Evaluating Your Locks & Lights to Remain Safe

If you’re about to move into a new home, there is no doubt that you have a ton of things to do before you move in. One of those things should be to have your locks evaluated. The security of your new home should be of the most importance to you. The locksmiths of Locksmith Master Milwaukee in Wisconsin are sure to be able to give you some insight into the type of locks that are best for your home. It is always in your best interest to have the locks changed prior to moving into your new home.

With so much on your plate while you are preparing to move, it may go unnoticed that you do not have sufficient locks installed on the doors and windows. While the previous owners may have locks installed, they may not be the best suited for your home. It is up to you to take it upon yourself to make sure your home is safe and secure. Doing so may require that you contact a qualified locksmith to assist you in determining if the locks that you have will do the job of keeping out intruders. You may not need to replace every single lock in your home but it is advisable to at least change the main entryway doors.

We have put together a checklist for you to consider when you are about to move into a new home:

Lock Efficiency Checklist

1. Exam the Deadbolt Locks
   

If there are already deadbolt locks installed, you may just need to have the locked rekeyed. You should also find out if the type of deadbolt on the door that you are evaluating is appropriate for that particular door. Deadbolt locks are the most useful home locks. They offer maximum security and should definitely be present within your home, especially on exterior home doors. If it is discovered that your deadbolt locks are not made from the best and most durable materials, you should have them changed immediately. A burglar is very skilled at breaking locks. If you have a deadbolt lock that can be easily compromised, have them changed. The bolt of the lock must extend into the doorframe by at least an inch. If yours does not do this, the lock can be more easily compromised. We would recommend a free-spinning cylinder lock or tapered cylinder. If you have anything other than this type of lock, you should know that they are easier to break.

If your doors have double cylinder deadbolt locks, you should know that they could be problematic. This type of deadbolt has to have a key to unlock both sides to exit. If you are unable to find one of the keys, you will be unable to exit. This could be a serious problem if there is an emergency. A single cylinder is usually the best option. However, if you’re interested in finding out more about the different types of deadbolt locks, consult with an expert locksmith in Milwaukee.

2. Examining Your Home’s Exterior Doors
   

This is important because no matter what type of lock you have installed, it won’t do much good if the door can easily be kicked in. You need a strong, sturdy door for a deadbolt lock. If the door is not of good quality, you are putting your safety and security in jeopardy. Your exterior doors should be solid core doors. They will offer maximum security because they are solid all the way through. A solid core door is durable and can withstand the pressure of the strongest kick. It also provides you with fire protection. There is no doubt that this is the best type of door to have a deadbolt lock installed on. A hollow core door isn’t as durable or heavy as the solid core door. The hollow core door is often used on interior doors, not exterior doors.

If you have a door that leads from your garage to your home, this door should also be a solid core door. This will prevent anyone who is able to gain access into your garage from making their way inside your home. Also be sure to make sure that if any of your doors have glass or are made of glass that the glass is durable. If they are not, have them replaced with durable glass right away. An intruder can easily break it if you do not have durable glass installed.

In addition to making sure you have sufficient locks to keep out intruders, you can also keep them away by making sure your home is well-lit. With lights shining on the entryways of your home an intruder is less likely willing to attempt a break-in.

3. Exam Outdoor Lighting
   

Even if there are streetlights in front of your home, you should still make sure that there are some lights that shine directly on your entryway doors. This means that if someone is attempting to break-in, they will be visible to anyone passing by. If something looks suspicious, they can then notify the appropriate authorities. In addition to having the lights shining directly on your doors and windows, you should also make sure you have porches, walkways and your driveway, well-lit. It isn’t important that you make sure all of the lights are working correctly in order for them to be effective. If you are afraid that you may forget to turn the lights on, it is a good idea to invest in motion sensors. This means that as soon as someone steps in range, the lights will immediately turn on. This will immediately alert you and others to anyone who is coming toward your home. You can also have your lights programmed to turn off and on at specific times of the day or night.

Aricle source here: Evaluating Your Locks & Lights to Remain Safe

WHAT TO DO IN DIFFERENT LOCKOUT SITUATIONS

Lockouts always seem to happen to the “other” person; that is, until they happen to you! Then, it’s a completely different matter and your whole world can go suddenly haywire! One thing about lockouts; they don’t respect income, race, level of education or age. Everyone is susceptible to getting locked out. One brief moment of inattention is all that it takes to suddenly find yourself on the wrong side of a locked door!

