WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR LOCKS?

There are times when things will go wrong with locks and keys. Despite the fact that a superior locksmith in Fort Lauderdale will be available even if it’s after hours, it’s still better to be pro-active instead, so that you will prevent the possibility of most mishaps.

Protecting your home is obviously very important. We all want our place of residence to be a sanctuary, a safe space where you will always feel secure and comfortable. Accordingly, it’s essential to keep all your locks in tiptop condition. Make sure that your front-door locks ~ and any other outdoor locks ~ are always functioning properly, with excellent durability. You’ll keep your loved ones and valuables well guarded when your locks are tough and resilient.

Important Points to Consider 

Rusty Locks

You and your family go in and out the door so many times every day, all day long. As time goes by, locks eventually get worn-out or even rusted, which means they will break easily. If you see any signs of rust, you’ll notice that you’re encountering difficulties placing the key into the lock mechanism, or maybe you can’t even turn the key at all. If this happens, replace the lock. 

A New Home

If you move into a new home, you must replace the locks right away. Since you never know who may still be in possession of an old key to your place, it’s critical that you get your locks changed.

New Roommates or New Tenants

If you rent out space in your apartment or house, or if you have any rental properties, the same rule applies. You must absolutely replace the locks, every time you change occupants. Even if the last residents returned their keys, you cannot be totally certain that they didn’t keep spare copies. If a break-in ever were to happen, you don’t want to have any doubts about former tenants. Keep your property effectively fortified when you have the most reputable and durable locks. 

Deadbolts

If you feel susceptible to an intruder for any reason, and you desire to enhance your home’s security, any locksmith professional worth their salt will advise you to install deadbolts.

Normal Wear and Tear

Worn-out or rusted locks are a major weakness in your security. They get increasingly difficult to open as time passes. Old or rusted locks are easier for an expert criminal to pick and break. If a lock has bad tarnish, rust, or if you notice any other signs of wear, it’s likely time to replace it. If your lock is growing more difficult to open with your key day by day, particularly in cold weather, then you ought to replace it. 

Combination Locks

Do you often lose your keys? Then you may want to think about replacing your regular lock with a combination lock. A combination door lock can be opened using a code number you choose. If the combination input ever malfunctions, or if you ever forget or misplace your code, don’t despair, because most combination locks also have a keyed lock. Change the combination if you ever think that its access may have been compromised, just as you would replace a standard lock if you lost your keys.

Lost Keys

It may take you awhile to admit it, but if you know that your keys are really lost for good, then you need to change your locks as soon as possible. All your exterior locks, which could allow an intruder access, should be replaced. After your outdoor locks are completely secured, then replace any inner locks in the order of your personal security preferences. 

Stuck Keys

Your key can actually get stuck, or even break off, inside a lock mechanism. If there is any issue with an internal lock mechanism, a key will not slide into the lock as effortlessly as it should. If there is any resistance when you turn your key, take it as a sign: It is time to replace the lock. 

Damaged Locks

If your locks are tampered with, vandalized, or otherwise damaged, then it is time to get new locks. Don’t take risks with your security! Replace your locks now. Don’t keep a damaged lock for any significant amount of time, because it will make you vulnerable to additional problems, and make it easier for a robber to get in. 

Break-ins

If the worst happens, and you are burglarized, it’s imperative that you immediately replace your locks. The force involved in the process of a break-in will compromise the lock mechanism’s integrity. A damaged lock will also put you at a greater risk of another theft. What’s more, mechanical failure could easily leave you locked out. You never know if your keys may have fallen into the wrong hands. So replace all your locks as soon as you can. 

Peace of Mind

Your locks do not necessarily have to show visible signs of damage for you to have to replace your locks. Over time, you may forget how many friends, family members, and neighbors have been given spare copies of your keys. Therefore, to expand your level of security, it’s a good idea to replace the locks periodically to maintain your home. You’ll thus have peace of mind, knowing that you are keeping your possessions and loved ones extra safe. 

Going Digital

Do you want to go high-tech? Replace all the conventional locks with digital door locks. This is an ideal way to secure your home, without needing keys at all. Keyless locks have opened new horizons in home security technology. They function with smart devices or remotes; alarm systems with remote codes; keypads; biometrics; and so on. As soon as you get accustomed to it, keyless locks are fairly easy to use. Most include an attractive selection of features that provide additional safety and convenience.

If you’re located any place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and you need to track down a trusty professional Fort Lauderdale locksmith, you may want to think about hiring a mobile expert locksmith on staff at Optimal Locksmith Pro.

Optimal Locksmith Pro: Common Transponder Key Problems

Since 1995, vehicles are required by law to have an immobilizer system. Part of this includes a computerized security mechanism which can only be activated using a transponder key.

A combination between the words transmitter and responder, a transponder key relies on a small microchip embedded in its plastic head. Don’t confuse these with automotive remotes, though: the keys have many more functions. Auto remotes, by definition, only serve to open and close the door, whereas your transponder chip is supposed to operate the entire vehicle. As a matter of fact, many transponder key models are actually fitted with auto remotes themselves.

While we’re on the subject of keys, it’s also important to remember that not all keys are transponder. Flat metal keys operate solely through the mechanical cuts, and are recommended alongside your transponder as well (it’s always a good idea to have a spare key for your vehicle in case your primary one malfunctions).

