Locksmith

Life is full of unpredictable situations, and often those involve the security of your home or business. Whether it’s a key duplication, lock replacement, or an emergency lockout situation, SOS Locksmith is always at your service in Chelsea, Midtown West, Midtown East, Downtown Manhattan, and the West Village areas. Reach us anytime at 212-206-7777 for immediate assistance.

Commercial & Residential Locksmith Services

At SOS Locksmith, we understand the value of security, which is why we provide top-notch commercial & residential locksmith services tailored to your needs. Our team of highly trained and certified locksmiths is dedicated to ensuring that your premises are safeguarded at all times.

RESIDENTIAL LOCKSMITH

Safeguarding your home is not just about locks and keys; it’s about peace of mind. Here’s what our RESIDENTIAL LOCKSMITH services include:

24/7 Emergency Locksmith: Locked out? Lost keys? Call us anytime, day or night. We’ll be there right away to help you get back in.

Intercom Installation: Enhance your home’s security with the latest in intercom technology, ensuring only welcome guests enter your premises.

Iron Work: Our custom iron works include gates, grills, and fences that add both beauty and security to your home.

Key Duplication: Need extra keys for family members or friends? We provide quick and accurate key duplication services.

Lock Installation and Re-Keying: New home? Need more security? Our lock installation and re-keying services ensure that only authorized persons have access to your home.

Lock Replacement and Lockout Locksmith Services: Damaged lock or locked out? No worries! Our experienced locksmiths can replace or fix the lock in no time.

Safe Installation: Safeguard your valuables with our top-grade safes designed to withstand both burglary and fire.

Door Closers and Door Installation: We provide quality door closers and professional door installation that align with the aesthetics and security needs of your home.

Commercial Locksmith Services for Your Business

For business owners, the protection of assets, employees, and information is paramount. At SOS Locksmith, we provide specialized commercial locksmith services to meet all your business requirements. From key duplication to high-security lock installation, we’ve got you covered.

Why Choose SOS Locksmith?

Fast Response Time: Serving Chelsea and other areas in Midtown West, Midtown East, Downtown Manhattan, and West Village, we guarantee quick response time, especially in emergencies.

Quality Services: With years of experience, our team provides efficient, reliable, and high-quality services tailored to your commercial and residential needs.

Affordable Pricing: We offer competitive pricing without compromising on the quality of our work.

Remember, your security is our top priority. At SOS Locksmith, we’re always ready to help. Call us at 212-206-7777 for any commercial & residential locksmith services, and let us be your go-to locksmith in Chelsea and all other target areas. Trust SOS Locksmith to provide the peace of mind you deserve.

Many people aren’t exactly hopping to get a locksmith on the phone, even when their locks are acting up, as it’s a general fact that people get much gratification from solving their at-home lock issues by themselves. However, here’s a guide to the top 5 times you DEFINITELY SHOULD call a locksmith, as prepared by the lock repair experts here at SOS Locksmith .

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Regardless of where you live, home break-ins are a serious concern among anyone who owns a home. Homes are broken into more often than commercial properties, due to the perception of their vulnerabilities. A home burglary happens every 13 seconds in the United States. Even if you’re not home during the break-in, it absolutely affects your sense of safety and comfort in your home. The good news is that there’s many actions that you can undertake to help discourage any form of burglary – here’s some of them:

Project the Illusion that you’re home

It’s much easier to break into empty homes – so many burglars will only try to break into homes if they can verify that the homeowner’s away. Whether you’re at work or vacation, make sure to make it look like someone is inside your home. Install automatic locks or set locks on timers to establish the illusion of some sort of routine presence in the home – also make sure that on days you’re not home that your neighbor picks up your mail – and puts your garbage can outside on days the garbage truck comes to collect it.

Never hide spare keys

Many families hide spare keys under their doormat or a fake rock – in case someone forgets their existing key. This is never, ever a good idea. Your hiding spot isn’t that secret – many burglars are crafty and familiar with how popular and common this trend used to be – they can easily locate most hiding spots; instead, make sure to give a trusted friend or neighbor a copy of the key.

Lock all Windows and Doors

Many burglars come into homes through a side door, garage, window, or side door. Make sure that when you’re not using them that all windows in your home are locked – especially when you’re not home. If your locks don’t work properly, make sure to call Nonstop Locksmiths right away for a quick and easy repair.

Get a Deadbolt Lock

Get your Nonstop Technician to install a deadbolt on each door in your home. They are much more secure, and make it much more difficult for burglars to access your home.

Be friends with your neighbors

Your neighbors can be the best protection against break-ins – make sure to be friendly with them, and they will look over your home with the best intentions when you’re not home – and will of course call the police is they see any suspicious activity.

When your children go back to school, many parents have discussions with them regarding of how to stay safe inside, or on their way to school. It’s important to also discuss digital security with them. This new era presents a new host of security risks that today’s parents didn’t have to be concerned about when they were children, however any missteps can be serious. Before you send your kids off to the brand new school year, here’s five things to teach them.

Keep your files backed up.

Nothing is more frustrating than spending hours writing an essay or working on a project only to have the entire thing deleted in one second when your computer crashes. It’s essential to backup all files – not just schoolwork, but any personal data as well.

Don’t share personal information over the internet

Don’t share even what seems like innocuous information over social media – it can be accessed by hackers or identity thieves and used to exploit or steal your identity. This includes information ranging from your birthday, to what city you were born in, or even answers to security questions including the name of your first pet. Explain to your children that any information that you publish on the internet can be easily shared- even when you have privacy settings set up, screenshotting allows for instant capturing of information – and with instant capture, there’s also the risk of instant share-ability.

Learn how to discern spam

Children should have spam filters set up on their computer in order to avoid unsafe content online. You need to explain to children how scams like Phishing are made, so they don’t fall for one of those faulty chain emails where someone pretends that you won a contest, or are the sudden recipient of an inheritance.

Keep your electronics on a tight leash

Make sure that children keep mobile devices secure, including having a hard to guess passcode. Make sure to stress to your children the fact that if somebody is able to access the personal information contained inside one of their mobile devices, that they can effectively steal their identity – or hack their accounts, posting embarrassing things or harassing their friends.

When we discuss the most trusted lock brands in the industry, we’re not talking about new brands with flashy temporary illusory innovation. We’re talking about the time and consumer tested brands that offer stable solutions at a value for all their customers. In this blog entry I’ll provide some detail as to the top door lock brands, and what makes their brand unique in a specific way.

Schlage

Most home improvement stores carry Schlage locks, that have strong construction and are very difficult to pick or bump. The cheapest Schlage lock is even better than the cheapest Kwikset lock. The Everest or Primus models have a strong level of pick and bump resistance, but are still technically able to get picked or bumped. These locks are still fantastic low-cost choices for consumers.

Kwikset

These super common products have somewhat of the cheapest standard construction on the market, which isn’t good news for consumers. Kwikset locks for the most part can get picked and bumped, but their SmartKey cylinder is somewhat more resilient than the rest of their line.

Baldwin

These locks are quite quality, with solid construction and strong materials. Just picking up you can tell by it’s hefty weight that it was constructed with a higher amount of metal – indicating that it has higher break-in resistance. However these locks can still get bumped or picked.

Corbin Russwin

This company encompasses a few very popular lock brands, and mostly services institutional locks like schools or government buildings – indicating that they are quite trusted indeed. These locks are easy and cheap to service or replace, so this brand offers a high degree of convenience to its customers. It’s products have a high level of picking resistance, however it’s important to note that, like any lock, Corbin locks can get easier to pick over time.

Yale

This immensely popular company is known as the creator of the modern pin tumbler lock. Even if you use locks made by other brands, their products are inspired by the technical innovation spearheaded by the founders of Yale. These locks are well made with strong construction and (usually) multiple spool pins.

RR Brink

This company makes prison locks for the United States, so you can tell that it’s trusted for it’s sturdy and foolproof material. These locks are giant mortise cylinders, that technically can be picked, but really only by experts with the right resources. Key control makes these locks almost impossible to break through, making them a good choice to protect highly valuable assets.

Mul-T-Lock

This widely known brand makes incredibly strong and secure locks that have extra features unique to the brand that many people wouldn’t know how to navigate around or break through. They are incredibly hard to pick, and boast strong cores and construction – especially their cylinder locks.

Medeco

This namebrand King of locks has a varying range of quality locks – in order to keep their patents unique, they constantly update their lock design, which unfortunately, in recent years, has resulted in less secure locks. However, it’s still not easy at all to pick these locks. Their locks are by no means bad at all, however for the most secure possible lock it would behoove consumers to purchase some of their older locks.

Evva

This underground lock brand’s MCS model can be described as foolproof- it has yet to be picked. Even besides the MCS lock, all of Evva’s products are manufactured with fantastically sturdy design – and their inclusion of magnetic keyway pins differentiate their locks from many others on the market.

ASSA-Abloy

ASSA-Abloy owns and makes locks for many separate brands including many of the above listed examples. They have a vast variety of security designs under their belt, however are most known for their door lock brands – and are quite highly trusted throughout the world. Technically, they could be described as the most trusted lock brand in the world, due to the added accumulation of their many security ventures.

Finding a padlock that truly stands up

When you’re searching for the right padlock for your home or business, it can be a bit overwhelming to sort through all the different brands and options. From finishes and design flourishes, to the countless guarantees made by companies trying to sell their wares, it can be difficult figuring out what to trust, and what is truly the right padlock for your security needs. It’s important in these situations to evaluate what the main aspects of your security needs are; are you trying to simply keep a door closed, or are you trying to protect expensive equipment or assets? It’s also important to remember that not all padlocks are made equal. Many brands use the same key molds from lock to lock, making it extra easy for burglars to duplicate keys or figure out quick ways to break into your property.

Superior Padlocks, for Superior Security

Fortunately, there are superior padlocks on the market that can effectively protect your assets – these padlocks are manufactured by the premiere security lock company Medeco, regarded worldwide as a leader in consumer and industrial grade locking technology. By investing in a Medeco lock, you are guaranteeing your home or business the highest level in security standards – a standard that has the benefit of allowing you the peace of mind in knowing that your property is safely secured – no matter what happens.

Medeco Protectors padlocks offer a significant difference from typical padlocks – Medeco locks are made from solid stainless steel, and built to meet the highest performance and security standards around – features you simply won’t get with the average cheaply constructed lock on the market. Medeco keys can only be duplicated by security professionals; mainstream Big Box locks might use a variation of the exact same key for all instances. Additionally, Medeco locks can resist direct attacks – with even heavy duty industrial equipment; illustrating the difference between a lock build to keep something closed, and one built to keep everyone out. To upgrade your security, find a security professional near you.

As the mercury on the dial increases, so does the likelihood of vehicle break-ins. The weather gets warmer, people start leaving their windows open, and thieves can spot their valuables from the street. A cracked window can be seen as an invitation to a thief, and they will often stop at nothing to take items that they spot and desire. Being the victim of these sort of crimes can be seen as frustrating not only because of the trauma and loss involved, but because you know in retrospect that you could have prevented it. This spring and summer, don’t leave yourself vulnerable because of the warm weather. Follow these steps to avoid becoming a victim of vehicle theft:

Put all objects, even one’s that aren’t valuable, in a locked glove box or inside the trunk. Don’t leave them out on the seat, even in a locked car, as a temptation.

Don’t leave out lighters, gas cans, or any heat sensitive items out in the sun, where they could explode and compromise your vehicle’s security, much less harm it’s interior.

Make sure your windows are tinted – not only does it help mitigate the heat, it also makes your car much harder to see into at night.

Look in the rear seat of your car for any people before you get inside it.

Don’t ever leave your keys inside the vehicle, or even hidden under the seat or mat.

When leaving the car, check the back seat for any items a criminal might want – put these in the trunk.

When parking at night, make sure to park under a light where your vehicle will be more secure.

When trying to keep a secure home, it can really help to know some of the trends and numbers that commonly define home break-ins and burglaries across the country. Even if you can’t ever be one hundred percent prepared for a burglary, you can definitely prepare defenses. In this blog entry, I’ll detail some of the specific statistics that define criminal break ins across the country, so you can be better prepared.

Over half of Burglaries are forced entries

The FBI classifies three varieties of burglary: forced entry, unlawful entry, and attempted forced entry. 58.3 percent of burglaries are forced entry, while 35.2 and 6.5 percent are unlawful entry and attempted forced entry relatively. These statistics demonstrate that burglars are determined to get inside your property, and that homeowners have to be equally set to make sure they don’t get in. It also strikes a reminder to make sure windows and doors are locked, and that your security alarm is active.

Over 2000 dollars on average is lost per burglary

This re enforces a commonly known fact that burglars tend to gravitate towards expensive luxury goods; this means a thief is more likely to try to take a diamond necklace than the food inside your refrigerator. This also illustrates the trend of burglars to steal from property which they have already scoped out through valuables; it’s never been more important to make sure that your valuables aren’t in plain view of windows. It might even be a good idea to tint your windows, or install one-way glass windows so nobody can look inside your house.

Many burglars use the Front Door

Over 34 percent of burglars use the front door to get access into someone’s property, while 22 percent use the back door. Make sure that when you’re upgrading your security that you improve the lock quality in your front and back doors. The best option is to get doors with solid cores that will be more resistant to break-in attempts than the majority of hollow body doors. We recommend improving your locks with the addition of high security pin tumbler locks, as well as keeping all windows or points of entry completely secure.

The average burglar spends less than 12 minutes in your home

Most burglars spend between 8 to 12 minutes inside your home – this short duration is due to their extreme caution and not wanting to get caught. This information is of great use to homeowners – they can place any valuables in hard to find areas spread out throughout the house, rather than in one easily findable “treasure trove.” This will make it more likely the burglar will abandon their search, and leave your home without taking any of your most precious belongings.

Most burglars go to master bedrooms first

This is the first room most burglars will go to, as it’s the most common room that valuables are kept inside. This statistic helps give some detail as to how burglars think; it’s much safer, thus, to keep your valuables distributed throughout other discreet and hidden areas of your home, to throw them off target, and increase the possibility of them leaving empty handed.

Burglaries happen every 15 Seconds

Even if the national burglary rate has decreased since the anarchic 1970s, it’s still a massive problem across the country. This statistic helps homeowners in the sense that it informs them of the very real, and very common threat burglary poses – it’s the kind of think that one never expects. Home security, in this light, transcends the simple need to keep one’s valuables safe, it also extends to keeping one’s spiritual sense of safety, as well as the physical safety of their friends or loved ones, intact.

The truth of the matter is that almost no security solution is completely 100% impenetrable. The purpose of locks are to impede the progress of a burglar – and if you impede it enough, they will give up and stop attempting to get inside, or simply fail, if there’s enough layers of security. One necessity is that you get deadbolts installed on your doors – although regular locks provide a modicum of security, a deadbolt can really delay or impede an attempted break-in. If you get deadbolts, it’s important to pay attention to how it’s installed; if the hole in the doorframe where the bolt is deployed isn’t deep enough, the bolt can’t fully extend – and is rendered ineffective.

Analyze the locks on all your windows; if they can slide open from outside, you need to have another form of lock on them. I’m not talking about a latch, I’m talking about a bona fide lock. Also, make sure to check out any sliding glass doors on your property. Patio doors are usually very vulnerable entry points since they are usually behind the house, where neighbors can’t see it. Usually only secured by a latch, as opposed to a lock, and many incorrectly installed sliding doors can actually be lifted up out of their frames. Ensure that you have an additional form of lock on all sliding glass doors on your property – even a door pin would suffice – these help attach the sliding door to the still-standing one, minimizing the potential for the door to get lifted out of the frame.

Make sure to add an additional lock to any gates to the back of your home – you can even have the locks keyed so that your front door key works on this gate lock, to minimize the amount of keys that you need to carry. It’s always smart to have outdoor lighting – this draws attention to any strange activity that might be going on around your property.

If you’re just moving in, or if you’ve never done it before, change all your locks by adding deadbolts to them. As a general rule with locks, you receive what you purchase. A cheap lock isn’t going to provide that much security – whereas sometimes more pricy ones really are constructed out of stronger material, hence the higher price. Don’t fret over fancy add-ons; once you find the perfect lock for you, you’ll instantly know. It’s the perfect balance of strength and construction. When you find the ideal lock for your household, make sure it’s installed correctly, with the proper tightness, and is regularly lubricated.

Even if, when moving into a property, you are told by the landlord that all the locks were re-keyed, there’s a risk of break-ins. Any time you give out your key, to a contractor, construction worker – or anyone your landlord might have given the keys to – is a risk because they might have made copies. Having deadbolts installed is one of the best methods of giving you the ease of knowing that your stuff is adequately protected.

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.

The New Year is officially underway – and it comes with a fantastic opportunity to improve the security inside your home. Whether or not you followed your personal organization or fitness resolutions that you made in December doesn’t really matter – not nearly to the extent that home safety does. Many people have a slight worry inside their minds that perhaps their home isn’t as secure as it should be – these thoughts are quickly put out of many people’s minds, however, they shouldn’t be dispelling these valid concerns. It’s the best to do preparation in advance, so you never have to worry about a theft or burglary. January is a specific time where burglars target homes – they anticipate being able to steal expensive recent gifts like electronics or jewelry gifted during the holiday season; they’ll be on the lookout. Here’s some tips that you can follow to boost the security of your home for the New Year.

Follow Wise Habits

The true efficacy of home security really depends on how proactive the homeowner is in terms of enforcing healthy practices. Doors should be locked, fire and carbon monoxide detector alarm batteries should be changed, the security system should be programmed and set. These practices shouldn’t be done just sometimes, they should be done all the time. One should always lock their doors and arm their security system when leaving the house – even if you’re just dipping out of your home shortly. All alarm and detector batteries should be changed twice a year – try doing it in January and June just as a handy organizational tip. Your windows and doors should be locked whether you’re inside the home or out.

Upgrade your existing Security Infrastructure

Try adding some muscle to whatever security systems you already have in place. If you don’t already have them, install deadbolt locks or an electronic access control system. In order to protect against any situation that might arise, install electronic system monitoring or cameras. It should be stressed that if you haven’t already installed fire alarms or carbon monoxide detectors, that you should as soon as possible. These common devices are much cheaper – and you can’t place a price on the safety of your belongings, self, family, or friends. Deadbolts are much harder to manipulate or access than traditional locks, which can be picked in a matter of seconds by an experienced burglar. Deadbolts are pretty inexpensive, and last for generations; they’re a one-time investment that brings fantastic security benefits to your home. If you upgrade the rim cylinder in a nightlatch you can be sure that your home has the latest in security technology to ensure your protection. Security cameras both ensure success in legal proceedings should a crime actually occur at your home, and have the added benefit of discouraging any sort of crime. Simply install one in a conspicuous area at the front and back of your home. This is known as a visual deterrent.

