Intercom NYC

The home is the center of the of your comfort zone, and we understand how important it is that you feel grounded in you and your family’s sense of security. The safety of your loved ones and livelihood is an absolute top priority, and besides locking your doors at night, there’s a bunch of other things that you can do to make sure that you have the highest possible level of safety and security .

The first thing that you need to do is make sure all your existing locks are upgraded. Most locks on American homes can be picked or bumped by criminals. If you install a pick proof, high grade, high security lock you are ensuring the safety of you and your family, and making it much harder for any criminal to break into your home. Your local neighborhood locksmith should be able to assist you in determining what’s the best lock for your particular door. Because of your locksmith’s expertise in what tactics and methods criminals use to get access into your home, he can advise you on which locks provide the absolute best levels of defense.

One idea for an add on device to bolster your door’s security is this new product called the Door Devil. This handy tool fits directly on to your door jamb and makes it absolutely impossible to kick in. You may be wondering who would ever be trying to kick in your door – but there’s actually a likelihood of this happening once you install high security locks onto your doors. Once any potential thieves encounter problems breaking their way in through the tough lock, they will likely be frustrated enough to try to kick the door in or cause enough damage that they can get the push over the lock that they need in order to get access.

Another way to increase your home security, is to add an integrated monitoring system. These systems have a large range of variance in exactly what features they offer – the majority of them place a device directly onto your entrance doors so that whenever the alarm is set off and the door opens, an alarm sounds, usually automatically calling the closest police department – or the security agency that you are using. Some of these devices have extra features that can be added on, like motion sensors (these can be triggered by pets or sleepwalking,) door knob sensors, or window alarms. Window alarms are a fantastic choice, as the majority of thieves will attempt to get in through windows when they notice that the door is protected by a security company. Home security systems that allow for video monitoring on closed circuit cameras wouldn’t be a detriment to your security, so if you can, install those too. These cameras are compact, handy, and can be installed at almost any point in a home. If your home sits on a large area of land, or if you have valuables or equipment stored right outside your home, it’s absolutely worth investing in a closed circuit camera.

So you need to buy a new lock. Perhaps you need more than one. Most people looking to purchase locks go to large, ‘Big Box’ style stores like Home Depot. The variety and sheer quantity of locks can be very overwhelming. In order to avoid an unnecessary purchase of a lock not ideal for your situation, it’s best to educate yourself on some of the critical methods of deciding if a lock is right for you before you buy. In this blog post I’ll detail some of the ways you should be thinking about purchasing a lock.

Price and Ratings

You’re searching for the best lock that you can get that serves your needs. Many locks advertise with a numbered security rating – as a rule, ignore this, as they are an industry scale without much use to the average consumer. Additionally, most self-applied “third party” testing is somewhat distorted and does not correspond exactly with the true reality of how the products work. For the most part, a higher price will equal a higher level of security – however there are definitely exceptions, especially when electronic locks are concerned. Smart locks are expensive but not always as secure as a cheaper manual lock. What your money should be going to is higher quality security pins, more durable material, and better construction – not buttons, add-ons, or branding.

Branding

Many top name brand locks don’t actually work very well. Other name brand locks that are lesser known might only be lesser known due to a higher price point – which can be associated with a better operating record. As a rule, it’s never really just about the brand name, it’s about how well a lock serves your specific needs. Often, locks that are cheaply manufactured in China are rife with poor construction and weak structure.

What to avoid with Doorknobs

These front door locks need to have deadbolts for the best amount of security – and if you have any glass nearby, a double sided deadbolt will be necessary. As a general rule you should never simply decide on getting the cheapest possible lock just because it’s less cash – this pretty much ensures that you’re not going to be getting a quality lock. The goal shouldn’t be saving money, it should be finding a quality lock. Always think practically, and avoid purchasing locks with fancy add-on purposes – don’t mix your purposes is what I mean to emphasize. Even if lock picking doesn’t work the first time, after a few attempts it might work, if not just cause harsh damage to the lock mechanism itself, so try to choose a proven quality lock. Also, don’t simply buy locks just because you saw a commercial; commercials are obviously slanted. Try to inform yourself via the internet beforehand of locks with fantastic consumer ratings so you can have an idea of what to focus on.

What to avoid with padlocks

Padlocks are almost always made of a lock body and a shackle – making it removable. Don’t ever buy a general purpose padlock, as too short or too long shackles will provide thieves the proper amount of pressure or leverage to break it more quickly. Buy a lock specifically for it’s superior construction appropriate for your situation. Don’t buy cheap padlocks – as a general rule of business, most companies increase their profit margins by using cheap materials and less complex construction – this results in a weaker lock. Additionally, if you’re adding multiple padlocks to each other, don’t combine identical locks. The strategy of combining locks is only proven to increase your security if you use different lock types. Think of it this way; if someone can break through one of the locks, there’s no reason they can’t do it twice.

