Tips For Increasing Your Home Security

The front door of any home is a potential entry point for any burglar or criminal who chooses to invade your home. While there are many different ways to increase the security of your home, here we will go over a few different ways to increase its overall security. Below you can find a more steps that you can take to further enhance the security of your home from break-ins.

Keep Your Front Door Well Lit

Burglars often target homes that aren't well lit because it can give them the highest chance of not being noticed by neighbors or those passing by. A good strategy for increasing the security of your front door is to deter criminals from trying to approach it in the first place. So, the first and simplest thing to do is to eliminate the dark areas around your home’s entrances.  A good way to deter criminals from coming to your door in the middle of the night is to light up your front and back door areas, thus scaring off any potential burglars or home invaders. It's often wise to consider installing a flood lights or motion sensors that act well as deterrents.

Deter Criminals Using Security Stickers & Alarm Signs

Did you know that a study from UNC Charlotte showed that around 60% of burglars that notice the presence of an alarm or security system seek out an alternative target altogether? Most burglars will attempt to find out if an alarm or security system is present before trying to break into a home, so adding security stickers or alarm signs can be a good deterrent. If you can't afford an alarm or security system, then just place some stickers on your doors and windows. It will still make criminals think twice about victimizing your home and compromising the security of your front door.

Reinforce Doors With A Door Reinforcer

About 1 in 8 burglars will attempt to pick their way into your home, but not always through the front door. Burglars, when assessing the security of a home, might find that a side or back door is easier to break into than a front door, so it's important for all the doors to have equal security. Most burglars will attempt to force their way in through a window or door. A very cheap and simple way to enhance the security of a door is to install a door reinforcer.

A door reinforcer is a piece of metal specially designed to fit over the door when the locks are uninstalled. Once the door reinforcer is fastened to the door, the locks are reinstalled and the door will be harder to break into by forceful attacks. It's easy to install a door reinforcer using only a Phillips head screwdriver, and is possibly a good security choice for those worried about the security of their front door. Door reinforcers make a bold statement to would be intruders that your home won't be an easy target.

Secure Your Front Door From Being Kicked In

Reinforcing your front door is a good idea to stop a door from being kicked in. A security bar is a great tool for securing a front door from being kicked in and even if they do manage to pick a lock open, they still won't be able to get the door open. Security bars block the door from opening by holding the door closed using a metal rod propped against the floor with a rubber guard to prevent slipping.

Use Alarms On Your Front Door

Those that can't afford an alarm system for their entire home can invest in a battery powered alarm system for individual doors or windows. A door stop alarm will activate when a door is opened enough to depress the switch, which in turn activates the alarm. Door stop alarms are cheap and practical devices that can be used to protect your doors and they require very little maintenance and no monthly fees.

Install A Video Doorbell

A good security solution to invest in is a video doorbell. Video doorbells are great for your front door security because they're basically cameras as well as doorbells. As most video doorbells connect to your phone using an app, video doorbells can send notifications and alerts to your phone when movements are detected. Using a phone app, users can view through their doorbell the entire area around their front door entrance. This is a good feature for those wanting to see who is at the door without having to actually open it, making talking to strangers and door to door salesmen a thing of the past. Video doorbells can enhance the security of your front door because it lets burglars and potential criminals know that you're watching, recording, and won't be taken by surprise.

Set Up A Security System Around Your Home

Video security systems are excellent tools for keeping criminals away from front doors in the first place. Burglars and home invaders typically burglarize out of desperation. These are people who are looking for an easy score, where they can get in and out without any problems. If you have security cameras around your home it will send a strong message to burglars to stay away or get recorded and sent to jail.

Use Fake Cameras If You Can't Buy Real Ones

In addition to purchasing a security system to secure your front door, many homeowners are finding that installing a fake security camera works just as well. Using a fake camera installed near the front door is a good tactic that is proven to work at scaring off potential burglars and home invaders. Fake cameras are great alternatives to real cameras because they don't cost any money to maintain with electric bills, and they require no maintenance. Just try to remember not to tell anyone that they're fake.

Check That Your Front Door Is Solid

It's very common for criminals to force entry into a home by kicking in the front door. A good tip that many people neglect is the thickness and solidity of their front door. When selecting a good front door, make sure it is made from thick wood or metal, try to avoid hollow doors and plastic doors insulated with foam. Reinforced steel doors are the sturdiest and safest option for those wanting to secure their front door. Fiberglass doors are also very strong and safe.