Lockouts happen every day here in Milwaukee, WI and anywhere else that there are locks, keys and locking hardware. A lockout situation can happen with your car, at home, at your business, at work, or while you are on vacation. Here at Locksmith Master Milwaukee we deal with locked out persons on a regular basis, so we know how to handle these situations from a professional’s point of view. Read this post so you’ll know how to handle your next lockout smartly, safely and affordably.

Do this first!

Always remember to remain calm. It’s actually very hard to do when suddenly surprised by a lockout incident. Lockouts always seem to happen at the very worst time. We are usually hurried, busy, or otherwise in the middle of doing something important when it happens. Always remember that panicking does nothing but make the situation worse. Your emotions can range from sudden surprise at your situation to absolute panic or anger because you are now late for something or unable to attend an engagement.

Another great reason to remain calm during a lockout situation is to NOT attract attention to yourself. Doing so might attract someone that is bent on taking advantage of your vulnerability either by offering to fraudulently help you or to maybe even attack you or rob you. Don’t be paranoid but do be aware of your surroundings and be careful until help arrives!

Resist the urge to break back in!

Hey, it’s your property, after all, so why not break back inside? Actually, there are many reasons. Injury can occur at this time so be careful. Think about it; you are breaking glass, prying open windows, smashing doors; all destructive things that can not only result in cuts, falls, and electric shock, it can even lead to getting arrested or shot by a concerned neighbor, roommate or family member.

Another reason for NOT breaking into your property is the fact that you will incur damage to your own house, car or business. This will result in repair costs and possible negative publicity if someone films your episode and posts it online or to a news site. The ironic part of all this is that often people break back into their own property in a misguided effort to save money on locksmith service charges! Go figure!

What about real life and death emergencies? Should you break back in then? That’s up to you. If your pet is locked in a hot car or your toddler is left all alone in the house, then by all means do what it takes to help out but our example calls for restraint and good judgement when you are merely surprised, angry or inconvenienced.

Time for that spare key!

Be honest; do you have a spare key that you can use for lockouts? Our Milwaukee, WI locksmith shop recommends that everyone keep a spare key hidden where you can find it and use it if needed. We don’t recommend the usual flower pot on the porch or under the welcome mat approach. This practically invites burglars to target you! Instead, hide your key in a rain gutter or bury it next to a bush in the back yard. BBQ grills are good places to hide a spare house or car key. Glove compartments or under the floor mat are other options. Be sure to hide the house key NOT in the house and the car key NOT in the car! This may seem obvious but you’d be surprised how many folks do this and are surprised when they can’t access them!

Do you trust your neighbor?

Sometimes, if you are fortunate, you’ll live next to or near a good neighbor. If so, you might just leave a spare key with him or her. The same goes for a friend or family member. It’s nice to have someone to call on when you find yourself so helpless. The act of calling them not only brings a helpful key, it also keeps you on the phone for a while which can have a calming effect and it can also provide a potential witness in case you run into trouble while you are in “limbo.”

Don’t call a locksmith!

Don’t just call any locksmith; call the right one! Contrary to opinion, all locksmiths are not equal or alike. If you don’t know who you are calling you might wind up with unlicensed amateurs or part time handymen that only want a big fee from you. Be selective and choose a locksmith that is licensed, bonded and insured. You’ll want one that offers 24-hour emergency assistance and fast response times. Free price quotes and a cheerful and helpful attitude would be nice, as well. You might be wondering how on earth you are supposed to find such a lock and key shop in Milwaukee, WI when you are suddenly denied access to your own house, car or business.

The answer is simple; line up your lock professional BEFORE you actually need him!

Be proactive!

Who knows? You may never find yourself locked out. That’s a good thing. But, what if you do? Or, what if someone close to you goes through the lockout experience and calls you? Having a full service, affordably priced lock shop on speed dial is not only smart, it can be a life saver; literally! We recommend that you take the time to actually find a locksmith professional that you can work with and enter the phone number in your smart phone. If the unthinkable occurs; you are ready!

Aricle source here: WHAT TO DO IN DIFFERENT LOCKOUT SITUATIONS

HAVING IGNITION CYLINDER PROBLEMS? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

Can’t start your car? There are a good number of reasons this could be happening. One possibility is that your ignition switch is failing. A worn-out ignition can prove to be a hazard, so you shouldn’t ignore it. Take some time to inspect your vehicle closely. In some cases, you can figure out the nature of the issue yourself.

