Locksmiths provide essential services to home, business and vehicle owners. Not only do locksmiths offer key cutting and locking products in-store, they also provide mobile services that many business owners rely on to ensure safe and secure accessibility to commercial facilities and office buildings. From responding to an emergency lockout to installing a new security lock in Fairfax, VA, there are lots of mobile locksmithing services that locksmiths provide for commercial clients, including.
- Emergency lockout service: One of the most common commercial services that mobile locksmiths provide is emergency lockout service. When someone loses or misplaces the key to a business, or the key has been stolen, a locksmith will come to the site to help regain access to the building. Depending on whether the key was locked inside the building or lost entirely, the locksmith might recommend lock and key replacement to keep the building secure and prevent anyone from accessing the building without permission or authorization.
- Replacement key cutting: Another common locksmith service for commercial customers is replacement key cutting. If you need additional keys for all of your employees or you’ve misplaced a set of keys to your building, a locksmith can provide you with mobile key cutting services onsite.
- Door repair: If your door has become broken or damaged, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible to ensure your business is kept safe and secure. Many mobile locksmiths offer door repair services to address issues with hardware and the doorframe itself. Some locksmiths can even repair steel doors and install security doors for businesses.
- Security lock installation and repair: Installing a security lock in Fairfax, VA is a great way to improve the security of your building. Mobile locksmiths provide a variety of lock repair services to improve the performance of your lock. They can also offer security lock installation. A locksmith can recommend the right security lock for your business and install it for you to improve the safety of your commercial facility.
- Access control system installation: For even greater security for your building, a locksmith can install an access control system. These are technologically integrated to provide advanced control and management for access to a commercial facility. These systems allow you to actively manage access to your building to ensure that only authorized personnel are able to enter your facility. These systems can also offer advanced controls to restrict access to certain rooms and parts of your building.
Invest in a new security lock in Fairfax, VA
If you’re looking for mobile locksmithing services for your business or are interested in purchasing a new security lock in Fairfax, VA, reach out to Artie’s Lock and Key. For over four decades, we’ve been proud to provide comprehensive lock and key services for commercial, residential and automotive applications alike, including security lock installation and access control systems for commercial properties. No matter what your specific needs may be, we would be glad to help. Give us a call today to learn more or schedule service!
You probably don’t think too much about unlocking your door on a daily basis, unless your key stops working the way it should. Getting your key stuck in your door can be frustrating, especially if your key still won’t budge after several minutes of pulling and fiddling with your lock. The next time your keys get stuck in the door, try out a few tips from a locksmith in Fairfax, VA to get your keys unstuck.
There are a couple of different issues that can cause your keys to become stuck in your door. Regardless of why this happens, though, there are some basic tips that can help you get your key out of your door. Here are a few things to try the next time your keys get stuck:
- Jiggle your key: This might seem like an obvious strategy to get your key unstuck, but it’s worth a try to free your key from the lock. Try jiggling the key a little bit and turn it slightly from side to side to see if a different position will loosen the key.
- Use a lubricant: There are lots of lubrication products on the market for locking mechanisms. Use a spray canister to apply lubricant directly into the locking mechanism to loosen the key and get it unstuck. Regularly lubricating your door’s locking mechanism can keep it working more effectively and prevent your keys from getting stuck in the door.
- Stabilize the lock: If your lock is loose, your key might not work the way it’s supposed to. Try holding the lock and applying pressure to create resistance between your lock and your key. While you’re applying pressure to your lock, try turning your key to unlock the door. If this works, it’s possible that all you need to do is tighten your lock to keep it stabilized when you use your key.
- Use a cold pack: Believe it or not, applying an ice pack to your key can cause the metal to contract and free it from your lock. This is an especially good trick to try if it’s hot outside and your lock has been in direct sunlight that might be causing the metal to expand.
- Call a locksmith: If nothing is working to get your key unstuck from your door, reach out to a locksmith in Fairfax, VA for help. They will be able to get your key unstuck and maintain your lock to improve operation. If your lock is old and worn out, a locksmith can provide lock replacement services to keep your door secure and prevent malfunctions in the future.
Locksmith in Fairfax, VA
If your keys are stuck in the door or you’re having other issues with your locks, reach out to Artie’s Lock and Key. We offer comprehensive locksmith services, including mobile services. We can perform a thorough inspection of your lock and provide the services and products you need to get your lock functioning reliably again. Give us a call today to find out more about what we have to offer and to request a service quote.
Vacation rental properties and Airbnb hosting offer a lot of great benefits for property owners. These kinds of properties bring in a reliable revenue stream with more flexibility and scheduling freedom than traditional leasing, but there are some extra precautions that property owners must take to ensure the security of their own property and the safety of their guests. Vacation rental and Airbnb door locks in Arlington County, VA can significantly improve the security of a property, and there are lots of options for property owners to choose from.
Shopping for locks
When shopping for the best locks for vacation rentals and Airbnbs, there are a few key considerations that should be taken into account. Here are a few essential factors to consider:
- Security: The most important factor to consider when shopping for locks is security. Different locks offer different levels of security and durability, so it’s important to compare your options carefully. There are three basic categories of lock security: grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3. Grade 3 locks are the least secure, while grade 1 locks are the most secure. Avoid purchasing a grade 3 lock, since these are typically made with low-quality materials and are usually the easiest to tamper with. Instead, opt for a grade 2 or grade 3 lock for sufficient security.
- Smart home integration: Lots of Airbnb and vacation rental owners rely on smart home technology to control energy usage and maintain a comfortable environment for their guests, so it’s important to look for locks that can be integrated into this kind of a smart home system. There are many locks that connect to smart home technology for hands-free locking and unlocking and remote security monitoring. With many locks, it’s possible to provide guests with mobile access through an app to streamline the check-in process, even if you’re not on site. Look for locks with the features you’re interested in and make sure you provide operation instructions for your Airbnb or vacation rental guests.
