Transponder Key Problems

Your transponder key is a modern day miracle that enables auto theft prevention, remote car unlocking and even engine starting. How can a simple car key do all this? Modern technology is the answer! Transponder keys are so effective and popular that most all modern car makers are now using them exclusively in their production lines and sales. There is a downside to transponder chip keys and that is when they become lost or damaged. Fortunately, in Milwaukee, WI you have affordable and effective options so that you can once more start enjoying the convenience and extra security that transponder keys give you.

What Is A Transponder Key?

Even if you don’t recognize the name, you are sure to know the key! Almost all late model car makers are now outfitting their models with transponder key technology. A transponder key looks much like a “regular” car key. It has a blade where the grooves and teeth are cut into the metal and it has a larger, rounded end where you hold it. Here’s where they differ. A transponder key has a chip embedded inside of it. This computer chip is matched to your car’s computer. When you turn the key in the ignition, the car starts if your computer recognizes the signal sent from the key. If the wrong key is used as in the case of a potential theft situation, the car just won’t start. Here at Locksmith Master Milwaukee, we program, duplicate, and repair transponder keys for our automotive customer base and have for years. Our licensed, bonded and insured technicians offer mobile transponder key service that is available to customers at the best rates and on a 24-hour basis, including holidays.

Transponder Key Problems

Transponder keys have many of the same problems as regular car keys; they can become lost, damaged or broken-off. They can be dropped and the computer chip can become dislodged. Even if you notice the dropped key and pick it up, the chip may still be laying on the ground nearby. This scenario will still allow you to access the car by opening the driver door but without the chip, no signal will be sent or recognized by the car’s computer, and of course, no engine starting! Here’s where it can get to be a hassle and sometimes expensive! Before we discuss solutions, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common transponder key problems.

Broken Off Key

It doesn’t take brute force to break a transponder key; just a little too much pressure on the insert or engine starting twist can do it. Suddenly, your problem is intensified as you not only need a new transponder key made, you also need expert key extraction to remove the broken off part. You can try removing the piece(s) yourself but you still need to have the key replaced so keep that in mind.

Stuck In The Ignition Key

It happens to everyone at some point; you insert the transponder key and it won’t turn or come back out. Locksmith Master Milwaukee urges you to not force it; breakage can occur and as we just said in the previous paragraph, that complicates things! First, check to see that the car transmission is in the PARK position. Modern cars will not release the ignition key unless they are in the right gear and PARK is what is needed in this case. Please note that in cases like these, your transponder key AND your ignition system are both just fine! You are just in the wrong gear!

Battery Problems

If your car’s battery signal is too low, it won’t allow the proper signal to transmit from the transponder chip to the car’s computer. Many times the wrong frequency is sent and the car won’t start because it is almost as if the wrong car key was used. Again, the problem is your battery and NOT your transponder key!

Lost Key

Did you lose your transponder key? While nothing may be wrong with the key itself, you still can’t drive without it. It needs to be replaced obviously and here’s where it can get expensive if you aren’t careful. Lost car keys happen. It might have been dropped when your key chain broke or maybe it fell out of your pants pocket when playing with the kids. Sometimes, a spare is kept “just in case” but more often than not, there isn’t one. Maybe your transponder key isn’t really lost; maybe it was stolen! All it takes is a moment of distraction for a dishonest person to take advantage of your situation and steal your key – it’s much easier than trying to hot wire your auto or just tow it away.

Car Dealers and Repair Shops

Can these replace your broken or damaged transponder keys? Sometimes, but do you really want to pay for a tow truck as well as high markup charges for your dealership’s services? Don’t take our word for it; test it for yourself! Call any car dealer and ask what they charge to duplicate or program the transponder key to your vehicle. You’d better sit down for the answer; it will throw you for a loop! They can and do charge big fees for these services and many people think that is their only choice. It’s not; an established automotive locksmith in Milwaukee can usually do it for much less and right on your premises!

Refurbished Keys

It’s true – you can buy refurbished transponder keys on Craigslist and on EBay. Will you save money? Yes, and No. Yes, because you don’t pay a lot. No, because the key won’t work! They are poorly programmed keys from the same model car as yours but when you add up shipping fees, key cost and time lost, the whole refurbished idea is a really bad one! Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s optimal!

Be Smart!

Locksmith Master Milwaukee offers affordable and very convenient transponder key replacement, programming and service. Not only will you drive again sooner, you’ll save money and time in the process. If you have further questions, we invite you to call us and we’ll cheerfully answer them.

Aricle source here: Transponder Key Problems

KEEP YOURSELF FROM GETTING LOCKED OUT…AGAIN!

