Residential Locks

Locks have the purpose of keeping intruders out and keeping your home or business secure. The lock is there to protect you and your belongings, it provides a peace of mind when you are not home securing the property. Getting a lock that is right for your home is important. However, with so many options available in the market, it is hard to determine which lock would be the best choice for you.

Deadbolts are a type of lock that is a necessity as a security measure for each home. They are extremely difficult to break through and can prevent most types of force entry attempts. The reason for that is the long throw bolt which is normally around 6 inch that goes into the door frame. When getting a deadbolt or any other type of lock for that matter, it is recommended to get those with a 6 pin cylinders to make them harder to pick or bump.

Another popular lock mostly on older homes, is the Mortise. What makes this type of lock so unique is the fact it is installed inside the door itself which makes it harder to tamper with it. Among other types of heavy duty locks is the jimmy proof deadbolt. The way that is built prevent intruders from attempting to "jimmy" the door opened as well as sliding a card to unlock it.

When it comes to interior doors, there is no need to use heavy duty type locks, and that is why lever handle locks are perfect for these types of settings. These types of locks are mostly used for bathrooms or bedrooms inside a home. If you are looking to go overboard and worry about style as well, a lockset would be you best choice. They offer the flexibility, durability and often available in a variety of designs and styles to compliment most types of doors.

For more information about lock selection for your home, contact Premier NW Locksmith Reno (775) 538-2159.

Commercial Leading Lock Manufacturers

See full list on Listly

Automotive Lockout Service

many people must be familiar with that frustrating feeling when they realized they have just been locked out of their vehicle by leaving the keys inside it. What is even more frustrating is the fact that it usually happen in the most inconvenience moment in the day. It can happen when you are far away from home, before you go to work, or just about to leave from the grocery store. Trying to get into the vehicle yourself might not be a good choice as you can cause damage to your vehicle. In such case, calling a locksmith that provides automotive services and have the right skills for the job would be most recommended.

Years ago, people would use coat hanger in order to unlock their vehicle in case of an emergency where they got locked out. However, those days are long gone with technology in vehicle that started to progress during the 90's. Many vehicles that are on the road today are designed with security as one of the top priority and are very difficult to unlock using the old methods such as a coat hanger or even a Slim Jim. With such difficulties, many professional locksmith today are equipped with specialty tools and using different techniques to unlock a vehicle without leaving any damage.

Because of the added security that most vehicles today come with, avoiding do-it-yourself methods to unlock your vehicle in an emergency situation is important. Especially if never tried before, even using old techniques can cause serious damage to the vehicle which may decrease its value and most likely will not be covered by the insurance company.

In many cities around the country, people use to call the local police to assist them in case of an emergency lockout. However, nowadays this is not the case as for most vehicles specialty tools are required. Unless its a serious case of an emergency such as a child locked in a vehicle, law enforcement will not be able to assist. And even in such emergency situation, they will most likely break the window of the vehicle. Calling a locksmith will not only help you get out of such situation faster, but also without causing any damage to your vehicle.

For more information about automotive lockout services, contact Premier NW Locksmith Reno (775) 538-2159.

Residential Lock Re-Key

See full list on Listly

Access Control Systems

Today's advance technology in the security field is allowing many types of small and large businesses to further secure their properties using access control systems. With these types of security lock systems implemented, there are many security tasks that can be done other than the standard locking feature traditional locks are holding which can improve the security of a business property significantly.

Traditional security lock systems start and finish their job to protect the property with the front door which can limit the security of the business. If a person was able to gain access into the property, the lack of additional security will hurt the security of the rooms and departments inside the commercial property. Access control lock systems can change all of that by enabling ways to monitor and track the people who entered the property. This type of system will normally involve more than just one interface controlling access to the front door of the property, but also various types of locks installed inside the property which has card readers capabilities or other type of access control method.