Install A Single-Sided Deadbolt

A single-sided deadbolt is great for increasing the security of your front door, as it can add an extra layer of security that protects from kick-in attempts by burglars and other criminals. A single-sided deadbolt is a lock that is installed halfway into the door so the flip turn is visible from the inside, but there is nothing showing from the outside of the door. With the door open, you can see a single-sided deadbolt latch as it extends and retracts from it's locked and unlocked position. Since nothing is noticeable from the outside, single-sided deadbolts are also sometimes referred to as keyless deadbolts and privacy deadbolts.

Keep Your Entry Windows Covered

A good security rule of thumb is to keep your front windows and blinds closed when you're away. It's important not to let burglars and possible criminals peek into your home, so, don’t forget to also keep the entry door windows covered with curtains or blinds. If criminals can't see inside your home, they won't know what's available to steal. Make sure if there is a security system that it can't be seen from outside, you don't want potential burglars studying your security system or seeing that it's disarmed through a window. Consider investing in a double-sided deadbolt if your front door has glass on it, so, if a burglar does break the window, they won't be able to reach inside and unlock the door.

Always Keep Up With The Security Of Your Entry Door

Airef submitted a residential burglary victimization summary in December 2016 that was aimed at exploring behavioral changes among residential burglary victims. These burglary victims were identified with the assistance of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. In this survey, it was reported that approximately 18% of offenders were apprehended by the time of the survey, and 80% of the burglaries happened when no one was present in the residence. Remember to always keep your front door security in mind when considering the safety of your home. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Locksmith Services In North Colorado

Locksmith Services Longmont provides locksmith services to the residents and businesses in Northern Colorado. Our mobile locksmiths can assist with lock and key solutions such as lock installation services, rekeying, lock changes, and more. Call us anytime at (303) 900-0549 for fast and affordable locksmith services in 30 minutes or less. Our North Colorado locksmiths are available anytime 24/7 for all types of lock and key services in Boulder, Longmont, Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Estes Park, and more.

What Does A Locksmith Do?

What is a locksmith?

The locksmith profession is an ancient one, it has been around for as long as locks have been around. The first locks were rudimentary, made of wood and, as historians believe, were made over 2500 years ago in Ancient Egypt. As long as there have been locks, there have been people who specialize in working with them. Today, locksmiths are widely known for their ability to help those who are locked out of buildings, safes, and vehicles, but they are responsible for much more.

A locksmith is a professional — an individual who has the correct training and knowledge to handle lock and key situations, no matter how big or small they may seem. Some locksmiths work in a shop, some offer a mobile service, while some locksmiths are kept on retainer by large establishments like hotels, government buildings, hospitals, banks, etc. So now that you know a bit about the general history and the definition of what a locksmith is, let’s take a look at some of the things that locksmiths do.

What does a locksmith do?

Locksmiths are responsible for many different lock and key responsibilities. The quick and general answer would be that locksmiths handle lockouts, lock installations, lock rekeying, cutting and programming car keys, installing peepholes,  and much more. They repair, replace, install, and change out lock and key hardware on cars, houses, commercial properties, and more. Locksmiths reset locks, make new keys, work on door locks, and can offer security audits to check for weaknesses. Your average locksmith is more than just a professional lockout service.

Locksmiths specialize in cutting keys, changing the locks, and generally protecting homes and establishments from unauthorized entry through the use of lock and key mechanisms.

Key Cutting - Locksmiths cut keys for all types of locks; from cabinet locks, safes, homes, businesses, and vehicles. A professional locksmith service can cut keys for houses, businesses, and vehicles, as well as perform vehicle key programming.

Lockout Services - Locksmiths specialize in opening locked homes and vehicles after keys have been lost or locked inside. A locksmith can use lock picks or other tools to manipulate locks into an unlocked position. Locksmiths can help with vehicle lockouts, home lockouts, business lockouts, padlock removals, safe lockouts and much more.

Access Control - Specialized access-control locksmiths can handle high security locks such as electronic locks on commercial establishments like hotels and high security facilities. Access-control locksmiths can change access for key cards, install security systems, deal with electronic strikes, and more.

