Panic bars; their importance in commercial properties

Every business operator should know about panic bars and how they can affect your Dorchester, MA business. Like any modern business tool, they have benefits and possible drawbacks, but after reading this post, you’ll know better if they are right for your firm or not.

Panic bars aka push bars

You might know panic bars under another name; push bars. They are also known as crash bars, and exit devices; all the same thing. Here at Dorchester Locksmith we’ve heard them called all of the above at one time or another but these different names all stand for those horizontal metal bars on exit doors that you’ve seen and used hundreds of times. In fact, we bet that you’ve used them so much that you hardly notice them at all or how or why they work so well!

Panic bars have been around since the turn of the century; they were designed for people to exit buildings easier and faster. They work so well and so efficiently that many commercial buildings must have them according to building codes and review board regulations.

With panic bars you don’t have to unlock a door, turn the knob and then open the door to go through it and exit the building. You simply push the bar which simultaneously unlocks the door and opens it and leave!

Panic bars everywhere!

Now you’ll notice panic bars everywhere you go in Dorchester, MA or wherever else you may be. Notice how simple they are to use and how effortlessly the public makes use of them. They are always installed on exit doors that swing out and that are locked from the outside. Notice that there are no door knobs on the outside or inside; only the push/panic bar to handily use when leaving.

You can find (and use) panic bars in movie theaters, restaurants, shopping malls, office buildings, government buildings, car dealerships, hospitals, club houses, warehouses, storage rentals, pet stores, home improvement stores, retirement homes, fast food locations and thousands more! Some panic bars open into hallways that lead to other panic bars as in the case of mall shop back doors leading to an interior hallway and then outside.

Are panic bars a requirement?

They can be! If you are a business leasing your store or building, you probably already have one or more panic bars already. If so, leave them in! They not only work well, they are probably required by the codes and enforcement as well as the fire department. If you are building a commercial location from scratch, be sure to check with your local authorities to see if panic bars are a requirement. Even if they are not; seriously consider using them!

Panic bars work; they just do!

Sure, panic bars offer safety and convenience to those exiting the building but they also offer something else that’s important; better crowd control. If your shoppers or clients have to exit in a hurry, panic bars allow them to do that without the hassles involved in two way traffic through a door with locks and knobs and handles. Emergency drills using panic bars always show dramatic improvement in crowd flow and control. During actual fires, medical emergencies or other events that need fast evacuation panic bars have proven over and over to save lives and prevent further deaths or injuries. This is especially important when there are possible terrorist threats or armed gunmen that can trigger a literal stampede out of the premises.

Let’s talk price

It always seems to come down to money so Dorchester Locksmith wanted to include this section on costs and items to look out for. Like any other commodity, panic bar materials and prices can vary from one dealer or manufacturer to another. You can buy panic bars online and from home improvement stores, contractors, commercial locksmiths, local builders, real estate developers and even from property rehabbers. As always, check around for the best prices and don’t forget to ask about labor charges, warranties and installation fees. Don’t forget volume discounts; you may get one if you need multiple panic bars installed so don’t forget to ask about it. Try and get all price quotes and installation estimates in writing and get several for the best deals.

Taxes and insurance

If you add panic bars to your commercial location you might just qualify for a tax break. It is after all, an upgrade to your business and property and since it is built-in it qualifies as an improvement to the real estate. We are not tax experts here so be sure to check with your own tax professionals about how to do this. You might also qualify for lower insurance premiums as major carriers often offer lower rates for having panic bars installed since they are such reliable safety features. Insurance regulators understand that having panic bars installed reduces injury, death, lawsuits and insurance claims for all involved.

Sometimes they stick

Once in a while panic bars get stuck. This may be when in the locked or unlocked position, but when you are trying to close your store for the night and go home, it’s a problem that you don’t want to have. If you are into do-it-yourself solutions you might try and make your own adjustments. In fact there are many videos online that offer help in doing this. The problem is that depending on the brand and panic bar model involved the online tips may be outdated or ineffective. Besides, as a business person isn’t your time worth more than that? Every local firm needs access to 24-hour commercial locksmith service from a licensed, bonded and insured shop. You can call Dorchester Locksmith or a trusted technician that you’ve used before but we recommend dealing with professionals. You’ll get the repair done faster and have peace of mind in knowing that the job was done correctly and by trained and skilled experts. Besides, save the repair receipt and give it to your accountant later!

A KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM OFFERS MANY ATTRACTIVE BENEFITS

It’s superior to a traditional key. You won’t need to fumble for your keys anymore, hunting around in your pockets or purse. Cutting-edge high-tech keyless entry systems are relatively easy to use. They give you peace of mind, offering more security than what you’ll enjoy with standard keys. 

Are you often losing your keys? Then keyless entry is ideal. Absentmindedness won’t catch you again. You can walk your dog, visit a neighbor, go out for a stroll, or go out jogging, and you won’t have to take along your unwieldy keys. 

Spend less. When you consider the normal circumstances that arise around locks and keys ~ such as moving to a new place; blocking access from a fired employee; taking in a new tenant or roommate; keeping away an ex-spouse; and so on ~ the truth is, a keyless entry system is going to be cheaper overall than periodic rekeying, lock changes, and making new keys. 

You’ll enjoy exceptional security. Because we all want to keep our private data confidential, both at home and in the workplace, there’s increasing concern over identity theft, fraud, and so forth. As a result, keyless entry systems are growing more sophisticated, including such technology as locks requiring biometrics ~ a handprint, a fingerprint, or an eye scan.

If you desire biometrics as an aspect of your keyless entry system, you’ll be totally certain that only the people you want to grant acceptable clearance to will be allowed access to your property. A biometric reader verifies identity by scanning distinctive features. Soon there may be more futuristic identification methods ~ including ear scans, voice recognition, and even DNA sampling and heartbeat identification!

It’s easier for your children. If you have kids who come home from school, forgetting their keys more often than not, with a keyless remote entry system you won’t worry about them being locked out if you haven’t returned home yet. Your child simply has to remember the code, or perhaps just use a fingerprint recognition pad. 

Many keyless locks are remote-controlled, which is helpful if you forget your password. That way, you can still open the lock just by pointing and clicking your remote device.

It’s waterproof and rustproof. Keyless smart locks are obviously digital, using computer chips to function. Thus, these locks are waterproof, so they can never be defused with water.

Just punch in your code. With a keyless entry system, you’ll have a keypad rather than a lock mechanism. Just remember your chosen string of numbers, push the corresponding buttons, and you’ll unlock your door. Some keyless systems allow you to use a key to lock the door when you leave, but you can use the keypad when you return. Nowadays, some allow you to remotely monitor your property 24/7 with your smart phone.

To enter your place, if all you have to do is know your code, you’ll never need to make a spare key for anybody. Just tell people the code, and teach them to use the keypad. Of course, tell only your family and trusted friends! Remember that any person you tell could theoretically share that information with someone else, or even turn against you in the future, and break in sometime later when you’re out. Accordingly, it’s vital that you change your code periodically. Once per month is optimal.

At your commercial building, it’s important that you change the code even more often than monthly, depending upon your line of business ~ once per week, once per day, or even many times per day. In some commercial facilities, there are a variety of keyless entry points that will control access not only from individuals entering and exiting, but also from going into top-security areas of the property. For higher levels of security clearance, a keycard along with a password ~ or biometrics ~ may be required.

A point to remember: Keep in mind that if you choose an electronic keyless entry system, you must always be sure that your battery stays charged. There will be an indicator light or message that will turn on, reminding you if the battery charge is low. If you know you’ll be gone for an extended period, make sure your battery will last until you return home. Your system’s battery backup is absolutely essential, because it will keep doors closed and locked even in a power outage.

A keyless entry system is great for your automobile, too. Many modern vehicles offer the option of starting the engine, as well as opening the doors and trunk, using an electronic keyless remote entry system. Often called a remote keyless system (RKS), or a remote central locking system (RCLS), keyless vehicular entry and operation began in the 1990s, featuring a keypad at the driver’s door, which can be opened only with the correct code, also referred to as the passkey. The numbered passkey evolved on some cars into an even more discreet system that replaced the keypad and numeric code with a specialized key, with additional buttons for activating or deactivating the automobile’s locking mechanism and ignition. 

With any of today’s automotive electronic keyless lock systems, you’ll have the advantage of extra convenience. It’s so easy to open your car doors just by pushing a button. You’ll have extra safety as well: It’s guaranteed that it can’t be hotwired or picked. In most cars these days, if the standard key system is jeopardized, it will sound a loud alert that informs the owner and anyone in the vicinity. Many are also designed to thoroughly lock down the vehicle, thwarting the possibility of forced entry. Some automotive keyless entry systems allow your keys to be linked to your smart device, so you won’t ever risk losing them. It’s a fact: A specialized keyless entry system can genuinely transform the way you operate and protect your car, delivery vehicle, van, or truck.