It happens to everybody some time. We always remember our keys when we walk out the door…until that one time…when we forget! Oh no! You’re locked out! It’s so inconvenient and it’s always unnerving, particularly after sundown. But there’s no reason you should ever find yourself locked out again, if you put all these strategies in place. Keep the following principles in the back of your mind, and put them into daily practice, and you’ll never be locked out again:

Always know where your keys are. If you ever walk out and realize you’ve forgotten something, and you need to run back inside to get it, remember, don’t put your keys down! Don’t leave them on the kitchen counter! Just keep your keys in your hand, or make sure they stay in your pocket. And, if you lend a spare key to someone temporarily, always get it back as soon as possible. If you retrieve your key from a hiding place, return it immediately.

Store your extra key in a logical hiding place. Keeping a key over the door frame, under the welcome mat, or under your flower pot is a very bad idea. Every thief knows to look in these locations first. Even the fake-rock keyholders are basically pointless, unless you’re extremely good at hiding it. The best thing to do is to give a spare key to a trusted neighbor who will help you in case of an emergency. Ideally, it’s better to choose someone who will be at home most of the time.

Phone, keys, and wallet. This has to be your standard mantra from now on, every time you walk out the door. Make it your daily routine. Stop. Remind yourself: Phone, keys, and wallet. You can add the pat-down, check your pockets, check your purse or pack. (As soon as you get in this habit, you may be adding a few other items to your list, such as: sunglasses, driving glasses, reading glasses, etc. Make it fun!)

Replace any bad locks. Keep an eye on your locks, and upgrade them if necessary. If you have any locks that are difficult to open, the key may break inside the lock mechanism, preventing you from getting in. Be sure not to duplicate any keys that are already duplicates, because they eventually won’t work at all. If you have any locks that are too worn out, they can get jammed.

Are you more adventurous? Keep a fake credit card. Don’t use a real one, because it will get totally ruined. Keep one of your expired gift cards, or one of those sample ones from a piece of junk mail. It’s not as easy as it looks in the movies, but it just might work ~ if you don’t have a deadbolt. You have to have a bored door lock, with the sloped ridge of the bolt facing towards you. (If the door opens towards you, then the bolt’s likely facing in the wrong direction.) If the bolt is the correct type, and facing the right way, then it’s worth a try. Place the card in the gap between the door and the jamb above the bolt. Gently slide the card down between the bolt and the strike plate. Push the card, then push the door, and, if you’re lucky, the door will open. You’ll leave everything (except the card, of course) undamaged.

If you’re ambitious, carry a pick set with you. You can do so only if your local and state laws allow it. Not every lock is pickable, but it’s always worth a shot. Then you’re sure to be able to get back in. Besides, you may some day be able to help a friend in need.

Find a reputable locksmith before you get into trouble. The right way to find a legitimate locksmith is to locate one ahead of time, before you actually need one. It’s important to do your research, so you won’t get scammed or overcharged.

Ask friends, family, and colleagues for their recommendations. The best way to find the right locksmith is through word of mouth from satisfied customers. If no one knows a good locksmith, then you’ll have to do your homework.

Find a local, dependable locksmith. Write down all the potential locksmith companies in your area, with addresses and phone numbers. Find locksmiths who specialize in the services you need. Check for the business addresses, and match up phone numbers with addresses using the Internet. Sometimes a dishonest company will list a fake address, or none at all, claiming to be local when it’s really not. If someone answers the phone with a general greeting such as “locksmith services,” rather than saying the company name, ask for the legal business name. If the person refuses to tell you, go on to the next one. Keep in mind that some good locksmith companies simply may not include their street address on their listing because they have a mobile business, so they can dispatch a professional locksmith who’s local to you. Therefore, it’s a good idea to ask why an address isn’t listed, so you know for sure.

Be cautious of any locksmith claiming that you’re going to have to replace or drill your lock. A legitimate locksmith will bring the proper tools, and will possess the experience to know that such drastic moves aren’t necessary. A genuine professional locksmith is able to unlock almost anything.

Check the locksmith’s qualifications and credentials. When a locksmith arrives, ask for identification, proof of license, and a business card. The invoice you get ought to include the company name. The truck should also have the company name on it, matching the business card and invoice. The locksmith must also request to see your identification. Prior to starting any work, a legitimate locksmith must absolutely verify your identity to show that you’re the rightful property owner.

When you’ve found a reliable premium locksmith, keep the contact information in a logical place, such as your smart phone, your wallet, or your refrigerator ~ so you can always quickly get yourself out of a jam anytime problems with locks and keys should come up. The best locksmiths will be glad to answer all your questions. If you’re stranded anywhere in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, you may want to choose Locksmith Master Milwaukee. Their staff mobile expert locksmith technicians provide emergency, residential, automotive, and commercial locksmith services.