Lock Rekeying - Locksmiths can rekey locks to work with different keys. Rekeying a lock is a good alternative to changing it completely, if the lock is still in working order. Professional locksmiths can also perform master keying for businesses and residences that require multiple different keys with varying levels of access.

Lock Repair - Locksmiths are highly skilled in the process of taking locks apart in order to repair internal pieces that are broken. Professional locksmiths can use new or used parts to restore a broken lock to its fully functional condition.

Lock Installation - Locksmiths can install new locks, such as deadbolts, onto existing doors. Adding extra locks is a great way to enhance the security of a home. Installing additional locks is usually affordable and quick. Many homeowners install additional locks onto entry doors after an event such as a break-in.

Broken Key Extractions - Locksmiths are heavily relied upon for removing broken key debris from inside locks after a key has been broken off. Locksmiths can remove the broken piece and cut a new key as a replacement. Locks can often get jammed with natural objects. It’s common for young children to experiment with keyholes, like trying to turn them with sticks or pushing gum inside. Locksmiths can also help with situations like these.

Most professional locksmiths will provide 24 hour lock and key services to those who are in need of emergency services. In addition to car key cutting, most locksmiths can perform car key programming services. Locksmiths can also change lock combinations on safes, vaults, and padlocks.

Locksmith Required Skills

Individuals must be honest, dependable, and reliable in order to be successful as a locksmith. Locksmiths are usually required to be on call in order to handle lockout situations as they arise, even if it’s in the middle of the night. A good locksmith has to be able to put the customer above everything else in order to arrive promptly and ready to work. Locksmiths must be able to pick locks open and handle high stress situations like evictions, spousal separations, and worse. A mobile locksmith technician must have a reliable company vehicle in order to arrive at the customers job-site for services, and should enjoy driving as it is a large part of the job.

Summary

There are many different facets of work that a local locksmith service provides to their customers, from individuals to businesses alike. Locksmiths have been around for as long as locks have been, and they aren’t expected to go anywhere anytime soon. Locksmiths can handle all types of lock and key situations such as key cutting, lock installations, lock rekeying, repairs, lockouts, and more.

Local locksmiths provide many varied skills to serve their customers, from individuals to businesses alike. Locksmiths have been around as long as locks have been, and they aren’t expected to disappear anytime soon. Locksmiths can handle all types of lock and key situations such as key cutting, lock installations, lock rekeying, repairs, lockouts, and more.

Locksmith Services Longmont is a mobile locksmith service that is local to Longmont, Colorado. Our technicians provide locksmith services to customers around Northern Colorado. Our technicians are highly trained professionals who have years of experience handling all types of lock and key situations. Locksmith Services Longmont is open 24/7 for fast, affordable, and honest locksmith services in the Denver metro area. Call us now at (303) 900-0549 or book online for future scheduling.

Additional Resources:

What Does a Locksmith Do? — Sokanu.com

What Does a Locksmith Do? — Learn.org

Locksmith — Wikipedia.org

What Can a Locksmith Do? locksmiths.co.uk

5 Tools For Removing Broken Keys From Locks

After many years of strenuous use, keys can easily snap off inside a lock, typically at a very inconvenient time. Over time the metal can soften, allowing it to bend or snap off inside a lock. Finding yourself suddenly locked out because of a broken key can create a very frightening situation, but thankfully, a good locksmith can promptly solve the problem. Always remember that a key broken off in a lock shouldn’t be touched or messed with unless there’s a strategy behind it. A broken key bit can very easily be pushed further into the lock if not handled correctly, and doing so can cause the problem to become more difficult to deal with.

Image credits: Alex Roberts, CC BY 2.0, optimized for web

Before attempting to remove the broken key from the lock yourself, first take a look at the situation and collect your thoughts. When looking into the keyhole at the broken piece, ask yourself the following questions:

• What tools are available to me?

• How far away is the local hardware store?

• Do I know anyone that has a working key, or is there a spare nearby?

• How far is the broken key bit inserted in the lock?

• What is the time frame I’m comfortable setting for myself before calling for professional help?

Businesses and homeowners who have access to additional keys should immediately leave the disabled lock alone and first gain entry to the building through another door or window. Once inside, the disabled lock can be dealt with more easily and safely.