Consider adding an electronic security system

You can heavily boost the security of your property by installing some of the brand new technology that has arisen, like home automation or interactive security systems. Automated systems can allow you to connect your phone to the functions of your home – locking, thermostats, etc. You can control the entire system of your home remotely from a phone or tablet. These systems can unlock or lock doors, arm your security alarm, turn lights on and off, and change the temperature – all from any internet enabled device. Not only do these sort of devices up the security of your home, but they also bolster the amount of control you have, and add a bunch of convenience.

There’s a ton of options that consumers have in terms of technology that can help them secure their belongings. However, there’s some crossover with these items – specifically with safes and lockboxes . How secure are they? How much protection do they provide for valuables? In this article, I’ll elucidate on some of the essential distinctions between safes and lockboxes, so you can know which one is better suited for your needs before any sort of purchase.

Safes

The security level of safes vary wildly. There’s a ton of factors that need to be taken into consideration. How much steel is inside the safe’s body and door? What was the welding technique? What burglary and fire standards were the safe tested against? Where was the product made? Is there a warranty? What’s the assembly technique of the bolt work?

If you’re able to find a secure safe, you need to store it in a safe place. First of all, it should be placed somewhere not easy to access. By hiding the safe, you’re doubling the protection of your valuables. It’s your choice whether or not you want to use a safe with a digital lock or a combination dial lock. Combination locks are somewhat slower, although once you get the hang of it, you’d be able to open it quickly. With expert manipulation, you can open one in around 15 seconds. Electronic safes allow opening within 2 to 3 seconds.

All safes operate under the principle that all items placed inside will stay inside until you decide to take them out. However, all safe’s are somewhat imperfect. If you lose your code, or an EMP or mechanical failure causes electronics to fail, a safe can still technically opened – but only with the right tools. We’re wise enough to understand that all safes have the potential to fail or be opened – however these are rare, rare circumstances.

Lockboxes

Lockboxes are a kind of safe – with a few major differences. There are two essential kinds of lockboxes – standard lockboxes and personal protection boxes. They are both small and somewhat easy to access. Standard lockboxes are meant to be opened on a frequent basis – they can hold money during garage sales, swap meets, parties, or the like. Personal protection boxes are lockboxes that are meant to hold a gun or another weapon – their purpose is to keep a gun out of the hands of children, but not so secure that it can’t be retrieved quickly. While standard lockboxes can be opened with a key or a digital lock, personal protection boxes are meant to be opened quickly, in about a second.

All lockboxes can be bolted down to a surface to prevent it from being stolen. The metal involved in the locks can somewhat vary in quality, but usually are not as strong as the metal used in a safe. The degree of difference between a safe and a lockbox is similar to the degree of difference between a safe and a vault. Because of the lack of industrial grade metal, lockboxes are usually much cheaper than safes.

Key Safes

Key Safes are a kind of lockbox meant to simply hold keys. They’re made out of a thin metal or plastic, with a combination dial or wheeled combination lock. These kinds of boxes are almost never opened with a key – since they are meant themselves to be used as protection against forgetting or losing keys. Some real estate agents or Airbnb’s use these lockboxes to keep a key securely placed on a property for open houses. These safes get screwed into walls, and are somewhat easy to remove. They aren’t built for security, but rather convenience. However, with some additional concealment, the security level of Key Safes can be bolstered.

Which should I choose?

There are definitely situations that merit the purchase of both a safe and a lockbox, since they both serve separate functions. It all comes down to what you’re looking to secure. It’s all about what you’re concealing, the space you’re doing so in, your personal needs and wants. If you need easy transportation and simple concealment, a lockbox is the choice you should go with. If you need heavy durable construction and integrated protection from multiple types of attacks, you should go with a safe. A safe is somewhat more of an investment, but provides lots more security.

How do you want to lock it?

Kyes can be left inside the keyway of a lockbox, and can be removed whenever the box needs to be secured. However, if there’s a keyway, the box can easily be picked. Electronic locks are easy to operate, but can fail in electrical outages. Dial combinations are unrivaled in their reliability, however, they are quite slow. If you can’t make up your mind, go with a redundant locking mechanism – that includes both an analog and digital dial.

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.

It’s official; we’re in the dead of winter. It’s time to prepare to shovel driveways and break out the heavy jackets. Unfortunately, the increasingly cold weather can also cause functional issues with your home or business’s locks. For residences, commercial property, and especially cars, moist and cold weather can seriously affect the correct functioning of your locks . This can make it very difficult to open locks, or can even render them totally unsuable. In this post, I’ll talk about some tips that you can implement in order to protect your locks against Mother Nature.

Freezing Contraction, Warming Expanding

You might remember learning about the way that cold works on a molecular scale in school. Extreme cold causes molecules to contract – and heat causes them to expand. The molecules that make up locks and doors aren’t an exception to this – and just a slight change in their proportions can affect their proper functioning. If a lock is just slightly misaligned it can quickly wear out, or lose it’s functioning. That’s why having your locks correctly installed on doors ensures their longer life. If you have a lock installed on an outside wooden door, the level of professionalism with which the job was done becomes quickly apparent in warm or cold weather when the door expands or contracts slightly. As the wooden door expands or contracts, it can possibly misalign an improperly installed lock. If this occurs, it’s going to be necessary to hire a professional to restore it to proper functioning, regardless of the temperature outside.

Internal Automotive Deep Freeze

Expansion and contraction can affect your residential or commercial locks; however automotive locks aren’t usually affected like this, due to how their parts are structured. The main common issue for cars in cold weather is the freezing of locks. If any moisture gets trapped inside the lock – which can happen easily amidst ice, snow, sleet, and high winds – it can quickly freeze and solidify if the car is left outside in the cold for a long amount of time. The solution to this problem is somewhat more simple than the problems posed by the expansion and contraction of doors . Before contacting a locksmith, you can attempt to reverse or prevent a broken frozen lock. First, lightly heat up your car key before putting it into the frozen lock – remember not to make it too hot, as this method can potentially damage your key or lock if it’s improperly implemented. Your other option is to store your vehicle inside a garage or indoor holding area. By doing this, you can keep the car from getting so cold that the moisture on the inside of the lock will freeze and solidify. Automotive locks are more regularly exposed to freezing temperatures than other locks, as, for example, your home lock contains a side that remains inside your heated interior.

Depending on personal taste, some people love the winter for it’s coziness and pristine quiet, while others dread it for it’s extreme cold. Regardless of your feelings about the season, it’s wise to utilize these tips to prevent your personal or property’s security be compromised by extreme temperatures.

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.

Feature Lock: Mul-T-Lock Hercular Deadbolt

It usually surprises people to realize how easily, and quickly, regular, traditional lock hardware can be picked. There’s tons of educational resources out there for burglars to teach themselves how to break into homes. By investing in a high security Mul-T-Lock door cylinder, you can maximize the security of your home, protecting your home from the range of entry techniques. It’s a simple operation by a Locksmith’s away from ensuring that your home or business is fully protected.

Lock Built-In Superiority

The Hercular Deadbolt is a high security steel and brass deadbolt system. It has a ANSI Grade 1 Security Certification – and features internal protection from all manners of lock picking tools including drills, wrenches, ice picks, hammers, bumping, and prying attacks. This lock has matched or exceeded the most rigorous of industry standard tests. What makes this lock so unique, is it’s patented inner key slot structure. It’s impossible to copy it’s keys from a photo, as many untrustworthy key companies do with standard keys. The Mul-T-Lock Hercular Deadbolt combines the strength of a double sided locking deadbolt with the ergonomic usability of a thumbturn unlocking latch.

Broad Range of Keying Options

Since the Hercular Deadbolt has a customizable internal structure, there are countless options for how you can arrange your key situation. You can choose to have a key that works on some, but not all doors – or have a single master key to open every high security lock in your home or business, including doors, cabinets, padlocks, or other security checkpoints.

With its truly unique design the MUL-T-LOCK deadbolt is truly spectacular. The Hercular deadbolt is reinforced in just about every way possible. From a UL437 Listed Cylinder, to strong latch, to Bolt Bearing Mechanism, the Hercular Deadbolt will stop almost any attempt at forced entry. Strength usually does not mix with Flexibility. Not in the case of the Hercular, since it is the only Grade 1 Deadlock with an adjustable back-set.

Lock Application

High Security deadbolt system for commercial and residential doors.

Additional features

Suitable for two backsets, no need for different parts Supplied as standard with 1″ (25 mm) throw Thumbturn tail adjustable to door width Thumbturn can be set horizontally or vertically in locked position

Operation

90˚ key rotation throws the bolt 1″ towards the frame, interlocking two hardened ball bearings with the strike to increase jimmying resistance.

Options

Standard faceplate Drive in (for beveled doors) Double cylinder Single cylinder Captive key deadbolt

Materials Ring and cylinder: solid brass Bolt anti drilling ring: hardened steel Strike: steel Pins: nickel silver and stainless steel

Standard finishes Nickel chrome matte; Nickel chrome; PVD

Special finishes Antique brass; 10B

Lifetime finishes US3; US26; US26D; US5A; US10B6

Cylinder mechanism Mul-T-Lock’s unique, high-precision pin tumbler system.

Keys Reversible nickel silver key with plastic key head and colored insert. Also available in all nickel silver.

Cylinder platforms Classic; Interactive®+

Cylinder options

Keyed different Keyed alike Master keyed ‘3 IN 1’ (changeable combination)

Standards UL437; UL; Conforms to ANSI GRADE 1

Notes

Spacers required for doors less than 38 mm width.

While the word “key” conjures the same shape of a traditional key in many people’s minds, there’s actually quite a bit of variance in the shape, structure, and function of keys. This small blog entry will help you differentiate between the different types of keys that can be used in different situations.

Transponder Key

This key, used for cars, has a chip that disarms the car’s immobilizer once the engine starts running. It’s activated by a radio signal in the car when it’s placed in the ignition. It’s designed to prevent theft and are incredibly hard to duplicate.

Double/Four Sided Key

These keys are usually used in home locks , and have two or four sets of teeth in them, which make a more lasting and durable key. The extra sets of teeth make the lock much harder to pick, increasing security,

Abloy Key

These keys are impossible to pick and are used in disc tumbler locks. The locks use a special key that rotates the disc like a tumbler, aligning everything into place so they can unlock.

Dimple Key

This key uses matching cone shaped dimples that match up with two sets of pins in the lock, they are aligned the same way on either side, so the key doesn’t need to be inserted a certain way for it to work, it can work from either side,

Tubular Key

This key, also known as a barrel key, is used in tubular pin tumbler locks. It’s known for it’s cylindrical and hollow shaft much shorter than the typical key. This key is used on bicycles, vending machines, laptop locks, and alarm systems.

Change Key

This is a kind of master key – that can only open one or two locks. This type of key is often given to employees who are allowed access to some – but not all – rooms in a facility or business.

Bump Key

This is different than regular keys – it’s only similar to the right key for a lock, but can unlock it using a bumping technique.

Berlin Key

This kind of key is notable for it’s double-ended pair of blades at either end. The key must be pushed through the other end of the door in order to retrieve it – and you can’t take it out unless the door is locked.

Smart Key

This key is commonly used in cars, but can also be used in residential or commercial settings. They allow individuals to remotely automatically lock or unlock doors with a push button or electronic key code. These keys don’t require contact or physical insertion to work.

Master Key

These keys are often used in large houses or business facilities – they can’t open every kind of lock. Rather, with Master Keys, a set of locks are created specifically for the key, which can open all these locks – while each of the locks also get a “change key” which can be given to others, that only open that particular lock.

Skeleton Key

This is a type of master key – it’s often known as a pass key, since the serrated edges are removed leaving only the essential components of the key – it can unlock many locks, and is a useful tool for thieves.

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.

Just like most home appliances and tools, locks sometimes need to be changed for varying reasons. Thankfully, it’s quite a simple and easy process to get your locks replaced. This is a distinctively different process than re-keying, which has it’s own precipitating causes. The entire body of the lock has to be removed and replaced – so it’s best to know what situations exactly merit a need to get your locks changed. Below are few times in our lives when it’s right to Change your Locks

Moving into a brand new Home

Even if a previous owner or real-estate agent gives you keys to your new home, it’s impossible to know if there’s any copies of the keys circulating around, or who might have them. It’s safest to just get the locks replaced so you know that your home or business is completely secure.

Lost Keys

In situations where keys are lost, it’s usually better to go the safe-route. There’s little way of knowing if the keys were stolen, found, or copied by people with negative intentions – so it’s better to just replace the locks and afford yourself some peace of mind.

Broken or Old Locks

Rust or internal deterioration can wear out locks over the course of time. You can periodically inspect locks to search for signs of wear – which can include rusty metal, or having difficulty opening keys. Besides being dangerous, rusty or broken locks have the possibility of failing or jamming when you’re trying to get inside your home. It’s best for your safety and sense of calmness to simply replace the lock.

Missing Spare Keys

If you gave a pair of spare keys out to neighbors, friends, or repairmen – and the keys have gone missing or are not being returned for whatever reason, stay on the safe side, Simply have the lock changed to get rid of any risk to your assets which might be posed in case the keys fell into someone nasty’s hands.

New Roommates

If a roommate moves out, it’s always a good approach to change the locks. You don’t know if they gave any of their friend’s copies of their keys. I know it sounds silly (but I promise it’s happened) – you really don’t want to find out an old roommate has been using your home without contribution while you’re away. Changing a lock can prevent any of this sort of unauthorized entry.

After a Break In

In this unfortunate occurrence, it’s always best to be as safe as possible. Even attempted break-ins warrant lock changes, as it’s highly possible that your locks were damaged in the attempt to enter into your home.

There’s a number of practical tactics that homeowners can adopt to increase the security of their home. Oftentimes, resisting burglary is a matter of mindfully making sure there are no loose strings in your home security, as well as installing various deterrents to discourage any potential burglar from taking a chance on your home. SOS Locksmith has highlighted 3 main Home Security Tips below:

Doors Locks

Firstly, ensure that all doors have a durable working deadbolt lock , and that the door jamb area is structurally reinforced with wood, metal, or screws. Again, make sure all screens are intact and functional, or consider replacing weak screens with unbreakable glass. Sliding glass doors should have a mechanism placed inside its frame that prevents opening – this is known as a Dowel or Charlie Bar. Make sure doors have a peep-hole to identify visitors, and that your home is fit with a burglary alarm.

Window Security Tips

Make sure all windows are securely locked when you’re out of the house – this may be a matter of installing new locks in windows with locks that don’t work very well. Make sure all screens are securely placed inside windows and don’t fall out, and close your blinds to make sure nobody can look inside your home when you’re not there.

Outside the house

Make sure that all plants or bushes are trimmed to minimize potential coverage a burglar could utilize to their advantage. Make sure ladders or other potential ways to climb to an upper window are safely secured inside a shed or garage. Put up signs that imply guard dogs and alarm systems are in place to scare away potential criminals. It’s a major no-no to hide any keys outside under a mat or strategically placed rock – trust us, burglars check in these places. Make sure the area outside your home is well-lit so that you could see anyone in the yard clearly from inside your house.

These tips should be adopted by any homeowner as an addition to any security systems already in place. They ensure the safety and integrity of your home, which should always be a major priority. Just the peace of mind in knowing that your home is safe makes the adoption of these security tips completely worth the effort.

Protect the records of the employee

In order to avoid the danger of legal action, it is important that the employee’s medical records be kept confidential. These include the medical records, social security records, salary information and documents with personal information about the employee. How this information is protected, is regulated and controlled by the legislation and usually, there is audit of the information. You should govern the access to sensitive documents of the employee and make an audit of the individual keys to monitor or the cylinder or even the document activity.

Storing and displaying of high-cost items

The store rooms and the units where the displaying is done are a major business liability. The associates should not be allowed to have access to these rooms without proper monitoring. In fact, they should only be allowed in when needed. This is to ensure that in case of any loss, it is easy to monitor and understand the origin of the incurred loss. The following is recommended.

Reduce loss of finances through theft.

Have a proper way of controlling access to highly liable merchandise.

Minimize the record and financial losses

Not many companies understand that the loss of electronic records of finances and loss of paper records is a major liability in a company. The access to these records should be highly monitored and controlled and especially where credit card data is used. Violation of these regulations can lead to facing large financial penalties. You should therefore;

Vigorously monitor and control the reach of the server rooms and activated network jacks.

Minimize the liability of card data and improving its integrity.

Secure and monitor access to backup media.

Securing all the networks and information technology

It is important to secure the server rooms at all times. The company can incur great damages if any one from anywhere has access to the company’s private information. It is critical to establish who accessed the IT rooms and what time they accessed it. this makes it easier to protect the financial data and the strategic data.

Control and monitor access to server rooms.

Reduce liability and increase integrity of financial data.

Simple and Portable Way For Tracking Employee activities.

A small business may not have the security staff to monitor and control access at all times, but still have the need.

Reduce liability of staff accessing materials or areas at unauthorized times.

Easily change authorization or monitor usage for new or departing employees.

Track opening and closing times through audit records.

Regulating access to hazardous materials and areas

Ensure that areas with hazardous materials are kept closed and only open when activities such as cleaning. Even the cleaning crew should only have access to these areas when the schedule indicates they should. This will reduce the safety risks that are likely to occur in the areas such as mechanical rooms and stores. It also reduces loss of items through theft.

Minimize potential safety risks in mechanical or storage rooms

Come up with methods of tracking employees’ activities

It is important to have ways of tracking the activities of your employees at all times to control and monitor and access to various areas of the company. The methods should be simple and portable. Mostly, this works best for businesses and companies with no security staff.

Secure gates and fencing

Gates and fences will help in easy monitoring of access into the company. The gates should have control information systems installed that monitors the movements of people in and out of the company.

Medeco e Cylinders install with no wires or external power supply.

e Cylinders are durable in extreme environments.

Padlocks or other style cylinders work well for any application with monitoring and scheduling functions.

If you need spare keys that can fit your house, there are a number of alternatives that you can consider. There are many places where spare keys are cut. These include big hardware stores, many airports concessions and several dry cleaners. However, these places offer services for duplicating keys such as cabinet and cabinet keys.