Are you already locked out now? If you don’t have a hidden spare key or friend to call, look around, because there might still be a door or window open. Who knows, maybe you didn’t lock the door properly in the first place.

If all else fails, it’s definitely time to hire a locksmith. It’s certainly tempting to entertain the idea of breaking a window or kicking in the door. But should you really risk being mistaken for a burglar? Surely not. To avoid this lousy situation, you must plan ahead!

Aricle source here: KEEP YOURSELF FROM GETTING LOCKED OUT…AGAIN!

Locksmith Master Milwaukee: What To Do With A Jammed Safe

A safe that you can’t open isn’t exactly useful. It might be doing its job of keeping your items protected, but if you can’t get into it, it is nothing short of stressful. This is especially true if you urgently need to get into your safe, for instance, if you are trying to drop off a deposit at work. So what are you supposed to do if your safe is locked and you are unable to get in? What are you supposed to do if your safe is jammed? Whether you use your safe to hold money, valuable items or a weapon, it is important that you take the right steps if it becomes jammed. You don’t want to cause any costly damage when the solution is actually quite simple. Have a look at some of the tips provided by Locksmith Master Milwaukee in Milwaukee, WI. This information is applicable to anyone, anywhere. Of course, you can always get in touch with an experienced locksmith if this seems to be the safer route for you.

Maybe you were in the middle of a move and you stuffed your gun safe with newspaper or bubble wrap to prevent the gun or weapon from shifting too much while en route. The problem is that now when you attempt to insert your key to open the safe, it doesn’t budge. What you don’t want to do is start wiggling or shaking the safe around out of anger. It might be jammed because of too much pressure on the inside and you don’t want to break the items inside of it or cause any further damage.

Perhaps you work in a store in which money is stored in a safe and then deposited at night or first thing in the morning. Locksmiths often get phone calls from business owners or managers who are unable to open their safe. One thing to avoid is taking a hammer to the safe to try to break it open. These things cost money after all!

So what are you supposed to do if you find yourself dealing with a jammed safe or any of the aforementioned scenarios? Here are a few things to try…

1. First and foremost, check the battery. A dead battery will mean that your keypad isn’t working because it isn’t providing the right signal to unlock the safe. There might be enough power to operate the keypad but this doesn’t mean that there is enough power to open it. This can be confusing, but it is often times the case. Make sure that if you purchase a battery, you buy the brand name counterpart, because if you buy a different brand, it might work but it will very likely drain faster. Often times, people buy something that wasn’t made for their brand in an effort to save money. However, they later regret it because the battery doesn’t last as long.
2. If the bolt work is jammed, you might be able to hear that the motor is trying to do its job. You could try applying pressure by pressing on the door, just make sure to avoid hitting the keypad. If there is pressure on the bolt, you could try turning the handle in the opposite direction that you would typically turn it in while entering the code, which will lessen some of the pressure that is on the bolt.
3. If the safe has gone into lockout mode because the wrong code was put in too many times, then you might just have to wait a certain amount of time before you are able to open it again.
4. If the problem is disconnected wiring, try disconnecting the wire from the keypad, and then take out the batteries. Wait a few seconds, then put the batteries back in and reconnect the wiring. That is if you know what you are doing. When you take off the keypad you should be able to see if the wires are loose or cut at all.

These are just some of the steps to take if you are dealing with a safe that is jammed or otherwise will not open. If you happen to be in Milwaukee, Wisconsin then you can call in the best locksmith in town. Locksmith Master Milwaukee has helped to unlock many safes before, but you can surely contact the local lock and security provider in your area to obtain similar assistance. Make sure to call a person who is licensed and insured so that you can trust no damage will be done to your safe. After all, some safes are incredibly expensive, and you want to keep yours in good shape. Whether you have a drop safe or deposit safe (these are popular in shops and restaurants), a fire rated safe (these are common in both homes and offices) or an office safe (these can be freestanding or bolted down to the floor, and are often times drop-tested) or any other kind of safe such as an in floor safe or high security safe, you should know that it can eventually become jammed. It could eventually end up needing a combination change, or the help of a locksmith to unlock it. Be sure to try out the steps listed to see if they help you out. This could save you a little bit of money and sometimes the solution is easier than it appears to be. But don’t take any chances and cause damage to your expensive device. Some safes are drop-tested, so no amount of kicking at it or throwing it is going to help to unlock it. They are meant to protect your items after all.

Call a locksmith in Milwaukee, WI if your safe is jammed and you are unable to open it. Don’t get too frustrated and try to break it because you will probably regret it later.