- Ease of installation: Another important factor to consider is ease of installation. A lock that’s very complicated or challenging to install can take a lot of time to install properly. In addition, some locks are challenging to set up, especially those with smart home integration features and electronic components. Read reviews online of different types of locks to determine whether installation is overly complicated. If you’re interested in purchasing a lock that’s difficult to install, reach out to a professional locksmith to request installation services. They will be able to handle installation to ensure your lock is installed properly, without any unnecessary hassle.
Best locks for vacation rentals and Airbnbs
If you’re looking for quality locks that offer the best security and all of the features you need, reach out to Artie’s Lock and Key. Over the past four decades, we have developed a reputation as a reliable local locksmith for commercial and residential customers alike. We offer an extensive selection of smart locks and professional smart lock installation services. Give us a call to find out more about everything we can do for you.
One of the biggest worries among car owners is theft. No matter what make, model or year your vehicle is, there’s always a chance of theft when your car is left unattended, so it’s important to take all of the necessary precautions. One of the best ways to protect your vehicle is by using anti-theft devices in Centreville, VA. There are many different types of anti-theft devices for drivers to choose from. Read on to learn more about these devices and which ones offer the most benefits.
What are anti-theft devices?
Anti-theft devices are products that are designed to prevent thieves from getting into your vehicle or driving it away. Some anti-theft devices are simple manual devices that make it difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. Others are designed with electronic components and smart-phone integration features that offer more sophisticated security monitoring. Regardless of the type of device, all anti-theft devices in Centreville, VA are designed to keep vehicles safe. Here are a few of the most common anti-theft devices:
- Tire locks: Tire locks make it impossible for thieves to drive your car away. A tire lock is a large metal device that’s attached to a car wheel and locked in place. Not only do tire locks prevent thieves from getting away with your car once they get inside, they are also great at deterring thieves before they even attempt to steal a vehicle. Seeing a tire lock is often enough to prevent a thief from targeting your car.
- Hood locks: Hood locks are designed to prevent thieves from hot wiring your car. These devices block access to your car’s engine so thieves can’t get to the systems they need to start up a vehicle without the key. In addition, hood locks protect your vehicle against people who steal car parts to resell them.
- Steering wheel locks: Steering wheel locks make it impossible to turn the wheel of a vehicle. These devices are usually shaped like hooks and can be locked and unlocked using a key. Like tire locks, steering wheel locks prevent theft and serve as an effective visual deterrent to thieves.
- Electronic immobilizers: The most effective type of anti-theft device is an electronic immobilizer. Electronic immobilizers are devices that prevent a car from starting if the key is out of range. Newer cars typically come with this kind of device installed. A transponder in the key fob sends a signal when the key is in range. If the key is out of range, the electronic immobilizer will lock down the car’s ignition and the car won’t start.
Hire an automotive locksmith in Centreville VA
At Artie’s Lock and Key, we know how important the security of your vehicle is, and we are here to help you keep your car protected. We offer comprehensive automotive locksmithing services, including laser key cutting, mobile lockout assistance and fob replacement. Regardless of what your needs may be, our team is here to assist you. Learn more about all of the services we have to offer by giving our team a call today.
As a business owner, you need to invest in security for your office, facility or shop. Certain preventative measures can protect you, your employees, your inventory and equipment from criminal threats, as well as natural events like strong storms.
Let’s start at the front door. Since most standard commercial doors do not come with security upgrades, you should seriously consider making changes yourself as soon as possible. Highly secured doors put employee and customer minds at ease, and keep insurance companies happy.
Whether your commercial doors are made of wood, aluminum, glass or steel, there is a way to strengthen them. Here are some tips for reinforcing commercial door locks in Fairfax, VA.
Choose the best door locks
You can take a similar approach to choosing the best locking system for your commercial doors as you would for your residential doors. Start by taking a crash course in the ins and outs of commercial lock grading. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has put in place well-defined commercial lock grading systems based on numerous rigid and demanding tests. The lock test results determine how locks are graded. Grade 1 and Grade 2 are the two most common grades for commercial locks, and are based around three major parameters: strength, cycle and material used:
- Grade 1 locks: Considered to be the best locks on the market, they are also the most expensive, but worth every last penny. Grade 1 is the strongest and most durable lock you can get for your commercial doors. They come highly recommended for use in areas where exterior doors on commercial buildings can use some extra security.
- Grade 2 locks: Often referred to as medium-grade locks, grade 2 locks are primarily found on commercial doors that are less likely to be compromised. They are great for indoor offices and storage areas, but it’s also not uncommon for business owners in low crime areas to use them on exterior doors to save money.
Install door security hardware
There’s a wide range of door security hardware perfect for commercial door lock reinforcement. Let’s review a couple options:
- Latch guards: Latch guards are built from gauge steel that is difficult to cut or bent. They go in the gap between the door and door frame—the weakest point in commercial doors that is most susceptible to attacks—to prevent crowbars and other tools from being jammed inside to force the door open.
- Pick-resistant security locks: Some commercial door locks can be picked or bumped open by criminals. The easiest way to remedy this lack of security is to replace inexpensive door hardware as soon as possible. Talk to a locksmith about investing in high-security commercial deadbolts and door locking systems.
Take the necessary action to reinforce the door
The right door hardware can reinforce your commercial door and door frame. This list includes hinge security pins (jam pins), reinforcing strike plates and reinforcing the door material using a deadbolt and a door wrap.
Call Artie’s Lock and Key today for information about the best commercial door locks in Fairfax, VA!