If you find yourself in this situation and should you decide to attempt to remedy the problem yourself, consider some of the following tips and tricks for removing broken keys from locks. 

Prep The Keyway

Before trying to remove the broken key bit from the lock, it would be a good idea to first spray a lubricant into the keyhole and around the broken piece. Dry lubricants are typically the ideal way to go, over oil-based lubricants, however, WD-40 will work fine if you’re in a pinch. A dry lubricant such as Dry Lock Lube won’t leave residue that could collect dirt and grime over time, unlike an oil-based lubricant.

Use a towel or a rag to wipe up any WD-40 that drips from the lock down the door after spraying the keyhole and around the broken key bit.

Gather Necessary Materials

After a lubricant has been sprayed into the keyhole, it’s time to gather the necessary tools. Those that are determined to get in themselves and still have access to a vehicle can go to a local hardware store in order to gather the materials required. If you’re locked out of your home and the only working key has been broken, it might be time to call a locksmith because removing the broken bit won’t unlock the door. Neighbors can also be helpful in situations where a key is broken inside a lock, especially if they have tools or a phone that could assist. Some handy tools to have when trying to remove the broken piece yourself includes pliers, tweezers, jigsaw blades, small pieces of wire like paperclips, and superglue.

1. Pliers

Needle nose pliers can come in handy during a broken key situation, wherein the broken bit is slightly sticking out from the lock. After applying lubricant to the area, and allowing enough time for it to soak, it’s sometimes possible to pull the broken bit directly out. It’s important to be careful when first grasping the broken key bit, because grabbing it incorrectly with pliers can inadvertently send it further into the lock. If the broken bit is too far into the keyhole, it might be time to reach for another tool that can pull the broken bit further out.

2. Tweezers

Tweezers are good to have on hand if needle nose pliers prove too large and clunky for grasping. Tweezers don’t have the same pulling strength that pliers do, and with the lubricant, tweezers can sometimes slip off the broken bit and be ineffective. In some cases however, tweezers can provide just the right amount of finesse and precision to quickly and safely remove the broken key bit. Be careful not to push the broken bit further into the lock.

3. Jigsaw Blades / Mini Hacksaw Blades

Small jigsaw and hacksaw blades can sometimes be just the right tool you need to remove a broken key from a lock. If the keyhole is big enough, it’s sometimes possible to push the jigsaw or hacksaw blade into the top part of the keyhole, pushing it far enough back into the lock, into a position where the serrations on the blade can be used to pull the broken bit out. Locksmiths have a special key extraction tool that works similarly to the way that a mini hacksaw or jigsaw blade might. By pushing the extraction tool deep into the top part of the keyhole, the broken key can catch on the groves when pulling out the tool, removing the broken bit.

4. Paper Clips

Paperclips can be used in the same way as can a mini jigsaw or hacksaw blade. By bending a paperclip into a straight line, the paperclip can be inserted into the top of the keyhole above the broken key bit. Once positioned far enough into the lock, the paperclip can be twisted downward, to grab the back of the broken key that’s deep into the lock. With the paperclip catching on the broken kit, it can be pulled outwards, taking with it the broken bit. Paperclips can be handy in broken key situations when used in conjunction with pliers and/or tweezers.

5. Super Glue

While there are many different tools and methods that can be used to remove a broken key bit, this method should only be used as a last ditch effort, or for those who don’t care about potentially having to replace the lock. We don’t recommend this method as it could potentially damage the lock, however, some have reported success with this method, so we have included it anyway. Use it at your own risk. The trick with the superglue method is to find a  tiny piece of wire or a small object that will fit into the keyhole, such as the wooden part of a matchstick. Put a single drop of superglue on the tip of the matchstick, paperclip, or similar object and carefully insert it into the keyhole making sure not to touch the sides. Place the superglue against the broken key bit and wait for it to harden. Once the superglue has hardened, remove the object and it will pull out the broken key.

Conclusion

There are many different ways to remove a broken or snapped off key from a lock. Sometimes household items aren’t enough to remove a broken piece, and if that happens, a professional locksmith services might be required. Professional locksmiths have years of experience and the correct tools to handle lock and key situations such as keys broken off in locks.

