping Taken Place?

There have been at least 18 police force areas where cylinder snapping has been recorded, these include:

• Toronto (GTA)
• Kitchener
• Cambridge
• Richmond Hill
• Mississauga

However many Police areas don’t keep records and anecdotal evidence (from lock smiths for example) suggests the problem is much wider than this.

Are Anti Snap Euro Cylinders Needed?

If you need to fit new locks, for example if you have just moved home, or have lost a key or broke up with a partner then a replacement 10$ door lock may look appealing. The contents of your home are insured, but what about the items that will be difficult to replace such as personal items of jewellery or photos stored on lap tops? Consider upgrading your locks at this point in case lock snapping becomes an issue in your area.

If you live in one of these 18 police areas affected by this burglary problem and need to change your door locks then from a crime prevention perspective it would be prudent to replace your old lock with a Anti Snap Lock.

Those of us lucky enough to live in areas not affected yet may have more cause not to spend 45$ on an upgrade yet.

What You Should Look for in a New Door Lock

1. The lock must state “anti snap”, not just “anti bump” and “anti pick”
2. It should be SS312 approved
3. It must come in the correct size for your door.

What is SS312

SS312 is Sold Secure’s diamond rated approval. Sold Secure is a testing organization run by the Master Locksmiths Association. There are a small number of locks that have SS312 approval, only these types should be purchased.

Summary

A high number of police areas don’t keep records on this crime type. AntiSnap Locks are currently needed in some areas more than others, however that can quickly change as more criminals become aware of this burglary technique. SS312 approved locks are quite low cost (about 45$), so why take the risk of NOT fitting them to your home?

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Guelph Locksmith 519-489-2331

Xpress Locksmith Guelph.

Do you get locked out of your house often? Do you tend to lose your house keys?  You know how embarrassing and frustrating it can be. Can’t afford the expense of having a locksmith come out and replace the lock? What if you have to break a window to be able to get back inside your home? Then you have to replace that windowpane, that’s an expense you weren’t planning this month. Thanks to these economic times, replacing a window might get put off, opening a whole can of worms in terms of home security. Have you thought of using key hiders for spare key storage? Can’t think of any safe place to hide your spare?

What if I tell you that there is a unique way to hide spare keys?

In fact, there is a series of key holders that can hide spare keys in plain sight next to your door or in your garden. These unique key hiders are different than your traditional key hider rocks. With one of these key hiders, you eliminate the risk of getting locked out of your house.

There is no need to hire a locksmith for replacement locks nor do you have to break a window to get back inside your home.

In fact, I looked around for pricing and made a rough estimate comparison.

• Hire a locksmith and replacement locks for one door = about $100
• Hire a handyman and replace a broken window = about $150
• Buy one of these unique key hiders = about $12 + shipping

Are you ready to avoid getting locked out of your house and spending unnecessary money on replacements? 519-489-2331

Lock Change Guelph

Locks are what keep a person safe. If you have had a bad break up with a former live in love or have been the victim of theft or even stalking, you may need to change your locks. This will protect you in the event that someone tries to break into your home.

A lock change is as much about safety as it is about security. You shouldn’t have to worry about every bump in the night.

If you have your locks changed, you can sleep without worrying about intruders. The following are some basic tips for how to go about getting the locks shifted.

Firstly, you need to compile a list of potential locksmiths with which to do business. You shouldn’t handle a lock change yourself. This is not a task for an amateur. This is about protecting your home and your safety. Thus, take the time to see what experiences your loved ones have had with area professionals.

Additionally, go online and research reviews and ratings about companies and professionals. Work with the very best people so that you can build relationships and use them in the future.

Next, talk to companies about your options. Your locks may be old, and an experienced locksmith can walk you through all of your options. Ask them as many questions as you want. Locks are integral to your safety. Thus, you should know everything possible about them. An experienced locksmith will know everything there is to know about the most advanced locks on the market.

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Waterloo Locksmith 519-489-2331

Xpress Locksmith Waterloo

Importance of Locksmith Services

Locksmith services contribute a lot in terms of maintaining an environment that is safe and secure for everyone. Locksmith service providers have something in common, i.e. they provide twenty-four hour services to customers. This indicates that there is no need to fix a broken lock yourself.