But how do transponder or chip keys work? Basically, the chip fitted into the head of the key emits a special radio frequency that matches a pre-programmed ignition code. The door will only open, and the car will only power on, if it receives the right signal from the key – meaning that it is very difficult to break into a car with this type of mechanism in place.

Needless to say, these types of keys offer an invaluable amount of security. With that said, there is always the off chance you may face an occasional glitch. So here are a few problems to look out for, and what to do in each situation.

• You have a dead or dying battery

This is by far the most common transponder key problem around. Not all transponder keys are operated by microchips and batteries – but if yours is, read on.

Initially, identifying if your issues are the results of a flat battery can be tricky. If you need to press a button multiple times to get the door to work, you could be dealing with either a dying battery or a programming glitch. The best way to figure out which is the most likely culprit is to use an alternative key – if that works, the problem is definitely with the battery.

• If you’ve lost your transponder key

As much as we try to take care of our valuables, there’s always a chance that things will get lost. Especially when it comes to small components like keys, which can easily fall out of your pocket, or even get misplaced while you were going about your day. Remember what we said earlier about having a spare key on your person? That tends to help in this scenario. A locksmith will have all the specialist equipment to duplicate it for you, so you won’t need to fork out an extensive amount of cash getting one from your dealership. If you don’t have an extra copy and you need to replace your transponder key, a locksmith can do that as well.

What you’ll need in this case is your car’s chassis number, which should be listed in your car’s registration documents, and the transponder chip code which would have been given to you upon purchase. If you don’t have the latter, the automotive locksmith you have hired will need to reprogram either the vehicle’s transponder system or just the ECU unit (in some cases, only the latter is required).

• Your key is no longer transmitting the right signal

Like we said, a car with a transponder system won’t work unless it receives the right transmission. So for this scenario, you will need to reprogram your key to match the car’s code (in some cases you may need to reprogram the car’s system itself, like in the point above). If you can still access your car, quickly rev your engine on and off eight times in less than ten seconds – this should prompt the car to reprogram the key for you. No luck? You’ll need to get the pros to reprogram it for you.

• The chip has been damaged

If replacing the battery and reprogramming the transponder show no improvements, you are likely dealing with a damaged chip. In this situation, you may actually need to buy a new transponder key. While locksmiths tend to be the cheaper alternative, this is one of those situations where you should consider going to the dealership itself – that way, you will be able to deactivate the old key so that nobody can access your car. This is a matter of preference, though: a locksmith will help you in this area too.

How can a locksmith help with my transponder key problems?

We’ve already touched on many of the services you can get from a qualified auto locksmith professional. Not only will they provide you with affordable solutions, but they can also help you 24/7 during emergencies. Just to be on the safe side, it’s always best to keep a few locksmith business names handy before you need to call them for an automotive emergency – be it with a transponder key or with any other part of your car’s security.

You should always hire a locksmith that is locally-based, and who has an address you can physically verify. It’s always recommended that you consult with an expert in person: this is a service most professionals offer to their customers free of charge. Things you should always double check include:

• License and insurance information
• Client references in the area
• Full cost breakdown of the services you are looking for
• A price quote for after-hours services (most locksmiths tend to charge extra for these)

Take the time to shop around and don’t hire a Fort Lauderdale locksmith who pressures you into making a hasty decision.

Optimal Locksmith Pro is always here to help car owners in Fort Lauderdale, FL. We specialize in all things transponder as well as offering an array of automotive services. Our licensed and insured professionals are more than happy to consult with you about your issues, and will gladly answer all questions you may have prior to taking our services on board.

Now you know a bit more about your transponder keys, you will be able to make a wise decision when it comes to resolving some of the most common issues.

15 Reasons to Get A Surveillance System for Your Business

You’re able to protect your business with the right type of security. It doesn’t matter if your business is big or small, security is a necessity if you want to be sure your investment pays off. One of the most widely used types of security involves the installation of a surveillance system. With a basic surveillance system, the activity in or around your business is caught on camera. With more advanced surveillance systems, they offer more than the basic surveillance system. It may be worth your while to exam these additional feature if you’re considering a surveillance system.

With a more advanced system, you will save time and money overall. In addition to saving you time and money, there are a ton of advantages that are available to you. We have listed 15 of them right here:

Advantages of a Video Surveillance System

1. Improvement in Work Production

When your employees know that there are cameras installed, they are less likely to waste time while on the clock. Departments are also capable of communicating more effectively if they know what is happening in another part of the building.

2. Improved Safety and Security

When the surveillance cameras are installed in the right places within your business, it helps to deter theft and can break-ins. People are simply less reluctant to take chances for fear of being caught in the act.

3. Better Employee Relations

This can help cut down on disagreements. If employees are expected to be somewhere at a specific time, the camera will be able to let you know if they were where they were supposed to be and not somewhere else.

4. No False Claims

If a visitor or employee try’s to make a claim that they were injured while on your premises, there is a camera that can serve as proof. The footage captured will let you know if their claim is true or not.

5. Real-time Monitoring

Specific areas of your business can be monitored. The best part is that they can be monitored from your computer or even your cell phone, in real-time.