Apartment, Home Key and Office Keys

If you have accidentally lockedyour house key or misplaced your office keys and have no spare keys, then you will be required to contact a locksmith who will provide with emergency services . SOS Locksmith can assist you in various ways.We can pick the lock enabling you get access to your house. If a spare set of your keys is available, the locksmith will only need that. If you have misplaced or lost your keys, the locksmith can use cylinder locks to re-key your locks and give you a new set of keys for use. This is possible if you have cylinder locks. If you do not have the cylinder locks and you have lost or misplaced your keys, the locksmith can opt to make you a new set of keys that match your lock or even make replacements of your lock with new locks. SOS Locksmith also duplicates high security locks keys such as Medeco and Mul-t-Lock

Car Key Duplication

Currently, there are three different kinds of car keys that are mostly used. Older cars will have traditional locks that are made from metal key. The new cars have smart keys that have a transponder that relays signal to the on-board computer of the car. For many cars, they do not start unless the signal is sent. Others may have electronically controlled systems that starts and unlocks the car. If your older car is using the traditional locks, you can find a locksmith who can easily make a spare key and this may be relatively cheap. Losing your original key may mean that the locksmith has to disassemble the lock and this may cost you more. Taking the VIN of the car to a dealership can also help you since they are able to match the key. This option is the only available alternative for people with electronic keys.

Keys locked out of car

If you happen to lock your keys inside the car and you are not able to access your spare keys to the car lock, again you need to contact an emergency locksmith to offer you solutions. The locksmith is able to pick your car’s lock and you will be able to retrieve your keys. In case you have lost your keys, the locksmith can help you get into your car and can as well cut a spare key for your car.

It is important to look for a competent, highly skilled and experienced locksmith whose company is insured against damage or loss. Having ready contacts for reputable locksmith service providers will save you from the stress and the hassle in case you find yourself in an emergency situation that require a locksmith service. Having a set of spare keys for your house and a spare key for your car in your house will help you avoid key emergencies.

Installing a new CCTV system requires a new approach. This article suggests the ways in which you must organize a new system for your home or business. CCTV is still a viable security option, but you need to consider this new approach before you invest your money in these cameras.

Think Big And Small

You must think big to determine how far your system can go. A large CCTV system can cover your whole home or business, but you need to know exactly how far to reach with those cameras. You cannot place a camera around every corner, but you can place enough cameras to cover the whole area.

You must think small to condense all those electronics into one system you can view. Thinking small requires you to access your video feeds on a computer, laptop or mobile device. You cannot afford to place a large TV screen in your home or office to show the CCTV feed because that is simply overdoing it.

Strategize Before Using The System

You must determine what you want to get out of the system. Video surveillance has many purposes, and you must think about what those cameras will be used for. Routine surveillance is a protective measure you take to have video of the facility. Security cameras that are manned by someone can be moved to track people in the house or business. Do not install anything unless you know whether you need static or moving cameras.

Analog Or Digital?

You can use analog tapes for your system if you are comfortable storing all the tapes you make. The analog system must be managed by a security staffer at your business, or you must collect the tapes yourself at home.

Digitizing your video feeds is easier. You can save these video files to your computer, and you can back up these video feeds to a drive for later viewing. Your security system depends on the ability to watch these tapes back at any time. Storage is key , and digital is a much simpler storage option.

Protect Your Video Feed

Using a digital video feed requires the use of a wireless network. The wireless network you use must be password protected for your own safety. Someone with the proper means can hack your video feed, and you will be left at their mercy once they have access to your video feed.

Evolve With The Industry

The industry is evolving to use IP video, and you must evolve with this change in the industry. There will come a time when you cannot use analog, and you must try to move to digital video as fast as you can. You must take the first opportunity to move to digital, and you can adapt a good bit of your equipment the digital environment.

You can make the most of your video system by using these suggestions. Adapting your system to the digital age is possible, and you may make a change soon.

If you find yourself locked out of your home, car or office, don’t panic. Life is so busy, mistakes are bound to happen. Take a moment out of your day now to protect yourself against these mishaps. If you’ve already lost your keys , before you go calling an expensive locksmith , go through these options.

Get Organized:

After a long day, belongings tend to end up on the floor or left in a pile. While you may be eager to start your evening, consider finding a consistent location to store your keys and other important belongings. Key hooks and even an old nail can help you to reliably find keys later.

Give a Spare Set:

Before you can even make a mistake, plan a backup way to get inside. Have a trusted friend or nearby relative keep an extra set of keys for you. Don’t forget to return the spare keys after you use them in case you forget again.

Keep Extra Keys with You:

This option takes some commitment, as you want to make sure your spare keys don’t become your primary keys. Keep them in a secluded place, like a purse or backpack zipper pocket.

Consider an Upgrade:

Modern technology has solutions to many age old problems. Consider installing a smart lock, which will allow you to enter your home using a special code or unlock doors from an app on your smartphone. Wi-Fi key fobs are also a good option and can be attached to other commonly misplaced household items.

Be Prepared:

If all else fails, you will be stuck contacting a locksmith, landlord or neighbor to let you in. Take the time to organize numbers into your phone so you’re not stuck outside Googling in the rain.

Retrace your Steps:

If your keys are lost, stay calm and think about where you last had your keys. Contact any shops or friends you recently visited. Systematically search your pockets, car and surroundings.

Call for Help:

Take advantage of your forethought and reach out to a landlord, building manager or apartment neighbor. Some landlords charge a fee for forgetting your keys, but the price will be well below that of a professional service.

Find an Alternative Entrance:

By hopping a fence or clambering through an open window, you might be able to let yourself in. If taking this route, act with confidence and greet any neighbors you meet along the way. You don’t want them calling the cops on you breaking into your own home.

Call a Locksmith:

Locksmiths provide emergency lock picking services at any time of day or night, but they come with a hefty fee. Depending on your type of lock, they may need to unscrew or even damage the handle to get you inside, leaving you with the bill.

Replace your Locks:

While the chances are slim, your lost key may be found and traced back to your home. Have locks replaced after the incident and consider upgrading to a smart lock for next time.

Securing your home or business is a top priority, and you may think that you need to invest in a comprehensive alarm system with high-tech features that can cost a small fortune in order to keep people and property safe and sound. While that is one option available to you, it is not the only one. Mul-T-Lock CLIQ LOCK is a revolutionary and innovative locking solution that can transform the way you secure your property.

What Is Mul-T-Lock CLIQ?

This is an advanced, patented electromagnetic locking system that does not require wires or an extensive installation process. The technology is built into your keys, padlocks and cylinders in the locks, and it essentially turns these devices into smart features that you have full control over. You simply have to install the special locks and hand out the keys to those who you want to give access to the property to. When you complete this step, you can begin taking advantage of the features and benefits in Mul-T-Lock CLIQ.

What Are the Features and Benefits?

These are highly intelligent products that give you better control over the security of your property. For example, you can control access to the property by enabling or disabling access during specific periods of time during the day or week. You can monitor who enters the property, and you can generate a full audit report of a person’s actions on the property. The technology is accessible through online controls, and this gives you control over property security and access from any location where you can use a mobile device. The system is completely scalable, making it suitable for larger and smaller venues alike. This makes it cost effective for almost every budget. For some, this is the only security feature that they will need on their property. Others may use this in addition to an alarm system for even more comprehensive benefits.

You may be concerned about the safety of your loved ones at home, the ability to control access to your workplace by workers or vendors and more. Regardless of what your current safety and security concerns are for any size property, you will find that Mul-T-Lock CLIQ is a great option for you to consider. You may take a closer look at how this product works and get a quote for the cost of the keys, locks and padlocks that you will need for your property today.

Build your CLIQ ® Solution

Every environment and organization is different. And within each environment there may be a wide range of access points to control with a variety of operational needs to consider. With CLIQ, you’ll be able to build an access control solution that effectively addresses your specific needs and is tailored to your location and operations. View which combination of CLIQ products makes up your ideal access control solution.

CLIQ Cylinders & Padlocks – based on Mul-T-Lock’s renowned High Security mechanical platforms, the electromechanical CLIQ Cylinders and Padlocks maintain authorization lists to ensure only enabled keys have access. Additionally, it collects and stores information for audit trail events. Available in a wide range of applications including Euro (double or single), Rim, Mortise, K.I.K, padlocks, switch cylinders and more, the CLIQ Cylinder can be deployed almost anywhere.

WatchLock ® CLIQ ® – combines multiple technologies – GPS, GSM, and patented mechanical and electromechanical platforms – to create an intelligent locking solution. It provides flexible access control over your assets and information about when and where your assets have been accessed. With audit trails available from both WatchLock and CLIQ, you’ll have accurate records about all assets under WatchLock CLIQ protection. Ideal for remote, hard to reach or mobile assets, this comprehensive solution gives you the control you want and the information you need to enhance the protection level of your assets and premises.

CLIQ User Keys – are electromechanical keys used with CLIQ cylinders. All keys feature LED indicators that signal for authorized and unauthorized access, out-of-schedule use and low battery notice. Select the CLIQ keys or a combination of them based on your needs.

CLIQ Quartz Key – can be programmed with specific time schedules, they also capture audit trail data of up to 130 events.

CLIQ QuartzXT Key – is used with CLIQ Remote and can store up to 1000 events for audit trails. The key can also be programmed with specific time schedules.

CLIQ Quartz+ Key – is used with CLIQ Remote and can store up to 1000 events for audit trail and be programmed with specific time schedules. In addition, the Quartz+ has an additional feature that allows system administrators to predefine a list of authorized cylinders that limits the Quartz+ key to open only those designated cylinders.

CLIQ Manager Software – installed on your local network, CLIQ Manager Software is used for the daily management of your CLIQ system. Designed for secure access, login to the software is fortified and only possible with the C-Key and authorized PIN code. With CLIQ Manager Software, system administrators can manage and create access permissions; audit trails; time-based authorizations; reports and much more.

CLIQ Web Manager Software – is an easy-to-use, web-based software program that allows system administrators to manage their CLIQ Remote platform from any computer, anywhere. In addition to daily functions such as managing and creating access permissions, audit trails, time-based scheduling and reports, the program also supports remote programming devise management; key programing and key and personnel management.

CLIQ Control Key (C-Key) – provides secure access for transferring information between the system’s software and its cylinders, such as updating key authorization lists within the cylinder and the retrieval of audit trail info from cylinder to software. Used for unlocking electronic communication and not actual access points, every CLIQ system has at least one C-Key referred to as the Master C-Key. Additional C-Keys can be added to the system.

CLIQ Local Programming Device (PD) – is used to connect CLIQ keys and cylinders to the system’s management software CLIQ Manager and/or CLIQ Web Manager. The PD provides secure communication that can update CLIQ keys with the latest authorizations and scheduling; retrieve and upload audit trails; and transfer tasks from the CLIQ software to your C-Keys (Control Keys).

CLIQ Wall Programming Device (WPD) – always online, the WPD has its own IP address that enables you to remotely program your CLIQ keys including making authorization and scheduling changes; retrieval of audit trails; revalidation of keys, sync of time settings; updating CLIQ keys’ firmware and more.

CLIQ Mobile Programming Device (MPD) – extremely efficient, the MPD allows you to program CLIQ keys on-the-go using a cellular phone or computer as a modem. With it, you can easily make authorization and profile changes; revalidate keys; retrieve audit trails; sync time settings and more – when and where you need to.

There are many different security options available to make sure that your apartment is safe whether you are at home or not. SOS LOCKSMITH has listed below ways on securing your NYC apartment. You can choose to have an alarm system , have upgraded door and window locks, or you can even buy a dog that will bark loudly when someone is trying to enter your property.

Upgraded Locks

There are many different security locks available on the market by Medeco Locks and Mul-t-Lock . A barrel bolt is another good lock choice. Combination locks and keyless entry locks are also smart choices. Use high quality Grade-1 or Grade-2 locks on exterior doors to resist twisting, prying, and lock-picking attempts. A quality deadbolt lock will have a beveled casing to inhibit the use of channel-lock pliers used to shear off lock cylinder pins. A quality door knob-in-lock set will have a ‘dead latch’ mechanism to prevent slipping the lock with a shim or credit card.

Use a solid core or metal door for all entrance points Use a quality, heavy-duty, deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw bolt Use a quality, heavy-duty, knob-in-lock set with a dead-latch mechanism Use a heavy-duty, four-screw, strike plate with 3-inch screws to penetrate into a wooden door frame

Alarm Systems

A good alarm system will monitor all of the entry points into your apartment. Your door should have an alarm on it as well as all of the windows in your unit. You may also want to have security cameras installed inside of your apartment. There is a new technology available that will allow you to view your home while you are not there through your smartphone or computer. You can check in on your apartment while you are at work or even while you are on vacation if you have a high tech security system.

Security Lighting

Security lighting is a basic security feature that can be very helpful. Many apartments offer exterior security lighting in parking lots and around the entry points to the building. Bright lighting can deter crime and help people feel safer.

Electronic Key Cards

Electronic card access is a popular choice. When people use electronic cards, they can have confidence that no one else has a key to their apartment since key cards can be changed with ease. New residents receive a new card that wipes out the old tenants’ access. Cards can be changed very quickly and with ease. Key cards can also be given for other parts of an apartment complex. They can give people access to certain parts of an apartment like common areas or exercise rooms.

Security Gates

Security gates can be a nice security option. Gates can help apartment owners feel comfortable. They allow only people that live there or have permission to be there to be on the property.

Home Safes

There are great prices on safes at SOS Locksmith , having a safe in your home is a wise investment. Home safes are designed to keep the smash and grab burglar, dishonest nanny, cook or housekeeper from gaining access to important documents and personal property. Home safes need to be anchored into the floor or permanent shelving. Here are few ways to make it work:

– Use the safe everyday so it becomes routine -Protect the safe code and change it occasionally -Install it away from the master bedroom or closet

If you want to live in a secure NYC apartment, find a complex that has good locks, lighting, and that is in a good location or get security consultation from NYC Locksmith You can enjoy feeling comfortable in your apartment at all hours. You want to stay in a building that makes you feel secure.

The term “smart lock” is a security superlative. These words really say, “here’s the best lock ever created.” Electronic locks and keyless locks promote a litany of hyped access control features. Sorting through these marketing words and getting to the nitty gritty and genuine qualities of these locks is a great task indeed. If you’re curious how these locks hold up to security threats and function as a whole, we have the information for you. Here’s what to look for when in the market for an electronic lock and keyless lock in NYC .

Advantages and Disadvantages

Let’s begin with the advantages. Electronic locks and keyless locks usually boast these great advantages:

E-Keys Access Control /Electronic Locks

• Send an e-key to anyone, wherever they are and at any time.

• Temporarily disable or permanently delete a user from the system.

• E-keys have no expiration and can’t be lost.

• Often traditional keys, and keyfobs are available

• Access can be as simple as walking up to the door (RFID chip).

Usage Tracking

• See who sent or accepted an e-key

• See who was enabled or disabled access

• See who was deleted from the system

• See real-time push notifications when someone knocks on the door.

• Check to see if you door was locked or not for peace of mind.

The Disadvantages of electronic locks and keyless locks are several as well.

E-Keys/Electronic Lock

• Electronic hacking

• Battery or electricity dependency issues

• Difficult to configure.

• ANSI grades are lower against break-ins

Although we listed fewer disadvantages than advantages, these negatives are not to be missed in the big picture. Electronic hacking possess a great risk to ANSI grades and is currently little tested on the market. Also, electricity dependent devices, to this point are always slightly a hassle because of recharging issues. Lastly, bumping, prying, and damage threats aren’t publicly acknowledging threats for these yet. People would rather promote the convenience of the lock than anything else. What you don’t know: is your greatest disadvantage with new locking technologies . But, we’ve sorted through them all, and here are some of the locks we recommend to you.

Smart Locks Electronic Locks

1. Samsung EZON Digital Door Lock SHS-3321 Universal Deadbolt

2. Lockey 2950 Keyless Mechanical Digital Mortise Locks

3. Trilogy DL1225 Narrow Stile Digital Thumbturn Lock

4. Kaba P2000 PowerPlex Self-Powered GREEN Electronic Lock

5. Mul-T – Lock Code-It

6. Schlage Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt

7. Medeco Maxum 11*603,

8. Yale YRD240 Lock

9. Schlage BE365 V CAM 619 Lock

10. Arrow Revolutions Lock

We mentioned “smart locks” earlier; and in our opinion two stand alone to make the cut. August Locks and the Kēvo innovation. Both these devices are coupled with hands-free marketing as seen recently with the Nest Learning Thermostat . We chose these smart locks because they are the most advanced at adapting to other products while at the same time keeping you safe and secure as top-security should.

Keyless Door Lock

Remember: keyless door locks come in two forms. Usually they’re activated by a device like a phone, or an access card of something in the form of a keyfob or RFID chip. Keyless door locks are convenient for those who want to share, allow and monitor access digitally. But, keep in mind, that, before purchasing a keyless or electronic lock you know the materials of your door. Often certain exit doors, storefront doors and commercial doors won’t pair well with these technologies from a structural standpoint. Good luck on the market. Find a tried and true locksmith and enjoy the new security market.

Electronic Lock Installation NYC

SOS Locksmith is a main provider and installer of electronic and smart locks in the NYC area. Our trained locksmith technicians go through extensive training and are knowledgeable about the product. Consult with SOS Locksmith for custom designed systems to meet your demands and specifications.

Arrow ’ s Interactive Revolution Locks Means Business

The latest fleet of locks by the esteemed Arrow group has caught our attention this week. They’re called the Arrow Revolution . But what makes these deadbolts revolutionary? With a market catering to a healthy intake of new high-tech locking devices we filter out the most unique locks; locks that set themselves apart from the rest, and in doing so these do actually revolutionize the market. The Arrow Revolution locks stand true to their name. So here’s a peek at what’s sure to impress where advanced security is needed.

Specifications

The Arrow Revolution locks have many notable specifications. The main specs are advanced voice-guided programming and of course a very usable touch screen. Did we say voice guided programming? Yes we did. No longer is a user required to know coding and difficult to comprehend instructions. Tell the lock what to program through state-of-the-art voice recognition software and the lock does it for you. Delete keys, add and delete user codes, change between a trio of languages effortlessly. It’s too simple to be true. No, this is real. The Arrow Revolution is incredibly user friendly.