Aricle source here: Locksmith Master Milwaukee: What To Do With A Jammed Safe

Automotive Locksmith Tips

One of the services that are requested most often from the locksmiths of Locksmith Master Milwaukee in Milwaukee, WI is automotive lockout assistance. This can be one of the most frustrating experiences that a motorist can have. Here you are with a clear direction of where you will be at any given time. You get to your car and you can’t find your key. Now this is weighing on you heavy because you are trying to remember where you last had them, if they could have fallen out of your jacket, if you left them laying on a counter or if someone turned them into lost and found. It is understandable why this situation is so frustrating.  We have come up with some practical ways to avoid losing your keys and what to do when you can’t find them.

Always Have a Spare Key

This is the most logical thing to do but not every motorist has taken this advice to heart. If you don’t want to have to call on the services of a locksmith or wait for someone to come to your rescue, make sure you keep a spare key on you. Don’t put the spare key on the same keychain as your car key because if you lose your car key, you will lose the spare too. You can also use a lock box, which you install under your undercarriage, to hold your spare key.

If you do not have a spare key, don’t panic, call a mobile locksmith who can come to where you are and make a new key for you in under 30 minutes.

Tag Your Keys

We understand that this may sound childish, but it is so helpful in the event that you lose your key. When lost or misplaced, your key can be returned to you. The tag shouldn’t include personal information, such as your address but should including your name and number or name and email address on the tag. That way someone has a way to contact you and return your keys to you. Most people are honest enough to do this especially if they see that you’ve taken the time to ensure your keys are returned to you. This is worth looking a little childish for.

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT put anymore personal information than your name and number or name and email address. With too much information, a car thief might be able to find your car. Refrain from providing too much personal information. If you really want to make sure you get your car back, it is also important to notify the police.

Always Check for Keys

If you do something every time you exit your car to remind you to grab your keys, you are less likely going to leave them in the ignition. It is so easy to forget to grab our keys out of the ignition when we have things weighing heavy on our minds. Perhaps you can take the keys in your hand and simply toss them up one time before placing them in your bag or pockets. Remember to look down at the keys in your hand before getting out of the car. If you make this a part of your routine, you may be less likely to lock the keys in the car. When you do this every time you get out the car or something else to remind you to grab your keys, it will feel odd when you do not do it. Do whatever works for you so that you can remember to do it whenever you exit your car.

Finding Lost Keys

Again, no matter how logical our suggestions appear to be, you’ll be surprised to learn just how many people do not do these simple things. The first thing to do is retrace your steps. You can even take a minute to write down every place you were before heading to your car. Many people are surprised to find their keys right where they left them, the last place they were prior to arriving back at their car. Perhaps you had to put your keys down to sign something and forgot to pick them back up again. Maybe you were taking things out of your purse to find something and your keys were one of those things you took out and didn’t make it back into your purse again. It happens! If you’ve lost your keys inside your home somewhere, the same thing applies, retrace your steps. Motorists have found their keys in the strangest places, like their freezer or in the oven. It sounds funny but it is far from funny when you are in a hurry and can’t find your car keys. If you simply cannot find your key, don’t frustrate yourself too much, just call on a local Milwaukee locksmith to have another one made, this time, don’t forget to have them make a spare key.

The problem with people being locked out of their cars occurs most often during the holiday season. There is a definite increase in business during this time of year for most locksmith services. When you are out and about, especially during this time of the year, you may want to revisit this list to familiarize yourself with some of the steps that you should take when you are locked out of your car. You could save yourself a lot of frustration. Regardless of when you lock yourself out, you are generally able to receive the help you need from a 24-hour emergency locksmith service in Milwaukee. It is a common occurrence for people to lock themselves out of their car and that is why it is always possible to get the help you need from a professional locksmith service.  You are sure to enjoy the holiday season a lot more if you can do so without incident. Think ahead to how you will respond if you should happen to lock yourself out of your car.

Aricle source here: Automotive Locksmith Tips

Watch Our Latest Live Stream Video

In Milwaukee, the only name to remember for your locksmith services is Locksmith Master Milwaukee at 630 N 4th St, Milwaukee, WI 53202. We have the best and most qualified locksmiths in the area. You shouldn’t have to settle for quality of services because you don’t have a lot of money for your locksmith service needs and you won’t have to if you rely on Locksmith Master Milwaukee for your needs. Call (414) 219-1233 for servicing in Glendale, St. Frances, Bayside. We provide the many locksmith services that requested most often from our customers. If you want to make sure you receive the efficient lock and key services possible in Milwaukee, count on the experts of Locksmith Master Milwaukee. Visit www.locksmithmilwaukee.net to find out more about the many services you can receive from us.