In order for an access control system to successfully work, all the locks involved in the system must work in conjunction in order to create the ultimate protection and security for the property. Bio-metric locks are one of the types of interfaces used in an access control system. The interface incorporates specific data on users who has the credentials to gain access and limit the access to those who don't. Key card access is a more convenient way to gain entry as part of an access control system. The access cards that is given to the user hold the information that determine which rooms or departments the user can access. In addition, some interfaces has the capabilities to log any user access whether if it was successful or not.

Access control systems has the ability to integrate different lock systems into one unified unit. It is clear that stand alone advance technology lock systems can provide better level of security than the traditional lock and key settings. However, when enhanced technology lock systems are joined together and communicate, it will provide far more superior level of security to the property.

For more information about access control systems for commercial properties, contact Premier NW Locksmith Reno (775) 538-2159.

Automotive Key Make

See full list on Listly

Electronic Security

With many new innovative security products that are coming to the market, electronic locks have become the culprit of business and home security. Although these types of locks can make your life easier when it comes to the security of your home or business, they do require special care and skilled professional locksmith to properly conduct the installation and any type of maintenance or repair that may be required on a later date.

Most locksmith technicians that are qualify to install electronic type locks will also have some sort of electrician experience as some of these locks require some wiring to be done as part of the installation. As more and more businesses are moving to high security electronic locks, many locksmith technicians are now getting basic training on electric wiring.

Electronic locks may lead the way when it comes to providing high level of security to your business, but just like any type of mechanical or electronic mechanism, they might start to malfunction at some point as well. Although there are many electronic locks in the market that are weather resistant, those who are not, can get damaged during a storm for example or both may even suffer a power surge. Different than a traditional mechanical lock that can still be hacked open if started to malfunction, electronic locks normally will not be defeated especially the bio-metric form locks.

If one of the electronic locks at your business property will start to malfunction, you should not attempt to tamper with it or trying to fix it by yourself as further damage may occur. You may try to reset the lock as most are equipped with a breaker switch and see if it will fix the issue. If not, you will have to call a professional locksmith who has experience working with these types of electronic locks. A professional locksmith may be able to determine exactly what is the problem with the lock and if any components would need to be replaced in order to bring back the lock to a working condition.

Electronic locks are the future of commercial property security. If your business is not equipped with one yet, you should consider making an update in the near future. If you already decided to make the move and improve the security of your business with an electronic lock system, Give Premier NW Locksmith Reno a call (775) 538-2159.

Commercial Lockout Service

See full list on Listly

Exit Devices

If you ever walked through any type of commercial property before such as a factory, school or hospital, most likely you went through a door that was equipped with an exit device also known as a panic-bar or a push-bar. Those "panic-bars" are necessary and essential in case of an emergency in the facility. Th device is consist of a large spring loaded steel bar that is horizontally installed on the door from the inside. Once the bar is being pushed, it will unlatch the door which will allow for a quick and safe access outside the facility.

There is a reason why these types of exit devices are required in commercial properties. Normally, commercial properties will contain a large amount of people on a daily basis whether if they are customers, employees or both. Imaging a situation where there was a fire and all these people will run to the exists which will not be equipped with a fast access equipment such as a panic bar. This type of situation can cause a serious disaster as many people can get injured or worse. That is why exit devices are crucial for any type of commercial property. They will allow proper exit out of the facility in case of an emergency.

We were able to establish that the biggest advantage of an exit device or a panic bar is safety. It will allow quick and safe evacuation in case of tn emergency. They are also important for the security of the property as they may allow fast exit out of the property, but will remain locked to any one trying to access the exit device equipped door from the outside. There are many types of exit devices that are available in the market such as alarm equipped to prevent any unauthorized exit, cross bar, and vertical bars for additional security. The various types designed to accommodate different property needs and budget.

Nowadays, commercial properties are required to have exit devices installed on all emergency exit doors. Because of that, if you are a business property owner, it might be a good idea to start thinking about analyzing the safety protocols of the facility in case of an emergency. This may include making sure that all the exit devices and emergency exit doors are functioning properly and doing an upgrade to the system if required.