6. Digital Storage

With an IP-based video system, business owners also receive digital storage. Video foot con be stored digitally on the company’s very own servers or hard-drives. This makes footage accessible to others when needed. Resolution of certain matters is handled more effectively and quickly with video footage.

7. Prevent Theft

In some instances it is most helpful to have visible video cameras present to prevent break-ins.

8. Improved Reputation

When you have video surveillance cameras installed, it provides your customers with an improved image of your business. It also sends the message that you care about your business and your customers. Employees also feel more comfortable.

9. Security and Safety

With cameras, it gives business owners peace-of-mind in knowing there employees are safe and that sensitive information is secure. Bad behavior is minimized along with violence and vandalism. If this type of behavior displayed, the situation can be handled quickly because of the evidence of misconduct caught on video.

10. Monitor Visitors

People sometimes confuse what control access offers. While some controlled-access systems are offered with a surveillance system, not all of them have this capability. If yours doesn’t offer this features, you might want to consider investing. Despite having access control, you can also physically see who has been in and out of your business at any particular time. If someone happens to leave without signing out, at least you have a picture of them, which can be seen on camera.

11. Crowd Control

If your business receives a lot of foot traffic, having a surveillance camera installed is a good idea. When a camera is visible, people are less likely to get out-of-control and incidents are minimized. If someone does happen to get out of control, the footage will let you know exactly who it was.

12. Visual Proof

If there is ever any criminal activity at your business, it can all be nipped in the bud by having a surveillance camera installed. You’ll have evidence that there is something taking place at work that shouldn’t be.

13. Remote Property Monitoring

Now this affords users another level of security. When you have a camera installed, you can monitor it from your laptop or your cell phone. This means that you can pull out your phone or your laptop, wherever you are to see what is happening at your business. When you have an IP system, the footage can be played back and watched at any time that you like. More than one type of video monitoring is available to businesses.

14. Secure Exiting and Entering

When there are a lot of people exiting or entering one location at the same time, it can become a volatile situation. With video surveillance installed in the entryways, it can help monitor the situation and alert your security to the potential for a bad situation to occur. They can thwart off a potentially dangerous situation with the help of a surveillance camera. Besides, if someone is harmed on your premises, you might be help responsible for whatever happens. You are capable of protecting yourself with the added feature of a surveillance system.

15. Security for the Building

If you have restricted areas, they should certainly be monitored. The best way to monitor these areas is with a video surveillance camera. Breaches in security happen all the time. When you have a disgruntled employee, the last thing you want to happen is for them to come back inside and cause harm to anyone. You can remove the possibility of their gaining access again by having surveillance installed.

While some people see a surveillance system as being far too much, at Optimal Locksmith Pro in Fort Lauderdale, FL, we do not think you can ever have too much security. In most cases, people do not have enough security in place to protect themselves and others.

Your Safe is Jammed – what do you do?

You have a safe for one reason – to keep your valuables, well, safe! No one can dispute that a locking safe does just that, but what happens when you can’t open it? Ironic isn’t it? Now your cash, documents and jewelry are “safe” from you, too! Don’t worry; there are solutions! Optimal Locksmith Pro offers a few in this post so be sure and read this through and call our shop for a free, no-obligation consultation and more information.

Do you know how many safes there are in the greater Fort Lauderdale, FL area? Thousands and thousands. Once in a while these trusty locking boxes don’t open so it’s best to know what to do in these cases.

Often, people buy antique safes or safes at auctions or estate sales. Many times these safes do not have combination codes or keys to them and are sealed shut. An experienced safe technician or locksmith can get the safe open without damage and be able to provide a new working combination or install a new lock on it so that the new owners can start enjoying its use and protection.

Forget Brute Force!

Optimal Locksmith Pro NEVER recommends smashing your way back into your safe! Sure, being locked out is frustrating and all, but damaging a safe is not the answer! You can destroy the safe completely and incur large repair bills so try and keep calm and forego the temper tantrum!

Don’t Damage The Contents!

Smashing, prying and blasting your way into a safe is not only dangerous and damaging to the safe itself, it can also put your safe’s contents at risk. Think about it; safes contain important items like cash, jewelry, titles, appraisals, flash drives, software, receipts, treasured mementoes, documents, insurance papers, and even weapons. The main reason you put those items into the safe was to protect and preserve them.

So What Do You Do?

Your best choice is to get help from the professionals. This may sound expensive and a hassle but it doesn’t have to be! Just be sure to call the right Fort Lauderdale, FL source and you’ll see. Your first thought might be to call a shop that specializes in safes. Beware! The majority of these shops really specialize in SELLING safes. If you need them installed or repaired, they almost always outsource the job to someone else. That in itself is not bad except that you are now incurring extra bills by adding middle-men to the task. Usually these safe shops simply call THEIR locksmith and add the bill to their own. You can save the extra cost and time involved by calling your own locksmith shop that specializes in safe installation, repair and service. If you don’t already have one, give our Optimal Locksmith Pro location a call. We offer fast responding, 24-hour service that includes professional service for your home or commercial safe. We can open/repair any make or model of safe no matter what size it is or what material it is made of.

