Everett Lock And Key: Interior Door Locks

The team at Everett Lock and Key really does strive to provide the best customer service. While they serve Everett, WA and the surrounding area, they have put together this information to help people all over the country when it comes to interior door locks. It is important that no matter where you live in the world that you protect your property. Theft and break-ins happen everywhere, unfortunately. While it is more common in some places than others, it is always better to be safe than sorry. With interior door locks, you can lessen the chance of unwanted persons being able to get into certain parts of your property. You can also enjoy privacy in your own home. The primary purpose if interior door locks is privacy, however, if you ever did have someone break into your home, you could lock yourself in a bathroom, closet area or any other room in the home. In other words, interior door locks are good at preventing people from being able to enter certain parts of your property, but they also serve to offer the person who is using the room a certain degree of privacy.

The Options Are Endless!

If you are interested in purchasing interior door locks, then you will find many options at your disposal. You might want this type of lock for your bathroom, office, bedroom or another important room. From turn-key door locks to sliding door locks, there are numerous types that you can choose from. Interior door locks, as previously mentioned, are often desired more for privacy than with the idea to prevent theft, for instance, you want to be able to lock your bedroom door if you have children and you want to be able to lock your bathroom door if you have company over. If you have your in-laws visiting, the last thing you want is to accidently walk in on someone taking a shower or bath. If you have company over with small children, and you need to get work done, it might be best to lock yourself in the office room for a bit. There are numerous reasons as to why one might want locks on their interior doors. With this in mind, a list has been put together of some popular locks which are available.

Have a look at some of the most common interior door locks as listed below:

Customary Locking Door Handle

A privacy knob is quite common. They work by taking advantage of a locking handle on the interior of a room. The exterior part of the knob has a flat head lock. If you ever got locked out on the outside, these are relatively simple to open. Using a flathead screw driver tends to do the trick.

Key Lock

These require the use of a key to be unlocked. Hence, they offer even more privacy. Unfortunately, if the key is misplaced, there is essentially no way to unlock them if you are on the outside, so it is important to avoid getting locked out when using a key lock.

Bed and Bath Knob

Bed and bath knobs take advantage of a standard locking mechanism on the inside of a room and they have a very small hole on the exterior. They can be unlocked during a lockout using a Flathead screw driver. Basically, if your child locks you out, you should be able to get back in fairly easily.

Now that you know of the different types of interior locks available, and you understand why this type of lock might be necessary at your property, whether it is a residence or commercial space, let’s go over a few more details.

Get What You Need For A Great Deal!

Because interior door locks are primarily used to provide a higher degree of security, Grade 3 security is generally good enough. It is important to consider that it is possible for certain doors to end up being locked behind you as you close them. Having a latch kick off can help prevent the door from getting locked behind you. In some cases, for instance, if you have small children that like to play with your locks, opt for an emergency release. If there is a small hole in the middle of the door handle, you should be able to unlock the door from the outside using an item like a screw driver or even a paper clip or hair pin. You can take advantage of locks that come with lifetime finishes. Because their purpose is different and they tend to be made slightly differently than exterior locks, one will find that interior locks cost less money. You can find them for as little as under $10 at many different stores or even online.

If you are looking for interior door locks for your property, be sure to do your research. There are different types and materials available, to match your needs and to match the look of your property. Our residential locksmiths in Everett, Washington provide free consultations to those in the local area. If you aren’t based in this part of the country, then consider doing a search for a local locksmith that is convenient to you. Most of them offer consultations totally free of charge. They might be able to help you find the best match for your property and your specific needs. If you have already bought interior door locks, then have an expert who is licensed and insured install them for you. This person could be used for all of your lock and key related needs. If you ever end up getting locked out, they should be able to get you back in safely.

Consider the benefits that come along with locks for interior doors. Whether you need just a little bit of privacy, or would feel safer in bed at night knowing that your bedroom door is locked, interior locks just might be for you.

