Before you decide to change an old security lock on your Fairfax, VA home’s front door or any other exterior door, it’s best to get familiar with your lock options. So, let’s take a look at some of the most common types of security locks you may have in your home:
- Padlocks: Padlocks are a type of security lock that are typically not permanently attached to a door, window or something else. These types of locks are portable and available in a range of sizes, and very recognizable in one of two forms—keyed and combination. Combination padlocks have one or more number dials that only open with a number code, while padlocks with U-shaped security bars require a key to open. The keyed options are either rekeyable or non-rekeyable.
- Deadbolts: Most homes are fitted with deadbolts at each external door. There are three popular varieties of deadbolts—single, double and lockable thumb turn—with single cylinder deadbolts with a thumb turn on the inside being common on most homes in America. This type of lock is great for security, and most are rekeyable.
- Knob locks: Knob locks are installed in residential homes on exterior doors and usually in addition to deadbolts. This type of lock typically has a keyhole on the outside and a thumb/finger turn switch on the inside. For security efficiency, it’s advised that you always pair knob locks with deadbolts on exterior doors, because on knob locks the locking mechanism/lock cylinder is actually inside the knob, and not the door. Criminals can easily knock the knob off the door using a hammer or another hefty object to gain entry into your home.
- Lever handle locks: Lever handle locks are regularly installed on the inner doors in commercial building settings, but can be added to residential doors too. They are easy to open thanks to their large handle and push down style—no knob turning required—which makes them an excellent choice when handicap accessibility is important.
- Furniture locks: It’s not uncommon for some pieces of furniture to have small, strong locks on them, including display cabinets, desks and sliding doors on furniture. There are two main styles of furniture locks—bolt style and push button style. The bolt style has a piece of flat metal that extends to the side of the lock to secure the lock in place. It’s often found on drawers, cabinets and desks. The push button style has a rod that comes out the back of the lock that’s used to secure things in place, such as with filing cabinets and sliding doors.
- Euro profile cylinders: Although Euro profile cylinder locks are mostly used in Europe, they are also used in North America in some sliding glass doors and room dividing doors. If you need a new sliding door lock on your Fairfax, VA patio door, consider this type of lock.
When you need locksmith services or want to replace an old security lock on Fairfax, VA home, look no further than Artie’s Lock and Key. Let us know how we can help you!
Do you always lock the doors to your house when you leave, or are you constantly misplacing your house keys? Luckily, there’s one option that seems to be the simplest solution to these and other common problems for many homeowners: electronic door locks. This type of modern lock ensures your door is locked every time you need it to be, and you don’t even have to be present at your home to check that it’s locked. Any locksmith in Fairfax, VA will tell you that electronic door locks are one of the newest and most effective ways to protect your home, so let’s get familiar with this particular style of lock!
There are three basic types of electronic door locks you could get for your home, each sporting slightly different functions and offering varying levels of security. Below is a breakdown of the three types of electronic locks and their functions.
Keypad locks
One type of electronic door lock is the keypad lock. You won’t need to have a key when you have this lock on your door. All you have to do to gain entry is punch a code into the keypad. An advantage of having this type of system is not having to fumble or search for your house key—especially when you have your hands full with kids, grocery bags or work stuff. Once you punch in the code, the door will unlock.
Keypad locks are also great if you have temporary visitors needing to get inside your house. Simply program a code that will only stay active for the duration of their visit. Note that some keypad locks allow you to check your lock status remotely.
Keyless entry systems
Another type of electronic door lock is the keyless entry system or key fob lock. It works similarly to a vehicle’s keyless entry in that you have a fob on a key ring with a button that locks and unlocks the doors. There’s no keypad to touch with a keyless entry system, and you can be several feet away but the door locks will still activate. While this type of entry system is great for adults, children may lose their key fob too easily. Keep in mind that this type of locking system is not supported by smart home security computers, so it does not work with the internet.
Remote access locks
Many professional locksmiths in Fairfax, VA agree that remote access locks are the best type of electronic locks, as this type of system is extremely safe and secure. It works very well with your smart home security system, meaning you will be able to monitor the locks from your phone, computer, tablet or other mobile device. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you can check the status of the locks at any time. It’s also convenient. For instance, when you are not home, you can remotely unlock the door for maintenance people or visitors, as well as change the access code if you need to from your phone or computer.
Contact the team at Artie’s Lock and Key for more information about electronic door locks or to schedule locksmith service. Call us anytime!