Whoever you call to help open your safe, they will ask you for some basic information about it, including manufacturer and model number, or type. You’ll need to describe the problem other than “it won’t open.” You can tell them you forgot the combination or the dial is not working, or that the hinges appear to be sticking. It’s always wise to have your warranty information, purchase receipts and maintenance records handy as well. Being organized like this can save hours of time if you are in a hurry to access your safe’s contents. Don’t laugh; we’ve had customers that needed fast cash or documentation to close a deal and every minute counted!

Is Your Safe Electronic?

When you call for repair or service, you’ll be asked if your safe is electronic. Here in Fort Lauderdale, FL we have a mixture of both, so it’s best that you know what your safe is. Another name for electronic safes is digital safes. Because there are more parts involved, they tend to break more often than “regular” safes. Also, these safes work much like the keyless entry system on cars – if someone attempts too many combinations or codes in an attempt to gain access, the system shuts down as a safety precaution; usually for up to 24-hours.

Sometimes the electronic circuitry shorts itself out and this too can prevent your safe from opening. In addition, the battery unit or other power source may fail. An experienced and skilled safe expert like ours here at Optimal Locksmith Pro will be able to rapidly discover the problem and be able to repair it.

Final Tips

Your safe needs to be maintained, cleaned, and lubricated on a regular basis; at least annually. Like anything else with parts, this makes your safe work better and last much longer. Many Fort Lauderdale, FL lock and key shops offer this service as does our firm. Feel free to call and speak to our Optimal Locksmith Pro friendly staff about your particular safe needs and issues. We offer free consultations, free price quotes, and convenient mobile service that comes directly to your location, and works on site.

Your safe is valuable on its own merit. Sure, you use it to store and protect your valuable items, but consider that you also have an investment in this hardware item itself. As such, it deserves the best care and treatment. If your safe is used for business purposes it can sometimes be a tax deduction, so be sure to treat it as an investment and speak to your tax professional regarding how to list and report its purchase, and maintenance. Whether you store cash and gems in your safe or just keep treasured photos and family heirlooms in it, a working and well maintained safe is always an asset to your security and valuables. It’s always worth the best treatment, so be sure to call on Optimal Locksmith Pro or your favorite Fort Lauderdale, FL lock professional in order to get it.

Watch This Video To Learn More About Our Services!

Just do it! Call Optimal Locksmith Pro at (954) 376-7373, we have what it takes to get you the help that you need for your automotive, commercial, residential and emergency locksmith service needs. Don’t accept just any type of lock and key service; get the best. When you are seeking the services of the best and most effective locksmith service in Fort Lauderdale, you’re sure to be able to receive it from Optimal Locksmith Pro. Getting you the best quality of services in Fort Lauderdale is possible when you turn to our locksmiths for your service needs. Make sure you’re able to get your money’s worth by getting your locksmith service needs attended to by our service technicians. We train our locksmiths to handle even the worst lock and key problems.

THERE ARE MANY KINDS OF LOCKS AVAILABLE

If you’ve been looking to buy the best locks for your home or business, it can be daunting trying to find what’s exactly right for you. There is virtually an endless list of various types of locks: pin-tumbler locks, wall-mounted locks, bump-proof locks, high-security cylinders, lever-handled locks, interchangeable core cylinder locks, padlocks, cam locks, rim locks, mortise locks, doorknob locks, key-in-knob cylinder locks, combination locks, keycard locks, switch locks, deadbolts, biometric locks, and on and on. Some of the most recognized brands are:

• Ace
• American
• Arrow
• ASSA
• Baldwin
• Ilco
• Falcon
• Kwikset
• Master
• Medeco
• Primus
• Schlage
• Yale

When it comes to protecting your property, any expert locksmith will tell you that the best line of defense is to install deadbolt locks. The reason these premium locks are called “dead” is because they don’t have springs to operate the bolt; in other words, a deadbolt is operated manually ~ with a thumbturn or key.

Locksmith professionals most commonly recommend that you install deadbolts on all your outside doors. There are a good number of deadbolt types. The most well-known deadbolts are jimmy-proof, single-cylinder, double-cylinder, and lockable thumbturn.

• A jimmy-proof deadbolt is a surface-mount lock, which you’ll often see in an apartment building and on double doors. A surface-mount lock means that the lock screws inside the door, instead of with an intricate drill pattern, like an ordinary deadbolt. A jimmy-proof deadbolt is popular because only minor door modifications or required. In this type of deadbolt, the deadbolt interlocks with the jamb bracket. It’s a dependable lock that’s not easily pulled apart and quite difficult to force from the outside.

• A single-cylinder deadbolt lock is a regular deadbolt lock with a key cylinder on the outside, and a thumbturn on the inside to open or close it. This kind of deadbolt is typically used on a solid metal or wooden door. Its only drawback is that if there’s any access to the inside (such as through a window that’s in or near the door) then the door can be opened using the thumbturn.

• A double-cylinder deadbolt goes farther. This kind of deadbolt has a key cylinder both on the inside and on the outside of the door. Therefore, if it’s locked, the double-cylinder always requires a key to open the door from the inside. It’s the best choice if you have a door with any glass in it, or if there is a window nearby, because a burglar can’t break the glass and reach in to unlock it. Its one minor downside is that you’ll have to remember to always keep an extra key available on the inside, whenever people are home, so everyone will be able to get out of the house safely in case of fire or any other emergency.