Are You Having Trouble Starting Up the Car?

When you fire up the engine, the ignition coil takes its power from the battery, and sends it to the sparkplugs, which ignites the fuel so that the car will run. If you end up turning the engine over too many times, you’ll easily drain the battery. If so, there won’t be any power left to start it up again.

Be on the Lookout for These Warning Signs

• you can’t put the key in the ignition at all
• the key comes out, even if the car is still running
• the steering wheel sticks sometimes, or can even become immovable
• you may notice higher auto emissions
• while idling, you are prone to stalling
• you might observe increased fuel consumption
• you’re seeing car battery problems

Causes of Ignition Problems

The ignition has been faulty from the beginning. Check with the car manufacturer. If your automobile is still under warranty, then the dealership should replace your ignition cylinder at no charge. If it’s not under warranty, you’ll need to hire an automotive locksmith.

Your car key has sustained too much wear and tear. As time goes by, your car key will gradually become less and less effective, and eventually it may stop functioning altogether. If so, it will have to be remade, applying the factory key cutting codes so that the key is accurately cut and completely functional.

The ignition’s set of wafers, which index with corresponding cuts on the key, are worn-out, or they’re jammed up with grime, which will cause the ignition switch to malfunction. Basic cleaning, or individual wafer replacement, will make full replacement unnecessary.

The transponder key isn’t communicating. This likely means that the computer chip has lost its programming. You can reprogram your existing key; or, you can hire an expert locksmith to copy the existing cuts and program a totally new one. An accomplished professional automotive locksmith specialist will be able to do the precise work needed to carry out this exacting service.

Did you inadvertently insert the wrong key into the ignition switch? If you stuck the incorrect key into the ignition by mistake, don’t try to get it out! You could cause irreparable damage. Instead, call an automotive locksmith.

Is a broken-off key or other object lodged in the lock mechanism? Don’t try to fix this yourself, unless you’re a mechanic! Otherwise, you might cause irreparable damage. The broken key, or whatever the object is, can be properly removed by a professional automotive locksmith technician, so you won’t have to replace the entire ignition switch.

Is the switch overheating? If you see that your ignition switch is hot to the touch, then there may be a short, which means the issue originates in the electrical system. Since the ignition switch is connected to high-resistance wires, any of the terminals where these wires are connected might overheat, and could even melt the insulating base. If this happens, your car will jerk violently and will not start.

Has a car thief made an attempt to steal your vehicle? A failed car theft can wreck havoc on your steering column and ignition switch. If you’ve been unfortunate enough to have this happen to you, then the entire ignition assembly will need replacement.

Examine the Ignition Status

One sure sign of a faulty ignition switch is that the instrument panel doesn’t light up when you have your car key in the second position.

Whenever you put your key into the ignition switch and turn it, there are 3 customary positions:

1   The “off” status position: No power is transmitted to the system.

2   The “on” status position: The dashboard lights illuminate, but the engine is still off.

3   The “start” position: This is when you place full pressure on the key; then the engine fires.

Monitor the Dashboard Lights

Normal wear and tear will lead to ignition switch failure eventually, particularly on older cars. If your ignition switch starts malfunctioning, you may not hear any clicks from the main relay. If you stall out, check your dashboard lights. When you turn the car key to the “on” status position, if the brake light, charge light, oil light, and other warning lights don’t turn on, then something’s definitely wrong.

Verify Your Ignition Switch’s Integrity

When you put the car key in the “start” status position, the moment you know it’s starting, let go of the key, and allow it to snap back to the “on” status position. If the warning lights go off when the switch snaps back, then that means that the switch is broken. Time to call an automotive locksmith.

DIY

Do you have some automotive expertise? Then you can service the ignition switch yourself. Make sure you know what you’re doing, because replacing an ignition switch is no piece of cake, especially in newer cars, because they typically have anti-theft devices. You’ll render your vehicle inoperable if you replace your ignition switch without the right tools, and without taking the proper precautions! The electrical current running through your vehicle’s system can actually cause bodily harm, so be sure to keep all metallic objects away from all electrical wires. Before installing a new ignition switch, the process involves removing the steering column, disconnecting the battery cable from the battery terminal, removing the wiring harness connected to the ignition switch, and so on. If you have any doubts, hire a professional automotive locksmith.