Calling a locksmith to fix your problem is way better than putting in your own effort. Along with that, it can also serve the purpose of coming up with new keys.

Different Varieties of Locksmith Services

Even if you have ample knowledge of how to fix locks, you never know when you need an entirely different kind of service from your locksmith. This is because locksmiths provide different types of services according to the needs of their customers. Some examples are key cutting, lock picking, new ignition keys, replacing lost keys, trunk opening, and duplicating vehicle keys.

Industry-Specific Solutions

Some businesses from specific industries require additional security services. The main reason behind it is the sensitivity and nature of their business. For instance, such companies often need to monitor their employees, other outsiders, and even customers. You can come across these situations especially in banks and gold shops. Therefore, locksmiths also fulfill this security need by providing CCTV.

Other such specialized safety products are surveillance cameras and intercom.

No Geographical Constraints

It happens many times that while you open your car door, you accidentally break the car key. It remains stuck in it and there is no easy way out of this situation. You may feel helpless especially if you are in a remote area where you cannot take somebody else’s help. In this situation, the ideal solution is to call your locksmith.

Since locksmiths are just a phone call away, you do not need to face any geographical constraints.

Usefulness of Locksmith Services in Holidays

While spending your holidays, it is a possibility that you reach a destination and lock your car with your car keys inside. Of course, you might feel powerless at the moment. But luckily, locksmiths serve the purpose of opening your car door effectively.

It doesn’t matter where you are and what time of the day you are stuck in a problem. Even if it is late night and you cannot find any locksmith nearby to help you out, you can call international locksmiths. That is how the importance of contacting a reliable locksmith company makes a difference to your holidays.

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Kitchener Locksmith 647-866-0956

Kitchener Art Of Opening Locks

The job of a locksmith involves a bit of art and a bit of science. It is a highly specialized profession that not everyone can master. Extensive training and practice are involved in becoming proficient in locksmith.

The trade of a locks manufacturing is both about art and science.

It is the art of designing and manufacturing locks and their keys. The science involved is in the assembly of locking systems. The art has evolved greatly from its early-recorded history in Egypt thousands of years ago. Now, the work of locksmiths involves the installation of hi-tech security systems and high quality locks.

An individual requires extensive training, practice and dedication to become a proficient locksmith. The tools of the trade may have a long history but are becoming more advanced every day. With increasing crime rates in our cities it is becoming a competition between burglars and locksmiths as to who can outdo the other. Locksmiths are busy securing our homes and offices and unscrupulous elements are busy breaking-in!

Good Kitchener locksmiths today offer the quick supply and fit services and other measures of securing a premise. A locksmith needs to be constantly updated about new systems which are increasingly more complex. The systems installed in large businesses and corporations can be especially challenging.

Commercial establishments require a locksmith service which is very detailed, serving a multi-level security plan which is devised after a study of various risks levels, required security hardware and a company’s security policy. Locksmiths here will need to install and maintain a system providing various stages of security. So, the art and science is no longer confined to a simple lock and key.

In multi-layered security systems, whether in a home or office, the locksmith will require to have specialized skills and additional tools. A competent locksmith will have the know-how for providing customized security solutions to customers. Some locksmiths ensure that they remain mobile in service vehicles to be able to come to the assistance of their clients at really short notice.

A prompt and quick response from a locksmith is essential in emergencies.

Even in a non-critical situation a fast turn-around time saves a lot of hassle for someone struggling with the loss of key or other related needs. Locksmiths today even go in for specialization in specific aspects of the trade. These can be home security, industrial or investigational locksmiths, to name just a few options.

There are proper locksmith training schools for those interested in joining this challenging profession. Many locksmiths though acquire excellent skills while learning everything on the job. Locksmiths today are also security consultants whom people reach out to in virtually every city. In this twin role, locksmiths weed out the need for property owners to retain two professionals.

A reputed locksmith service will have certified and insured technicians with the highest levels of integrity, honesty and dedication. Being friendly and having good communication skills is also important for a locksmith. Service engineers from a locksmith company will also need to display a comfort level with all kinds of brands in locks.

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