• Let’s take a look at the lockable thumbturn deadbolt, which is basically a combination of the single-cylinder and the double-cylinder deadbolt. This deadbolt provides optimum security and flexibility. With a thumbturn on the inside, it works just like a single-cylinder deadbolt, but you can lock it with a key, so that the thumbturn won’t unlock or lock the door, unless you have the key, too. Furthermore, the thumbturn can be left in the unlocked position while people are inside, but it will still work like a standard single-cylinder deadbolt. That means, whenever you leave, especially if you’ll be away for a long time, the thumbturn can be easily locked.

These are all smart choices in deadbolts ~ but there are plenty more. Topnotch locksmith professionals also recommend the following deadbolt types: rim, mortise, vertical, keyless, and digital.

• Easy to install, the rim deadbolt is bolted to the inside face of the door. The great thing about this kind of deadbolt is that it automatically locks behind you whenever you shut the door, so you can’t ever forget to lock it. (If you often forget your keys, you may not like this one so much!)

• A mortise deadbolt is an excellent choice, because it’s not easily tampered with. Rather old-fashioned in style, you can install this sort of deadbolt in a mortise or recess pocket, cut in the door’s edge. It indeed has extra resilience; but its shortcoming is that you have to penetrate the door frame to make a large hole, which means it may slightly weaken the structure of the door.

• A vertical deadbolt lock is bolted to the inside face of the door, like the rim deadbolt is; but it’s placed on top of the door, making it impossible for an intruder to force it open by placing a bar between the frame and the door. This type of deadbolt is also a cinch to install. A small disadvantage to both the vertical deadbolt and the rim deadbolt is that they’re rather bigger than normal, so some people think they’re unattractive.

• A keyless deadbolt lock is mounted on the inside of the door, but it has a keypad instead of a keyhole. It unlocks when you type in your secret code, rather than turning a key. Since you don’t use a key at all, you won’t ever have to worry about losing your keys again. Another benefit is that, to optimize security, you can change the passcode as often as you wish.

• A digital deadbolt is similar to a keyless deadbolt, with a keypad; but this type requires electricity or batteries. Make sure you always keep the batteries charged, or you’ll be in big trouble in case of a power outage! Another disadvantage to such electronic devices is that there’s a slim chance it could be hacked.

We’ve given you a simple overview here. There are dozens more kinds of locks, one to fit every purpose and locale. If you want to make smart decisions about the ideal locks for your place of residence or your commercial property, it’s good to hire a local Fort Lauderdale reliable locksmith. If you live anywhere in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you might want to make an appointment with a dependable locksmith such as the mobile experts on staff at Optimal Locksmith Pro, where free consultations are available.

Optimal Locksmith Pro: What Do Locksmiths Do?

Do you really know the type of help that you can get from a locksmith?

There is more to it than cutting keys, replacing locks, helping you when you’re locked out. These days, locksmiths tend to focus on the holistic side of security. Locksmiths are licensed and insured, meaning that they are fully qualified to provide you with guidance and the right solutions when it comes to all kinds of security issues. So you can rely on these professionals to be able to help you select a safe to protect your valuables, install security systems in your home or commercial building, and help ensure all of your security components (from locks to keyless entry and beyond) are installed properly and working as they should.

As you can see, locksmith services these days cover a lot of ground. In order to help you get a better understanding of the type of work that we do, here is an overview of the different types of services locksmiths are most likely to offer.

Emergency help

The vast majority of locally-based locksmith businesses will provide 24/7 assistance for lock and key emergencies. Not quite sure what that means? Don’t worry, we’ll tell you.

Lockouts tend to be the most common occurrence that locksmiths will attend to on a day to day basis. Whether you find yourself locked out of your car, home, commercial building, or any type of property that needs unlocking, you can count on a 24/7 locksmith service to provide you with the right type of assistance straightaway. The lock and key business you have hired will dispatch a certified professional as soon as they receive your phone call – as one should expect with an emergency service of any kind.

But that’s not the only urgent scenario locksmiths may attend to. It may well be that you are locked inside a building, for instance – in which case, you should be able to call a locksmith and they will be able to get you out. Or, you may have come back to your property to see it has been broken into – that’s where locksmiths can come to your location to provide you with repairs and replacements for any locks and security systems that have been impaired in the process.

We need to emphasize here that a local operator is the best choice in emergency situations. Not only will they get to you a lot quicker, you will also save yourself the hassle of being charged for travel expenses. The best way to avoid this is to keep the number of your trusted local locksmith business in a safe location that you can easily access if you are even in need of urgent assistance.

Automotive security

If you own a car, then this is something that you will benefit from knowing. Locksmith service providers will be able to help you save money in the long haul with some of their services. For instance, instead of going into your car dealer to replace a lost transponder key you can go directly to a locksmith who will do it for a cheaper price. Similarly, if your key is ever stuck in ignition you can count on the help of an auto locksmith – these professionals will have extensive amounts of experience working with all kinds of vehicles and will be able to replace any faulty ignition cylinders when they come to assist.