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WHAT LOCKSMITHS CAN DO FOR YOU

Everyone knows that locksmiths work with locks and keys and that you should call one if you get locked out; but what else? Keep reading to find out more about this fascinating and much needed profession. After all; you never know when you’ll need to call one!

Home Protection – a residential locksmith can add tremendous security to your home life. Doors, cabinets, windows, sheds, gates, garages and even mailboxes can be better secured using quality locks, keys and hardware from a licensed, bonded and insured Milwaukee, WI locksmith.

Many assume that working with an established residential locksmith and installing premium quality locks and hardware will be expensive. Actually, it’s just the opposite! Many firms like Locksmith Master Milwaukee are affordable and yet offer residential lock products designed to add peace of mind and real security to your home life.

If you have valuables at home or travel, you’ll need the extra security afforded by good locks and well placed hardware like double cylinder deadbolts, garage door locks, home safes, security cameras, bump proof locks, security doors, gate locks and more. You might even qualify for special rate on your home owners insurance premiums so be sure to check with your locksmith professional as well as your insurance agent!

Emergency Help – getting locked out of your car, home or business can be traumatic and even dangerous. Many local locksmiths boast of 24-hour emergency service including ours. Locksmith Master Milwaukee offers round the clock service and lightning fast response times so that you are never kept waiting in order to get fast and professional help.

Be sure to keep the telephone number to a responsive emergency locksmith stored in your smart phone contacts list. The old days of having to find a pay phone or borrow your neighbor’s phone are long gone. Most everyone nowadays (teenagers to grandparents) have smart phones with them at all times. If you’ve lost your keys or find yourself locked out then call Locksmith Master Milwaukee or your favorite 24-hour emergency locksmith shop and then call a friend, family member or neighbor to let them know what’s going on with you.

A good emergency lock professional will give you free and accurate price quotes and respond quickly to your call for help. He’ll keep a well maintained and well stocked service vehicle and provide friendly, professional service anytime day or night including holidays.

Business Protection – it’s not just banks and restaurants that need good locksmith help; all local firms do, sooner or later. Think about it; what do locksmiths offer? We provide security and protection for your valuable property. Every business offers a product or a service that is needed or wanted by others. From dog groomers to restaurant service local businesses need a way to prevent loss from shoplifting, employee theft, pilfering and burglars. It’s wise to work with a local commercial locksmith shop. Here in Milwaukee, WI we have several including ours. An established business locksmith professional will be able to do more than just install commercial locks and cut keys to file cabinets and desks. He or she will also be able to advise you and your managers on smart ways to prevent security problems from both inside and outside your premises. Video surveillance in key areas like entrances, exits and cash register locations can do much for better traffic and money exchanges. Rekeys and lock installations give you better control over desks, files, lockers, mailboxes and more. Fingerprint locks, access control and master key systems are paramount in helping you manage your staff, vendor and customer access areas better for more control and higher profits.

Automotive service – it’s important that your car’s locks and keys be in good working shape and always maintained in order for you to drive safely and reliably. Lockouts are a common occurrence but so are lost keys, broken off keys, sealed trunks and ignition cylinder break-down. A good automotive locksmith will be able to open doors, unlock trunks, cut keys, program transponder chips, remove stuck keys, service alarms, replace ignition cylinders, install and repair alarms, provide keyless entry and lots more.

Many people make the mistake of calling a car repair shop or their car dealer for locksmith service. This is not only a waste of time and money, it is simply not needed. Most automotive locksmiths provide convenient mobile service and many shops here in Milwaukee, WI offer 24-hour assistance as well. When using a locksmith service you actually bypass the middleman and all high markup charges involved with paying your car repair shop and their locksmith! You also have the nice convenience of mobile service that not only eliminates the need for towing, it allows you greater flexibility with your time and schedule.

A FINAL WORD

Having fast, 24-hour access to a fully certified Milwaukee, WI locksmith is smart! Life is full of surprises and not all of them pleasant. Here at Locksmith Master Milwaukee we work hard to provide affordable and always done-right service for our local customers. We invite you to call us for routine lock and key service like key cutting and lock installation as well as more advanced services like security upgrades, bump proof locks and gun safes. It’s vital to have fast access to licensed locksmith service on a 24/7 basis no matter where in town you are. Work with a local locksmith shop that you feel comfortable with and be sure to use our service or one that you prefer to always stay one step ahead of lockouts, lost keys, hardware failure and other common locksmith needs.

Working with a professional Milwaukee, WI locksmith gives you safety, added protection and much needed peace of mind. Your valuables, your property and your loved ones can all be better secured on a 24-hour basis by making an established locksmith professional part of your success team! Feel free to contact Locksmith Master Milwaukee with any questions, comments or service needs and start living life on a safer and better secured level!