For more information about exit devices and panic-bar services, contact Premier NW Locksmith Reno (775) 538-2159.

Residential Key-less Entry Locks

See full list on Listly

Unlocking A Safe

A safe is becoming very common in both residential and commercial applications. It is used to store and secure important items, documents, and other things that require the extra protection. A safe provide the protection in case there is a fire, flood, or other emergency type disaster that may affect the entire property. In addition, it also protects against intruders who were successful in breaking to the property, but most likely will not be able to breach the safe.

One of the reasons safes are becoming increasingly popular its because of their effectiveness. A safe offers great protection to its content in addition to high level of security in which a burglar would have much difficulties with. Most common types of safes are combination. Although the high level of protection they provide may be considered as an advantage, on other times it can be a disadvantage. There can be many times where the locking mechanism will start to malfunction, or a combination that was forgotten. In such case, only a professional locksmith or a safe-cracker would be able to help you.

However, before calling a professional to the rescue, you should check with manufacturer of the safe as it might still be under warranty which could save you some money. Having the manufacturer take care of the issue under warranty may save the safe as well since most professional locksmiths will most likely have to use methods that would destroy the locking mechanism of the safe in order to crack it open.

There are several ways that can be used in order to crack a safe. The first one would be "prying". Depending on the type of safe, this method revolve around separating the door and locking bolt from the actual frame of the safe. Most professional locksmiths will not use this method as it will destroy the safe completely. Cutting is another method rarely used by professionals simply because it is messy and time consuming. Last but not least, drilling the lock is by far the preferred method used by locksmiths to crack a safe. It is a very clean method for unlocking a safe and in most cases, the damage can be repaired and the safe can continue to be used.

For more information about unlocking a safe, contact Premier NorthWest Locksmith Reno (775) 538-2159.

Ignition Switch Service

See full list on Listly

Electronic Locks

From the first type of lock that was invented centuries ago to the most modern type of locks that we are seeing today. Many standard and traditional type locks have been modernize with a touch of technology adding access control features. From the beginning where the first lock was invented, many things were improve since then such as the mechanisms. Pin tumbler locks are the core functionality of many locks in the market for decades. However, with time changing and technology growing, many people are turning into electronic type locks for added convenience and security.

Instead of using the traditional mechanical mechanism many standard locks are using for many years and today, electronic type locks will use electric source in order to operate the lock. Electronic locks use various types of sources for functionality such as magnets, motors, or even solenoids. The electric source ultimately control the locking mechanism by supplying or removing the power from it. The only type of maintenance that is needed for electronic type locks is periodic check of the batteries, a small price to pay in comparison of having to worry about managing your keys all the time.

Electronic type locks will normally come in a variety of authentication methods. The most common method electronic locks use is a numerical interface such as keypads or touch pads. After an installation of a key-less entry lock with a keypad interface by a licensed locksmith professional, a unique combination should be programmed which will enable the user to gain access. Some residential type of key-less entry locks will come with added features such as temporary access codes that can be given to service repair man for example which will have temporary access to your home. Other features include remote access, monitoring capabilities and more.

If you made the final decision of upgrading the lock system at the front door of your home, we recommend adding few things. As a backup security measure, we recommend adding a secondary lock such as a deadbolt. This can act as a backup in an extreme case where the batteries in the electronic locks will be low. Investing in a heavy duty hardware for the door such as strike plates, hinges and other is also important for enhance security. For more information about electronic key-less entry locks, contact Premier NW Locksmith Reno.

Commercial Key-less Entry Lock

See full list on Listly

Automotive Key FOB

Although the technology of key-less entry for automotive applications has made life much easier on users accessing their vehicles, in an event where the key-less remote will start to malfunction, it will make it tricky accessing and operating your vehicle. They way that a key-less entry system in a vehicle works is by using a key-fob which is normally a remote that will send a signal to the vehicle's system controlling the locks to lock or unlock them. because of the complexity of the system, there are many things that can go wrong with the fob itself. If a problem occur, don't be in a hurry to take it to the dealer or other professional to diagnose and provide a solution. There are many things that can be done by you that may solve the issue.  

