We may not think about them much, but actually, keys and locks ~ residential, automotive, and commercial ~ play a big role in our personal and business lives, throughout the day and all through the night. We truly don’t give locks and keys a second thought…until that one time…when an emergency arises! A lockout emergency, or any other challenge you encounter with keys and locks, is always exasperating, and certainly never convenient. But there’s no reason to despair. There are many things you can do to avoid most of the hassles that could occur with locks and keys, and to keep yourself secure.
Slow down. Don’t hurry with your keys! If you rush, you may find yourself stalled in your tracks, because your key has broken off in the lock! Take a few extra seconds with your key, and you’ll save yourself grief in the future.
If you’re unlucky enough to have your key break inside the lock before you shut the door, you won’t be able to lock it, which will leave your home, place of business, or vehicle vulnerable to burglary. If you break a key off in the lock mechanism after you’ve closed the door, you will probably be unable to open the door again. Obviously, a broken key can also cause damage to the lock itself.
If you keep your locks well maintained, you will rarely need to call a locksmith. Keep an eye out for:
If you notice any of these issues, it is probably best to change your locks, because worn-out locks are more prone to break. With old and faulty locks, you are more vulnerable to theft.
Depending on your location and living circumstances, if you’re feeling vulnerable at your place of residence or at your business, there are many ways to give yourself more peace of mind.
Professional locksmiths recommend you install deadbolts. When you replace your locks with deadbolts, consider the various types, and choose the one that’s right for you. For instance, if you have a window on or near your door, a thumbturn deadbolt isn’t going to do you much good, because a thief can knock out the glass, reach a hand in, and turn. To prevent a break-in, get a double-cylinder deadboltlock, which requires a key on the inside. Whatever deadbolt you choose, be sure they’re correctly installed. A deadbolt should have at least a 1” throw. On the strike side, there should be a security plate with screws at least 3” long, which goes all the way into the door’s wooden frame. To understand all your options, consult with a locksmith professional who’s glad to answer all your questions.
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