Aricle source here: Everett Lock And Key: Interior Door Locks

Keeping Your Garage Door Secure

If you’re a homeowner who has a garage full of valuables, such as lawn and gardening tools, home appliances, cars and other family valuables, how are you keeping it secure? Even though you might keep other valuables like jewelry and collectable items inside your home, in a safe, this isn’t something that you would typically store in your garage. However, you may actually have just as much valuables in your garage as you do in your safe and not even realize it. Whether or not you have valuables in your home or inside your garage, you should be aware of just how cleaver criminals are today. They know how easy it is to gain access, not only into your garage but also into your home via your garage. A thief is aware of security systems and how they operate and what areas of your home they affect. They even know that most garage doors are not protected with your security system. Most systems are only programmed to alert the homeowners or proper authority if windows or doors of the home have been compromised. It might not be as easy to keep your garage door secure but it is certainly possible.

Durable Garage Doors

If you’re thinking seriously about intrusion into your home via your garage, then perhaps you should consider the type of door you have. A much more practical and durable option would be a steel door or a roll up door. These add for added protection against intrusions.

Locks

You might think that your garage door opener is your lock but in actuality, it isn’t. A lock would secure the structure of the door. A basic door lock will not do this. Burglars are able to effectively break through any type of traditional lock. To protect your garage door, you will need to invest in a durable, heavy-duty deadbolt lock. This type of lock will often deter a criminal. This type of lock will take far too long for them to break through, if they are able to do so at all. Deadbolt locks are known for their level of durability and can be a great addition to your existing door lock.

Additional locks that are good to install on garage doors include the following:

• Padlocks

Secure your doors with a padlock after placing a bar across the exterior door. The padlock should be made of a thick metal and sturdy.

• Bolt

Bolts are also referred to as deadbolts but in this case, we are suggesting that you install a bolt through the tracks of your garage. You’ll have to remember to remove the bolt when coming and going.

• Anchors

Use concrete anchors to prevent the door from being opened from outside.

Garage Door Windows

While our locksmiths at Everett Lock and Key in Everett, Washington would strongly discourage installing a garage door with windows, there are some steps you can take to keep burglars from peering inside. Many thieves want to case out their victim’s home prior to taking the chance of being caught. This means that if you have windows, they can look right inside to see what you have that might be of value to them. Rather than allowing them to do this, we suggest that you tint the window or put something over them from the inside. Even if they make the assumption that you have valuable stored inside your garage, they will be less likely prone to break in without knowing for sure.  They will simply bypass your home and go to a home where they know they have a good chance of getting something of value. We think tinting your windows is an investment that is well worth the effort.

Added Security Features

We already discussed having a security system and how effective it can be to keep burglars out of your home if they try to access it through a door or window. However, there are ways to secure your garage door, if it is not included in your security system.

• Window Grills
• Iron gate
• CCTV
• Rolling codes prevent burglars from stealing your code when you are accessing your garage remotely
• Side door security is also important. If there is a side door that leads into your garage, make sure you add it to your security system. If you cannot add it to an existing security system, make sure it is at least secured with a durable lock.

Bottom Line Security

It really isn’t as difficult as many may think it is to secure your garage door. If you have windows on your garage, make sure no one can see inside. If there is a side door, secure it. If you can add a lock and bar to your garage, do it. Your automatic door opener has tons of features, which make it possible for you to secure your door. You should definitely take the time to consult the manual or consult with a local locksmith who is familiar with the many ways thieves gain access into your home through your garage. They may be able to offer you more suggestions about keeping your garage door secure than we have already highlighted.

If you have loved ones and other valuables that you wish to protect, you can never have too much security for your home. Do yourself a favor by checking your homes level of security, annually. You shouldn’t allow a year to go by without allowing a professional locksmith access the level of security you have in and around your home. They will be able to tell you for certain exactly where there are security breeches and just what it will take to better secure the area. Set aside a budget every year to improve your homes level of security. Securing your garage should be at the top of your ‘to do’ list if it isn’t already. Be proactive and avoid an unpleasant situation from occurring that can ultimately be avoided. Sleep peacefully and maintain your peace-of-mind.

It is very simple to keep your garage secure. Make sure all doors and windows are secure and locked. You can make your automatic door opener more secure by changing the combination to of the electronic lock. Read your owner’s manual or contact the place where it was bought or built to find out how. Add a deadbolt to the door that leads out of the garage as well as to the door between your home and the garage. If you have a window, plant some sort of pointy bush beneath it, so it is difficult and painful to reach the window. Always keep the garage door closed if you are not around to keep an eye on it, even if you are only running out for a short time.