Locksmiths will also have all the machinery needed to program smart keys and transponder keys; will be able to produce protective features like installing locks and high security sidewinders; and will be able to help you with faulty car doors.

Residential protection

Homeowners can request an array of services from a residential lock and key service provider. What’s even better is that locksmiths can help you along each and every stage of property ownership.

Just moved into a brand new house? Your locksmith can replace your old locks for you. In fact, this is highly recommended for all dwellings, as you never know how many people have spare keys for your home.

Maybe you’re already settled, but feel like you could use a security enhancement? Among the various options you could request from your residential locksmith include deadbolts, keyless entry systems, intercoms, garage door locks, master keys, CCTV installations and so much more.

If you own a gun or need to protect some documents and valuables, locksmiths will have a variety of residential safe options that you can select from. They will even install these and help you get everything set up according to your preference.

Commercial property security

Likewise, business owners can always count on their commercial locksmiths to help them keep all of their belongings secure. Often there is a lot at stake in commercial security, and the type of protection that locksmiths provide reflects that demand.

As such, business owners can choose from a very diverse set of services. For the protection of documents, money or valuables, there are safes and filing cabinet locks; to keep the whole building protected there are access control systems, panic bars, locks and hardware; for urgent services there are break-in repairs and safe unlocking assistance; and various other services to fit with all commercial specifications.

One final point

Keep in mind that not all locksmith businesses are equal. Some may choose to provide you with all of the services above, while others may decide to go on a highly specialized direction. Make sure to inquire with a couple of locksmith businesses in your area before you decide on hiring a professional – that way, you know exactly what services you can get from different businesses and at what cost.

Optimal Locksmith Pro is just one of the reliable lock and key businesses who can help those readers living in Fort Lauderdale, FL. As for everyone else, we hope that we have made it easier to understand the type of services you can expect from your local locksmith service provider. With this basic knowledge handy, you should feel confident that you will be able to find the right professional to help you protect your assets.

Evaluating Your Home Security

When you are about to move into a new home, you probably have a checklist of things you need to do. When you’re making out your checklist we would advise you to include an evaluation of your home security features. If you want to know that you and your loved ones are safe when you lock the door behind you at night, take a little time to make sure that you have all that you’ll need to remain safe inside your Fort Lauderdale, FL home.

There are already enough things that you have to worry about when you move. Are there any infestation problems that you aren’t aware of, do hazardous gases exist, are the locks durable enough to withstand an attempted burglary. All of these are valid concerns and should definitely be considered when you’re about to move into a new home. Taking the time to make sure that all of these things and more are properly considered before moving in could save you from having to deal with a tragedy later. Instead of calling a locksmith, such as, Optimal Locksmith Pro to change your locks, pull out your checklist first and see how you can effectively improve upon your existing security.

Here are a few things to add to your checklist:

Evaluating Your Existing Deadbolt Locks

If you are aware of just how useful deadbolt locks are, you’ll like have them on the doors in your new home. Most people have them as an added source of protection. However, when you move into a new home, the deadbolt locks that are already there may not be the ones that you would buy yourself. The ones that are there may not be designed with the best quality of materials and might not work for your needs. We would suggest that the deadbolt lock you have on your door is made of steel. Anything softer wouldn’t be suitable as a deadbolt lock. If the existing lock is not made of steel, you should replace it with one that is. Make sure that the bolt of your deadbolt goes into the doorframe by one inch. If it does not go in at least one inch, it can be easy to pry open.

A tapered cylinder or free-spinning cylinder is best. If it is not this type, it will be possible for someone to use a wrench to force open the lock. The most common deadbolt lock is a single cylinder lock. This is because they do not require a key to open the lock on both sides. A double cylinder deadbolt lock, while just as durable, can pose a real threat to your safety if there is an emergency and one of the keys cannot be found. Instead, opt for a single cylinder and avoid the possibility of being trapped inside during an emergency. The deadbolt lock is not going to be of use to anyone unless it is used. Make sure you are in the habit of using the deadbolt lock in order to remain safe.

Evaluate the Exterior Doors of your Home

If you’re trying to determine if the deadbolt locks are quality locks, it might be necessary to first make sure the doors that they are installed on are strong and secure. It would defeat the purpose in having deadbolt locks installed if someone could simply kick in the door to gain access inside. Make sure the exterior doors of your home are solid core. This means they are solid through and through. This type of door is heavy and is able to withstand more pressure. It is also the type of door that offers maximum fire protection. If your door is a hollow core door, consider swapping it out for a solid core door. The hollow core doors are not has heavy and this type of door is generally used on interior doors. One of the many doors that is often neglected is the interior door that leads from your house to the garage. Have a solid core door installed here if one does not already exist. Make sure that even if someone is able to get inside your garage, they can’t get inside your home. Finally, if any of your exterior doors are made of glass, consider replacing them with unbreakable glass. Don’t give an intruder easy access into your home by simply smashing the glass and unlocking the door.

Cut Down Bushes and Shrub

This is another aspect of home safety that is often neglected. If you take pride in your homes yard and you’ve planted beautiful trees, plants, bushes and flowers, make sure they don’t provide coverage for a would-be robber. If you want to avoid being startled by an intruder when you come home, late at night, keep the bushes and trees around your home cut down and pruned. You don’t want to provide a hiding place to a burglar who is simply waiting for the right time to break-in.