Hire an Automotive Locksmith

Unless you know exactly what you’re doing, it’s better to hire a legitimate professional. If you’re located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, hire a reliable automotive locksmith specialist, such as the mobile professionals on staff at Locksmith Master Milwaukee.

Aricle source here: HAVING IGNITION CYLINDER PROBLEMS? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

Lock Maintenance

Like every other mechanism installed in a property, locks need a bit of maintenance in order to ensure these are working correctly. It doesn’t matter if these are installed at home or in a commercial building: if you don’t take good care of your locks, they will break or malfunction when you least expect it. This could lead to other unpleasant predicaments like lockouts or worse: break-ins.

But never fear – our experts are here to help you understand how to keep everything in top working condition. Keep on reading for our top tips for basic lock maintenance:

• Make sure everything is properly connected

This may sound obvious, but a lock will only do its job if the door is correctly installed and the lock has been fitted in the right position. A badly fitted door will put an unnecessary amount of stress on your locks, ultimately causing them to malfunction. On that note, the first thing to check is whether the door itself has been properly hung – it shouldn’t sag or bind, and the gap between the door and the frame should be uniform on all sides. Don’t forget to check the hinges: these should ideally have 3-inch screws installed as it will prevent sagging and increase the door’s overall resistance.

• Check your dead latch and deadbolts

A dead latch is a small plunger that rides on a door latch’s flattest side. When closed, these should be aligned with the strike plate – it should NOT fall into the plate itself, as this will cause your lock to malfunction. As for your deadbolts, you shouldn’t need to push, pull or lift the door in order to get the locking mechanism to work – remember, your deadbolt won’t be locked unless it is fully extended, so make sure that the hole in the door jamb is big enough to accommodate it.

• Inspect your locks for wear and tear

Is your key sticking to the lock? It might be time to call a locksmith in Milwaukee to check things out. You may be dealing with a worn out lock that needs replacement. If you fail to replace a lock early enough, you will likely get locked out of your property.

• Oil up your locks

An overlooked fact for all property owners is that locks actually require yearly lubrication. You’ll need to find the right type of lubricant here: we don’t recommend petroleum-based products, but Teflon and other dry lubricant options are a great choice for this job. If you can’t find these anywhere, a graphite based lubricant can be quite good as well. Spray a small amount of oil into the keyway, then run the key in and out of the lock a couple of times to spread it evenly. Remove any debris you find each time you remove the key from the lock.

• For electronic or keyless locks: only use brand-name batteries

There are times when the cheapest solutions are going to be the most expensive. Off-brand batteries wear out a lot more quickly – so investing in a brand-name battery will actually save you time and money in the long haul.

• Never close your door by tugging the key

This will just put pressure on your locks, which will eventually lead to wear and tear. Simply said, when the pins inside are constantly under stress, they become less responsive and more susceptible to damage.

Broken or worn out locks? Call a locksmith

Sometimes, you may find yourself with locks that need to be repaired or replaced. While you can usually trust these to last you up to seven years, no security fixture is ever completely immune to damage.

That’s where locksmiths provide an invaluable amount of help and expertise. A qualified professional in your area will be able to inspect the locks in your property or vehicle for damage and provide the right solutions if they encounter any issues. You can expect a credible expert to give you a full cost breakdown of repairs – and they won’t try to upsell or push you into taking things one step further. You should tread with caution if a locksmith tells you that they need to completely dismantle your locks and start anew, as there is seldom any need for such drastic measures.

Remember, you are letting the professional into the property you have invested time and money into. If you don’t feel comfortable with the person inspecting your locks, you don’t have to go ahead with their services. For a bit of peace of mind, make sure to visit the business you’re considering to hire and talk to a locksmith in person – most companies offer free consultations and price quotes to enable their customers to do just that. On the topic of price quotes: be wary of any professional who changes their estimates once they’ve reached your property as they are likely trying to get more money out of you.

Other tips to consider if you’ve never hired a locksmith before: always ask for recommendations, keep the contact details of at least a couple of businesses handy, and take the time to shop around for the best deals and do a bit of checking into backgrounds. Always go for a local business with a physical address that is easy to verify – this will save you money and will ensure you are hiring a credible professional. Read up on online reviews on websites like Angie’s List and Yelp, cross-check the company’s license and insurance details (which you should always request when you contact them) through the local directories, and make sure to get in touch with client references in the area (a credible professional won’t balk at the idea of providing these upon request). Make sure to ask for a full cost breakdown for all solutions, and, while you’re at it, ask about their after-hours services costs too – you never know when you’ll need emergency locksmith assistance.