Once you know how to keep your garage secure, you are taking a big step towards keeping your home secure.

Aricle source here: Keeping Your Garage Door Secure

Keyless entry for home; pros and cons

Keyless entry is becoming more and more popular in residential settings. It’s used extensively now in commercial applications all over the world. Here in Everett, WA we are seeing extensive additions for both home and business keyless entry systems and the reasons for that is because they work!

Just like the name implies; keyless entry systems use no keys in order to operate them. The traditional key with a rounded head, and a “blade” with grooves cut into it is replaced with a keypad that accepts a coded sequence of numbers. This can be 4 digits on up and after the correct numbers in the right sequence are punched into the keypad the lock opens.

Entry cards are also used in keyless entry systems. Instead of having to remember a key code the user simply swipes a plastic card with a magnetic strip on the back into the lock. Again, if the card matches, the lock opens.

Residential keyless entry

All these code sequences and plastic cards sound great at a bank or at jewelry store, but at home, too? Yes, there are many great reasons to have keyless entry at home. First of all there is the total lack of keys. If you go out for a jog or to walk the dog and have to carry a key ring, this makes sense. Instead of possibly losing your keys when they fall out of your pocket or having them scratch your smart phone while they are IN your pocket why not simply add your 4 digit code into the door lock and have it open easily once you get back?

Another advantage is the ease in which you can “change the locks” on your door. The old way involving rekeying the locks can get expensive if done over and over. It’s still more affordable than full lock replacement. Using keyless entry however, you simply have the locksmith alter the lock so that a different key code is required. No key cutting involved. This is perfect for landlords or being able to show a house without being there. Previously, a lock box was used to provide a key to prospective tenants or buyers. Realtors also use lock boxes to access keys to homes, condos and apartments for rent or for sale. Even loan officers, repairmen, contractors and cleaning crews can all be given the number sequence now instead of having to use the lock box. Just don’t forget to change the key code later – you just might have some “walk-in” visitors that you weren’t expecting!

Some disadvantages of home keyless entry

No matter how good something is, there will always be disadvantages to it and keyless entry systems are no different. To begin with, key codes can be forgotten. Imagine coming home with a car full of groceries and NOT being able to get them inside your home, much less your refrigerator! You might go out to get the curbside mail and lock the front door as you have small children inside. Why not; you’ll only be gone for a minute or two, and it’s only 20 feet from the house; what harm can it do? Plenty, if you forget the key code!

So what do you do when you want to remember something important? That’s right; you write it down. In this case however, a note or even a scrap of paper with your front door number sequence on it can be downright dangerous if it fell into the wrong hands!

Going keyless? Do it right!

Are you intrigued with the idea of using keyless entry at your Everett, WA home? It might be the right thing for you! Everett Lock and Key invites you to finish reading this post, and then call our shop, or that of your favorite residential locksmith service. We’ll answer your questions, give you some free price quotes and help you decide if using keyless entry is right for you and your loved ones or close associates. Remember to always use a licensed, bonded and insured residential locksmith service; after all; we are talking about your front door security here!

Ready to go high-tech?

You don’t have to be James Bond to achieve greater control over your door locks at home using smart technology. You also don’t have to spend a lot of money either. You can now integrate your smart phone with your home’s keyless entry system for the ultimate in convenience and controlled access. For example, it is now possible to keep your home’s deadbolt in place and have it work together with your keyless entry system and your smart phone so that you can lock and unlock doors remotely, be notified when someone is at your door, and even see and record activity at your door from any location around the world. Systems like these allow use of keys as well as keyless entry as they can be custom made for each customer/user.

Call security!

You may be wondering what happens if someone just stands outside your door and enters code after code in the hopes of eventually getting it right? Not to worry; the manufacturers have thought of that and have measures in place to keep that from happening. If the wrong sequence is entered too many times, your keyless entry device can be programmed to call police, security, the front gate or whoever you designate.