Locksmith Services Longmont is a mobile locksmith service that’s local to the Northern Colorado area. Our mobile locksmiths are available 24/7 to assist with all types of lock and key situations, such as: lockouts, lock rekeying, lock installations, broken key extractions, and much more. All of our locksmiths in North Colorado are highly trained, insured, licensed, and background checked for the safety of our customers. We offer competitive pricing for locksmith services in Longmont, Denver, Boulder, Loveland, Fort Collins, and more. Call us at (303) 900-0549 or book online for fast, affordable, and professional broken key extraction services in Northern Colorado, we can be at your location in 30 minutes or less.

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5 Reasons To Hire A Mobile Locksmith

We at Locksmith Services Longmont have compiled a list of what we believe to be the 5 best reasons to hire a mobile locksmith.

Mobile locksmith companies provide a vast array of services that are most helpful to those who need help at odd hours, are locked out of their vehicle or property, or are in need of  services in a far-away rural location. Mobile locksmiths arrive at the location of the customer with everything required to perform the job quickly and correctly. Generally, locksmiths who work for mobile services have accumulated years of experience providing lockout services, rekeying properties, and installing new locks. Any good mobile locksmith service will be able to arrive quickly with same day services and be able to work on vehicles, homes, and businesses.

It’s quite common for individuals and businesses to be unaware of whom their local locksmith provider is until they require assistance with a lock and key situation. Here are the top 5 reasons we think are most important when considering whether or not to hire a mobile locksmith service in Northern Colorado.

1. Wide Availability

Many individuals prefer to work with mobile locksmiths because they are known for their quickness and reliability, and they generally operate 24 hours a day solving all types of lock and key problems. Individuals might find a mobile service preferable to a storefront service because a mobile locksmith can typically provide a wider coverage area for services. A mobile locksmith company will be able to provide same day services for customers unable to travel to a locksmith store. Locksmith Services Longmont is proud to be available at all hours of the day and night for our customers who require locksmith services in Northern Colorado. We have an average response time of 30 minutes or less from the time we receive your call.

2. Fast Response Times

Because the business model of a mobile locksmith revolves around getting to the customers location for service, it can generally be said that mobile locksmith services can provide quicker services than their counterparts. Since mobile locksmith technicians are always on the move, they are able to respond quickly to those requiring assistance, and they don’t need time to pack up and head out. When customers call for assistance from a mobile locksmith, they can relax knowing that a technician is on their way to rapidly help them with their vehicle, home, or business locks.

3. Professional Training

All good mobile locksmith services will only employ locksmiths who have been professionally trained. Mobile locksmiths have the same qualifications and training as a standard-non-mobile locksmith. Locksmiths from Locksmith Services Longmont all have years of training and experience assisting individuals and businesses with their locking solutions. A good mobile locksmith service will provide a warranty on all lock-work done for a residence or business. Locksmith Services Longmont offers a 90 day guarantee with all of our rekeying, lock changing, and lock installation services.

4. Lower Cost

It can generally be said that mobile locksmith services are able to provide lock and key solutions at prices lower than a locksmith store. Because operating costs are typically lower for mobile locksmith services versus brick and mortar stores, mobile locksmiths can commonly provide locksmiths services at lower costs. It is always important for the customer to have a general idea of what a job will cost before work is started, and that is why we recommend to our customers that they check websites and ask dispatchers for general pricing before calling for a technician.

5. Wider Coverage

Because mobile locksmiths are always on the move and travel with all their tools, they can generally travel quicker to locations than technicians from stationary stores. A mobile locksmith service might be the best choice for customers who need services in rural locations or areas where there are no locksmith stores. Locksmith Services Longmont offers mobile locksmith services to businesses and individuals who are within 35 miles of Longmont, Colorado. Call us or book online for fast and affordable locksmith services.

Summary

It’s important to always know what the options are after experiencing a lock and key emergency or situation. Mobile locksmiths can perform the same services as a brick and mortar store, and the technicians arrive at the customer's location. Mobile locksmith services can often charge less than a brick and mortar locksmith store due to lower operating costs, and mobile services are quick to respond. Locksmith Services Longmont is a mobile locksmith team in Northern Colorado that is open 24/7 for all types of lock and key solutions for: lockouts, rekeying, lock changes, lock installations, and more. All of our services are honest, affordable, and quick. Our technicians offer warranties with our lock-work services such as lock repairs, replacements, and installations. Call us now at (303) 900-0549 for same day or future services and find out why so many people in North Colorado use Locksmith Services Longmont for their lock and key requirements.

