When you’ve lost or broken your keys, you can easily get confused and make hasty decisions. One of the decisions you can make is hiring a locksmith without taking some precautions. Unfortunately, many people end up in the hands of scammers in the name of locksmiths. Probably you are reading this after asking yourself, “Did I just fall for a locksmith scam?” Below are some of the locksmith scams you need to be aware of.
Cash Only Scam
If a locksmith insists that you can only pay them by cash, they might be up to something fishy. It could be that they don’t want you to dispute the payment later after realizing that they did a shoddy job. Paying using cash makes it a bit challenging to trace someone, which is why most illegitimate locksmiths prefer it. Such locksmiths will make excuses like their credit card is not working. Additionally, they might ask for higher prices than what they quoted.
Identity Theft
Some locksmiths will actually come, do a decent job, and leave you satisfied with their work. However, they might do something you rarely think of; stealing your private information. They can use this information for their own uses or give it to a third party.
Fake Websites
Some illegitimate locksmiths create websites and use the names of legitimate locksmiths. These websites look real and even appear on top of search engines. When you contact them, you will get a response from someone not even anywhere near where you live. Actually, a locksmith will come to offer you their services and end up overcharging you or doing a shoddy job. This leaves you frustrated and ruins the reputation of legitimate locksmith businesses.
No Contact After Services
If you can’t contact a locksmith after their services, they are probably scammers. Once such locksmiths finish their work, you might never be able to talk to them again. If you contact the company where you got the locksmith, you might be told that they fired the technician who worked for you.
Low Advertised Prices
Some locksmiths will advertise incredibly low prices for their services. However, they ask for extra money after the work is done. Some may even come up with excuses that something unexpected happened as they tried to unlock your door, just to extort more money from you. That’s why you should be very careful with locksmiths who advertise unreasonably low prices for their services since most of them are on the lookout for unsuspecting people to scam.
Replacement Scam
Some locksmiths will make excuses such as your handle, or another part of the door, is damaged and needs replacement. They end up selling you the replacement part at exaggerated prices. Some say that the lock is a high-security type and can only be drilled. They then suggest that you replace the lock, which they sell to you. The new lock is probably of low quality and expensive. A good and legitimate locksmith is highly skilled, experienced, and can work on any lock without drilling.
What locksmith scams should I be aware of? Hopefully, now you have the answer. There are several legitimate locksmiths, but there are still illegitimate ones. You need to be aware of some of the locksmith scams to avoid falling into the traps of scammers.
Panic doors are a style of security door that has been around for a long time. They first went into production in the early 1900s and have made their way to just about every fast-food establishment, grocery store back door, and more. You may be curious about how to lock and unlock panic doors. Here is some information that will help you achieve that if you need to:
Why Did Panic Bars Come From?
The concept of the panic bar originated in 1911 in response to a crisis that involved people dying inside buildings. They were dying in fires because the design of the inward-opening doors somehow prevented them from exiting the building to save their lives. The panic bar manufacturer wanted to make it much easier for people to protect themselves, and that’s what the panic bar accomplished.
Why You Need to Keep You Panic Bar Unlocked
Keeping the panic bar unlocked is essential for safety reasons and because of certain mandates. Specific mandates state that panic doors should be easily opened with nothing but horizontal force on the crossbar. The idea is to have it so that people can exit the building quickly without needing extensive knowledge of doors and their mechanisms. Simplicity is the key here, and it saves lives in this case.
How Do You Lock and Unlock a Panic Bar?
Unlocking a push bar door is the easiest thing you can do. It does not require experience or education. The door has a flat bar attached to the inside. Pushing on that flat bar will cause it to retract the latch mechanism and unlock the door. You can then use the door for a quick exit in the case of an emergency. Safety codes and regulations mandate that the release mechanism be activated in the push bar.
There is a way to lock the panic door with a unique key. This key is a hex-shaped key. You can also use a mortise cylinder key to do the job. Turning the key will cause the locking mechanism to work.
The proper way to lock the door is to put the key in the hole and turn it. You must lock the door from the outside as well. Whoever locks the door should check to ensure that it is indeed locked. That’s the best way to keep the premises safe and ensure that everything is and was done properly.
There’s nothing much else to locking an unlocked door with a panic bar. The most important thing is hiring only a reliable company to install a panic door for you. Ensure that you check the business’s credentials, other work, work experience, and the like. You have the right to choose the best provider so that you can ensure that people inside your facility are safe.
You should now fully understand how panic bars work and what you’ll need to do to lock or unlock one. You can feel safe and secure if you have a door with a panic bar at your home or establishment.
Many people think a locksmith can only unlock doors, but locksmiths have many more responsibilities — and they give you peace of mind when the unexpected happens. Ultimately, locksmiths help to maintain our safety and security. Locksmiths keep all of our valuables secure, and they provide specific services.
Why Should I Hire a Local Locksmith?
Key cutting: Keys would always have to be replaced if you did not have the service of a locksmith.
Putting secure locks on windows: Many intruders look to break into homes and businesses through windows. Locksmiths help make all possible entries safe and secure.
Opening locked doors: It’s inconvenient and possibly an emergency. Locksmiths can help you get into any locked door.