Aricle source here: WHAT LOCKSMITHS CAN DO FOR YOU

ARE YOU LOCKED OUT? TIME TO CALL A LOCKSMITH!

Phone, keys, and wallet. It’s always in the back of our minds when we walk out the door…until that one time…when we forget! Oh no! Are you locked out?

First, call that trusted person you’ve set up ahead of time who keeps that spare set of keys for you. If that doesn’t work, look for another door or window you left open.

If all else fails, you’ll have to hire a locksmith. And depending on who you choose, you could end up getting ripped off. When you run into trouble with locks and keys ~ whether you’re stranded from your automobile, your place of residence, or your commercial property ~ it’s always frustrating, and it’s never convenient, especially after sundown. You may go into a panic, wondering if the help you need will ever arrive at all. Should you really consider breaking a window, actually risking being mistaken for a burglar? That’s definitely not a good idea. Avoid this scenario all together. Plan ahead!

Before an emergency like this happens, find a trustworthy locksmith. The best way to find a legitimate local locksmith is to track one down ahead of time, before you need one. Do your homework to keep from getting overcharged or scammed.

Ask your friends, family, and colleagues for their recommendations. It’s always best to find what you need by word of mouth from satisfied customers. If you can’t do that, then it’s time to get down to homework.

Find a local, dependable locksmith company. Do your research responsibly, in the phone book or on the Web. Write down all the names of the potential locksmith companies you find in your area, with their phone numbers and addresses. Keep track of which locksmiths specialize in the services you require.

Check for the business address, and confirm that the address truly belongs to that locksmith. Sometimes a disreputable company will list a fake address, claiming to be local but it’s really not. You can easily match up phone numbers with street addresses using the Internet. If a person answers the phone with a basic greeting such as “locksmith services,” rather than saying the company name, ask for the legal name of the business. If the person refuses, you shouldn’t bother. Next.

Some perfectly acceptable locksmith companies simply may not include a street address on their advertisements or listings, because they operate a mobile business that dispatches a professional locksmith that’s local to you. If there’s no address given, simply ask why.

Also check with the Better Business Bureau to ask if there are any complaints on file. You can even consult your local consumer protection agency, and your state’s attorney general’s office.

If you’re in a lockout emergency with your automobile, if you have membership in a roadside assistance organization that you already trust, it’s best to call their service phone line first. Roadside assistance companies keep their own list of pre-approved vetted companies that they regularly subcontract with. Then you know they can be trusted to properly perform standard services such as giving you a jump, unlocking your vehicle, and so forth.

Otherwise, look for a locksmith company that specializes in automotive lockouts and other automotive challenges such as programming transponder keys, replacing your car keys and car locks, putting in a new ignition cylinder, and so on.

First, request a formal estimate. Even for emergency services, before you allow any work to begin, get a written quote that includes all the labor, parts if applicable, and fees, if any. If you’re locked out ~ of your home, your car, or your business ~ a legitimate locksmith will give you either an exact or at least a ballpark estimate of the total cost over the phone. Don’t hesitate to insist upon determining if there are any additional charges before you decide to hire that particular locksmith. There may be a minimum fee; perhaps, there will be an extra fee if it’s after hours; there might be a mileage charge; etc. If the price the locksmith gives you upon arrival doesn’t agree with the estimate you received over the phone, it’s time to say thanks but no thanks.

If you’re locked out, be skeptical of any claim by a locksmith that you’re going to have to replace or drill the lock. A legitimate, expert locksmith will bring the right tools, and possess the experience and knowhow to realize that such extreme moves are overkill. A consummate professional locksmith is able to unlock almost anything.

Also check the locksmith’s qualifications and credentials. When the locksmith arrives, ask for identification, as well as a business card, and proof of license. The locksmith’s invoice should include the company name. Verify that the locksmith’s vehicle has a name on it that matches the business card and the invoice. According to acceptable security procedures, the locksmith must ask you for your identification as well. A legitimate locksmith will absolutely verify your identity. Obviously, you’ll need to show somehow that you’re the genuine property owner before any work can begin ~ whether on your home, vehicle, or business.

The finest locksmith is a trusty pro ~ thoroughly background-checked, properly insured, appropriately licensed, and fully bonded. If your property were to be damaged in any way during a service call, or if the locksmith does faulty work, the locksmith must have insurance. It doesn’t hurt to ask about a warranty.

When you’ve finally found a respectable locksmith, keep that company’s information on hand for your future reference ~ in logical places such as your smart phone, your wallet, your fridge, and your break room’s bulletin board ~ so you’ll always be able to get yourself out of trouble whenever problems with keys and locks arise ~ either with your car, your home, or your place of business.