The first step is confirming that the issue is in fact with the fob itself. Most vehicles that come from the factory with a key-less entry system option, will often come with a backup fob. In a situation where the system is suspected to malfunction, it would be recommended to try and use the backup fob before determining the main fob is at fault. In case the backup fob did not work as well, it will be an indication that the vehicle's system is at fault. Things like the locking mechanism for example can be the cause of the issue.

If it was determined that the fob is at fault, the first thing to check would be the battery. Most fobs can easily be opened to check and replace the battery via a slot that can be found in the middle of the remote between the two plastic covers. The battery would normally be a coin type battery that can be found in most stores. If the key fob have more than one year of use, it is most likely that the battery will need to be replaced.

Another issue that may occur with a key-fob is memory loss. This can happen from several reasons such as tampering or replacing the battery for example. For most automotive manufacturers, reprogramming a remote involve following several simple steps. Some vehicles only require inserting the key fob inside the ignition without starting it while playing with it back and forth until a beeping sound will be heard. Other models might involve a more complex process which will need to be done by a professional locksmith or the dealer.

For more information about automotive key-less entry fob service, visit Premier NW Locksmith Reno.

Residential Lock Repair

See full list on Listly

About Cylinder Locks

The most common type of locks that residential homes will have where a key is required to gain entry would be a cylinder lock. However, most cylinder designs are flawed in a way that many intruders nowadays came up with various methods for defeating them such as a bump key for example. This type of special key was meant to be used only by professional locksmith technicians and companies in order to assist customers in an emergency lockout type of situation. However, with the ease of access in today's world, many intruders have adopted this type of method to break-in to homes.

There are many ways to avoid these types of situations by choosing the right cylinder type lock. A strong lock-set is a good way to start in order to prevent from intruders breaking in to your home. It has been proven that a strong lock which may cost significantly more than the average type of lock would be able to defeat bump keys or at least make the intruder's life much more difficult that he would give up on the lock much sooner.

There are many types of strong locks in the market and normally they can be identified by the following qualities. Deadbolt locks for example who are equipped with steel chips can get the job done! Not only a deadbolt lock is considered as an added security measure by itself, but the ones that come with steel chips would be able to resist drilling which is one of the more popular break-in method intruders like to use.

Another type of deadbolt is the one equipped with a one inch throw. The throw is in fact the piece that extends from the lock all the way inside the door from. This type of deadbolt will come in handy in a situation where an intruder would try to force the door open. Because of the extended length of the deadbolt's throw, the chances of him to succeed would be very minimal.

Another way to go is with a double cylinder deadbolt which require a key from both sides. This type of lock would help in a scenario where an intruder would try to break a window close to or part of the door in order to reach in for the knob and unlock it from the inside. With a double cylinder deadbolt, this will not be possible.

Last but not least, key-less entry and digital type locks. The latest technology in home security which allow the user to enter his home by using a keypad entering a unique code. This will eliminate the use of keys and most of these locks are available without a cylinder, so an intruder would not be able to use the traditional methods for breaking in to a home.

For more information, give us a call or visit Premier NW Locksmith Reno.

Automotive Lockout Service

See full list on Listly

Yale key Fitment

Sometimes as a mobile locksmith technician it is hard keeping track of inventory, especially for those who offer multiple residential, commercial, and automotive services. Normally, most mobile locksmith technicians will have in their service vehicle the most common items such as Schlage and Kwikset locks, keys including from other common manufacturers, deadbolts, automotive keys for most common vehicles, and more> Not only there is so much you can fit in a medium size service van, but keeping track on everything is the tricky part. There will be many times in such cases where a mobile technician will have to improvise due to missing items.

Recently I got a call from a bank manager who needed a key made to one of the locks on a door inside the bank. The manager could not tell me the exact type of lock, but according to his description, it did not seem to be a lock I wouldn't have the key for. In this case I did not even though about the idea of passing through the lock shop to re-stock my van with some items since I figure I won't have any issue .