Specification Overview:

• 25 unique user codes

• Easily add and delete users

• Voice-guided programming

• Trilingual (English, Spanish and French)

• 1 year battery life

Grade

The Arrow Revolution models boast their normal robust frames that conceal innovative technologies. Bump proof, weatherproof and the rest. These locks are BHMA Certified Grade 2 or higher. With this grade, even the lower security models.

Warranties

As of now. The Arrow Revolution locks have two very comprehensive warranties. The Revolution V1 LeverThe Revolution V1 has a three-year limited warranty that includes both electronic and mechanical components. This particular lock is also certified for legal warranty due to break-in; but, normal part wear, abuse preventable or not is not covered in its warranty. The Revolution V2 Deadbolt’s warranty is substantial as well. This lock boasts a lifetime mechanical and finish limited warranty and a one year electronic warranty.

Benefits to the Arrow Revolution locks

If easy programming coupled with the highest standards in security: What else could you possibly need? Well, There’s more. Beyond easy to use voice guided programming, Arrow brings manufacturers these locks in aesthetically gorgeous finishes that compliment the fave of its touchscreen technology. Keypads also mean no more dealing with keys, lost, stolen or at the bottom of your purse in the rain. This touch screen can be locked or unlocked from wherever you are and is equipped with a security override in case of an emergency.

We are not done yet. The push button benefits of this lock have proved to be more economically useful for both commercial and residential properties that have been outfitted with this technology.

If your commercial or residential property in NYC is looking for an upgrade in high-security locks, get an estimate at SOS Locksmith . The Arrow Revolution locks cover their bases and as per usual and in doing so extend a very beautiful fleet of new high-tech products to the advanced security market.

This August’s US Open is set to take place in Flushing Meadows, Queens. While tennis fans have been anticipating the tournament for months, many of them, along with the event’s players have been put on edge as a result of recent terrorist attack rumors. There have been reports that the popular tennis tournament could possibly be the target of the infamous terrorist group Al Qaeda.

Many have criticized Inspire magazine for tipping malicious terrorist groups off as to where the best places would be to plant and explode a bomb. The New York City Police Department’s director of intelligence analysis, Rebecca Weiner, first reported that the magazine contained controversial material regarding the most efficient way to execute a terrorist attack on the tennis tournament. She recently revealed the information in a briefing for the city’s private security community. The magazine also lists Washington D.C. And Virginia as possible terrorist targets as well. Yet Weiner calmed some nerves by indicating that the NYPD does not know of any particular threats on the US Open.

Security At US Open in Flushing, NY

TimeLox has installed DC-One electronic door locks on each hospitality suite at the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (NTC) in Flushing, NY. DC-One is a dual-card (magnetic stripe and smartcard) system that allows hotels to enjoy the unique advantages that each technology offers, while maximizing security for both the property and guests. Combining the economy and reliability of magnetic cards with the flexibility of smartcard technology, DC-One not only makes hotel staff functions easier to perform, but also decreases the overall workload.

What US Open Attendees Need to Know

Tournament goers should be aware that US Open officials take security very seriously. They take significant and extensive steps to maximize the safety of the facility, the fans and the players. Everyone who enters the tournament site through the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center entryways should show up before play actually begins as there could be some delays.

Every fan will be thoroughly screened before being allowed to pass through these entry gates. Tournament goers can only bring a single bag into the tournament stands. These bags can be searched by US Open security staff and city police officers at any time during the tournament. The bags must be smaller than 12 inches in width, 12 inches in height an 16 inches in length. The bags can’t be stored anywhere on the facility’s grounds. Fans will only be able to access a special bag storage space that is located outside of the stadium if they are willing to pay a fee.

Tournament officials recommend attending the event without a bag to expedite the entry process. There will be separate “speed line” entryways made available for fans who choose to attend the tournament without a bag.

There is a specific list of items that will not be allowed into the tournament. These include hard coolers or containers, noise making devices, alcohol, aerosol cans, backpacks, bottles, cans, anything made of glass or metal, sealed packages of any sort, video cameras or other recording devices, laptops, tablets or any other computers, food beyond very small quantities, pets, weapons, tennis racquets, laser pointers, signs, banners, flags and anything that constitutes an unapproved promotion or advertisement.

US Open security staff members are also allowed to bar fans from entering the facility with any other items that they consider to be dangerous or inappropriate. It is important to note that food required for babies or individuals with specific medical conditions will be allowed. While pets are not permitted, service animals will be allowed for disabled individuals.

Secure your home and family under lock and key

Your home contains all of your most important things- your family, your memories, and of course your belongings. You want to not only feel safe at home, but actually be safe. When homeowners think of burglars often they imagine someone sneaking in the back window at night but most burglars boldly walk in the front door in broad daylight. One of the easiest ways to rob a house is to back a moving van in and load it up, or drive up in a van marked “maid services” and leave with bags of valuables rather than bags of trash. These bold thieves rely on being able to open the front door.

The keys

Your front line of security is your door lock . If the thieves can’t get in easily they will move on to easier pickings. A security alarm is an excellent idea, but there is always a lag time between the alarm going off and guards showing up. A bold intruder could grab your valuables in just a few seconds and then bolt, leaving an empty house for the security firm to guard.

Intruders can get past your door lock by picking it, drilling it, bumping it or just getting a copy of the key. It’s surprisingly easy to get copies made of keys. For example, in the brief period of time a valet parking attendant has your keys they can be rapidly copied at the key kiosk in the mall around the corner. Ever leave your keys on the counter for a few minutes and then wonder how they got onto the floor over there? maybe someone borrowed them for a few minutes to get them copied at the hardware store next door.

Unlike common door keys, the Mult-T lock keys cannot be copied simply by presenting a key to a locksmith. Locksmiths will only copy these keys if a customer with the correct credentials presents them and the key. As an additional safeguard against “crooked” locksmiths, Mult-T lock keys can only be cut from special blanks. Only reliable professionals are allowed to purchase and use the Mult-T lock key blanks.

The lock

SO you’ve stopped the intruders from copying your keys. But what about picking the lock? A skilled professional can pick a lock almost as fast as unlocking it with the key. Mul-T-Lock Interactive locks have external and internal pins and a spring-loaded mechanism that acts almost like a combination lock. The lock only opens if the correct key is inserted. Skeleton keys won’t work, and the lock is highly resistant to being picked. The lock itself forms an almost perfect spherical shape and has steel inserts to make it even harder to drill through. The lock is highly pick, drill, and bump resistant.

Combined with a few security cameras, the Mul-T Interactive system will finally allow you to secure your valuables and know they are safely under lock and key.

This article answers all the “whats” regarding the Medeco³ Rim & Mortise line .

What Is a Rim Cylinder?

Rim cylinders couple with auxiliary rim lock systems like night latches, “jimmy-proof” vertical deadbolt locks , surface-mounted deadbolts, and panic devices. The rim cylinders Medeco³ manufactures are on UL’s 437 List for locks that resist attacks from picks and drills.

This brand of rim cylinder is available in a range of constructions to fit a variety of mechanical and electronic lock systems.

What Is a Mortise Cylinder?

When you have a door designed with a “cut-out” or recessed space for a locking system, that space is called a “mortise”. Medeco³ Mortise cylinders come in an array of durable construction options to work with many electronic locking systems as well as mechanical systems.

These mortise cylinders work with Medeco³ mortise lock cases and many other makers’ lock cases.

What Are the Benefits of Installing Medeco³ Rim & Mortise Cylinders?

Every product made comes with the reality of a lifespan. If you have an auxiliary rim lock system or a mortise lock case that needs a sturdy new lock cylinder, Medeco³ cylinders are a secure fit!

Your lock cylinders need not be old. You can replace cheaper cylinder mechanisms and expect more safety from Medeco³ products. Medeco³ grew out of a Salem, Virginia, company established in the 1950s. Today, the company’s durable lock cylinders are still made in the U.S.A.

Every Medeco³ lock cylinder comes with a two-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects. The keys paired with each lock cylinder feature angled cuts as well as fore and aft notch positioning that allow this manufacturer one of the largest available master key systems. This means more peace-of-mind for any person with something to protect. Large master key systems make it very hard for someone else to “just happen” to have the key that fits your new lock cylinder.

Once you have switched your cylinders to Medeco³, you can count on these products to last many years. Each cylinder’s interior features solid brass construction that resists the efforts of the elements and more nefarious foes.

What Finishes Are Available?

The Medeco³ line features a range of finishes to match almost any existing lock case’s look. Here is a sampling of available finishes:

Bright Brass

Satin Brass

Antique Brass

Oil-Rubbed Bronze

Bright Nickel

Satin Nickel

Black

Dark Bronze

Bright Chrome

Satin Chrome

For safety and dependability, you need lock cores that are simply “hard to break” and hard to mistake for any other brand. That is exactly what you get from Medeco³ Rim & Mortise cylinders. Select yours today!

If you are a small business owner, you have things you need to protect. Those “things” include important documents that may cause suspension of your business activities if lost or stolen. You may be the owner of a small business that sells precious jewelry or valuable collectibles. In addition, many small businesses require cash on the premises for various reasons. Nobody likes losing money! A quality UL 2-Hour Fire Safe from Gardall can help.

Gardall UL 2-Hour Fire Safe

What Are the Features of this Type of Safe?

Anti-pry, recessed doors with a thickness of more than four inches

Safe walls thicker than two inches

A UL-listed Group II high-security lock in your choice of mechanical or electronic design

A solid, chrome-plated handle engineered to sheer during a “handle attack”

Complex anti-drilling-attack construction

What Sizes of Safe Are Available?

How Does a Gardall UL 2-Hour Fire Safe Benefit Small Businesses?

Some things are simply part of doing business the right way. A fire safe is one of those things!

How Much Does One of These Safes Cost?

The price range on Gardall’s 2-Hour line starts at just over $900.00 and goes to just above $2,250.00 for the line’s largest, heaviest model equipped with three shelves. Several models fill the space between the two ends of the price range.

The reasons for a small business to own one of these valuable safes from Gardall greatly outweigh any arguments against the purchase. If your business documents are worth protecting, Gardall’s line of UL 2-Hour Fire Safes is worth a good, long look!

When you want to protect your home and your family, the important thing to consider is the reliability of the security system you have installed. Home security has gone high tech and the best way to have added protection is to have a qualified locksmith install the system that’s right for you.

Why Homeowners Need Added Security

Your home is the largest investment you have and you want to make sure it’s protected, but the safety and security of your family are the top priority and you don’t want to have an inferior system installed. The high crime rate in many areas of the country is a growing concern. Many homeowners don’t have sufficient security to protect their families, and having a system installed can protect you in emergencies. It’s important to use a high tech system with state-of-the-art equipment.

High Tech Services Locksmiths Offer

You may choose a security system that monitors your entire home or one room. Although locksmiths still provide services such as assisting with lost keys or being locked out of your home, they provide much more. A homeowner may choose to have a home security system installed that allows for remote access, so you’re able to interact with the locksmith in real time when there’s an emergency. Another option is to have a system installed that allows you to control the lighting in your home from a remote location.

High Tech Security Solutions

Millions of dollars are spent every year by homeowners due to lost or stolen property, home invasions, and vandalism. One of the ways to protect your home is with an access control system . High tech security devices can be in the form of biometric readers , keypads, or radio frequencies so you know your property is secure. Biometric readers may be voice or fingerprint activated. Keypads may use digital access or card readers. Radio frequencies are an effective way to monitor alarm systems.

Another way to protect your home is with surveillance cameras. You can choose systems that monitor specific areas of your home and property to ensure the safety of your family. You may choose to have a system installed to monitor outdoor areas that are extensive or heavily wooded. You may also have a high tech system installed to monitor the exterior of your home and driveway after dark. This provides an extra level of security when coming home late at night.

Choosing a High Tech Locksmith

When you need the services of a professional locksmith, it’s important to choose an experience locksmith that can provide emergency lockout service and repairs, but who is familiar with high security and key control, alarms, access control, and installations. Make sure that you check out the credentials of the locksmith. The technician you hire should be licensed, bonded, or insured. You should find out if the locksmith has liability insurance to cover any damage that could possibly occur to your property as a result of the job. By hiring a certified professional that has the proper equipment, you can be assured of having the job done right.

Why Choose a Mortise Lock?

Other advantages include the fact that there is not a lot of the lock being exposed when a person uses a mortise lock. This makes it a great deal more difficult for potential thieves and other wrongdoers to attempt to sabotage it, increasing the security that it is able to provide exponentially. This, combined with being able to accommodate pretty much any type of lock, including those that provide the highest security level, creates a very potent lock that is not easily bypassed.

What is the Installation Process?

Although there is no single method of preparing a door to have a mortise lock installed, there are some similarities from installation to installation. Most mortise locks will need a 2-1/8″ cross bore at a 2-3/4″ back set. It does not matter if the additional holes will need to be drilled because the mortise lock will cover them so that they cannot be seen. The main reason why there is no standard preparation procedure is because each mortise lock varies based on the company that is manufacturing it.

There are numerous different jigs and templates that are available for installing mortise locks. The best companies will provide aluminum templates that have been made through machining methods. These templates can be used to show the person installing the lock exactly where to drill the holes and create the openings for a specific manufacturer’s locks. The templates will be attached to the door by using clamps. Then, drill bits and other tools that are required by the template can be used to make the holes.

Templates are used to reduce the chances of the door being damaged. However, it is always recommended to take an extended period of time with installing mortise locks in order to further decrease the chances of damage.

The form and function of the traditional locking mechanism is under assault by the future. While the core usage of a lock is likely to remain the same, new models are popping up on the market, technologically superior devices outfitted with digital technology.

The Hybrid Locking Mechanism

A client can opt to stick with the traditional key and lock model of entry, but add an additional layer of digital security. A weatherproof keypad, lighting up for the user to enter an entry code, sits alongside the standard lock to offer greater flexibility and access control . The system could change the entry code every week, or the head of the family could assign a personalized access code for each member of the family, perhaps giving out guest codes that expire after a set period.

Part of the Smart Home

A locksmith is expected to match time-honored knowledge of locking mechanisms with network expertise. The latest generation of locks come as either keyed or key less models. They use Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity to hook the access system to the home network, whereupon the smart home can access other subsystems, turning on hallway lighting, drive lights, and even accessing environmental controls to turn on the heating for when the family arrives home.

Virtual Locks Over Traditional Locks

While the tumblers and pins of a high-quality lock aren’t about to be replaced overnight, the new options offered by technology are creating a stir with tech-savvy consumers. Thanks to mobile devices, a virtual key can be created and assigned to a smartphone, and then be forwarded to other family members. Without ever removing the pocketed smartphone, the home access system digitally identifies the arriving family member by recognizing the virtual key stored in an App.

The Advantages of Modular Wireless Security

One of the primary advantages of this new technology is the nod to mobile tech, the inclusion of wireless engineering that means no wires are required when installing the lock. Locksmiths simply fit the lock in the same way as any traditional mechanism, fitting the cylinder, outer casing, and engaging the locking mechanism. Digital connectivity, the same tech used in mobile devices, then allows a locksmith to effortlessly extend the access system, adding internet cameras and additional locks without ever needing to resort to wiring. It’s an attractive feature, knowing security can be altered without being tied to wires and having to drill holes, cutting channels in walls. The network then accepts the new additions with a simple change of a software configuration routine.

Practical Considerations

Looking inside the new generation of locks, a locksmith can quickly point out all of the familiar parts, but there’s additions. Those additions come in the shape of motorized drives, wireless circuitry for interfacing the lock to the home network, and a power assembly that’s likely accompanied by a set of batteries. Thanks to low power components courtesy of the mobile device industry, to low power Bluetooth and computer wizardry, the batteries will last for extended periods. Note, those same components can easily be configured to send a notification of some kind to a cell phone, warning the homeowner or the local locksmith of the need for new batteries. The same mobile communications tech also informs the cell phone of security events, of intruders and unexpected arrivals. Imagine being able to take control of the lock from work, opening the door from a smartphone with a touch.

Hybrid locks allow users to slowly adapt to the new tech, while key less entry means embracing entirely new forms of access.

When it comes to security locks, you want to choose a locksmith company that is reputable and will do the job. Here are 20 high security locks on the market we highly recommend today

Medeco³ Rim & Mortise

Medeco’s Rim and Mortise cylinders provide patented key control and UL437 Physical Security in adaptable retrofit cylinder formats.

Medeco Logic Rim & Mortise

Medeco Logic merges the flexibility of electronics with reliable mechanical technology – all in a Rim or Mortise cylinder. Medeco Logic offers end users audit trail, user access schedules and the ability to quickly add or remove a key electronically from a system.

Medeco XT Rim & Mortise

The Medeco XT Rim & Mortise electronic cylinders are a direct replacement for mechanical Rim cylinders and is ideal for loss and liability management. The cylinder requires no wiring to the door and is powered by the Medeco XT rechargeable key (sold separately).

Medeco³ Logic Rim & Mortise

Medeco³ Logic merges the flexibility of electronics with reliable mechanical technology – all in a retrofit Rim or Mortise cylinder. Medeco³ Logic offers end users audit trail, user access schedules and the ability to quickly add or remove a key electronically from a system. Medeco³ Logic installs with no wiring in a matter of minutes and digital keys and digital cylinders reprogram for instant changes.

Aperio Mortise Cylinder

The Medeco® M100 battery operated mortise lock with Aperio Technology makes it easy and cost effective to bring access control to applications where audit trail and monitoring are becoming increasingly critical.

Maxum Deadbolt

The Medeco® Maxum deadbolt exceeds ANSI Grade 1 standard for auxiliary locks. Hardened steel inserts and rotating pins provide drill and pick resistance according to UL 437 standard. The Medeco³ design offers a utility patent that provides protection against unauthorized key duplication.

14 Series Deadbolt

The Medeco® 14 Series is a Grade 2 commercial deadbolt that provides an outstanding combination of cylinder options, performance and value. It is the ideal choice for a wide variety of commercial and heavy duty residential applications where consistent quality, ease of use and installation are required.

Medeco Logic Deadbolt

The Medeco Logic Maxum deadbolt exceeds ANSI Grade 1 standard for auxiliary locks. In addition to the physical security of the Maxum deadbolt, the Medeco Logic cylinder provides end users with an audit trail, the ability to schedule user access rights and the freedom to quickly add or remove a key from the system.