Whether you need a prime locksmith for a one-time job, or you want to hire an expert locksmith specialist to work for you on a more-involved project, you don’t want to give permission to just anyone when it comes to solving problems with locks and keys. The best locksmiths will gladly answer all your questions. If you’re stranded anywhere in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Locksmith Master Milwaukee is a good bet. Their staff mobile professional locksmith technicians work around the clock to provide emergency, automotive, residential, and commercial locksmith services.

Aricle source here: ARE YOU LOCKED OUT? TIME TO CALL A LOCKSMITH!

All You Need To Know About Commercial Safes

It is always in the interest of Milwaukee, WI, business owners to have the best possible protection for their commercial properties and assets. A safe can be the best choice when it comes to safeguarding all your valuables, like large sums of cash or even important documents. Commercial safes come in many different sizes, materials, and protection capabilities, so choosing the right fit for your business may at times seem like an overwhelming task. If in doubt, we recommend that you contact a locally-based commercial locksmith such as Locksmith Master Milwaukee so that they can help you make the best possible decision.

Here, you will be provided with an overview of some of the most popular commercial safe types. We will outline some of the top features you can get from these safes, before following on to how a qualified locksmith will make the whole decision-making and installation process a lot easier to navigate. After all, commercial locksmiths are guaranteed to have plenty of experience with all things related to locks, keys and security, so they should be able to provide you with accessible solutions and plenty of wisdom about securing your properties.

Let us now look at the different types of commercial safes, and the type of protection Milwaukee, WI, business owners can expect from these.

Common types of safes

Safes come in all shapes and sizes, and may be designed with different security purposes. For businesses, the varied set of safes that can be chosen from include:

Deposit or drop safes.  These are a popular choice in the retail and restaurant industries because of their ability to protect smaller items. Deposit safes are keypad operated and ideal for safeguarding documents, cash, and other small-size valuables.

Fire-rated safes. As the name suggests, these are especially designed to protect contents from fire. They come in various fire-ratings which are professionally tested based on the safe’s ability to safeguard valuables from fire and smoke damage. Keep in mind that the protection you can get from these safes varies greatly, so it pays to check these carefully. For instance, a high fire-rating safe may fall short on burglary protection and vice versa, so consult with a commercial locksmith to find the best commercial safe according to the degree of fireproofing and protection that your assets require.

Office safes. Like deposit safes, these tend to be popular among retail, restaurant, and corporate settings. These often have high fire-ratings and are drop tested to ensure that burglars are unable to open them by repeatedly dropping them on the floor. For extra protection, some office safes are actually bolted to the floor, though you can opt for a freestanding commercial safe too.

Data or media safes. Protecting data can be tricky, as hard drives and media devices are not known for being resistant to high temperatures. That is where data safes come in. These have been manufactured to protect information/data from the high temperatures and smoke damage they are so vulnerable to.

In floor safes. These are very popular in commercial fields because of their added security features. As you can guess by the name, in floor safes are conveniently concealed on the ground, placed between slabs of concrete, making them very hard to access.

High security safes. These are the most expensive commercial safes around, but with good reason. They offer the most robust protection and the highest security. Features worthy of mention include multiple types of barriers that prevent drilling, and additional locking mechanisms that are automatically deployed upon any attempt at forced entry.

Why you should hire a locksmith for commercial safe installations

As you can see, there are plenty of commercial safe options to choose from. Selecting the most appropriate for your Milwaukee, WI, commercial property requires taking many factors into consideration, such as the type of contents that you would like to protect, protection from theft, fire and smoke damage and so forth. This is where the help of a reliable commercial locksmith will come in handy. They have worked in all kinds of properties, have plenty of experience with business security, and understand the pros and cons of all commercial safe types. You just need to schedule a free consultation with your local lock and key service provider to discuss the many options they are able to offer. That is a service most locksmith companies offer at no cost, and you can even request a complimentary price quote for the safe and installations too.

Not only will a locksmith such as Locksmith Master Milwaukee provide you with affordable safe selections and installations, they are qualified to handle all things related to commercial safes too. If you ever experience any issues with a commercial safe, including not being able to open it for whatever reason, they can come to your Milwaukee, WI, property to unlock these provide any other type of assistance. Not only will they have the expertise and the tools required to perform the task without incurring any damage, but they can inspect the commercial safe and conduct any repairs that are needed right on arrival. Again, this is a service that reputable commercial locksmiths will offer for very affordable rates.

In short, a locally-based locksmith service provider can help you throughout the decision making process, and can install, repair and replace safes in a very time efficient manner. Licensed and insured professionals will have all the skills and training required to ensure that the job is done correctly the first time around. So, if you are looking for a commercial safe for your Milwaukee, WI, business, you can trust a locally-based locksmith service provider to serve you with the best and the most up to date protection and solutions.