There’s a wide variety of home security systems currently on the market. Choosing between them to find which one is best for your home can be very daunting. Installing a security system at your home ensures the protection of your family and property – making them an absolute must; however it’s always best to utilize the absolute ideal security system for the needs of you and your family.

Monitored Security System

These alarm systems are commonly used throughout the world, and carry their own list of pros and cons. The system, when triggered, will alert a call center which will then contact your local police. Since this system works through your outside telephone lines, your burglar could potentially disrupt it by locating and cutting your phone lines. Even when tripped the system would be unable to notify the call center, so the police would never be called. One potential for a substitute for a monitored alarm is the use of a cell phone or radio instead of a landline alarm. The other potential drawback to these kinds of alarms is that even when the alarm is set off, it will take some time for the police to arrive – meaning by the time they do get there, the burglar will have had plenty of time to grab valuables and get out of there. Even with these drawbacks, these kinds of alarm systems are some of the most expensive on the market.

Non Monitored Alarm Systems

This other type of alarm system sets of an incredibly loud siren both inside and outside the house when the alarm is tripped. This sort of system relies on healthy contact with your neighbors, so that they will know to call the police when the alarm goes off and you’re not home. One of the best aspects of these systems is the fact that they don’t have monthly fees, meaning that it’s much more affordable than monitored systems. These systems can also be installed with bright flashing lights so people can be more clear on what house the alarm is sounding from. Usually, loud sirens will be enough to make any burglar leave immediately, as there will immediately be a ton of attention focused to the house. Of course, one disadvantage is that you will have to rely on your neighbors vigilance in hearing the alarms and calling the police; if your neighbors are often away, or aren’t likely to hear or call the police, these alarms could potentially not do that much for your home security – especially if you don’t have neighbors and live in the middle of nowhere.

Wireless Alarms

These systems can often be found at regular, local hardware stores. There’s both advantages and disadvantages to these kinds of security systems. One of the chief advantages is that they are quite simple to install and carry no monthly monitoring fees – you can simply decide whatever settings that you prefer; there’s many options including cameras, beams, sensors, or motion detectors. Some of the drawbacks to these systems is the space limit between sensors and cameras, and the need to replace batteries quite often – which can eventually become pretty pricy.

Electric Current Based Alarm Systems

Just like the rest of the types of alarm systems, electric current based home alarms carry their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. These alarms are usually installed in homes during their construction, so they can mostly be found in newer homes. It monitors doors and windows and sounds a beeping noise when they are opened. This is a fantastic feature for both preventing burglaries, but also ensuring that your children aren’t opening doors and windows of your home. Some of the disadvantages of this type of system is that electrical current flows from outside can disrupt your alarm signal and render it incapable of working – for example, lightning can affect these systems and render them inoperational for a period of time.

Many locksmiths and door repair experts find that a malfunctioning lock is the product of a non-working door. In this short blog post, I’ll detail some of the most common door malfunctions that interfere with the ability of locks to function.

Door Jamming

This is usually the result of the heavy forced use of the lock – some element is shaken out of place and the multipoint lock gets stuck, preventing the door from being able to be opened. This is repaired by unjamming the internal lock mechanism, and replacing its center case – or the entire lock unit if it is called for. This calls for different operations based on the different types and brands of locks.

Misaligned Doors

Sometimes the weight of a door will drop from the weight of it’s own load-bearing – this can make hinges loosen, cause warp in the door structure, or break the lock itself. These repairs are typically simple, unless the door is severely warped (usually from people hanging off it) or incorrectly installed in the first place – but usually this requires little else besides a few turns of the hinge adjuster at the top of the door. If the hinges of the door still require some adjustment, you can toe and heel them to restore the door to working order.

Security Improvement

By upgrading European style locks to high security door handles with anti snap functionality, you quickly and exponentially increase the security of your space. This is a matter of simple re-keying, or complete hardware replacement – and a broad number of hardware options exist which range from aesthetic to functional differences.

Just like any other manual trade, locksmithing requires it’s own set of tools. It’s incredibly important that every locksmith has a full range of tools – as many different situations call for different tools, and the only way to be fully prepared for any situation that they might come across. The full range of tools available can be a bit daunting for beginners – in this blog post we’ll be taking a look at the most common and essential tools that locksmiths use in their trade.