There are definitely many possibilities to explore. If your home or commercial building is located in Dorchester, Massachusetts, and you’d like to find out more about the benefits of a keyless entry system for your residence, business, or automobile, it would be a good idea to schedule an appointment with a reliable professional, such as one of the mobile locksmith technicians on staff at Dorchester Locksmith.

Tips To Hire A Good Locksmith

No matter where you live, it is important to consider the importance of hiring a locksmith. A lock and security provider that is licensed, reputable and insured can help you to protect your property. They can give you peace of mind that no one else can. And they can make sure that any features you decide to purchase for property protection are installed correctly, so they will not fail. Dorchester Locksmith is a trusted locksmith that serves the Dorchester, MA area but they have been kind enough to provide tips that will be helpful to people everywhere. If you are considering hiring a locksmith in the near future, then keep this advice in mind as it will help you to make the best possible decision. There are always businesses everywhere throwing their advertisements at you, and trying to get you to hire them. Unfortunately, many of these businesses use bogus tactics. Many will make broken promises, and others will go so far as to pay people to write fake reviews for them. It is important that you know exactly what to look for so that when the technician shows up at your front door, you will know that you hired the best person for the job. After all, they are going to be gaining access to your property and belongings. 

Tips To Hire The Best Locksmith

1. Make sure that the business is licensed and insured. Some companies will avoid mentioning anything about licensing and insurance on their web site because they simply do not have any. While not mentioning these things on a web site should not be a deal breaker, it is important that you ask and get proof that the company has the accreditation that they are supposed to have. Otherwise, any random stranger who took the time to create a web site or business card could end up gaining access to your property. This is a scary thought and counterintuitive to what you are actually trying to accomplish.
2. Make sure that if you need 24/7 emergency help, this is something that is offered. Most lock and security providers will make themselves available at all hours because they understand that a person can end up locked out at an inconvenient time. They also realize that business owners sometimes need to get into the office before 9AM when most businesses open up for the day, but they can end up misplacing their key in the hustle and bustle of things. See to it that you are able to get the availability you are looking for when hiring a lock and security professional to assist you.
3. Do your research. This might entail checking reviews online or even just talking to trusted friends, reliable neighbors, colleagues and family who have used the services of a locksmith before. How can you spot a company that has fake reviews? Make a note of the date the reviews are posted. Are there 50 reviews posted in the same day? How likely is it that numerous people went online at the same time to share feedback about one relatively small company? Do they all sound like they were written by the same person? Are the reviews posted exactly one week apart? There are sure signs that indicate reviews might not be real. This is a poor tactic that some companies use to convince unsuspecting customers to hire them. Talking with people directly can prove if a business is reputable or not. So one of the best things you can do is ask around.
4. See if the company offers free price quotes and consultations. A company that really wants your business will do what they can to convince you that they are the best. They will do this by offering free price quotes, which allows you to compare their rate to other businesses in the area. They also take the time to answer any questions in a way that is hassle-free. If they tell you that you have to pay for a few minutes of their time, then this is a red flag that they are more focused on making money than actually protecting your property.
5. Make sure that you find a business which is local. When you have a local locksmith you are using, you can trust that you will be able to get last minute help if it is ever needed. If you hire a locksmith to help during a lockout that isn’t anywhere near you, you are probably going to have to pay an excessive fee for the travel, and you are going to have to wait. When you find someone close by, you can trust you will get fast help.
6. See to it that the company offers plenty of services. Most lock and security providers will offer automotive, commercial and residential solutions, making them a good option for a one stop shop. Common services that are offered include key duplication, rekeying locks, lock installation, keyless entry, lockout help, deadbolt installation, lock repair and more. The more options, the better. You should be offered tips on how to protect your property because the person you are speaking with should have a lot of knowledge and experience. At the very least, during a consultation, you should be able to learn about solutions you knew very little about before.

These are just some of the things to keep in mind when looking to hire the best locksmith in Dorchester, no matter where you are located. Of course, Dorchester Locksmith is convenient to those in Dorchester, Massachusetts but you should be able to find a business that is in your city or at least, that provides service to your city because they are in close proximity. Be sure to pay mind to the individual or local business you are hiring, because this is who you will trust to help you keep your most prized possessions and property safe. Good luck in your hunt for the best locksmith in your area!