When doing landscaping around your home, consider home-security. Some security specialists suggest planting bushes with thorns around your home. It is less likely that a burglar will stick around for too long. If you have shrubbery around your new house, cut it down to a minimum of three-feet and cut back any hedges or plants where someone can hide.

Evaluate Your Outdoor Lighting

Now-a-days, outdoor lighting is more than a way to add curb appeal to your home; they serve as a protection to the occupants of the house. Sufficient lighting along your doorway, walkway, porches, driveway and garage offer additional security. If you have these already, make sure that the lights are working. They won’t do you much good if the lights do not work. It is suggested that you also consider adding this same type of lighting to the front and back of your new home. Motion sensors are the best type outdoor lighting to invest in since they pick up on any movement around your home. You are quickly alerted to any potential intruders trying to get into your home and can then contact the appropriate authority to check out the situation. Some lights can also be programmed to turn on and off, as you see fit.

HERE ARE SIGNS THAT YOU NEED BETTER SECURITY!

Are you the trusting type? Do you believe in the overall goodness of people? If you are easily fooled or feel that it can only happen to the “other guy” then read this post carefully and take our pointers to heart. Everyone (yes, you too!) needs security. Whether it’s at home, at your business, at work or in your car, you need to feel and be safe. This is especially true if you are responsible for others. Parents with children, pet owners, teachers, tour guides, public servants and many others all have the responsibility of taking good care of their human or animal obligations. So how do you know if you need better security without becoming paranoid and cynical? Easy; pay attention!

SURROUNDINGS

Where do you live and work? Where do you shop and dine out? What stores do you frequent and at what times? Being aware of your surroundings can go a long way towards improving your safety and security. It happens on a frequent basis here in Fort Lauderdale, FL and everywhere else. A shopping cart in the store is left unattended, even briefly and someone steals a purse or reaches into one and steals keys, wallets, credit cards or cash.

Small children are especially susceptible. They can wander off, get lost, lock themselves in a trunk, climb onto a balcony, go with a stranger; you name it! Being vigilant at all times is vital; even in places where you’d least expect a problem like home or work.

THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD!

There are pros and cons to living and working in well to do “safe” neighborhoods vs working class “inner city” locations. Older parts of town tend to have higher crime rates due to lower socio economic residents and types of businesses. You typically don’t drive through country club areas and see huge billboards for bail bonds or injury attorneys. Older locations tend to have older and outdated locks and security systems too. Many times crime rates are higher because of the ease involved in actually picking open or prying open cheap home or commercial lock hardware. Fort Lauderdale, FL is home to luxurious mansions as well as to mobile home parks and low rent areas.

Better neighborhoods also have their security drawbacks. Often a false sense of security arises from living with roving security, home alarm systems, manned gatehouses and high surrounding walls. It’s easy to assume that security is “taken care of” and not notice a stranger lurking behind a neighbor’s tree or a car that doesn’t have a visitor card on the windshield parked nearby. Plain and simple, you just can’t stop paying attention to your surroundings. Being aware of your neighborhood, workplace, coworkers and even customers is a huge part of living a more secure home and work life.

RECENT CRIME

Have you had a break-in recently? This could spell trouble if you are not careful. Were you home at the time or were you out for the evening or on a trip? Think about it. Was someone aware that you were gone or is your daily routine so predictable that others know when you are in or out? If you were going to burglarize a home would YOU want the owners there? Of course not!

Be smart and take steps to bolster your home security. Start by rekeying your door locks. Even if forced entry was used in your break-in, having new keys adds peace of mind and an extra layer of protection. Rekeying your locks is simple, fast and very affordable. Here at Optimal Locksmith Pro we offer this service to our local customers often with same day appointments. Call for free price quotes and for additional details.

Rekeying your locks allows you to keep the same lock mechanisms as only the interior pins are altered so that new keys must be used. Now, all those spare keys that your kids, friends, neighbors, realtors, contractors and delivery men had copies of will no longer work.

CRUISE CONTROL

Do you travel? Cruises and trips are fun and educational and are often part of the job. If people know you travel however, they can tell others and your home can become a target for vandalism, burglary or even arson. Optimal Locksmith Pro offers several ways to make your home better protected while you are away. Between security cameras, deadbolt additions, garage door locks and mailbox locks there are many ways in which you can bolster your home or business security while you are relaxing on beach somewhere!

ARE YOU A BUSINESS OWNER?

Not every business needs security surveillance but high traffic and high cash commercial enterprises would do well to consider it. You wear many hats as a business owner so you have other duties besides being the “watchdog” and being on the lookout for employee theft, shoplifters or pilfering. Even having vigilant managers on hand often isn’t enough. Don’t let this concern you too much; there are dozens of affordable ways in which you can increase your commercial security without making your firm look like a federal prison and without any interruption of day to day business. Most established commercial locksmiths in Fort Lauderdale, FL will be able to help by providing consultation services, commercial safes, CCTV surveillance, panic bars, high security locks and other smart options.

DO YOU HAVE NICE THINGS?