Pick Gun

This tool is incredibly widely used – and comes in both electrical and manual iterations. They function similarly to key turners, but move in an upwards motion forcing the lock pins to jump up, unlocking the lock. This tool can also be used by burglars.

Key Turners

This tool can be used when you accidentally lock yourself out of your house. Similarly to a pick gun, it rotates whatever key is on the other side of the lock, unlocking the door. Usually this tool only works on second or third lever locks.

Key Machine

This tool cuts keys of all types, including circle keys, padlock keys, or cabinet keys. Unlike manual key duplication where a locksmith makes exact replicas, key machines makes a working key using a pre existing key’s code numbers. These machines come in automatic, semi-automatic, or manual categories, and offer engraving add-ons that can make cutting burrs, key rings, key tags, or opening cards.

Tension Wrench

The bread-and-butter of locksmiths, this device functions through applying pressure inside the mechanism of the lock to release it, opening the door. Using the tension wrench, the locksmith applies force to the cylinder, and then uses a lock pick, pulling up all the pins until they are completely flush with the line, aligning perfectly and unlocking.

Power Drill

The holy grail to the bread-and-butter of the Pick Gun, these tools are some of the most essential tools of the entire locksmith trade. Drills vary according to many different sizes, brands, and materials – it’s use is simple. It drills holes through doors so that locks can be fitted into them and properly installed with no extra space.

This blog post will help you assess the security of your home on a professional level . Risk assessments help you balance the cost of the defensive strategy against whatever losses might happen if it isn’t implemented. It’s important to remember that value is subjective – and that the safety of your household is utterly priceless . Risk assessment will help you be prepared in the event of a home invasion or other disaster.

Kinds of Risks

Business Risk

If you use your home as your office, having any sort of records, computers, servers, or other business information stolen can prevent you from working – compromising the effective progress of your business.

Fraud / Identity Theft

This involves the theft of information that can in turn be used to steal money, valuables, or other records. This can destroy your credit.

Legal Risk

If your property isn’t equipped according to legal regulations you may put yourself in financial risk.

Lost Property

Some objects are irreplaceable – whether the value is sentimental or monetary.

When you’re assessing the threats to your property, be realistic – research what sort of natural disasters might affect your area. Yes, this includes nearby trees that could damage property. Assess your security – checking your locks, camera, doors – or any of the variables of your property that could pose a danger or vulnerability. Proper installation of any latches, locks, or security tools is of key importance; a lock pretty much doesn’t mean anything if it’s, for example, installed on the outside of a window. Additionally, if there’s multiple people who can access the property, it’s more vulnerable.

Layers of Protection

Locks

Any and all locks should be installed correctly and functioning properly – and if it works, use it!! Any unused or unimplemented lock is pretty much the same thing as having no lock at all then your security is compromised.

Gates

These can be controlled with a padlock, or electronic lock which can be remotely controlled. The code or key controlling the gate can either be shared amongst your household / business or controlled by a single individual – it’s also possible that a guard or attendant could be assigned to the sole operation of this gate.

Window Protection / Visibility

Windows can be incredibly vulnerable – make sure to always lock them. If you want to continue to up your security, install bars in them, or have them tinted according to a 3M security film, reducing the likelihood of potential criminals peering in. Visibility also affects security on the outside of the home – the less hiding spots or coverage there is on the outside of home, the more reduced likelihood of a burglary – make sure that there’s full perimeter visibility around your building.

Security Cameras / Motion Sensors

Non-operational security cameras can be utilized as an effective deterrent to any potential burglars, while fuller security systems that offer remote alerts can help notify law enforcement automatically if your security is ever messed with. Motion sensors protect against unwanted activity in a number of ways – they can sound alarms or flash warning lights as deterrents, or contact law enforcement.

Alarms

A well operating alarm is one that not only alarms the burglar (increasing the chance that they will abandon whatever crime they are trying to commit) but one that alerts neighbors that can contact law enforcement as soon as possible – assuming you’re not already home. As a general rule, the louder the alarm is, the better.

Redundancy

The more layers of protection that you have the better. By using redundant security laters, you’re exponentially increasing the security of your home.

Questions to ask yourself when assessing your home security.

What valuables do I keep in my home?

How easily could I self install security hardware?

Is there crime in my area?

Do I own my home (can I make structural changed?)

Who has access to my home?

Do the windows all lock from the inside?

Is there a tree with which the roof of the property can be accessed?

Are there any known threats?

Do you have operating alarms?

