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.

Is Your Transponder Key Lost? Here’s What You Do!

If you’ve been driving for any length of time, you’ve lost your keys. They may be under the bed or in your pants pocket. They could be buried somewhere in your purse or behind a couch cushion. The most unlikely places can wind up containing your auto keys. Usually, the problem is simple and it turns out the dog ran out the door to bury them or they were behind the coffee pot all along. At other times, having to deal with a lost car key can be both traumatic and even dangerous! What if someone finds it and uses the key to steal your car? What if you have an emergency situation and can’t take someone to the hospital or to an appointment?

Is Losing A Transponder Key Worse?

Before we answer that, consider what a transponder key actually is. Most modern cars use transponder chip keys to start them. This is because it is a fact that using automotive transponder keys cuts down the rate of auto theft by a huge factor.

A transponder is just fancy word for “transmitter.” This is what your transponder key does; it transmits a message to your car’s computer telling it that is safe to go ahead and start. It does this by using a chip embedded in the head of the transponder key. When you turn the transponder key in the ignition, it sends an electrical signal to your engine and if that signal matches the one from your vehicle’s computer, your car starts! It’s ingenious really, and the rate of car theft has plummeted since car manufacturers have been using this system of car key programming. What does all this have to do with losing your keys? Lots!

Replacing Lost Keys

Losing your ordinary keys or non-transponder car keys is bad enough. You suffer through the worry and stress of having to do without your keys like we mentioned above. In Dorchester, Ma there are hundreds of places where you can have keys of all types cut or duplicated on demand. These include home improvement stores, locksmith shops, mobile handymen, mail centers, convenience stores, hardware stores and dozens more. You simply present your key to any one working there with key making experience and soon, you have (usually) a working, brand new key.

Except For Transponders!!

Remember that programmable chip embedded in your transponder key head? The good news is that it too can be duplicated and copied for your convenience and use. The BAD news is that most all of the key cutting locations mentioned above are useless for this task and the cost of dramatically higher for this type of key. Can Dorchester Locksmith help? We can! But first, let’s discuss your other options so that you can see the real value in working with our licensed, bonded and insured automotive locksmiths.

Call The Dealer!

Or not! Most people think to go through their car dealer to get a copy of their transponder key. Even many key making locations will urge you to do just that. This is because they don’t know any better and for many, this is how it’s always been done. In reality, it’s not that easy. Your car dealer doesn’t have a copy of your particular key handy at all times. No; they have to program your new transponder key to match the signal in your car’s computer. Wait; it gets better! If you don’t have an ignition key – you can’t drive your car, remember? Now you are facing a big towing fee on top of your new transponder key duplication and programming from your car dealer! Worse still, your dealership will simply call their locksmith in, and have them do the programming and duplication work. Now, you’ve got middle men and their bills all over the place (car dealer, tow truck, dealer locksmith, etc.)

“I Get It; Call A Locksmith!”

That’s a start. Not all locksmiths are experienced or trained in programming transponder chip keys. In Dorchester, MA be sure to call a licensed, bonded and insured automotive locksmith. Dorchester Locksmith is always pleased to help but you don’t have to use our service. An experienced and skilled locksmith trained in automotive lock and key services can come directly to your location saving you tow charges and lots of time. Many offer same day service and even 24-hour emergency help. Eliminate all the middleman charges and go directly to the source for the best in transponder chip key programming and duplication.

Helpful Tips

You don’t have to wait until you lose your transponder key in order to have a copy made. You can order one or more made at any time and have them for safekeeping or for emergencies. A trusted neighbor or family member can be get one and if the situation calls for it; they can be notified and bring one over to you. If you don’t have anyone you feel comfortable doing this with, save a transponder key where you can access it easily and where it won’t be easily discovered.

Here at Dorchester Locksmith we DON’T recommend the old “key under the mat” trick or in the flower pot, either! Burglars count on you to place your spare keys there. Don’t make burglary or car theft easy for them. Instead, hide your transponder key copy where you can find it and NOT the neighborhood crook!

If the idea of having a spare transponder key “out there” bothers you or if you don’t want to spend the money (affordable through a locksmith) to have an extra one made, then at least keep the phone number to a reputable automotive locksmith in Dorchester stored in all of your mobile devices. If you don’t ever need it or use it: fine. But if you suddenly do, that phone number is right at your beck and call and ready for you to use. If your locksmith shop is full service and has 24-hour access, all the better! If you’d like to know more about transponder keys, Dorchester Locksmith offers free price quotes, free consultations and 24/7 service at the very best rates!

Aricle source here: Is Your Transponder Key Lost? Here’s What You Do!

Security system watches over your home without cameras

by Jon Fingas , @jonfingas

You don't have many great choices for home security systems right now. Conventional systems are expensive and effectively fixed in place, while connected cameras are conspicuous and carry the risk (however small) that someone might spy on you. Xandem thinks it has a better way, however. It's crowdfunding a security system that uses motion-detecting wireless mesh networking (previously the stuff of research) to alert you to intruders. It only requires plug-in nodes to work, and the resulting radio frequency web can both travel through objects and follow subjects. If all goes well, you're getting more complete coverage that stays hidden and reduces the chance of a false positive -- you can even track motion in apps or the web to see if it's a burglar or just a family member who got home early.

Xandem isn't cheap up front: you're looking at a minimum $475 pledge to get a 10-node system, and $575 for 15 nodes. However, early bird buyers get the accompanying cloud service free for life. Even the latecomers skip the $120 yearly subscription for the first year. That's potentially a big discount if you're both aiming for broad coverage and plan to use the service for a long while. You won't get yours until August, assuming the project meets its funding goals, but your patience may pay off if you don't think existing home security technology cuts the mustard.

Article Source: Security system watches over your home without cameras

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