Medeco Logic Residential Deadbolt

The Medeco Logic Residential Maxum deadbolt exceeds ANSI Grade 1 standard for auxiliary locks. Solid brass, free turning collar and 1/4 inch diameter mounting bolts resist wrenching, prying and hammering attacks. 1 inch throw hardened steel bolt resists sawing and crowbar attacks. In addition to the physical security and Residential aestetics of the Maxum deadbolt, the Medeco logic cylinder provides end users with an audit trail, the ability to schedule user access rights and the freedom to quickly add or remove a key from the system.

Maxum Residential Deadbolt

The Maxum Residential deadbolt is offers commercial grade 1 Security in a Residentially pleasing format.

Medeco³ Key in Lever/Knob

Medeco³ Key-in-Knob cylinders are designed to retrofit knob type cylindrical locksets, lever type cylindrical locksets, padlocks and bored type auxiliary deadlatches and deadlocks. 20 series, Key-in-Knob cylinders are UL437 listed for drill and pick resistance, and the those that incorporate the Medeco³ design, offer utility patented key control.

Medeco XT KIK/KIL

The Medeco XT Key in Knob/Lever electronic cylinder is a direct replacement for mechanical KIK/KIL cylinders and is ideal for Loss & Liability management. The cylinder requires no wiring to the door and is powered by the Medeco XT rechargeable key (sold separately). The cylinder is designed for interior and exterior use with an operating temperature rating of -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Flexible authorization, auditing of use and quick retrofit to existing hardware are all in one convenient package.

Medeco³ Logic KIK/KIL

Medeco³ Logic merges the flexibility of electronics with reliable mechanical technology – all in a key in knob or key in lever retrofit cylinder. Medeco³ Logic offers end users audit trail, user access schedules and the ability to quickly add or remove a key electronically from a system. Medeco³ Logic installs with no wiring in a matter of minutes and digital keys and digital cylinders reprogram for instant changes.

Medeco Logic KIK/KIL

Medeco Logic merges the flexibility of electronics with reliable mechanical technology – all in a Key in Knob or Key in Lever cylinder. Medeco Logic offers end users audit trail, user access schedules and the ability to quickly add or remove a key electronically from a system.

The security of your home is only as good as the lock on your front door. The frightening fact is that most door handles aren’t as stable or thief-proof as you might like to think. However, there is a way you can protect your family and keep your home safe. The Mul-T-Lock provides you with the level of security and safety that you truly need.

Modern Technology

So many aspects of modern life have been revolutionized by technology, but doorknobs have been left in the dark ages. Most homes feature outdated locks that are ineffective at deterring burglars. Lock pickers know how to bypass the basic design of older locks. However, the Mul-T-Lock features a high-tech design and advanced cylinder that can make your home safer.

Durable Locks for Greater Protection

Other locks feature thin steel, and they’re easily bypassed with a solid kick or the strike of a hammer. Mul-T-Lock is committed to improving protection levels, so they offer locks that are hardened against forceful attacks. This makes them a more secure option that’s harder for criminal to bypass.

Patented Technology

The Mul-T-Lock has been patented, and it’s only available through authorized retailers. It’s not readily available at your local home improvement store, but you can find this top-notch door lock through authorized locksmiths who are chosen, trained and supported by the lock manufacturers. They can install the new locks for you so that you can enjoy a safer home.

Unsurpassed Key Control

Older locks come with keys that can be copied at any neighborhood hardware store. This is one of their flaws because savvy criminals know how to gain access to the people who have keys. The Mul-T-Lock comes with personal key cards for every cylinder . The keys can only be copied by authorized locksmiths, and they’re able to identify the owner before keys are copied. This prevents a criminal from copying a key and then returning it to the keyholder before anyone realizes it’s missing.

Better Mechanisms

The Mul-T-Lock is designed to be more resistant to intruders. It meets the most stringent international standards. This provides you with an outstanding quality that provides you with superior protection against intruders.

What Makes Mul-T-Lock the Best

The manufacturer is a member of the world-leading ASSA ABLOY group. They have more than 30 years of experience in the field of high security, and they currently own more than 500 patent registrations around the world. They serve every sector, including automotive, residential, commercial, institutional, and OEM. They’re prepared to respond to any challenge to provide customers with the peace of mind they deserve.

Protect your family by making your home safer. You give them the best whenever you can, and that should extend to home security. You cannot put a price on the peace of mind you’ll enjoy when you have a more secure front door with a lock that will thwart most criminals. Make your home less of a target by making the investment in a Mul-T-Lock that will help you keep the family safe and your home secure.

Unfortunately, some of us come to expect the worst safety conditions in our learning environments. Today headlines are filled with shootings and scenarios that tantamount crisis. Truthfully, it seems that most of us merely hope that the time between such incidents is prolonged as long as possible. While these stories seemingly surface more often, or are proliferated by the media, locking technologies are advancing rapidly. By now, a majority of us have inferred that with better security comes lesser the opportunity for these circumstances to occur. Possibly the most important aspect of this conversation is geared towards our students. Protecting students in schools is undoubtedly the most important aspect that humanity may consider. So what types of security systems should be used in the academic system? We’ll break down a few things you should consider in the locks that should be used and the doors they should be installed on.

Locks

High-security locks are necessary to protect entry ways that lead to students, faculty and administration. These entry ways need to be outfitted with locks that can withstand a lot of torment. The reason why is simple. Usually intruders don’t have time to pick a lock in these scenarios. Instead brut force is initiated. For academic entryways, we recommend state-of-the-art deadbolt locks. We’ll list three we recommend here.

Medeco Logic Deadbolt

Medeco supplies some of the best high-security locks on the market. The Medeco Logic Deadbolt is one of them. The lock exceeds the ANSI Grade 1 standard for an auxiliary lock. It’s resistant to wrenching, prying, bumping and hammering attacks. It also has a one inch throw hardened steel bolt to prevent crowbar attacks. Here’s a recap of its features.

• ANSI Grade 1

• Controlled Access-electronically programed keys

• Data of entry and exit, user and guest

• Electronic rekeying

• Advanced Medeco Software

• Solid brass collar spins under pressure to prevent wrench attacks

• Large thumb turn provides ease of use by physically challenged individuals.

• Steel shroud over bolt protects against “ice pick” type attacks

Abloy Protec2 Single Cylinder Deadbolt

In 2001 the Abloy Protec system was created. Not a single documented picking attempt has been known to succeed on this lock. In 2012 they introduced the Protec2 Single Cylinder and it packs a punch. It’s the highest grade: ANSI Grade 1. The rating is based on extreme physical attack resistance. Some of the other specs are as follows. (We should mention that the user reviews are some of the best.) We’d suggest this lock to anyone.

• ANSI Grade 1

• Housed in steel body and hardened steel cylinder for maximum resistance to drilling

• H2X extreme 2″ hardened bolt can withstand 2 tons of force

• 1/4” (6mm) thick steel screws to prevent angled prying

• Steel bolt shield against ice picks

• Reinforced steel strike box with 2″ anchor screws

• Solid rotating collar so wrenches and pliers are ineffective

Schlage Single Cylinder Deadbolt Lock

This lock is very standard in many facilities and holds up to extreme tampering, prying, bumping and ice picking conditions. Schlage has been around for 90 years. This lock is as impressive as those 90 years, and is great for academic security settings.

• Brass finish

• 2-3/8″ to 2-3/4″ backset

• ANSI Grade 1

• Biggest adjustable bolt available

• Pick, bump and pry resistant

• Guaranteed to fit all standard doors

• Lifetime limited finish and mechanical warranty

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For classroom doors we recommend one locking system. Why one? Because it’s completely unequalled in performance. Not only in performance, but the lock is very cost efficient. That lock would be the GL87 Arrow classroom lock:

GL87 Arrow classroom lock

The GL87 Arrow classroom lock works in a user-friendly way. The outside lever is locked or unlocked by key. A locked clutch function allows the lever to turn freely; yet, this will not retract the dead latch until the outside lever is unlocked with a key. Inside the lever is always unlocked and retracts the latch when turned. When the door is unlocked, the door remains operable from both inside and outside. Here are a few certifications it has received:

• UL/cUL listed

• ANSI/BHMA A156.2, Series 4000, Grade 1.

• Federal Specification FF-H-106Cu

• ANSI A117.1 Accessibility Code

Doors

High security doors are extremely important. We’ll argue far for to make this point: a lock is only as secure as the object that it’s placed on. High security doors are primary protectors. It’s important that your door meets regulations and standards for your building and setting. Briefly consider checking up on the following basics:

• Installed Cylinder Guards

• Strike Plates (working)

• Non-corroded hinges

• Re-sturdied and fortified door frames

Schools, universities and academic settings should always outfit their buildings with the best security systems available. Time and time again we see compromises in security. We feel that prevention is within grasp. With more light shed on these locking innovations we can only hope that local and national governments bring things up to date when their re-educated on locking devices.

Nobody understands high security systems better than Mul-T-Lock . The new MT5®+ PLATFORM is backed by significant improvements and industry leading technologies. In its fifth generation, the MT5®+ PLATFORM has revolutionized not only the lock, but the key. Since both a key and a lock are used to implement security, Mul-T-Lock outfitted each component with groundbreaking advances. In doing so, they have innovated an unprecedented locking system—by far one of the best in its class. The MT5®+ PLATFORM is proving to be great lengths ahead of most security threats. By doing so, it’s currently a locksmith’s most exemplary shelved product, and leads the way for better locking technologies in the high-security marketplace. Let’s take a look.

The Basics

The MT5®+ PLATFORM features substantial results when it comes to preventing pick, drill and bumping attacks. The The new MT5®+ PLATFORM also houses a rear cylinder pin which is engaged by an Alpha spring. Five finger pins supply you in a great numbers game— there are millions of possible combinations a non-permissible accessor could attempt and not receive entry —making the MT5®+ PLATFORM nearly impossible to get into without permission.

The Key Features:

• Telescopic Pin Tumblers

• Locking Bar

• Alpha Spring

• Double Molding Design for ultimate durability

• Advanced Key Control

The MT5®+ PLATFORM has both a milled pattern and a telescopic pin mechanism. In combination, these features work to eliminate manipulation resistance. As far as the aesthetic and feel of the key go, it’s exceptional. The key is rather ergonomic, boasting a silky and elegant key face. Going further into security features, the MT5®+ PLATFORM comes with a magnetic strip card. Only when the card is presented to the MT5+ key duplicating machine will a key code be configured. The MT5®+ PLATFORM also supports complex master key systems allowing preferential access and exclusive keyways to your suit.

The Lock Features

• Hardened steal inserts

• Telescopic Pin Tumblers

• Finger pins with locking bar

The MT5®+ PLATFORM lock is also very, very impressive. At any one time a total of three locking mechanisms are working to ensure maximum security. Top bar pins need to associate the correct key combination as it’s inverted into the cylinder. Secondly, the telescopic pin technology—which has shown wide acclaim over previous generations—must also align itself correctly. Thirdly, the mobile Alpha Spring must engage the rear pin mechanism (for an added shearline) in order to fully engage. With all these security accoutrements combined the research and development team at Mul-T-Lock has garnered significant results. The MT5®+ PLATFORM hauls in the UL 437 listing for security standards as well. That’s the best you can get.

MT5®+ Locksmith in NYC

SOS Locksmith has been a certified Mul-T-Lock dealer in NYC since 10+ years. Located in Chelsea NYC they are the #1 provider/reseller of Mul-T-Lock in New York.

Conclusion

After three decades of experience, the MT5®+ PLATFORM has made its fifth patented high-security platform really standout. Both physical and technical security risks are greatly snubbed with this product line. The platform is also available with CLIQ electromechanical technology. This and the extremely safe C5® key cutting machine for key duplication makes the MT5®+ PLATFORM something to be reckoned with. If high-security had a smile, this would be it. With open arms we welcome the new MT5®+ PLATFORM.

Basics of 4600 series

How cylindrical locks can be used

Advantages of the cylindrical unit

After Kwikset produced a stylish new e-lock called Kēvo , we saw other companies come out with electronic locks like the Danalock by Poly-Control and The Yale Real Living Touchscreen Z-Wave Deadbolt . They’ve all drawn wide interest. Now it’s the Goji Lock . We’ve reviewed it. Let’s see how it stands up.

Why E-Key?

E-keys are special because they improve upon the faults that traditional keys have. You cannot lose them and then permanently compromise your security, for one. And, if you’re late to come home to meet someone like a family member or a friend, you can send them an e-key and tell them to make themselves at home before your arrive. You can retract the e-key at anytime if you feel compromised as well. Traditional keys cannot offer these options. E-keys significantly improve on these points.

Usage Tracking

See who entered your residence

See who was enabled or disabled access and when

See who was deleted from the Goji system

See real-time push notifications of entry and exit

Goji broken down

The Goji lock is all smartphone capable and doesn’t need wifi access to be used. The good thing about the Goji lock is that it has 24/7 support, so that if a phone is lost your locks won’t be vulnerable once you’re able to get into contact with a technician. But, the Goji is, to us, just another e-lock. The specs and technology are still mild in comparison to the Yale Real Living Touchscreen Z-Wave Deadbolt and its other competitors. And, the price point is significantly higher as well. Extra key fobs are $45 apiece. Overall the device isn’t nearly as interactive or user friendly as other products on the market. Yes, the ability to send keys, and allow certain time access is attractive, but we think the Yale Real Living Touchscreen Z-Wave Deadbolt is still too pretty for this Goji attempt.

Concluding

The Yale Real Living Touchscreen Z-Wave Deadbolt system is sharper: The Yale Real Living Touchscreen Z-Wave Deadbolt system is able to tell when the user is inside or outside and operates accordingly. If you have to go to the door for instance, it won’t unlock on you from the inside. It’s bump proof, pick proof and has an awesome mobile interface. The keyfob puts this product over the top should the long battery life begin to put-put. In light of this circumstance, a notification is sent when the batteries should be replaced. Overall the Yale Real Living Touchscreen Z-Wave Deadbolt system really sparkles visually and functionally and we like it much better than Goji.

Walter T. Shaw is a tricky chap. Regarded as the Michael Jordan of jewel thieves, Mr. Shaw recently interviewed with MSN about his tactics to enter a home and pilfer the valuables inside. The comical part about this piece was the information he provided. The ways in which he entered and robbed a home were so logical they were absurd. We noted a few of his strategies that may seem a little haunting at times. But all these you could put your foot down to and prevent someone attempting to break into your home.

Social Media and the blab blab

Internet hacking has been around for a long, long while. Don’t post that you’re in Alaska having an exceedingly lovely vacation. Unless, you wanted your valuables looted. And don’t post this stuff to the worldwide web -especially if your account isn’t private. But! Don’t talk about it with people or strangers either. It doesn’t take much for a burglar to go up behind you in a grocery store, ask you about your day and then you tell them about your entire getaway. They will follow you home and the rest is history.

Back of the house

People think that the back of the house is protected by their fence, so they don’t lock the door. The back of the house is one of the better places for entry into a home. It may be useful to put a security decal in the back there. Security decals, although maybe not representative of an actual system, can sometimes be effective. Security companies like to show that their product is being used by community advertising efforts. Buy some false advertising. It may actually benefit you.

Away at work = security system

A majority of burglaries happen during the daytime. When a working individual leaves, it’s obvious to see if they are going to be gone for more than one or two hours. Usually their work appearance gives this away. In this case if there is another person at home and they go out to get groceries the burglar can make a clean and efficient entry without fear of persons being home. In this case it’s worth your while to invest in a security system . And, turn it on when you leave!

Cameras and censors are your friends

Light/ motion sensors and CCTV cameras can be significant deterrents to home invaders. They are cheap and easy to install. Plus, new technologies can send real-time updates to mobile devices to ensure you’re up-to-date with what’s going on at your home. All of this is recorded as well, so you can go back and track data for future use and legality purposes.

Pets

A dog may be one of the best security “devices” you can purchase. These animals always seem to be looking out for you. That annoying bark will come in handy if someone is trying to break-in to your home and may even alert your neighbors of a home invasion. But only get a dog if you can truly care for it!

Hold the mail

If you’re mail box gets full, or packages are sitting on your doorstep it indicates you’re not home. Have the post office put a hold on your mail until you return. Burglars like this freebie. Don’t give it to them.

People do a lot of things to burglar-proof their home. Precautions readily exist. But, when it comes to actually securing one’s door, people take a costly shortcut when they shouldn’t. Securing a door isn’t that difficult, nor is it time consuming. In the end it’s probably easier than begging your neighbors to make snow tracks around your property to give the appearance of someone being home. We’ll let you know here how you can pull a few minutes aside to secure your door and feel safer when you’re home or away.

The Door Counts

Before we begin we need to ensure you have the right door. Having a pseudo-door, like one of cardboard or hollow build will not suffice in establishing your safety. Replace that door with one of the following.

Metal Door

Wood Door

Fiberglass Door

Windowed Doors

Windowed doors have an allotted entry to them. If you have a windowed door make certain that the build is reinforced well. If you have an alarm system, make certain that the door does not permit someone from the exterior to see if the house is set by an alarm system or not. Windowed doors do not maximize security as they are compromised by a slight design inclination.

Forget to lock up?

A significant amount of burglaries happen in one simple way. The burglar tests the doorknob and the door is not locked. Do not forget to lock your household when you leave. It sounds simple to those who are creatures of habit, but even those who are continually aware slip-up. It only takes one mistake to allow someone entry to your home. Additional attention doesn’t hurt your security.

Reinforce your door and entry

Bumping, picking and crowbar wrenching are common ways to break into a home, but all can be prevented with adjustments to your external locks. Try installing these few things to improve the security of your door.

Install Cylinder Guards

Replace Strike Plates

Try and secure exposed, corroded hinges

Re-sturdy and fortify your door frame

Viewer

Although it may seem a little funny, a viewer helps. What is a viewer? A viewer is a peep-hole, essentially. The main function of a viewer is to allow viewing from inside- out and not outside- in. Although this may seem petty, if one feels an extra eye on them from the door, they may feel more uncomfortable and not commit the burglary.

***

Besides for basic lock upgrades and installing CCTV cameras and light censors, easy burglar-proof door adjustments can go a long way in securing your home. Think these ideas over before leaving your home for long or short term times away.

Choosing your entry door

The front door is the main entryway into your home. Some may argue that it is the most important for aesthetic value. But we disagree. We first and foremost want to consider its function and its security aspects. In choosing a front door you’re expressing what your entryway means to friends, family, neighbors, visitors and strangers. All things must be considered in depth before purchasing a front door. You may have already chosen the color you want for your new front door, but we’d like you to consider what kind of material you want that door to be. In the end that will create the biggest impression on your home, not the paint job.