Locksmith Master Milwaukee is more than happy to help anyone in Milwaukee, WI who is experiencing lock troubles. Be it a malfunction, wear and tear, or 24/7 lockout assistance, our licensed and insured professionals are always at your disposal. If you’re in the area, get in touch to discuss some options with our team and we’ll go from there.

Aricle source here: Lock Maintenance

No More Lost Keys

If you are a motorist, you run the risk of losing your car key at some point. This can be one of the most frustrating experiences that a motorist goes through. If you have somewhere that you have to be and you do not know where your keys are, you will likely be late or not able to make it at all. At Locksmith Master Milwaukee in Milwaukee, WI, we receive many calls related to lost or stolen automotive keys. Our automotive locksmith services are very popular, for obvious reasons.

You may be getting more frustrated as you start trying to figure out where you may have left your keys. Did they fall out of your pocket, did you leave them on the counter of the last store you were in, did someone take them? All of these are some of the questions that may be going through your head. This can be extremely frustrating! Our locksmith technicians have advised us of some of the most practical ways for you to keep up with your automotive keys.

1. Get Spare Keys Made

This may not sound like something that we should have to say but it is. You would be surprised to find out just how many motorists we meet who do not have a spare key. By having a spare key you save both time and money. You don’t have to spend money on a service provider who would have to come and make you a key, rather you can just call up the person with the key so that you can get back inside your car and back on your way again. However, the second best option would be to turn to a locksmith who has mobile services. They will come to your location and make your key on the spot.

2. Put Tags on Car Keys
   

This might sound like something that you would have done to a child but it is just as useful and practical to put on your keys. When you lose or misplace your keys, they can be returned to you if the person knows who they belong to. The tag should include your name, number and email address ONLY. Don’t have to put your physical address on the key tag because your keys may fall into the wrong hands and you could end up with a worse problem on your hands than you already have. Just don’t put to much personal information on your key tag. You can always meet the person in a public location to retrieve your keys.

3. Check for Your Keys
   

Again, this is something that you wouldn’t think that we would have to mention but the trust is that this is exactly why most people lose their keys. If you remember to have your keys in your hand before exiting your car, you will avoid leaving them in the ignition or laying them on the seat next to you. Create a routine or habit that you do before getting out of your car to ensure that your keys are actually in your possession. Some people find it helpful to toss them up or place them in a specific pocket before hoping out of the car. When you do the same thing every time you get out of the car, it will be strange when you do not and immediately alert you to the need to grab your keys. This may seem unnatural the first couple of times but the more you do it, the easier and more natural it will begin to feel.

4. Getting Your Lost Keys Back
   

Doing something as simple as retracing your steps could help you get your keys back. However, as logical as this sounds, many people do not do this. Since they are in a panic, they just can’t seem to consider the most logical things to do in order to find their keys. In addition to retracing your steps, you might write down every location you were in prior to going back to your car. Even when you go to the last place that you were and do not see your keys, ask anyone in the vicinity if someone turned in a set of keys. You don’t want to simply walk away without knowing. It is very easy to take something out of your pocket or purse and lay it down without realizing it. As a last resort, after trying the aforementioned suggestions, you can always rely on the services of Locksmith Master Milwaukee. We’ll come to your rescue by arriving quickly to make you a new car key.

Locksmith services in Milwaukee tend to receive more business during the holiday season more than any other time of the year. This is because people are less aware of their surroundings and are constantly hoping in and out of their cars. Equipped with the suggestions above, you might find it helpful to revisit them to improve your chances of not losing your key. No one ever expects to find themselves locked out of their car, but when you are, it can certainly be helpful to know what to do in order to get your keys back. Why not save yourself in further frustration by following just 1 or 2 of the suggestions listed above. Life is unpredictable, all we can do is try to anticipate situations that can occur and plan for them as best as we can. Despite our best efforts, sometimes losing or misplacing a key is simply inevitable. Do your part by being alert to what you can do to minimize the probability of losing your car keys. The last thing you would want to happen is for your keys to fall into the wrong hands. We can tell you from experience that the probability of this occurring is very high. Protect yourself by trying to do your best to keep a hold of your car keys at all times. You’ll be glad you took the initiative to do so.

 

Aricle source here: No More Lost Keys