Can keyless entry systems be hacked? Yes! Not easily but it is possible. It’s one of those cases where it has to be worth the hacker’s while to gain access to your home. If you have high end possessions like jewelry, art, cash or antiques, it is best to discuss this with your favorite residential locksmith pros so that the proper security measures can be taken.

Power outages can be another problem. As usual timing is everything and if your keyless entry system does not have a battery back up your door may be “frozen” in the locked or unlocked position until the power returns.

Aricle source here: Keyless entry for home; pros and cons

WHY LOCKS WITH MASTER PINS ARE A BAD IDEA, AND HOW YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR HOME SECURITY

A master key lock is a pin-tumbler lock that allows the lock to be opened with two or more different keys. This is what’s typically used for door locks in buildings with many tenants, such as apartment complexes, office buildings, hotels, and storage facilities. All the occupants are given a key that unlocks only their own door, called a change key. The master key unlocks all the doors in the building.

Master pins are used to pin up locks so that a master key will work as well as a change key. In a school, for instance, the janitor will have a master key that will work for all the classrooms, but each teacher will have a change key, which functions only for a particular classroom. There are also subordinate master keys, which, for instance, open every room on a dorm room floor. Furthermore, grand master keys will open all the rooms in an entire dormitory or office building. Finally, a great grand master key will open all the doors for a whole campus, or every office in a commercial building complex. The higher you go, the more complicated it gets; but in general, the pin stacks in the lock have multiple key pins and master wafers above the key pins, which allows several different keys to work in one lock.

A lock for your home is different. It has only one shear line, meaning that there’s only one possibility for the split to happen between the key pins and the driver pins ~ so only one unique key will work. If you were to introduce master pins into the pin stacks, you would have at least two shear lines for each pin stack with a master pin installed. What does that mean? Basically, it means you just shouldn’t do it. There would be more ways for the lock to be picked, because there are more possibilities of creating a shear line. In a master-keyed lock, some or all of the pin stacks in the lock have three pins rather than two. Between the driver pin and the key pin is a third pin, which is called the spacer pin. Each pin line has two shear points, one where the driver and spacer pins meet, and one where the spacer and key pins meet. The lock will open with two keys ~ one key aligns the first set of shear points; the other key aligns the second set of shear points. The locks are made so that one set of shear points is distinctive to each lock, while the second set is identical in all of the locks. A more secure kind of mechanism has two separate tumblers, each of which is opened by one key.

A basic pin tumbler lock alone is vulnerable to lock picking. The most common method applied by professional criminals is lock bumping and snap guns. To stop this, many better-security cylinders have specialized security pins, designed to catch in the lock cylinder if a bump key or snap gun is used, making it more difficult for an intruder to break in.

For sure, you can expand your security, right now. Criminals usually act out of convenience. If any lock has an obvious visible weakness, it’s an easy target. Combination locks and padlocks are especially susceptible. Some locks are easy to pick or bump, and others are almost impossible to breach. No place is ever totally impermeable, but wherever you are, you can always take measures to enhance your security.

There are so many different kinds of locks, you can’t possibly know about them all. Before installing locks, do your research first. You would also be wise to bring all your questions to a professional locksmith, who can also advise you on your property’s security issues in general. If you’re located any place in Everett, Washington, consider choosing an accomplished mobile professional residential locksmith specialist who can be trusted, such as those on staff 24/7 at Everett Lock and Key.

Upgrade your locks. Any locksmith expert will tell you that deadbolts will augment your home’s security. When it comes to increasing your security, a deadbolt lock will definitely be superior to a traditional lock. There are numerous types of deadbolts. Do your homework. You may want a deadbolt lock that has an interior thumbturn, which can be operated without grasping. You may want to look into a combination door lock or a bump-proof lock. Explore your choices before moving forward.

You can go digital. Is it time to go high-tech? You can replace all your conventional locks with digital door locks. It’s an exceptional way to secure your home, and you won’t have to use any keys at all. Nowadays, keyless locks are offering many new horizons in security technology. They can function with keypads; with remotes; from your smart device; with an alarm system with a remote code; and even with biometrics (fingerprints, hand prints, eye scans, and so forth). Innovations are happening all the time, which may become commonplace before you know it ~ such as ear scans, voice prints, and even heartbeat recognition and DNA sampling! The systems that work with your smart device are ideal when you can’t be at home, because you can monitor everything while you’re away, and be alerted instantly at any sign of an intruder. With some, you can even put timers on lights, TVs, radios, and so on, to make it appear that you’re home, which is an effortless and effective way to prevent burglary.