Steel

Steel doors are common for entryways, but not all the time do they make the most sensible purchases. With steel doors it’s what is on the inside that counts. Steel and aluminum doors or combinations thereof -with a frame – can be especially sensitive to weather. In direct sunlight they can absorb and abundance of heat and in the cold they can allow a chill to permeate from their surface. Unless noted by the manufacturer (of an insulated construction) keeps steel doors in environments that are subject to Mediterranean-like temperatures. Take note that steal doors will also need periodic resealing and a good peal-free paint to boot.

Wood

Wood doors are also a pretty popular choice. Maybe more so than steel and aluminum doors, the inside matters most. We aren’t kidding. Wood doors specifically subjected to heat and weather will warp if not constructed properly or cared for. They require maintenance. If you’re not one for a little bit of door maintenance, stay out of the wood door market. Yet, wooden doors are superior at insulating a space. There are many ways to resist wood shrinkage and warping, but be aware before you make this purchase. Granted, wood doors are really, really lovely to look at when constructed well…

Fiberglass and Composite

Fiberglass and composite doors are the crème de la crème of entryway doors. They require almost no maintenance and can appear like a wood door and function with nearly the same amount of insulation. Like anything else, they will be subject to periodic resealing, but can procure you with the biggest warranty over the other doors. That, however, comes at an expense. Fiberglass and composite doors tend to soak up the most banks in an initial cost.

Finishing ’ s

Although these doors may require a little different attention from one to the other, they all require a good finish or paint to maintain their lifespan. After purchasing the door that best suits you, make sure you give it the right protective layers so that it can serve you best over the longest amount of time. Here are a few things to take a look at:

Stain-and-clear finish

Paint Finish

High-Exposure Finishing

Paint finish/extras/ jamb caulking needed

The Medeco Maxum deadbolt prevents a burglar from making a sledge hammer useful on the lock of your door. Supreme mechanical cylinder features and certifications make this solid brass construction the best. Medeco Maxum deadbol t is in accordance with the UL437 standard for the safest locks on the market. It’s free turning collar and 1/4 inch diameter mounting balls resist nearly everything. The Medeco Maxum deadbolt is the lock to ensure all your security needs.

The Medeco Maxum deadbolt is protective against drilling, wrenching, bumping and prying attacks. The electronic version supports audits to the cylinder, audits to the keys, and multiple user access groups. Above all, there is no wiring involved. Only The Medeco Maxum deadbolt electric locking system can be sound after such torment. That’s due to more than solid construction, that’s due to the genius of design.

How does your deadbolt hold up to a drilling attack? The Medeco Deadbolt uses reinforced steel pins in the cylinder and a hardened steel plate, allowing it to stand up to this type of attack. Remember the longer it takes for someone to get in the door, the more likely they are to go somewhere else.

The Medeco Maxum deadbolt lock has unparalleled durability. One can drill into it, try to kick through the door it’s installed to, take a hammer or crowbar to it, but it’s not going anywhere. With the Medeco Maxum deadbolt, safety is put to the test. As for the test, the Medeco Maxum deadbolt has created the new standard score. The Grade 1 ANSI/ BHMA A156.36 standard. It’s top of its class.

How does the Medeco Maxum Deadbolt hold up against Physical Attack. Using premium components, the Maxum offers a Certified Grade 1 Deadbolt designed for security, not just convenience. The video explain the durability if the Medeco Maxum Deadbolt:

The Medeco Maxum deadbolt is built to the highest standard. Its quality exceeds the Grade 1 ANSI/BHMA A156.36 standard for auxiliary locks. Medeco Maxum deadbolt minimizes security risks by sheer construction. Most locks aren’t built to the UL437 standard of quality. Watch the video. The Medeco Maxum deadbolt is the real deal. This is heavy duty safety. With a deadbolt so thick and durable its entire construction is unequaled. Two million burglaries occurs in the US in 2013, get secured with high security deadbolt locks.

Home Security statistics in the United States. According to the FBI there are nearly 3 million burglaries in the USA each year. 1 in 63 homes are burglarized. That equates to money. A lot of money. 4.6 billion dollars in lost property. Only 14% of burglars are apprehended or convicted. SOS Locksmith carries the best high security locks in NYC, ranging from top lock brands like Medeco, Assa Abloy, Mul-T-Locks etc. We can reduce that number of burglaries if we reduce their attempts with higher security graded lock.

Property managers face a myriad of security challenges in New York City. If there’s one thing that should never sleep, it’s definitely security. As a destination of high-rise, commercial, and residential buildings, professional office spaces and historic monuments, property managers face this main challenge: They must keep their tenants feeling safe and secure, while certain that their building provides state-of-the-art security services. Here are 5 tips Security Tips For NYC Management Company can follow to bring New York City buildings up-to-date.

Building Maintenance

When someone accesses your building, the lights and locks should be in working order, things should feel safe and secure. That’s a given. But this requires updates. And, this also requires a property manager to routinely investigate issues raised by tenants and to check the building for its proper working order. If the aesthetic and working order of the building is lacking, this will invite the idea of careless supervision and clumsy management. Security breach is fed through what appears to be or is unmaintained. This invitation is stilled by basic property maintenance and upkeep. One’s ROI should be in updating and maintaining new locks for apartment buildings and making security a valuable ROI amenity.

Our Tip: See to it that the building maintenance and security is checked and upgraded. Be attentive to tenant response. Not only should your building appear secure, but it should be secure. Both work as a deterrent to what is unlawful.

Update to Audio/Video Surveillance

Pan-tilt-zoom camera mounts and facial recognition systems are the new standard in securing buildings. In New York City, one of the best ways to keep a building secure is with the implementation of data recording technologies. If building managers do not hire 24/7 security professionals, it’s very important that the building is being supervised in another powerful way: audio/video surveillance. This will insure that your building is secure at all times.

New York City buildings should have audio/video security services like:

Audio/video intercoms

Siedle Audio/Video Intercoms

Comelit Audio/Video Intercoms

Building Intercoms

Intercom Panels

iDor Mobile

Ip Intercoms

Facial Recognition Systems

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems

External CCTV system

Our Tip: It’s imperative in NYC to install audio/video surveillance or facial recognition systems in buildings and it’s cost effective too.

Duplicating Keys and Updating Locks

Set a key duplication limit that suits the needs of your building. Lost or stolen keys put the security of your building at extreme risk. Better yet, update the technology of your keys. Key duplication control is available through our partner Assa Abloy . They offer an Abloy Protec2 model which requires a code card for key duplication, or a key with micro-electronics that CANNOT be illegally copied, even if the key is borrowed or lost.

Updating locks is also important. Commercial buildings may be inclined to upgrade to card or key FOB access locks or residential owners may look into hybrid locking technologies from Medeco and Mul-T-Locks. These locks improve security by allowing users to digitally add and delete user keys and give owners a fully secure key without the weight of using an entire software access system. Check out what is available in up-to-date lock technology:

Cylinder Locks

Mortise Locks

Top Guard Locks

Deadbolt Locks

Decorative/Architectural Lock-Set

Cylindrical Locks

Ironwork, Window Bars

For New York City buildings with ground-level windows and doors- especially with scalable second story windows which may remain open for ventilation purposes like air conditioning- consider window and door ironwork to add additional security. Ironwork and window bar with a custom design can add a touch of elegance to our building plus the added security you will need.

Our Tip: Survey buildings that seem like they may be subject to entry on basement, ground or second story levels. Consider fence, gating, ironwork and window bars if there are high-risk points of break-in entry and think about external cameras to capture building activities.

24 hour Doorman or Virtual doorman Services

When hiring a property manager, be sure that they have the ability and the desire to implement the security that’s needed for your goals. Luckily NYC is a place where property managers can be found somewhat easily. All buildings need them to manage information security. In the long run, this will save you time and money.

Our Tip: Seek-out someone whom you can trust. If you’re building needs a property manager who is highly experienced take to someone with those credentials, if the building has security needs but has a lower intensity don’t be afraid to higher someone who can grow into an asset and investment for your building. Always trust your intuition.

Feature of Medecto M3 Deadbolt Lock

These classic commercial style Medeco M3 deadbolt lock are high security locks with the 2 3/8″ Backset to fit standard home doors. Medeco m3 are UL listed for use on fire doors; Grade 1 Certification for auxiliary locks and associated products; and the Level A Certification ensures patent protected key control and strength. They can be incorporated into existing master key systems, and the deadbolt is designed to accommodate mortise and drive-in face applications.

This deadbolt lock provide the security features protect against drill, wrench, ice pick, kick in, hammer, lock bumping, and prying attacks. Their solid brass construction offers higher quality and longer cylinder life.

UL437 Listing assures superior pick and drill resistance

Drive In bolt available for metal installations

Grade 1 Certification assures consistent quality for heavy use applications

2 3/8” x 1 1/8” Strike with Strike Reinforcement (4 screws provided for maximum strength

Fits into Standard door prepped with 2 1/8” cross bore & 1” edge bore holes

Patent protected key control

#8-32 pin chamber set screws provide ease of re-keying and resist comb attacks

Medeco Manufacturer’s Warranty

Installation and purchase of Medeco M3 Deadbolt Locks in NYC

SOS Locksmith is NYC only Medeco Security center and consider top Medeco Lock distributor in NYC.

Looking to install high security locks in your home, building, office or institution. SOS Locksmith has a wide varieties of high security locks in NYC and we do all the installation. Today we focus on Medeco deadbolt lock series that offers a variety of exceptional locks which focuses on security issues ranging from key control, high security, Grade 1 & 2 offerings and eCylinders for both residential and commercial use to provide customers with optimal security and to deter unwanted individuals from gaining entry. Standard locks utilize a single locking point, while high security locks such as Medeco utilize multiple locking technologies. For all Medeco locks in NYC Contact SOS Locksmith we are Medeco Security Center distributor in NYC

Different Types of Medeco High Security Deadbolts Locks:

Maxum Deadbolt Lock

The Maxum deadbolt is UL listed for use on fire doors having a rating up to three hours, an ANSI/BHMA 165.5 2001 Grade 1 Certification for auxiliary locks and associated products, an ANSI/BHMA A156.30 Level A Certification on the cylinder assures patent protected key control and physical strength and can be incorporated into existing master key systems. It also has security features to protect against drill, wrench, ice pick, kick-in, hammer, bumping, and prying attacks, solid brass construction provides high quality and long cylinder life. The Maxum Deadbolt is specially designed to accommodate both mortise and drive-in face applications for greater flexibility and ease of installation. A large thumbturn provides ease of use for physically challenged individual. A keys may be integrated with Hybrid proximity head for greater system retrofit. Double cylinder captive thumbturn safety options are available with the maxum deadbolt and is available in the following finishes:

05 – Bright Brass

06 – Satin Brass

09 – Antique Brass

10 – Satin Brass Blackened

11 – Bright Bronze

12 – Satin Bronze

13 – Oil Rubbed Bronze

18 – Bright Nickel

19 – Satin Nickel

20 – Antique Nickel

22 – Black

24 – Dark Bronze

25 – Bright Chrome

26 – Satin Chrome

And comes in three formats for the mechanical cylinder formats: BiLevel, Medeco X4 (SFIC only), and Medeco 3 . These features include, solid brass collar spins under pressure to prevent wrench attacks, large thumbturn provides ease of use by physically challenged individuals, steel shroud over bolt protects against “ice pick” type attacks, high security strike plate has a special box design with 2 inch screws that anchor the strike directly to the building structure behind the frame, preventing “kick-in” type attacks, hardened steel bolt and bolt throwing mechanism are surrounded by a heavy-gauge tubular steel housing for maximum resistance to crowbar attacks, and solid brass design is secured with high-tensile steel mounting bolts for maximum resistance against hammer and prying attacks. It also includes, utility patented key control, (for cylinders that incorporate the Medeco 3 design), provides protection against the unauthorized duplication of keys, a special elevating and rotating pin tumbler design, along with false slots on the bottom pins, mushroom top pins and a sidebar mechanism, work together, to provide superior pick resistance, angled cuts on the keys, along with fore and aft positioning, in the Medeco 3 design, provide added dimensions that dramatically increases key combinations and enables Medeco® to produce some of the largest master key systems in the industry, hardened steel inserts, positioned in critical areas of the cylinder, provide a high degree of drill resistance, and UL437 listing provides assurance that cylinders meet universal standards for drill and pick resistance and resistance against other types of forced attack.

Maxum Residential Deadbolt Lock

Maxum deadbolt is as much a work of beauty as it is a symbol of strength. It features a clean, concealed hardware design that is at home on any door, but behind the beauty is the true essence of security. The residential Maxum deadbolt incorporates every high security locking principle found in the legendary commercial version of the lock. With the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, this lock will provide protection and lasting beauty for generations. beautiful design. By redesigning the solid brass outer components to fit the flowing lines of residential architecture, Medeco has created the perfect combination of beauty and strength. Unmatched security behind its beauty, the Maxum is unapologetically a UL437 Listed, BHMA A156.5 Grade 1 Certified deadbolt, offering unmatched protection against unauthorized key duplication, bumping, attacks, picking, drilling, wrenching, kicking, or other physical abuse. A solid 1” hardened steel bolt in heavy gauge steel housing provides maximum defense against physical attack.

Features & Benefits:

Double-locking action makes Medeco locks virtually pickproof & bump proof

UL 437 high security deadbolt

One inch hardened steel bolt to resist sawing

Hardened steel inserts provide the utmost resistance to drilling

Solid brass collar spins under pressure so a wrench is ineffective

Solid brass construction secured with high-tensile steel bolts.

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Lockouts are a very difficult to position to find oneself in. Most lockouts occur when keys are misplaced or left inside the home, resulting in individuals remaining unable to access their residence. Most people would typically resort to a multitude of options in this scenario: phoning friends or family member with access, contacting those with duplicate key sets and so on with the last option being to phone a local locksmith company. However, phoning a locksmith company is not as simple as just calling a local number, as there are many other factors to consider including the fact that some companies are looking to take advantage of you.

Most fraudulent companies will take advantage of your vulnerable situation by charging you extravagant fees for a simple lock bumping technique that is inexpensive and will cause no damage to your locking mechanisms. Instead they will try and assert their prices and restrictions knowing that in your desperation you will have no other choice but to accept. At SOS Locksmith , we want to make sure that you are protected during your lockout, and based on a business article recently published by ABC NEWS , will provide you with some tips on what to be aware of when you are locked out of your house.

Do your research

One of the most important steps to protect yourself from being taken advantage of is to do your research. Obviously by the time you are locked out of your residence, it will be too late to get research done so we are recommended you perform this step immediately to avoid complication later on. Do research on local locksmith companies in your areas and see which ones are professionally licensed, have active storefronts and offer good rates. Keep the number on you at all times, in you wallet or on your phone. This way in the event of an emergency situation you are somewhat aware of who it is you are hiring and what services they provide for you.

Beware of the rates

Fixed rates are very important because it generally implies that no additional fees will be applied, and when they are a professional locksmith will make you aware of it beforehand. Rates are a very important thing to be aware of as many locksmith companies will take advantage of your situation by charging you egregious amounts after they have already finished their work. Always ask about the additional fees and remind focused on the price of the job.

The process

Remember that for a simple lockout no drilling or lock replacement is necessary, as only lock bumping and picking should be the only techniques employed. Under special circumstances these tactics can be used, but for a simple lockout they are simply not required. Remember if your locksmith company is suggesting anything other that simple lock bumping for lockouts, then they are simply trying to take advantage of your situation by making you pay more money for a service that is costly and not necessary.

ABCNEWS describes this process in remaining aware of how to protect yourself during moments of lockouts throughout their article . And if you require a professional locksmith company that will not take advantage of you during your moments of need contact SOS Locksmith, one of the most trusted names in locksmith in NYC

For high security locks products designed for the protection of residential property, offices, institutions, industrial complexes, buildings and vehicles, Mul-T-Lock is one of the most accomplished providers in the industry. Mul-T-Lock is a prestigious brand and has serviced over 100 million users around the world; providing quality and efficient products for the most advanced security service. Their range of products includes mechanical locks, padlocks and cylinders, offline access control, electromechanical locking systems, key-cutting machines, and automatic assembly.

Why use Mul-T-Lock products?

Mul-T-Lock products are constructed to be efficient and durable high security products. With high standards for excellence, the company ensures that you receive the most effective lock systems on the market. Mul-T-Lock’s lock systems are designed to prevent:

– Drill access

– Bolt cutters

– Factors that induce rust

– Lock picks

– Saws

– Key Bumping

– Unwarranted/restricted key access

In addition, some of Mul-T-Lock’s renowned services include:

Restricted Key Cutting Systems

If you would like to own a restricted key system Mul-T-Lock can provide you with one. Restricted keys depend on the type of blanks they are cut from, and Mul-T-Lock dealers provide Interactive key blanks ranging from standard Interactive keyways to restricted Interactive keyways , and factory restricted keyways . Restricted keys from the standard keyway are available at most Mul-T-Lock dealers, keys from the restricted Interactive keyway are available only at authorized Mul-T-Lock dealers, and factory restricted keys cannot be cut by any Mul-T-Lock dealers . The company offers each of the mentioned levels of restriction available to the client, and they are effective in making sure there is no unwarranted access to your premises.

Key Security

Key security is essential to the security and protection of your home, office, institution or industrial complex. Restricted keys are recommended for high security measures in order to make sure that no one can gain access to, or make duplications or your keys sets. Mul-T-Lock key security follows restricted key cutting procedures that are enforced by all Mul-T-Lock dealers and distributors. If keys are marked “do not duplicate” then they are restricted keys, and the request for their cutting can only be done with the presentation of a keycard that features a signature from the owner. When purchasing restricted keys, owners are often asked to submit a signature, therefore if the request to duplicate restricted keys ever arises, a Mul-T-Lock dealer can verify your identity.

Master-Key Systems

When placing lock systems in the location of your choosing, clients may sometimes request a type of universal lock installation put into place so that they have access to all locks within the premises. This can be done with master key systems. Master key systems work by adjusting the inner framework of a lock to allow one specific key to control entry and exit to all of the locks of your choosing. Master keys are effective if you do not want to maintain a large amount of keys for your office, home, institution or industrial complex, whereas other keys open specific locks, your master key can access all the locks within your designated system.