Installing safes: You likely have valuables in your home or office, such as jewelry and money. You’ll be able to speak with a local locksmith about the best locations for your safe.
How Can I Benefit From Hiring a Local Locksmith?
There’s no doubt that hiring a local locksmith is the best choice. Some benefits include:
Fast response. Local locksmiths can get out to you quickly should you get locked out. These trained professionals can save you time and headaches.
Experience. Local locksmiths often have years of training and experience serving the area. You’ll have confidence that your job will be completed at a reasonable price and done professionally.
Availability. Many local locksmiths offer round-the-clock services. Whether it’s the middle of the night or during the day, local locksmiths are there to help.
Safety. Local locksmiths have the trust of and partnership with the community. Trusted local locksmiths have a positive reputation and reviews from others in the area.
Specialty services. Some brands of locks require special services. Various types of local locksmiths specialize in different areas.
Mobile Locksmiths
Another option to consider is hiring a mobile locksmith. They can respond to your problem quickly, often within minutes. Mobile locksmiths also specialize in changing locks. They can change your locks and provide you with new keys so that you can get on with your day.
Mobile locksmiths can also cut keys on the spot. You can have the keys cut for you on-site instead of waiting at a shop. Many local and mobile locksmiths have the equipment to complete the job immediately.
Many locksmiths are also trained to install security systems. They are an added layer of security to keep your family and belongings safe.
Your house is probably one of the biggest investments you will make. It is imperative that you protect this investment, not just for financial reasons but also because your house is your home, a safe haven for you and your family. One of the ways you can protect this investment is with a home security system. Having these systems in place is often a great deterrent to burglars. Let’s look at a few things to consider before buying a home security system.
Alarms Vs. Security Systems
You should know that there is a difference between basic alarm systems and security systems. In general, alarm systems will set off an alarm when a perimeter has been breached. This means that if someone tries to open a window or a door when the alarm is on, you will be notified. This is a very basic type of security you can add to your home, but this is not what most people consider a home security system.
A home security system will include perimeter alarms, but it will also include much more. Home security systems often include security video, call for assistance, and fire alarms. This is a multilayered approach to security.
Power Back Up
When shopping for a security system, be sure to find a system that provides power back up. This means that the system will work even if the power goes out. This is a very important detail because, in some cases, a burglar may cut power to your house in an attempt to disarm the security.
Additional Services
In addition to providing security for your home from fires and break-ins, you can also get additional services added. These types of services could be beneficial during a medical emergency and often assist the elderly or those with disabilities. Some home security systems will include personal emergency pendants which can be worn by the elderly or the disabled. If there is a medical emergency, this pendant can be activated to call for assistance. This brings great peace of mind for other family members or caregivers.
Affordable
Many people are under the impression that a home security system is outside of their budget. Most home systems are very affordable. Installation and monthly service often work on an easy monthly payment plan.
If you would like to learn more about home security, please contact us at Artie’s Lock and Key, serving Fairfax, VA and the surrounding areas.
Smartphones have been all the rage for over a decade now—but what about smart homes? It seems like our phones and our homes will be interconnected sooner rather than later. One facet of a smart home is a smart lock.
If you’ve ever owned a vehicle with keyless entry, smart locks are similar. They are keyless door locks that can be operated remotely through a smartphone application. You can avoid getting locked out by using smart locks.
This article will cover smart locks and some tips to never get locked out of your house again.
No keys necessary
If you’ve ever tried to bring groceries inside and had to unlock your door, you understand how cumbersome that can be. With a smart lock, you can simply open an app on your smartphone and unlock your home’s door. You can do it before you even get out of your car. Never again will you have to worry about losing your keys, as you’ll have total control over your home’s locks.
Superior accessibility
Another benefit of using a smart lock is that you can operate it remotely. If you were running late and left home in a hurry, you may have forgotten to lock your door. With a smart lock, you won’t have to choose between leaving your door unlocked all day or going back to lock it. You can use the app on your smartphone to lock your door if you ever forget. You can even set it up so that you receive a notification telling you that you forgot to lock your door.
Better security
It’s true that you can avoid getting locked out with smart locks. They also provide better home security in a few different ways. First, you won’t need a spare key. Sometimes people try to hide spare keys around the outside of their home. Potential thieves and robbers know this and know where to look for spare keys and may try to use them to get inside.
A smart lock eliminates the need for a spare key. Additionally, there are smart locks on the market that log each entry, exit and attempt to open them. This can come in handy if you have children and don’t want to wait up for them when they come home or want to see who’s tried to enter your home over a particular time period.
System integration
Your home’s smart lock will require internet access and a Bluetooth connection to function. As long as you have stable internet and a consistent power source, this can be a positive. You can even integrate your smart lock with other home security applications like video doorbells or security cameras.
Having all your home’s security applications on the same network can make it easier for them to work together and offer you a convenient way to monitor who’s been coming and going outside your home. Smart locks are even available with numbered key codes or keyholes themselves if you want to have a secondary way to enter your home in the event of a power outage.
Call to get your smart lock today
When it comes to tips to never get locked out of your house again, installing a smart lock is at the top of the list. To avoid getting locked out of your home, call us at Artie’s Lock and Key, where we offer free quotes on smart lock installation.