Ask yourself these questions in order to assess the amount of security layers you need to add to your home; a home security professional, like those at Chicago Locksmiths, can expertly and efficiently install any security assets you need.

In the world we live in, protecting one’s own property becomes something to be prepared for. Many people consider suitcases to be somewhat “unprotectable” over international flights – simply due to the long amount of time these bags are being handled by strangers, or placed out of site. Regardless of the measures taken by airports and the FAA to protect flyers from theft, an amount of thefts of property always occur at airports. So you’re left asking yourself, how can I protect my luggage from people that would want to steal from it?

Strong Suitcases

There’s multiple factors to consider in securing your luggage before flying. Before we discuss locks, let’s talk about the physical structure of the luggage itself. If your suitcase has a fabric body with a zipper, a lock isn’t going to exactly do you well. The bag can easily be cut open (by people who wouldn’t care if you discover the theft) but can also be opened with a common airport theft trick. This trick involves the use of a ballpoint pen to puncture the zipper opening, run along it’s length, opening the bag with no signs of entry. In fact, TSA agents use this technique to inspect suitcases.

It’s worth putting in the investment for a hard sided durable suitcase. These suitcases differ from the typical ones because they aren’t made of easily severed fabric, but a hard, almost impenetrable siding. Additionally, there will be a hasp system which you can place locks on. These cases can’t be opened with pens like typical suitcases. When looking for hardsided suitcases, it’s good to test them in person so you know what you’re getting. Test if the material can’t be broken, and that the lid is sealed tight when shut. If there’s any gap in the seal, it’s not the ideal case.

Finding a Durable Lock

Buying a durable lock is absolutely something you should do. First of all, you need to choose a lock that properly fits the case – so that there’s no gap when it’s fully closed. If you’re shackling the zipper tight, the lock’s shackle should be thin enough to fit inside – however, the thinner the shackle, the easier it is to cut or break off.

I certainly don’t advise getting one of the pre-made TSA approved locks. It’s shackles are incredibly flimsy and can be cut with a pair of ordinary household tools. They can be picked easily – not to mention the fact that the schematics of the inner lock has been publically available on the internet for years – so somebody could make a skeleton key that works for it.

Instead, I recommend getting a high security lock, like a padlock. Don’t skimp on price – invest in a well made, solid lock that can resist many different kinds of entry attempts. I also recommend getting a lock with internal ball bearings that prevent thieves from being able to shim it.

Levelled Security

Try getting a lock with as many security features – and pins – as possible. 5 is the average, and serrated pins work the best. Using a lock with a shroud over the shackles make it much harder for thieves to cut through it. On the average, competent high-security locks can be found for around 25 dollars. Brands like Best, Mul-T-Lock , and Medeco are always a good bet. It also helps to combine multiple locks that aren’t from the same company – this would protect your property from criminals with single break-in methods.

As additional security tactics, never put irreplaceable valuable items inside your checked luggage – instead, bring it with you in carry on. Additionally, you might want to use saran wrap, zip-ties, or tape to show you if your suitcase has been opened. It’s definitely an effective deterrent to criminals who don’t want to waste time getting through a zip tie and get caught. As many levels of security as possible is highly advised – any additional, unfamiliar level with effectively deter criminals. The best solutions are the one’s that you cater to your specific situational needs. Find whatever weak links figuratively or literally exist in your luggage, and reenforce and strengthen them. By utilizing layered security, you can protect your luggage in airports, or really any transportation environment.

In this blog entry, we’ll discuss potential solutions to the threat of bicycle theft. These solutions are a practice of a balance between practicality, cost, and convenience. Most people can’t carry around a heavy duty chain and eight locks wherever they go. However, with every compromise for convenience, you’re lowering your security. The more security levels there are for your bike, the less chances it’s going to get stolen – less thieves will even attempt the theft, and the one’s that do are less likely to succeed.

Bike-Theft Statistics

Riding on a bicycle is an integral part of many people’s leisure as well as their commute. It’s an exercise method, a transportation method, and a way to relax. One source of concern for cyclists is how to safely secure bicycles throughout the day – as bikes have become much more widely used, bike theft has also increased. According to the FBI, at least 190,703 bikes are stolen per year – and that statistic is a reflection of reported thefts. A study in Canada showed that 76% of bikes that are stolen are ones that cost under 500$. This demonstrates the fact that even cheaper bikes are at risk of theft – bike thefts aren’t usually premeditated`, but are rather acted on a spur-of-the-moment level.