Mul-T-Lock’s goal is to provide the consumer with control over their lock systems. High security is sometimes required to prevent unwarranted access, and Mul-T-Lock offers the most effective products in the market, establishing itself as one of the most prestigious security providers in the industry.

SOS Locksmith in NYC is a certified Mul-T-Lock dealer, featuring all Mul-T-Lock security products. Certified Professional Elite MT5+ Dealer

Being a single mom is hard, especially in a place as dangerous as NYC. Not only do you have the responsibility to raise a child or multiple children by yourself, but you also have to make sure your home is safe. As a woman, this can be hard considering how we are raised to perceive ourselves as weaker.

Still, it is possible to achieve peace of mind at night as a single mother. Home security systems were created to protect people in their own homes and they are definitely something to consider as a single parent. Here are some security tips for single moms in NYC.

Get a guard dog. Dogs are great for the home. With their sensitive hearing, they will be able to sense any abnormalities in the night. And as dogs are fiercely loyal, any intruders will not be able to escape their sharp teeth. Dogs are also great companions for children. Not only do they provide company, but they also teach children about responsibility and about taking care of something other than themselves.

Fencing is a great way to make your home look and feel safer. Depending on your fence, it can be an extra barrier an intruder would need to pass in order to break into your home. Those few seconds can be the world if the situation ever arises. It will also give you a sense of security when you let your child go out to play. The fence serves as a wall between them and any possible danger.

Security alarms are a great investment. With technology these days, security companies and law enforcement are notified almost immediately if someone breaks is. Not only will it make any potential intruders wary, but it will also give you the peace of mind knowing that if anything does happen, the police will be on their way.

Lit rooms give the illusion that someone is in. It also makes it harder for intruders to sneak around. That is why business building and public places like libraries keep their lights on.

Checking the doors and windows are very important. Old locks are faulty and easy to break so make sure all the locks in your home work properly. Also make sure they windows and doors are locked every night. It is easy to forget, but unlocked entrances also makes it easier for intruders to break in.

Consider getting CCTVs installed. That way, you can always keep track of who is coming and going and who is on your property. Not to mention, the security camera is a great deterrent by itself. After all, if you know you’re being watched, you’d think twice about breaking in.

SOS Locksmith is the right place for single parents in NYC. We offer a wide selection of choices to make your home feel safe. From intercoms to alarm systems to gates, we can help you build up your line of defense. If you are a single mom in NYC, call us today and get 10% off!

Over the past decade or so, the world of media seems to have taken an interest in thieves. On screen, there is something inherently romantic about them. Whether it’s a group or a single person, they are charming and suave and they can break into homes with little to no effort at all. They make difficult tasks seem easy and crimes against the law glamorous.

While these thieves on television tend to aim towards more high profile marks (victims), common thieves will can and will break into any home or business if there seems to be something of value. That is why security is so important. From locks to intercoms to alarms to gates, every last detail helps in deterring thieves from robbing your property.

Still, you have to admit there is something mesmerizing about the way these characters in shows so effortlessly manipulate their way into mansions and galas. So in celebration of security and hopes that you will never be robbed, let us look at some popular TV shows.

White Collar

On the USA Network, this show is about a charming thief named Neal Caffrey who is caught by the FBI and made into a consultant for the white collar crimes unit under the order of Peter Burke. Caffrey is the epitome of a gentleman thief. He is handsome, he is charming, he is polite, and he never resorts to violence. Thieves like him get people to give him things rather than physically stealing them. He is master manipulator of people.

White Collar is a great show. You are immediately taken by the characters. Overall it is a procedural drama, but they have their quirky moments which are what distinguishes them from other crime shows. It is fascinating to see Neal Caffrey at work and also a good warning. Be careful of charming people. They’ll leave you with nothing in the bank and you won’t even know how it happened.

Leverage

This is absolutely a show worth watching. It used to show on TNT, but recently ended with a bang. Leverage is about a group of thieves that are brought together by their mastermind, Nate. They pull off ridiculously over the top and often elaborate heists against companies that are cheating people. In a sense, they are vigilante thieves, only going after people and companies that manage to circumvent the law.

Each character in the group has their specific set of skills. Hardison is a hacker and is in charge of the technical aspects of the job. Elliot is the beater, often masquerading as a body guard and using his physical strength when the situation arises. Sophie is a grafter. Much like Neal Caffrey, her gift is her way with words. Finally, and most importantly, is Parker. She is a thief in every sense of the word. She is the one skilled at picking locks, cracking safe codes, and actually stealing things.

Hustle

Hustle is in essence the British version of Leverage . The only difference is the accent and the humor. I personally found Hustle much more humorous than Leverage. Leverage dealt with some darker personal issues with the characters while Hustle had a few struggles, but tried to keep it relatively light hearted.

The best part about the show is the lack of a fourth wall. There are various points in the shows where they point out that Hustle is in fact a simple work of fiction and the characters are actors. They actively point out that the show is merely another form of a con. The other charming thing about this show is that it is old-school. There is the use of technology, but nothing too advance and no hacking. It’s all physical planning with blueprints, careful timing, and knowing the right people in the right places.

It Takes A Thief

For reality TV junkies, this is a show to consider. Off air for a few years now, it was a Discovery Channel production. There were two men that hosted the show and they both used to be thieves. In order to demonstrate how lack home security often is, one of the men would plot a break-in. Of course, the family would be informed what was happening and they would be able to see everything through cameras installed in the house. However, it is still an intense experience. They looted the homes like it was a real robbery.

At the end, everything is returned and the family gets a new, upgraded security system. The host promises to return later to make sure the family is actively keeping up with security and it is surprising how many people don’t even after they’ve experienced a break-in.

The great thing about ironwork is that not only does it provide you with an extra layer of protection, but it can also be aesthetically pleasing. Your ironwork does not have to be like any one else’s. You can have it designed and customized to your tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer a minimalist approach or an an elaborate portrait, it can be done in ironwork. Let’s look at some interesting designs.

1. Let’s start with doors. This is an overall simplistic design. There is nothing overly detailed of busy. Just a few criss-crosses and a few swirls. It doesn’t call much attention, but it is still pleasing to the eye.

2. This door is a much more dramatic statement. While the ironwork on the door is simple, the accents are bold. The leaves swirling around each other are eye-catching and busy. You’ll spend a good few minutes staring at this product of ironwork admiring its intricacies.

3. This gate is a mixture of the first two. Inspired by Egyptian designs, it is simple in its intricacy. There are no looping vines or odd patterns. Instead, it takes geometric shapes and sets them together in a motif that is distinctly exotic.

4. This railing is simple, yet elegant. It finds a balance between the two and is minimalist enough to not bother the eye. It both resembles spring trees bending in the wind and the antlers of a stag. It is definitely a design that is in touch with nature.

5. This gate is based off of circles. The continual loops of curlicues catches our attention and refuses to let us go. Definitely busy, it somehow manages not to overwhelm us, instead, allowing us to trace the circles over and over.

6. This iron work gate is grand and imposing, perfect at the end of the drive way. The design itself is elegant and regal with the fleur-de-lis in the middle. It would be a great choice if you ever get lucky enough to buy a mansion.

7. A fan of wine or own a vineyard? Then this grape patterned gate might be your taste. It is intricately detailed so that every last grape can be seen. It’s a bit distracting, but perfect if you are trying to match a theme.

8. This railing is definitely unique. Often times designs for rails are straight. This one accents its curves making it something fun to look at. It makes a statement.

9. This railing is perfect to guard all your secrets. It’s a very detailed design that is almost reminiscent of some sort of official seal.

10. One of the simplest designs yet. This piece of ironwork does not make a bold statement. However, it blends in perfectly in the home, allowing the entirety of the interior to become a cohesive unit.

In any form of commercial building including schools, apartment buildings, restaurants, and stores fire exits are required by law. Depending on local building code, the size of the building will dictate the amount of fire exits and escapes that are necessary.

The idea of a fire door is to keep people safe. Though not all do, in theory fire doors should lead to the outdoors. It is also very important they swing outwards. Fire doors automatically lock up when they are closed so during emergencies it is impossible to pull the door open. It can only be pushed.

There are series of things to consider if you are installing fire doors in your building. First of all, find out how many doors you are legally required to have. It’s better to be safe than sorry and you don’t want to be cited and fined for not having enough emergency exits.

Then figure out what type you want and where you are going to install them. You have two choices of doors, a single one or double doors. Which one you use depends on where you are going to put them and how much space you have. Single doors are perfect for narrower spaces while double doors are useful on the first floor of buildings because of the large influx of people who will pass through during an emergency.

Next is the handle bar. You have to choice of a panic bar or a lever type handle bar. Traditionally, emergency exits have panic bars, easily recognized because they are the thin silver bars you push against. Levers are rarer, but are more convenient for single doors.

The idea of a fire door is for it to be an infallible structure during an emergency. It is a steel door with multiple bolts. It is meant to stand up to the heat a fire produces. You push it open to get free and it locks shut behind you. That way, no one can attempt to go back in.

Modern versions of the fire door have electrical impulses wired in. They also have different modes. If a fire alarm goes off, the alarm sends signals to the door and it reacts differently than if someone accidently opened the door. During non-fires, it may either release a shrieking alarm or it might not open at all, secured in a deadlock. During fire situations, it will provide free exit and re-bolt once the doors are closed.

SOS Locksmith

If you have any questions about fire doors, we invite you to our location to ask questions or to call us at 212-242-1708. We have been in the industry for forty years and have serviced a number of important companies and embassies. We pride ourselves with the knowledge of our products and our superior customer service. SOS Locksmith wants to help keep you and the people you care about safe so don’t wait. Your safety should never be up for debate.

Everyone’s conning someone nowadays and everyone is paranoid about being conned. So how can you tell whether the business you’re hiring is legitimate or not? The most important thing is always research. No matter what the topic, a quick Google search can tell you a lot. It will either pull up information which tells you something about the business or it pulls up no information at all which says something else about the company.

When searching for a locksmith, it is especially important the company you are trusting is honest. Check out tips on how to avoid non-licensed locksmith to make sure you’re not getting conned out of your number.

Remember The Name

A legitimate locksmith company will have a name. It’s a matter of pride, especially if they do good work. So be aware of businesses you find online that don’t state their names, instead using stereotypical phrases like “locksmith service”. That is highly unspecific. The same goes for if you call the company. They should answer with their name, not a stereotypical phrase. If you have to, ask them for a name and press until they give one to you. No legitimate company should have a reason to want to hide their name. Also, if you are on their website, browse around and see if it looks similar to other websites. This is because the conmen may open several websites to trap the searcher.

Logo

Usually, workers have company vehicles that they drive to on-site situations. Since they are company cars, it usually means that it is stocked with the necessary tools. The logo and name of the company should be on the side of the car. It might not be big and stretch the entire side of the vehicle, but it should be noticeable. It gives a certain piece of mind, knowing that the locksmith is affiliated with a legitimate company and that if something happen, you can call up the business and complain.

Check The License

Is the locksmith service licensed? NY requires its locksmiths to all be properly trained and licensed before they can open for business. Don’t be afraid to ask for the license number. If they are not forthcoming with it, you’ll know that something isn’t right. There should be no reason they won’t give it to you. Proving their legitimacy only reinforces the fact that they are a worthy company.

Swipe It

Pay by credit card if you can. Often it is easier to pay by cash, especially with things such as locksmith services, but most business off the credit card option, especially if they know the bill is going to run high. Most credit cards have built-in fraud protection so if in fact the locksmith company you chose is a fraud the card will sense it. It’ll halt the transaction and you won’t lose any money.

What’s Your Number?

Keep their number on your phone. Try walking around town and seeing what locksmiths you find. Most of the time locksmiths with an actual business location are legitimate. Walk in and start a conversation with the owners inside and ask for their number. Emergency situations happen when we least expect them and it is always better to be ready than caught off guard. With a locksmith service you can trust, the stress of being locked out suddenly disappears. You know they will provide good service and charge you a fair price.

It’s easy to claim that you’re the best in the industry. There is rarely anyone willing to try and challenge you, especially in an industry as understated and locksmiths. So how exactly do you know who’s really the best and who’s just saying they are the best?

A great way to figure it out is to look at the company’s past client. Who decides to trust them can say a lot about the validity of their company. Have they only services private citizens and small local business? Or have they helped some bigger name companies and institutions?

At SOS Locksmith, we proudly claim to be the go to choice for your security needs. Our inventory is expansive, providing much more than your average locksmith. From the usual keys and locks to the latest CCTVs and intercoms systems, we provide all forms of security technology. We even have a section dedicated to ironwork (gates, railings, etc.) which most other locksmith places do not provide.

Having existed for over 40 years, SOS Locksmith Corp. has had an impressive list of clients. One of better known ones includes the NYC Department of Transportation. We installed their CCTV systems for them, all which record digitally. We have also installed security for the Hudson River Park Trust. The access control systems at their main facilities were personally done by SOS Locksmiths.

Our clientele list also includes the Greek and French consulate. For them, we installed Audio/Video SIEDLE communication systems. And for the true New Yorker, they would be interested to know that we installed the electronic locks present at Gotham Bar and Grill.

But that’s not all. Our impressive lists also includes the Ferarri showroom in NYC, British Airways, Whole Foods, Hugo Boos and more! Considering these important names that have been our clients, it isn’t hard to come to the conclusion that we are among the top of our industry. If you want the best for your security, give us a call or get a quote today!

We have been servicing New York City for four decades already. Come to our store in Chelsea to check out our selection of safes and locks or browse online. SOS is here to attend to your needs. If we can satisfy the best, we will definitely be able to satisfy you.

For the customary door lock, there are only two types of door locks and door knobs. From these two types, different security measures are added, making them more difficult to break. However, the truth still remains that they can only be separated into two categories: cylindrical locks and mortise locks.

Cylindrical locks are, as they sound, round. They fit into a circular hole in the door. These locks are your average doorknob types of lock. All you need is a key. The latch of a cylindrical lock is only 2 to 3 inches long.

The second type of lock, the mortise lock, is better known as a deadbolt lock. This lock is installed within the door. These types of locks do not have doorknobs attached. Instead, they have latches that are usually 4 inches if not more. They are simple to operate, usually a key on one side and a lever on the other.

Sometimes, these two locks are sold together as an entrance handle set. These can be recognizable by the long plate with the both locks attached. Usually the deadbolt is situated above the doorknob. The two locks can be installed only a few inches apart or more depending on your preferences. In fact, you can even install more if you so choose to.

Trim options are mostly for aesthetic purposes. There are various different options you can look into to make your door locks match your house better. For the metal, there’s the traditional silver color and gold color. However, you can occasionally find unique tones like burnished copper or bronze, etc.. For the face plate, they usually either round or some sort of square shape. These can be engraved or etched with elegant patterns. Depending on the image of your home, you can go for something with Victorian influence with curling leaves around the edges, or something simple and minimal.

The knob itself can is also an option to change. You can have the traditional knob-like doorknob, but add a unique twist. This circular option usually comes with some variation in its shape. It can be more box-like or oval shaped. Some are even made of glass and cut with facets like jewels. You can have normal metal ones as well and have them engraved with detailed patterns. If you are willing to spend the money, you can get customized glass doorknobs that are designed to your liking. This means knobs that look like globes for the world explorer or ones that shimmer with stars for the astronomer.

If you want a door handle rather than a doorknob, there are fewer options. However, there are still selections for you to have a unique look. They can be straight or curved. The most popular artistic design to door handles seems to be leaves twining to make up the lever part.

There may only be two types of door locks, but that does not mean there all locks have to look the same. Just because you want to be secure does not mean you have to trade off aesthetic pleasure. Do a little research and look up some designs. In the world we live in today, anything is possible.

For all doors locks in NYC contact SOS Locksmith.

Having a security alarm gives you the illusion of safety. It gives potential thieves the illusion of a carefully guarded house. However, it is still merely an illusion. There are a number of common mistakes homeowners make after installing their security alarm. They are content because of the misconception that by simply having the system, everything will be fine.

Placement

First off, consider the placement of your control panel. Common places to put them is near the door or by a window, both which you shouldn’t do. An intruder can easily spy through a window to see the combination you enter. The same goes for the door. Not to mention, it becomes easier for the intruder to find. If it’s inside the house, less easily scene, it will take te thief more time to locate and disarm it and more time to contact the security company

Connection

Usually a security system comes from a security company. That means the system should be linked up the company’s network. There are certain systems that merely beep shrilly upon being broken into. While the loud noise is annoying, it is hardly useful. You can’t rely on your neighbors to call the police for you. With your system connected to the company or even the cops, they will be able to respond promptly.

Turn It On

What’s the point of having a alarm security system if you don’t use it? No, seriously. Many homeowners have an alarm, pay for it, and neglect to turn it on when they leave home. Why? You have it anyway so you might as well use it. Better to be safe than beat yourself up later because you forgot to arm the alarm before you left for vacation and now your mother’s pearls are gone along with the flat screen tv.

Change The Batteries

Really. Batteries run out eventually. Everyone knows that. While some alarms are wired into the house’s electricity, most have battery back-up. So check it every few months. You never know when a storm will come and knock out the power. Or when someone cut off your electricity in hopes of disarming your alarm and stealing your valuables.

Passwords

You’ve probably seen articles on this already regarding bank pins and computer passwords. You get a default code when the system is first installed which means that everyone has the same password for a period of time. Change it as soon as possible and make it unique. It can be numbers or words that mean something to you, but no birthdays or pet names, please.

It seems the more technology advances, the closer we are for to making things we consider movie magic into reality. I mean, we are still a few years (decades) away from the flying car from Back To the Future (unfortunately), but each new moment of progress means we’re one step closer! (We have car boats already. Air is obviously our next step).

Let’s take a look at what’s new in the lock industry. Not yet on the market, but reasonably priced considering the cost of technology nowadays, the August Smart Lock is a lazy man’s dream (as is most technology truthfully).

So what is it?

Well, consider how everything is on your smartphone nowadays. You can check the weather, check the stocks, Skype, Facebook, tweet, etc., etc., etc. Really, who even uses their phone to call nowadays? You can even turn your phone into a universal remote! Imagine that, changing the channel of your TV by phone.

Using this line of thought, August Smart Lock has been created for your door. With this new technology, you no longer need keys. Instead, you just need your phone in your pocket. You don’t even need to take it out! The sensor on the door automatically senses the code from your phone and unlocks itself.