Do you have valuables at home? We’re not talking about family photos or your child’s first grade plaster hand print. If you have real collectibles, cash or art at home it may be time to consider upgrading your home security system including alarms and lock hardware. Items worth stealing don’t have to hang in your great room either; your garage can contain expensive or rare vehicles, four wheelers, jet-ski’s, boats, motorcycles and even your gun cabinet. Don’t become paranoid but do consider paying a little more attention to your surroundings and how your property can viewed from the standpoint of a crook, kidnapper or thief. Optimal Locksmith Pro offers full service locksmith care for home, auto and business needs along with free, no obligation consultations where we can discuss any and all of the above points.

DEADBOLTS ARE THE BEST LOCKS FOR YOUR HOME

When you’re shopping for the right locks for your home, there seems to be an almost endless selection of various kinds of locks. The truth is, however, that overall, locksmith experts agree that deadbolts are your best bet.

Deadbolts are indeed typically viewed by most professional locksmiths as one of the safest and most secure ways to protect your place of residence. The reason they are called “dead” is because they lack springs to operate the bolt; in other words, a deadbolt is operated manually ~ with a thumbturn or a key.

Professional locksmiths recommend that you install deadbolts on all of your external doors. There are many types to choose from. The most common are jimmy-proof, single-cylinder, double-cylinder, and lockable thumbturn.

• A jimmy-proof deadbolt is a surface-mount lock, most frequently found on double doors and at apartments. A surface-mount lock means that the lock screws into the inside of the door, rather than with a complex drill pattern, the way a regular deadbolt does. A jimmy-proof deadbolt is very popular, because of the minimal door modifications required. In this unique type of deadbolt lock, the deadbolt interlocks with the jamb bracket, which prevents it from being pulled apart easily or from being forced from the outside.

• A single-cylinder deadbolt lock is what we usually imagine when we think of a deadbolt. It has a key cylinder on the outside, with a thumbturn on the inside to open or close it. These deadbolt locks are normally used on wooden or solid metal doors. The one disadvantage to this type of deadbolt is that if there’s any possible access to the inside (such as through a window nearby, or even through your peephole, which a professional thief can do using simple tools), then the door can be opened with the thumbturn.

• A remedy for this challenge is to choose a double-cylinder deadbolt. This type has a key cylinder both on the inside of the door and on the outside. As a result, if it is locked, the double-cylinder always requires a key to open the door from the inside. It’s ideal if your door has any glass, or if your door has a window nearby, since it prevents an intruder from breaking the glass and reaching in to unlock the door. Its drawback is that it is a bad idea in case of fire. Therefore, if you choose to install this type of deadbolt at your home, you ought to always make sure that you leave a key on the inside whenever people are there, so that you’ll always be able to get out safely in an emergency.

• The lockable thumbturn deadbolt lock is basically a blending of the single-cylinder and the double-cylinder deadbolt. It has a thumbturn on the inside, which works like a regular single-cylinder deadbolt, but it can be locked with a key, so that it cannot lock or unlock the door. This means that the thumbturn can be left in an unlocked position while people are inside your house, but it will operate exactly like a standard single-cylinder deadbolt. When you all go out, especially if it’s for an extended length of time, the thumbturn can be easily locked, so even if a burglar manages access to your door from the inside, the deadbolt cannot be unlocked. This is a kind of deadbolt that will definitely provide you with maximum flexibility and security.

In addition to these solid choices, there are also five more types of deadbolt locks that are often recommended by the experts: rim, vertical, mortise, keyless, and digital.

• A rim deadbolt is a deadbolt lock that’s bolted to the inside face of the door. The good thing about this type of deadbolt is that it locks automatically behind you every time you shut the door. This way, you won’t ever forget to lock up.

• A vertical deadbolt lock is bolted to the inside face of the door as well, but this kind is placed on top of the door, which makes it impossible for a potential robber to pry it open by placing a bar between the door and the frame, which someone can do in the case of some horizontal deadbolts. The vertical and rim deadbolt are both very easy to install. A minor drawback to both the rim deadbolt and the vertical deadbolt is that they are more bulky, and therefore not as attractive as conventional deadbolts.

• A mortise deadbolt lock is an old-fashioned-style lock that you can install in a mortise or recess pocket, cut in the edge of the door, so that it cannot be easily tampered with. This kind of lock is tough; but one thing to keep in mind is that because you have to penetrate the door frame to make a rather large hole, it can slightly weaken the structure of the door itself.

• A keyless deadbolt lock is also mounted on the inside of the door, but it has a keypad instead of a keyhole. Instead of using a key, you type in your own secret code. The advantage of this type of deadbolt is, of course, that you won’t need a key at all, so you won’t ever have to worry about losing your key or having it stolen. And, for optimized security, you can change your code every few months, or as often as you wish.

• A digital deadbolt is much like a keyless deadbolt, because you have a keypad instead of a keyhole. What’s different here is that it requires batteries or electricity. Be sure to always keep the batteries charged in case of a power outage!

Before you can decide upon exactly the right deadbolt locks for your home’s needs, you ought to bring all your questions and concerns to a local professional trustworthy locksmith in Fort Lauderdale. If you live anywhere in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you may want to meet with a reliable mobile staff locksmith expert at Optimal Locksmith Pro, where free consultations are available.