Types of Locks for Residential and Commercial Use

It can be overwhelming attempting to find the right commercial or residential locks since there are so many to choose from. However, you’re in luck if you live in Dorchester, MA because Dorchester Locksmith can advise you on the type of lock that would be most appropriate for your needs. It can often be helpful when someone simply spells things out for you. Below you will find a few of the most widely used types of locks used today for both commercial and residential use. Even though you may already be familiar with the most common locks used, such as deadbolt, lever locks, padlocks and knob locks, you may not be familiar with how they work. Knowing how these and others actually work, may help you narrow down your options.

1. Deadbolt Locks

Most people don’t realize that there are three different types of deadbolt locks, double, single and thumb turn deadbolt locks. Single cylinder deadbolt locks are used most commonly in homes. This is when a key cylinder is used on the exterior of the door with the thumb turn on the interior of the door that allows you to open the door. The only downside to this type of lock is that you will always have to have the key to open from either side. This could pose a real safety threat because if you’re unable to locate the key, you won’t be able to unlock the deadbolt. Having a key on the inside of the door is recommended in cases of an emergency. The thumb turn deadbolt offers both the single and the double cylinder. The thumb turns inside functions like a single cylinder deadbolt. The only difference is that a thumb turn deadbolt can be locked with the key. Maximum security is offered when you sue a thumb turn lock.

2. Padlocks

A padlock is a secure lock but it isn’t permanent. They come in various sizes and easily be moved to wherever they are needed. There is a combination padlock or a keyed padlock. When you purchase a combination padlock, you use a sequence of numbers to unlock and lock the padlock. A keyed padlock is offered in rekeyable and non-rekeyable. When you have a non-rekeyable lock, you are not able to change the lock. A key-retaining lock will not enable you to lock the door when the lock is open.

3. Rim/Mortise Locks

You will often find these types of locks are used for commercial doors and in apartments. These two locks are similar in certain areas but use different hardware. The rim cylinder lock is placed on the inside of a door. It has a long metal piece that goes into the back of the lock, which eventually connects with the lock mechanism on the opposite side of the door. A mortise lock has hardware on the inside of the door. The lock uses a cam to connect the locking hardware and is held together by a setscrew. These types come in different lengths and are offered with a different cams depending on the type of mortise hardware that is used.

4. Knob Locks

The knob locks are typically found on the exterior of the home door. These types of locks should not be used as your primary lock. The lock cylinder on a knob lock is situated inside the knob and not inside the door. This means it is easy to break the knob and gain access the lock and unlock features. This type of lock is a lot more useful for doors inside your home and should be used in addition to a deadbolt lock, if used as a primary lock.

5. Lever Handle Locks

The lever handle lock is often installed on the interior door of commercial businesses. They provide easy accessibility by simply pushing down on the handle to open. The lever handle lock makes your business handicap accessible.

6. Wall Mounted Locks

These types of locks are also used for commercial businesses. The come in handy for more than just security. They are also used to store keys used for the business. It isn’t unusual that this type of lock is also used as a safe. The wall-mounted lock is often installed while the building is being constructed. Some wall-mounted locks feature alarm sensors that are able to detect entry that has not been authorized.

7. Jimmy Proof Deadbolts

These types of locks can generally be found on apartment doors. You are not able to make many modifications to the door that this type of lock will be installed on. Since the lock connects to the jamb bracket, it is very hard to force apart. It is easy to install since it screws right into the inside the door. Only a hole needs to be drilled through the door in order to install the rim cylinder.

8. Rim Latch Locks

This lock has a rim cylinder on one side and surface mount latch on the other. This is another lock that is primarily used on apartment complex doors. Again, this wouldn’t be the type of lock that you would want to use as your primary lock without using another more durable type of lock, such as a deadbolt.

9. Interchangeable Core Cylinder

Mostly found on the doors of larger businesses, this type of lock is known for their ability to easily open and rekey. Re-keying this type of lock can occur without taking the lock apart. The only thing that needs to be changed is the core. Two different types of keys will open an interchangeable core cylinder, a standard key and control key. This lock is useful because you don’t need to change the locks hardware in order to change the lock.  The lock can be upgraded at any time. You cannot, however, install this type of lock with a deadbolt lock or locks that do not work with interchangeable core cylinders. This is identified by the figure eight on the outside of the lock.