Most vehicles produced in recent years are equipped with a transponder key. Chances are, your car uses a transponder key, even if you’re unaware of it! Transponder keys use radio signals to prevent theft and enhance convenience. Unfortunately, they can be complicated and expensive to replace. Working with a qualified provider of transponder keys in Fairfax, VA is the best way to replace your vehicle keys if you have lost or misplaced your existing transponder key.
How it works
Transponder keys in Fairfax, VA are relatively simple pieces of machinery that provide users, and their insurance companies, with tremendous peace of mind.
Remote access keys in Fairfax, VA have a small radio chip installed inside the key’s plastic sheaf. This chip communicates with another chip inside the car’s ignition. The key’s chip sends a code over to the car’s chip when the driver begins to turn the ignition. The car’s ignition is programmed to only recognize one single code. If the code being sent by the key doesn’t match the code the ignition is programmed to read, the engine will not start.
Benefits of transponder keys
In addition to providing an extra layer of security, most transponder keys also allow for remote access. Remote access keys in Fairfax, VA are transponder keys equipped with typically one or two buttons that can open or lock your car’s doors from a distance.
Here are just some of the benefits you most likely experience each and every day, thanks to your car’s remote access keys in Fairfax, VA:
- Reduced risk of theft: Because most modern engines are programmed to only start while reading one specialized code, theft is substantially more difficult. Keys without a matching code can often turn an engine over; however, it won’t start unless it is reading the right code. Hotwiring cars is now a distant possibility for most would-be car thieves.
- Remote operation: Another clear benefit of transponder keys is the fact that they allow users to remotely access their vehicles. There are a number of reasons why remote operation is beneficial, including central lock capabilities and the panic button, which allows you to locate your car with very little effort.
- Central locking: Cars equipped with remote access keys in Fairfax, VA typically have central locking capabilities. You can lock every door in your vehicle with the touch of one button. If your car has an alarm, it will most likely also be armed when you take advantage of your central locking capabilities.
Artie’s Lock and Key has been the most trusted locksmith in Virginia since 1975. We are the foremost provider of transponder keys in Fairfax, VA. You can rely on us to replace your car’s remote access key with promptness and professionalism.
Our bonded, licensed and insured team members take a tremendous amount of pride in their ability to deliver high-quality locksmith services. We use only the most current and up-to-date tools of the trade to deliver an unparalleled customer service experience. To learn more about Artie’s Lock and Key, give one of our friendly representatives a call today!
Locksmiths perform sensitive jobs, which means that you should be able to place complete and total trust in the company you are hiring to forge new keys or help you regain access to your home. Too often, disreputable locksmith companies take advantage of clients in need of immediate assistance.
Because locksmiths have the ability to gain access to your home, vehicle and safe, you should only work with locksmith companies that have well-established local track records that can be easily and independently verified. Thankfully, there are a number of ways that you can verify the trustworthiness of the locksmith in Fairfax, VA that you are considering working with.
Here are just some of the ways to avoid locksmith scammers and work with a reputable mobile locksmith in Fairfax, VA:
- Search proactively: The best way to avoid locksmith scams is to develop a relationship with your local locksmith in Fairfax, VA before you need their services! You should proactively look for a locksmith company that meets your needs. Be sure to read through the feedback they’ve received on online review sites, and check their rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Look local: You should only work with locksmith companies that are locally owned and operated. If a locksmith is using a phone number with an 800 area code, there’s a solid chance that they’re not legitimate. Additionally, you should look on their website to see where their physical offices are located. If it’s an address that you don’t recognize, be sure to look it up online.
- Check the license: In 15 states and many municipalities, locksmith laws require locksmiths to be licensed. All locksmiths legally operating in Virginia must be licensed. To verify that your mobile locksmith in Fairfax, VA is legitimate, ask to see their license, or ask them to verify its number and date of expiration. If a locksmith isn’t willing to provide you with licensure information, they may not be legitimate.
- Ask for an estimate: You should always ask to see a written estimate before you agree to have any services performed by a locksmith. They should be able to provide you with a document outlining the costs of the service you are receiving. If the locksmith you are working with is unable to provide you with this, they may not be trustworthy.
Since 1975, Artie’s Lock and Key has been the most trusted locksmith in Fairfax, VA. We are proud of our upstanding reputation in the community. We also take a tremendous amount of pride in the veracity of our talented and professional locksmiths. You can rely on us to provide you with high-quality, dependable locksmith services throughout the region.
If you are in need of a mobile locksmith in Fairfax, VA, you should reach out to Artie’s Lock and Key. Our licensed, bonded and insured crew will ensure that you have regained access to your home or vehicle as promptly as possible. We use only the most up-to-date tools and technologies to give you access to your home or business.