Hopefully you now have a better idea of the basics about commercial safe installation. For more information, get in touch with a commercial lock and key expert.

Aricle source here: All You Need To Know About Commercial Safes

3 Questions to Ask Before You “Smartify” Your Home

Before you buy wireless lights, thermostats, and more, make sure you know what you really need.

By Arne Bostrom

Courtesy of Nest

In our September issue, we tackled testing a ton of connected home devices, and found helpful products for controlling thermostats, lighting, and much more from the palm of your hand. The future really is now for managing your home, but before you buy up every smart device you can spot, there are few questions you should ask yourself.

1. Is my Internet fast enough?

This is the most important thing to check before you buy a connected home device. Without a reliable Internet connection with fast uploading and downloading speeds, you are going to run into problems. To put speed in perspective consider this: The FCC recommends a minimum download speed of 4 megabits per second for adequate HD movie streaming and video conferencing. However, you’ll need that number to be higher if you’re connecting a lot of devices. The more you have, the slower your Internet speed will be.

You’ll also need to check your home for Wi-Fi dead spots. Use sites like speedof.me or speedtest.net to test your home’s Internet speed.

During our test of smart garage door openers, we found that the Internet connection in the garage was weak (which slowed our connection speeds). We couldn’t get some devices to connect at all. To fix this issue, try a Wi-Fi range extender. We haven’t tested them, but companies like Belkin and D-Link have extenders that simply plug into the wall.

2. What exactly do I want to control?

In our review of connected home devices, we focused on four major categories (thermostats, lighting, security cameras, and garage door openers). But there are many more connected home categories in the market today.

You can get smart locks for your door, connected plugs and wall switches, connected speakers, and even a connected slow cooker. Before you buy any product, weigh how much control you really want.

For instance, in shopping for smart lighting options, do you want to be able to control the lights’ color? Then, try Philips Hue or the LIFX bulbs. If you just want to control the on-off capabilities, then TCP connected lighting, the Insteon LED bulb, or the Philips Hue Lux are cheaper options.

With connected video cameras, if you want to record and save video, then consider products that have SD card slot, such as the Samsung Smartcam, the D-link Cloud Cam 5000, and the Foscam FI9826W. If you want to be able to have a two-way conversation, look into cameras with a built-in speaker, like the Piper or the Dropcam Pro.

3. Do I want to manage many devices from one control?

Once you buy your first device and start to see how it helps you around the house, you may be eager to add more. But of course, more products mean more apps and controls for managing them, which could get confusing and complicated.

The solution? A centralized hub to control multiple devices. There are many to choose from, but not all connected home devices work on all hubs. For instance, the Revolv hub works with a wide range of products, like the Nest thermostat, Philips Hue bulb, and Insteon LED bulb. Honeywell thermostats can also communicate with the Revolv, but not the Wi-Fi smart thermostat we tested.

Also, many hubs operate almost exclusively with products from the same company, like the Iris line from Lowes, or the products from Insteon. Sometimes these brands will play ball with others: Iris will connect to Schlage locks, among other things, and the Insteon hub can connect to the Nest thermostat, as well as its own. However, you won’t be able to connect an Insteon thermostat to an Iris hub, or vice-versa. So, before buying any device, it’s smart to think ahead about which other ones you might add to your collection in the future.

Arne Bostrom is a test engineer in the Consumer Electronics lab of the Good Housekeeping Research Institute.

Article Source: 3 Questions to Ask Before You “Smartify” Your Home

Related Article: Home Burglary Prevention Tips

Aricle source here: 3 Questions to Ask Before You “Smartify” Your Home

Hack of the Day: An Ordinary Dinner Fork Could Protect You While You’re At Home Or Traveling

August 4, 2015 RRT Editor

VIRAL NOVA – Safety and security are always concerns when people go on vacation. Aside from personal well-being, people constantly worry about their home and the personal belongings they leave behind when they’re away. That’s why it’s important to have a security system on your property to make sure robbers and burglars don’t succeed in breaking into your home.

Unfortunately, some people can’t afford a top-of-the-line security system, so what alternative do they have? As it turns out, all you really need for home security is an ordinary dinner fork.

(via Phil Crockett)
Well, that’s certainly a unique way to keep your belongings safe! It doesn’t even cost you anything extra. Sure, if you can afford a fancy security system, go for it. For the rest of us, a forkwill do just fine.

Source: Hack of the Day: An Ordinary Dinner Fork Could Protect You While You’re At Home Or Traveling
Related Article: Security Alarm - House Alarm Systems