Most keyless systems include an attractive list of features that provide added safety and convenience. Once you’re accustomed to the system you choose, keyless locks are relatively easy to use. They are also great when you have children, since kids almost never remember to bring their keys, but they can usually remember a simple code number you can agree on. Or, if you’re always frustrated because you’re often losing your keys, then maybe it’s time for you to go keyless.

Aricle source here: WHY LOCKS WITH MASTER PINS ARE A BAD IDEA, AND HOW YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR HOME SECURITY

Prepping, elitist-style: World's super-rich preparing for societal collapse with high-tech security systems, impenetrable homes and bulletproof everything

by: Daniel Barker

(NaturalNews) Do they know something we don't, or are they just paranoid?

Whatever the reason, the world's super-rich are spending millions on high-tech security and the kind of gadgets most of us thought only existed in James Bond films. A recent article in the Evening Standard examines the phenomenon of elites installing expensive, futuristic security systems and devices into their homes and automobiles.

There is a booming industry catering to paranoid billionaires, with companies developing and selling state-of-the-art security technology that would be the envy of even a 007-style secret agent.

For example, a fellow named Heyrick Bond Gunning (no kidding, that's his actual name) is the managing director of a security firm called Salamanca Risk Management, which provides "building and contents protection." The former Grenadier Guards officer and his company are in the business of installing technology such as fingerprint-activated locks and programmable keys for rich clients' families and household staff.

Bond Gunning describes the £1m security system his firm installed for one of its affluent clients:

Inside and outside we installed 24-hour monitored CCTV cameras that are so hi-tech they can tell the difference between a dog, cat and a person. In the garden there are thermal-imaging cameras that can detect heat sources in the undergrowth. One thing intruders can't hide is the heat of their bodies.

Should an intruder evade the cameras or ignore the warnings they automatically broadcast, the property itself is protected by bulletproof glass and alarm sensors in all rooms. There is a bullet, gas and bombproof panic or safe room, with its own food and water, medical supplies and communications, and an impregnable supply of fresh air. Just in case the family cannot make it there in time, key rooms are sealed by reinforced shutters.

Fortresses of the rich and famous

 
Another company profiting from fearful elites is FST21, founded by a former Israeli Major-General named Aharon Ze'evi Farkash, who was once the head of the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate. Farkash's firm specializes in "facial, voice and behavioural recognition technology" that is used to create virtually impenetrable security systems for ultra-rich Londoners.

Companies like these are using amazingly sophisticated technology to give their clients the peace of mind only money can buy. Hidden CCTV cameras that can tell the difference between suspicious and non-suspicious activity and sensors in valuables and artworks that send a signal to lock down a home's doors and windows if someone attempts to steal them are just a couple of examples. These systems, along with other integrated security tech innovations, can turn the homes of those who can afford them into impenetrable fortresses suitable for a super-villain, which some of these people might actually be.

Most of these security devices and systems are based on technologies we've all heard of, albeit in highly advanced forms, but some of the new innovations are seemingly straight out of the realm of science fiction.

DNA-laced tracking mist?

 
For example, it's now possible to have your home outfitted with a system that sprays a "DNA-laced security mist" on intruders who actually manage to evade all the other high-tech gadgets and escape with jewels, artwork or whatever other valuables they managed to take.

The mist contains "unique DNA" that can be detected by ultraviolet light and enables authorities to track a perpetrator back to his home or secret hideout.

Apocalypse Now?

 
The elites' efforts to safeguard their homes, however, is not just limited to burglar-proofing. Apparently, many of these spooked billionaires are also afraid of something bigger and are sparing no expense to make their homes bulletproof and bomb-proof as well.

Are they privy to some secret information, or are they simply living in fear of the day the rest of the population finally becomes sick and tired of their greedy existences?

Article Source: Prepping, elitist-style

Related Article: Terrific Home Security Tips You Should Know About