Whether you are considering lock replacement or installation for your home or your business, you want to feel confident that the lock you choose is going to offer as many benefits as possible. Smart locks can provide you with increased security, greater convenience and improved property value, but there are also a lot of myths out there about these locks that might cause you to hesitate on a smart lock purchase. Understanding these myths and the realities of smart lock installation in Fairfax, VA can help you feel more confident when you decide to purchase a smart lock:
Smart locks are difficult to use: People who aren’t technologically inclined might feel intimidated by smart locks, but these locks are designed to be user-friendly and very intuitive. With a basic tutorial from a locksmith, you will probably be able to operate your smart lock without any problems. There are also plenty of online resources that you can use to help you learn how to get the most out of your smart lock.
Smart locks don’t work for older homes: If you have an older home, you might be under the impression that a smart lock simply won’t work for you, but you can actually benefit from this kind of technology for your older home. Smart locks are compatible with a wide variety of different types of networks and can be integrated into other smart home systems. This makes them versatile enough to be used in virtually any home, whether your home is brand new or decades old.
Wiring for smart locks is complicated: A lot of people think that smart locks have to be wired into their home’s electricity system, but most smart locks are battery operated, meaning that no additional wiring is required. This makes smart lock installation in Fairfax, VA easy and convenient so you don’t have to worry about a complicated electrical project. And because smart locks aren’t wired into your electrical system, you don’t have to worry about the lock shutting down if you lose power.
Mechanical locks and keys are a safer option: Some people believe that mechanical locks and keys are safer and more secure than smart locks, but the reality is that smart locks are one of the safest options on the market. You can feel confident in your home’s security when you invest in this kind of locking system over mechanical locks and keys.
Smart locks are unattractive: One of the concerns that people have when they’re thinking about investing in smart locks is that their locks will detract from the aesthetic appeal of their homes. While some smart locks do appear bulky, modern smart locks offer the perfect balance of functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Learn more about smart lock installation in Fairfax, VA
At Artie’s Lock and Key, we know that there is a lot of misinformation out there about smart locks, and we are here to answer all of your important questions. We are proud to provide comprehensive mobile locksmithing services, including smart lock installation in Fairfax, VA. You can learn more about everything that we have to offer and request a consultation and quote for our products and services by giving our team a call today.
Is it time to change your front door lock? Perhaps you’ve recently purchased a new home. Maybe the lock is no longer working properly. You might be wondering if you should increase the security level of your front door. Whatever the reason, it’s important to get input from a residential locksmith in Fairfax, VA.
As your trusted mobile locksmith in Fairfax, VA, we offer the following tips for front door lock replacement. For more information, feel free to contact our team.
Don’t Skip the Deadbolt
As you weigh your options for front door locks, be sure to maintain basic security. While many options are available, a dead bolt is a staple that should not be skipped. Every front door should have at least one deadbolt. This is the most important lock to include on your front door.
Determine Desired Security
What level of security do you want to achieve with your front door lock? A residential locksmith in Fairfax, VA can provide a wide variety of solutions. You must determine what type of security you want and need for your environment. Perhaps a simple deadbolt and doorknob lock will be enough. Or, you may want a high-tech solution with smart capabilities to be able to secure your home from anywhere in the world.
Consider Daily Use
How will you be using the front door lock? This should guide your lock selection. Do you need something that multiple people can easily access? How often will you need to lock and unlock the door? How simple does the mechanism need to be for those who will be using it? All of these factors of daily use must be considered in order to choose the best lock for your setting.
Choose Quality
You may be tempted to simply choose a lock for its brand, but don’t do this. Even if the brand offers quality locks, a particular lock might not be right for your needs. Look for high-quality options that will provide the level of security you desire. A knowledgeable mobile locksmith in Fairfax, VA can be very helpful in determining which solution is best for your front door.
Review Repairs
Do you need to replace the lock on your front door, or are repairs a viable option? You might be surprised what a residential locksmith in Fairfax, VA can do with an old lock. You may be able to make repairs rather than replace the entire lock. Rekeying is another option that you shouldn’t overlook. If the goal is to change the lock to prevent those with keys from accessing it, you can simply rekey the current lock rather than buy a new one.
Unlock More Secrets
If you need a new front door lock, contact the experts at Artie’s Lock and Key. We are a premier residential locksmith in Fairfax, VA, offering a full range of locksmith services. Contact our team to purchase a new lock, schedule a repair or arrange for rekeying or installation. We are ready to handle any job, big or small.
Do you need to change the combination on your lock? Depending on the style and location of the lock, this can prove to be a tricky process. Fortunately, a qualified safe cracker in Fairfax, VA is here to help.
Before you try to change your security lock in Fairfax, VA on your own, start with the following questions. This will guide you in changing your combination lock. Once you’ve answered these, use the tips at the bottom to make your lock change as smooth as possible.
Where is the combination lock installed?
On what object is the security lock in Fairfax, VA installed? Safe locks are typically more complicated to change than lockers, for example. The level of complexity should tell you how much time you’ll need to change the lock and what skill level will be required to do so. In some situations, you may need a professional safe cracker in Fairfax, VA to change your combination.
Do you want to change the lock or the combination?
In many situations, two options exist to make a change to a combination lock. You can either change the combination itself, or you can change the entire combination lock. Decide which solution is appropriate for your circumstances. In some cases, such as when the current combination is unknown, it may be simpler to replace the lock itself. For help with high-tech security locks in Fairfax, VA, contact a professional to change the combination.
What is the name of the lock manufacturer?
Knowing the maker of the security lock in Fairfax, VA can help guide your efforts. You may be able to research specific techniques required that are unique to that model. If you are working with a safe cracker in Fairfax, VA, it can also be helpful to provide the name of the manufacturer to this professional to get a better idea of the potential work and cost involved in changing it.