It was a risk going to do the job in the bank without the awareness of the type of lock they needed a key for since it was in a decent distant from the nearest lock shop. Unfortunately for me, the risk didn't paid off. As I got to the bank and examined the lock, I saw it was a Yale lock with a sectional rim cylinder GC key-way. Without checking, I knew I didn't have a blank for it in my van. In fact, I did not recall having to need one in any previous jobs I did.

I called a Reno locksmith coworker of mine to see if he was in the area and by chance had the correct blank for the cylinder. Unfortunately for me he wasn't, but he did gave me an interesting tip which may have saved me a 60 mile trip back and forth from the lock shop. Apparently, a Kwikset blank could potentially fit that type of cylinder with a little modification. After following the process of modifying the Kwikset key blank to fit the cylinder, I was able to cut the key and test it successfully. To not take any chances, couple of days after when I was in the bank area again, I provided the bank with the proper key for the cylinder with no extra charge.

Office Application Mortise Lock

See full list on Listly

Wrangler Lockout Tip

Unlocking a vehicle is one of the most common services a locksmith technician will do during his time as a technician. There are many methods for unlocking a vehicle where each one is used depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Most locksmith technicians will use an across the window tool in order to unlock most types of vehicles. This method proven to be one of the most effective way to unlock a vehicle in a timely manner without damaging the vehicle. However, some vehicles will make it very hard to open with this type of tool.

I remember few years ago I got a call to unlock a 96 Jeep Wrangler. The customer accidentally left the keys inside the vehicle and locked it behind him while jumping to the store to get something. I had experience unlocking many types of vehicles before, but I don'r recall ever servicing a Jeep Wrangler before. I figured it shouldn't be much different than other vehicles I've done before, so I took the job and started heading the customer's location.

Normally, for most vehicles, I use an across-the-window tool and air wedges which proved to be very effective way for unlocking vehicles more than other types of tools I've used before. However, in this case, I did not know that the Jeep Wrangler window frame would be so tight which did not gave me much room to maneuver with my tool.

After multiple tries of attempting to get with the edge of the tool to the lock button to unlock the vehicle, I finally gave up. I decided to call a Reno locksmith co worker of mine for a last advice before going with a little more expensive route of actually making a key for the vehicle in order to unlock it. My co worker mentioned using a cord tied to the edge of the tool which allowed manipulating the edge of the tool making it much easier to unlock the lock button. Once I was able to find a cord in my van, I made few attempts using the trick and to my surprise it worked and I was able to unlock the vehicle within couple of minutes.

Residential Lockout Service

See full list on Listly

Lock Re-key

I remember a few years ago I got a call from a customer who needed to re-key all the locks in his home. Like most locksmith technicians, once I got to the customer's home, I inspected the locks that needed to be re-keyed for compatibility making sure I could key them all the same. Most of the time its not a big deal, but In this case, the customer had four doors where each one of them had a Titan deadbolt and a Corbin entry lock. 

The first step for me was pulling all the locks. Before starting re-pinning all the locks, I did a little testing. I noticed that I was able to use the new key I made for the Titan deadbolt on the Corbin cylinder, but only when the plug was out of the sleeve. I then had an idea to grind the bottom surface of the blade about 1/32" and the key seemed to fit in the Corbin Plug even after re-pinning and assembled it. I finished re-keying all the other cylinders, put them back in the door and the customer was satisfied since now he had to worry about only one key instead of two.

Luckily, I got this idea from a Reno locksmith co-worker of mine who recommended me to always have a set of around six keys made for each common lock manufacturer before any re-key job. That way, the next time I will face a similar job, I would come prepared and save some time. It seemed that in this area, the most common lock manufacturers are Schlage, Kwikset, and Multilock, so now I have a set ready for each one of them which will save me the time of cutting them on job location.

Locksmith Services in Reno

See full list on Listly

Premier NW Locksmith Reno (775) 538-2159