What Is Lock Rekeying?

Lock Rekeying Explained

Lock rekeying is a term that describes the process of having a lock’s internal parts altered in order to function with a different key. In most cases, but not all, rekeying an existing lock might be more affordable than replacing a fully operational lock. A lock rekeying service is perfect for those individuals only needing their keys changed. Homeowners and businesses frequently call us to rekey their locks for some of the following reasons: misplaced keys, a move or change in ownership, employee termination, breakups, or keys not returned by dog walkers or house sitters.

Professional locksmiths are able to rekey locks by using the tools found within rekeying kits. Purchasing all the tools required to rekey a lock, as well as gaining the necessary skills to do so, would be much more costly and time consuming than hiring an expert lock and key company in the first place. Professional locksmith companies offer quick and inexpensive lock rekeying services to customers at their location, and they also include guarantees of work.

How Residential & Business Locks Work

In the United States, most home and business locks use pins, or tumblers; they are called pin tumbler locks. One of the most important parts of a lock is the “plug”, which is the cylinder like circle that the key is inserted into. When the plug is turned, the lock is unlocked or locked via the small metal piece called a tailpiece located on the back of the lock plug. When a correct key is inserted, the plug will spin freely to lock or unlock, however, when an incorrect key is inserted, the lock will not operate at all. The inside of the lock contains a housing area for the driver pins; driver pins are pushed down into the plug from the above area. Their function is to prevent the lock from freely spinning. These driver pins are spring loaded, meaning if no key is inserted into the lock, the driver pins will be partially inserted into the plug.

Image Credit: Datagram, CC-BY-3.0, Optimized For Web

The shear line refers to the top part of the plug where the tiny gap sits between the plug and the rest of the lock. When a key is inserted into a keyway, the pins will line up on the cuts of the key. If a correct key is inserted, the shear line will not be blocked and the plug will be able to rotate freely. Take a look at some of the example pictures below to learn more.

Did you know that the basic principles behind pin tumbler locks date back to 2000 BC in Egypt?

Image Credit: GWirken, CC-BY-SA-3.0, Optimized For Web

No Keys

When there are no keys interested in the lock, the driver pins (blue pins) will be pushed all the way down into the plug, preventing the lock from operating. The red pins are cut to height and intended to match the cuts of the correct key. When no key is inserted, they hang in the keyway.

Image Credit: Pbroks13, CC-BY-3.0, Optimized For Web

Wrong Keys

When the wrong key is inserted into the lock, the shear line will still be blocked because the pins won’t correspond to the correct depths cut into the key. This is the reason wrong keys won’t open locks; correct operation has everything to do with a flush shear line that allows smooth plug rotation.

Image Credit: Pbroks13, CC-BY-3.0, Optimized For Web

Correct Keys

When the correct key is inserted in a lock, the plug will spin freely because the shear line won’t be blocked. Because the shear line is so small, it’s easy to understand how it could become gunked up and sticky to operate over time. If this becomes the case, a lubricant like Dry Lock Lube might be a good idea.

Image Credit: Pbroks13, CC-BY-3.0, Optimized For Web

Lock Rekeying

Rekeying a lock is the process of taking the lower pins (red pins) and replacing them with different ones that match a different key. This process doesn’t ruin a lock’s functionality and can be most cost effective to those individuals only looking for new keys for their still fully functional locks. Rekeying a lock is both quick and affordable.

Lock Rekeying Services In Northern Colorado

Locksmith Services Longmont is a mobile locksmith company that provides services to the Northern Colorado area. Our technicians are on call 24/7 to assist with all types of lock rekeying solutions. Appointments can be made online through our booking page or directly through our dispatching number at (303) 900-0549. Our technicians can rekey deadbolts, doorknobs, levers, commercial locks, and much more. We regularly work with individuals and businesses that require new keys for their locks. We offer both same day and future date services that are honest, quick, and affordable. Ask us how we can help with lock rekeying in Northern Colorado. We service areas such as: Longmont, Denver, Boulder, Estes Park, Greeley, Fort Collins, Loveland, Brighton, and more.