Tips for Changing Combination Locks
When you’re ready to change your combination lock, remember:
Don’t rush. Allow plenty of time for the task.
Open first. Always open the lock before you try to change the combination.
Some security locks in Fairfax, VA require a specific reset tool to change the combination.
Unlock the lock three times with the new combination before closing a safe door.
Many safes and other locks require the skills of a safe cracker in Fairfax, VA. Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance if the job is not appropriate for a DIY project.
Get More Tips
Do you have additional questions about combination locks? For expert input, contact the team at Artie’s Lock and Key. We’ve been a premier safe cracker in Fairfax, VA since 1975. Our professionals are fully equipped with the latest tools and are trained to handle combination locks of all kinds. Contact us today to schedule your lock change or installation. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured, we are your go-to source for assistance with your security locks in Fairfax, VA!
We all know someone with an old vintage steamer trunk in their house that’s locked up tight just because the keys have disappeared—maybe that person is you! Luckily, depending on the type of lock on your antique trunk, you might be able to open it yourself. Read on for an overview of the two most common types of vintage trunk locks from a locksmith in Fairfax, VA.
Warded locks
Take a look at the history of padlock security and you will come across the warded lock design. This is the kind of antique lock you can picture a stereotypical old key unlocking, but the warded lock keyway and key are often confused for components of a lever lock. It was often much easier to make warded locks for steamer trunks, so it’s highly unlikely you’ll see a lever lock design on an antique trunk.
Warded locks may look complicated, but they’re not. This type of lock’s locking mechanism is not very complex—you might try unlocking it yourself before calling a professional for help. Here are some tips:
Identify a warded lock: Keys for warded locks have very defined rectangular grooves and a rounded shaft, and are usually flat. The keyways (keyholes) on warded locks have a lot of open space inside. Take a look inside the keyhole and you will not see wafers, pins or any mechanisms.
Open a warded lock: Special warded lock picks are designed to pick open the locking mechanism on your antique steamer trunk’s warded lock (note that warded padlocks will need a skeleton key). The good news is that the notches on warded keys only exist to keep the key from slipping past the interior wards, so there’s room to maneuver inside the keyway. All it should take are a few twists here and there to pop open the lock.
Pin tumbler locks
The majority of antique trunks will not have a pin tumbler design, but that’s not to say yours doesn’t. There are a couple reasons why your trunk might have this type of lock. First, you might actually own a more modern steamer trunk that’s simply meant to resemble an antique trunk. Another possibility is that the chest itself is old, but the original hardware has been replaced. Even though the pin tumbler lock design is going to be more difficult to open than a warded lock, the unlocking process is not too complicated for a professional locksmith:
Identify a pin tumbler lock: This type of trunk lock is most likely a padlock. Keys for pin tumbler locks have dips and grooves down the blade all the way to the shoulder of the key. This design keeps the key from being inserted too far inside the keyhole. If you want to see the pins inside, shine a light directly into the keyway and take a look.
Open a pin tumbler lock: Unless you know the basics of lock picking, opening this lock may be impossible. Your best chance at unlocking an antique trunk with a pin tumbler lock and not causing damage is to hire a locksmith in Fairfax, VA to do the job.
Have you run into trouble with your antique lock? No lock is too much for Artie’s Lock and Key. Call us today for the help you need!
In most modern vehicles, keyless entry is both a convenience feature and a security feature. You can simply click a button on your car key remote when walking up to your car to unlock or lock the doors! Unfortunately, there may come a time when the clicker fails. Below our auto locksmiths in Fairfax, VA discuss five reasons why your car remote may not be working:
Dead remote batteries: A car key remote or key fob is a contact-free way of unlocking and locking your vehicle. In some cases, the remote can even start the engine. Batteries (typically lithium coins) are the source of power for car remotes, giving juice to the transmitter in the car key clicker. Lithium coin batteries are small and have a long shelf life, but don’t let that fool you—if the battery in your remote dies, there’s no power to wake up the transmitter. Replace the battery in a non-functional car key remote and see if that solves the problem.
Remote is not programmed: The car key remotes for newer vehicles and many older vehicles are paired devices. They have to sync up with your car so that the transmitter and receiver become dependent on one another. This means the transmitter in the remote needs to be programmed and paired to the receiver inside the car; otherwise, the key remote will not work. It’s important to note that you will have to reprogram the key remote to your vehicle after replacing the battery.
Damaged remote receiver or transmitter: A car key remote can only work if the transmitter and receiver are able to communicate. Remotes operate by exchanging signals with the receiver they are paired to. Should your key remote transmitter be damaged, it’s going to have a hard time communicating with the receiver in the car. You’ll likely need to rely on local auto locksmiths in Fairfax, VA to fix remote transmitter damage, or ask them to find out if the receiver in your vehicle is damaged.
Remote broken: So, replacing the key remote battery didn’t fix the issue, and neither did your attempt to program it to your vehicle. It sounds like your car remote stopped working because it’s just broken. Even if it seems as though your transmitter and receiver are functioning properly, the key remote won’t work if its internal mechanics have shifted or are damaged. In the situation, you will need to visit an automotive locksmith for key FOB replacement in Fairfax, VA.
Key remote is not the problem: There is also the possibility that the problem is with your car, not the key remote. You could have a dead car battery or a mechanical issue under the hood. Ultimately, if there’s no power in your vehicle, your keyless entry remote may not work.
Prompt locksmith services can get you back on the road fast. If you ever find yourself locked out of your vehicle or in need of key fob replacement in Fairfax, VA, call Artie’s Lock and Key right away!