U-Locks

Many bike owners really prefer using U-Locks to the typical padlock because it gets rid of the need to carry around a heavy change – which can be both cumbersome and dangerous. You’re going to need more than one U- Lock if you’re discarding the chain completely – if this is the case, carry as many U-Locks as possible, as it’ll only make your bike more secure. The best points to place the U-Lock is on the frame, the anchor point, and the wheel of the bike. Make sure that both sides of the U-Lock shackle release – if this doesn’t happen, a potential criminal would only need to cut one side in order to free the bike.

Padlocks

There’s a massive variety of padlocks available. You can find padlocks for a measly couple of dollars, and you can find padlocks that cost in the thousands. The criteria that you should focus on in your search are the lock’s weight, the thickness of the lock’s body as well as it’s shackle, and a shroud (a piece of metal that covers the sides of the shackle to make it less accessible to potential thieves.) Keep your eyes out for rounded areas on the shackle which indicates that the lock has internalized ball bearings, which prevent it from being “shimmed”, a special kind of lock picking that can be improvised with everyday objects. As a word of warning, try to avoid buying Master Lock products, as their cheap price point is contrasted by their weak and easily broken materials. Be aware that spending some money on a padlock can pay off in its security value.

The device widely known as a tubular lock is also referred to as a circle pin tumbler, an Ace lock, or a radial lock. Similar to how tissues are ubiquitously/colloquially referred to as Kleenexes, tubular locks are sometimes called Ace locks due to Ace being the company that originally manufactured this type of lock. They can commonly be found on commercial / industrial tools that are standing unattended for long periods of time – think of vending machines, for example. Tubular locks are generally considered to be of a higher security level than tumbler and wafer locks – mostly because of their scarcity; thieves aren’t as likely to know how to pick or cut them. In this blog entry I’ll go over some of the details about the structure and function of tubular locks.

Tubular Lock Structure

Tubular locks are named so because the keyway is encased in a cylinder. The circular keyhole is joined to a tumbler system common to other kinds of locks, however it differs in that it’s key pins are pushed in along a horizontal axis, rather than vertically like other kinds of locks. The mechanism that holds the key pins in (the plug) is built into the same cylinder as the mechanism that holds the springs and drivers – (the bible.) The key is circular, with outside facing grooves – and it can only be inserted into lock from a particular configuration.

Pick-Proofing

For the most part, tubular locks are tougher to pick than other locks. This isn’t to say that it isn’t possible to pick it – and like all locks, the security level of the lock varies depending on its particular model, make, and brand. However, tubular locks typically take a much longer amount of time to pick than other locks – a valuable feature, as the longer it takes for thieves to pick a lock, the higher their chances of being caught and apprehended. This makes tubular locks a great preventative deterrent.

Technically, you can define tubular locks as being slightly different pin tumbler locks – they aren’t military grade security locks, but they work well and reliably. I mean to say that these locks – for the most part, the one’s common to consumers – aren’t fit to prove impervious to the advances of a highly seasoned lock-breaker; however, they certainly add a level of security to property that, combined with other measures, provide a solid line of defense against theft. If you’re interested in finding a tumbler lock right for you, I recommend searching online or through your local locksmith’s inventory for one with the features suitable to your specific security needs.

If you’re looking to maximize the integrity of your home or business security, electronic surveillance is an essential must. Since the advent of security technology, robberies and break-ins has steadily decreased. By investing in electronic security systems , you’re exponentially increasing the safety and integrity of your property.

Monitor the Security of your Home or Business

A particularly important security advice recently made available to homes and businesses are Video Intercoms . These devices are linked to the buzzer of your front door – and include a video camera that can allow you to view the person standing at your doorstep. This tool can help you verify the identity of any visitor to your home or business – which is an important security procedure. Anyone can imitate a voice, or try to impersonate someone – by being able to watch your front-door visitor with your eyes, you can make sure that it’s the person you’re expecting. Peace of mind is priceless, and using a video intercom makes getting there even more simple.

Practical Convenience of Video Intercoms

Using a video intercom also provides a-lot of convenience. With an intercom system that has a video screen, you can quickly communicate with anyone in your home regardless of their location. You can avoid having to walk to another area just to say something, and avoid having to go down to the front door to verify the identity of a visitor.

Monitor your children or employees

By using a video intercom you can monitor your children or employees, to ensure that no trouble is happening. You can use the voice chat features to ask a quick question without having to venture around your floor or downstairs to find out the answer. The more touchscreen devices you install, the farther your reach in your home and business gets.

Lastly, these security systems are completely affordable, making these security systems a must for anyone looking to exponentially boost their home or business security, as well as convenience of communication.