To make things even cooler, the code can be shared! If you have a friend coming over in the afternoon, you can send him or her the code which will only work between the times you specify. That way, if you are in the middle of something important like making dinner or painting a grand masterpiece or trying to make an clay ashtray, you won’t have to stop to answer the door. You friend will just let him or herself in.

This automatic unlock feature can be turned on and off upon your digression. The great thing about this lock is that it doesn’t depend on wifi or electricity. Instead, it is opened through Bluetooth. That way, there are no worries if there’s a blackout in the neighborhood. The lock itself runs on batteries.

If your phone dies, there’s no problem either! Because the lock still looks as it did originally, you can still sue a traditional key. If you happened to misplace the key, you can always borrow your friend’s phone, download the app, login, and unlock your door. Seems a bit much, but let’s be honest. That’s like 2 minutes at most.

The great thing about the August Smart Lock is that you don’t have to worry about unauthorized key replication. There are no key molds lying around. Instead, you can use your app to track exactly who has access to your house and revoke it when you feel the need to. There is even a log so you can see who has left and entered your premises.

The August Smart Lock is set to be released later this year. Currently, it is available for pre-order at $199. So if you’re a tech geek and like fiddling with the latest stuff or always wished you could live in a smart house, check the website. The design of the lock is sleek and stylish and purposely unobtrusive. It also makes life easier. You don’t have to be fiddling with your keys trying to find the right one at two in the morning. It’s a pretty cool new invention if I do say so myself.

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Credit to: http://techcrunch.com/

At SOS Locksmith, we are the only New York based company that supplies the latest technology from Medeco . Is this important, you ask? Why yes, it is. After all, we are dedicated to keeping you safe by providing you with the latest and best advancements in the industry. So let’s talk about why having Medeco as our suppliers benefits you.

Medeco was originally founded as “Mechanical Development Company” in 1968, very simple, very straightforward. They eventually shortened it to Medeco by taking the first two letters of every word. In the beginning, they were a small shop in Salem, Virginia that was built on an invention. With this one creation, they have grown throughout the years to become a leading name in security with multiple new designs and unbreakable patents to protect the company and the customers. They are constantly coming out with more innovative ways to protect your home.

Medeco Cylinder and Key

This was the first invention from Medeco and the one that started to company. This lock was unique because they had special tumblers with different elevations and rotations, providing millions of combinations. This made the lock cylinder nearly impossible to break. The key was also cut at an angle making it harder to duplicate. The design was so unique at the time Medeco acquired a patent for it. They have brought cases to court multiple times and won. This is important because Medeco emphasizes key control for their customer’s safety. The patents mean that no one can duplicate a Medeco key without Medeco’s permission.

Biaxial Locking System

A couple years past and Medeco improved their locking system with Biaxial in 1985. Everything about this lock is patented as well, deterring unauthorized duplication of the keys. Also, this new lock was made of hardened steel making it even more difficult to break into physically.

KeyMark

KeyMark appeared in 1995 as a note-worthy event in Medeco’s history. KeyMark locks are meant more for situations where key control is the important issue. It became the idyllic lock for commercial buildings because of its interchangeable core.

Electronic Locks

With SiteLine, Medeco finally entered the area of electronic locks. SiteLine products has both electronic and mechanical access control which is what makes the product unique. It is the first in Medeco’s eCylinder technology which includes Nexgen XT, Logic, and Vertical Logic. Medeco3 Medeco3 Locking system was unveiled in 2003. Based on the original lock and the Biaxial one, Medeco3 has three distinct locking points, increasing the security of the lock. It also raises the number of unique combinations available. The key is stronger as well.

The Government Trusts Medeco

Not only does Medeco provide locks for residential and commercial purposes, but they also provide security for the government. Both abroad and at home, US government and military establishments are protected by Medeco’s technology. Their patented key and locks guarantee that no one will be able to get a duplicate. Medeco also protects universities, hospitals, and banks.

What’s Not To Love?

Considering the high quality of Medeco locks, SOS Locksmith is proud to be the only retailer in NYC that sells them. By selling products from Medeco, we are promising customers the highest quality product and unquestionable safety. Even the government trusts Medeco locks to protect their secrets. At SOS Locksmith, we only sell the best because we know how important your home or office is.

Get a free quote from us now! Contact us if you have any question or visit us at our main showroom at 197 7th Ave (between 22nd & 21st streets) to see our selection of Medeco locks in action.

There was a time when the only thing you worried about when your kid went to school was whether they were doing well and if they were making friends. That was a long time ago.

It started with Columbine and the most recent, Sandy Hook, has put parents on edge. They want to know their children are safe when they are at school. So what measures are being taken for New Security Measures For Schools?

Recently, SARGENT Manufacturing has revealed a series of access control locks meant to secure the classroom called the Profile Series v.G1.5. This series has a lock for whatever amount of security the school deems it needs. Typical scenarios may include:

Door remains locked throughout the day

Door remains unlocked EXCEPT in an emergency situation

Access control locks that require credentials to enter the room

Door locks are controlled by a central location

There are a number of features in the v.G1.5 that benefits the school. The series can support up to 2,000 users and track their movements if needed. Even in a big school, all the staff can be accounted for. For the most part, the lock operates with a prox card, but you can also choose to have a keypad installed for additional security. If there are guests in the school, the locks can be programmed to allow temporary users.

Another thing the V.G1.5 Series comes with is an RF FOB. This FOB will remotely lock and unlock the doors. If set at panic mode, and used within 75 ft of the lock, it will go into lockdown. This means that any credentials other than the master credential will stop working. No one can get in and no one can get out.

vG1.5 Series Features

Supports 2,000 users

Provides 2,000 event audit trail

Credential support: HID 125 kHz prox card

RF fob

Available with keypad for dual factor authentication

Programmable via keypad, data transfer device (DTD), or PDA

Available with key override

Supports multiple types of users, such as extended, temporary, or supervisory

Available in mortise lock, cylindrical lock, or exit device configurations

System Requirements

Software: SoloPlus Access Control Management Software

Microsoft Windows based operating system (XP or later) or Windows Server (2003, 2008)

Hardware: VGA monitor

CD Rom drive

Instruction manual (included)

Data Transfer Device or PDA

Ask Us About It

There is no such thing as too safe for your children and S.O.S. Locksmith understands that. It’s why we are always up to date with the latest technology in the security field. If you are a New York City school considering getting locks installed, give us a call. Our specialists can answer any questions you have and find the right lock for your specific situation. We will help you install it and we will teach you how to use it. Let us help you protect the youth of NYC.

For more information, check out this video:

It is undeniable that we currently live in a surveillance culture. Look anywhere in New York City, there is a camera pointed at us. There’s the CCTV camera from the store across the street and the camera in the phone you hold. There’s a camera in your laptop and a camera in the taxi you’re taking home. We are surrounded by cameras and we don’t even think twice about it.

In a way, surveillance has become part of our everyday life. No one thinks about the possibility of an invasion of privacy whenever they turn on their laptop. And yet, the potential is there. Anyone with the right knowledge can hack in and switch on your webcam if it benefits them. Is it illegal? Yes. But can it be done? Yes.

The real question is: what’s done with all of this information? Or maybe: what can be done with this information? The TV show “Person of Interest” takes the latter question on a test drive with a machine that can access every camera in New York City and compile the information to spot potential terrorists. So that answers what could possibly be done. But what should be done?

I suppose it’s a matter of personal opinion whether you feel safer with all this surveillance or less so. Civil rights activists claim it is an invasion of privacy. Using this, the authorities can find out details of your life even though you’re not a suspect. If they can tap into your computer or your phone, they will always know what you’re doing. After all, if we’re not on the computer nowadays, we are glued to our phones and iPods.

Companies already use a form of mass surveillance on consumers. Things like Google Chrome and Facebook track the things you look up and then tailor advertisements to your interests. If you look up recipes for pasta, it is very likely that an ad for an Italian cookbook will pop up on the next website you go on. Supermarkets and drugstores use the information given when consumers sign up for loyalty programs and trade them to track shopping habits.

Considering this, surveillance culture seems like an incredible invasion of privacy. In theory, you make a move and someone else will know. Anything you look up online will be documented. You can’t do anything without being watched. However, that’s only the extreme case.

And yet, surveillance culture keeps us safe. Our databases of DNA and fingerprints are what law enforcement use to catch criminals. Facial recognition helps us find evasive lawbreakers. Security cameras record illegal acts without being noticed. It is becoming harder and harder not to be seen.

Surveillance culture as it is now has its pros as it has cons. Security cameras are useful for a variety of reasons, especially if you own a store. You can’t keep an eye on the entire place the whole time. Not only can it see where you cannot, it also gives people the feeling of being watched. If someone is about to steal, they will most likely try to find the cameras. If they see one directly pointed at them it’ll probably deter them from theft.

Or perhaps you live in a dangerous neighborhood. On top of a security system, a CCTV has several purposes. If something does happen, it’ll be recorded making it easier to catch the person in question.

Of course, CCTV in NYC aren’t restricted to illegal activities. You can set it up so that you can watch your children play in the backyard while you’re in the kitchen. You can also check up on your home from your office if you are feeling worried. With the advancement in surveillance technology nowadays, anything is possible. While some may argue about the invasion of privacy, it really depends on the safeness and security you feel. After all, feeling safe is subjective.

If you are looking to install CCTV , come to SOS Locksmith. We have the latest technology and our experts are trained to handle the surveillance equipment. Whether you want it hooked up to your home computer or your phone, we can do that for you and explain to you step by step how to access the video feed.

Part of security is about perception, both from the outside and the inside. For example, having a security guard in front of a building brings a sense of safety for the tenants and also causes criminals to rethink breaking in. However, it’s not appropriate to have a security guard everywhere, especially in New York City, so consider having some iron work installed as an alternate form of security.

Iron gates can be placed in a number of areas, fortifying your home’s most vulnerable areas. One in front of the door creates an extra layer for any possible delinquents to struggle through. For the windows, you can cover the entire area or have a partial window gate to discourage the possibility of breaking and entering. Even if they manage to shatter the window, they will be hard pressed to squeeze between the bars. You can even get one installed over your AC to deter thieves.

Not only do these gates help make your home more secure, they are often available as custom jobs. So if you are hesitating on the idea because you keep picturing a clumsy, jail-bar like contraption locking you into your own home, don’t be! They can be as simple as slender black bars or as elegant as the gates of Versailles with curling patterns and gold leaf accents. It is all up to your own taste and wallet.

Why stop there? Get your fire escape redone as well. Look outside and your fire escape is probably rusted and rattling, threatening the possibility of tetanus. Even if it’s not, consider the prospect of replacing it. At S.O.S. Locksmith Corp., all of our fire escape gates are approved by the NYC Fire Department. If an emergency does occur, that is your central escape route and you want the guarantee of safety. You may think that the possibility of using it is slim, but in that moment of crisis, do you really want to worry about whether the corroded ladder can hold your weight? Installation of Iron Work To Make Your Home Safer or business safes in NYC

At S.O.S Locksmith Corp., we sell and install ironwork such as:

Front Door Gates

Back Door Gates

Window Gates

Partial Window Gates

AC Gates

Entrance Gates

Fire Escapes

Stair Rails

Tree Guards

All which can be custom designed

We have been in the business for over 30 years and we understand that everyone’s needs are different. We are willing to work with you to make you feel as safe as possible. Don’t underestimate the use of iron work as a form of additional security. It has the potential of being a protective measure without looking like one. Just because something is supposed to make you feel safe does not mean it cannot be aesthetically pleasing as well.

Door locks were invented over more than 4000 years ago by Egyptians. They were just basic lock with a simple key made out of iron. Now days there are all types of locks. Until now these types of locks are used but due to advancement in technology key less locks are taking over. The key-less door locks are new technology and they look incredible. All businesses value security as they want their workers to be safe. They also want easy access to their location along with safety. The ‘Key-less Door Lock’ is an emerging trend. Now days they are widely used due to their many benefits. They increase the security of home or commercial space. The best thing about them is you do not need to worry about keys anymore which you have carried with you all those years.

Features:

Key-less locks only use an access card to enter instead of keys. There is a keypad with a touch screen through which you can gain access. There is a magnetic strip on the card that is read by the computer. Then this information matches the information that is already stored. If it doesn’t match then the door doesn’t open at all no matter what you do. The key-less lock system does not require any type of wiring or any other tools because it only works on batteries. The key-less lock gives a new choice to everybody from modern home owners to commercial space owners. Below are the list of features that are limited according to the brands:

-Digital touch keypad with Random Security Codes -User selectable 5~12 digits password -Anti-panic exit system -Anti-picking function -Forced Locking and Re- locking -Automatic/ Manual locking modes -Burglar alarm & Fire detection sensor -Touch Screen for Password -Advanced operation logic -Emergency external battery terminal -Emergency mechanical bypass Key -Indoor wireless Remote Controller

Simple Installation:

The installation is very simple but always requires a good locksmith . The password you have to input yourself. Never use a simple password for the keyless locks like your address or your birthday because then anybody can unlock it. These types of locks do not need special doors and they can be installed in any type of door.

Types of Keyless Locks:

There are different types of key less lock in the market. You have to choose the one that fits your budget. For example if you own a big commercial space then you can invest in a better quality advanced keyless lock . View all the available options available before selecting the key less lock. Always choose a reliable locksmith as you don’t want to damage your door by using unprofessional. Following are types of key less locks:

Electronic Locks

-Uses up to 6 unique user codes

-Lighted keypad

-automatic functions

-Audible/Visual Confirmations

Latch Locks

-Great for saltwater environments

-Built-in burglar resistant plunger.

-Automatically locks every time the door is closed.

Deadbolt Locks

-Ideal For homes

-Thumb-turns for entry and exit

-Voice guided control

-Maximum security

Lever Locks

-Full lever lock

-Water resistant

-8 buttons

Gate Locks

-Ideal for glass, wood and narrow doors

-mostly used on storefronts

-Easy to change code

Cabinet Locks

– Ideal for cabinets, closets, glass doors

-Also used in Lockers Sliding doors

Marine Grade Locks

-Lever handles on both sides

– Easy Installation – Easy to change handle

Though there are new innovation Keyless door locks that keep happening. As the latest Keyless lock are ProQsimity by Mul-t-lock, Simplex by Kaba , Arrow Revolution touchscreen deadbolt, Samsung digital door locks that can be found at SOS Locksmith. SOS Locksmith is the main distributor for most of these locks in NYC. At our store on 197 7th Ave NY NY 10011 you can find a wide variety of key-less locks at affordable prices. Thus, now you don’t need key hangers in your house anymore because there is key less door lock for every need.

Video Intercoms allow you or your family to see who is at the door before unlocking it. The moment someone presses the doorbell a ring sounds and your visitor is displayed on a screen. You have the option of answering the door without ever having to acknowledge your presence. Furthermore, video intercoms are ideal for businesses concerned about the safety of their company and its employees. It’s a safe and secure way of avoiding unwanted guests.

Video intercoms come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are in-house video telephone systems, hands-free video telephones, video indoor stations and more. The video indoor station is a classical unit with a receiver or a hands-free system which can be mounted on the wall or on any flat surface. Hands-free video telephones do not require a receiver or a cable. Simply look your visitor in the face and hold a conversation as if that person were sitting right next to you. Unlike the aforementioned, in-house video telephones do require a receiver. Nonetheless, the system is just as straightforward to operate. Look into the camera, lift the receiver and speak. Technology such as the hands-free video telephone and the in-house video telephone is as effortless to use as they are practical. In terms of price, receiver systems are generally less expensive than their hands-free counterpart.

Video intercoms are versatile systems that can be integrated in more ways than one. It can be used for homes, businesses, schools, religious institutions, security facilities, and so on and so forth. Never again will you have to open the door without being certain who or what is on the other side.

Read More on Intercom Installation and Intercom Repair

Card Readers

I ntegrate safety and time recording technology. They are designed to recognize codes or credentials. The most common credentials are Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards. RFID cards can be read from a distance. Card readers eliminate the need to rummage through your bag or pockets at the entrance.

SOS Locksmith carries two integral designs include Siedle Vario and Siedle Steel. The card reader on the Siedle Vario system module can be freely combined with all other Vario components. The card slot ensures unfailing operation with a green and red LED light providing feedback. The Siedle Steel communication system has a separate access control or time recording installation. This reading unit from a leading manufacturer can simply be integrated, including card slots and status LED lights.

Electronic Keys

Ideal for children and everyone requiring quick, easy entry into their homes. Simply hold the electronic key close to the sensor and the door will open. If an electronic key is ever misplaced, the code is deleted from the reader. The electronic key operates using passive transponder technology. In other words, the keys do not require batteries. Moreover, they are dependable, environmentally friendly, fully functional, and maintenance free.

There are a few models currently available on the market such as the Vario system and the Steel system. The reading field of the electronic key for the Vario system can be combined with all other functions and freely positioned within the system. At night, the illuminated symbol guides users safely to the reading panel. The reading field for the Steel system is part of the mounting level which is made visible through cut outs in the operating level.

Electronic keys are available either as a card (akin to a credit card) or as a key ring. The advantages of owning an electronic key system is vast. Going in and out of your home can now be considered environmentally friendly, low in cost, and maintenance free through the use of passively operated electronic keys.

Getting through any storm is difficult. The best way to deal with the situation is by being prepared. Precautions need to be taken during and after the storm. You need to check your home for any damages after the storm. The steps below should guide you through the process. If you do notice any damages, enlist the help of a trusted professional.

1. Home Security

If your home security has been compromised, you need to call your local locksmith . Our technicians at SOS Locksmith are trained and available to handle all lock and security repairs. Our locksmiths can inspect your home for any damages, assess the problem then repair it.

2. Home Wiring

A lot of residents experience flooding to their home during a storm. If your home was damaged in this way, you need to have a professional check all of the wiring in the home. They will check for shocks and fire hazards in the circuit breakers, switches, outlets, etc.

Continue reading →

Hurricane Sandy left thousands of people in New York City and the Tri-State area devastated. A lack of preparation for the storm caused a lot of people to be left without food, water and other necessities. Although we have no control over a natural disaster, we can lessen the impact it has on us by preparing a storm safety kit. You can customize your safety kit to meet your particular needs.

(1) It’s important to have bottles of clean drinking water that will last throughout the storm. It’s recommended to have enough water to last for three days.

(2) You need to have food that doesn’t need to be refrigerated and will not spoil. Canned fruits, vegetables, meats and beans are all non-perishable food items that can go in your storm safety kit. You should have a can opener handy to open the canned foods.

(3) Often times during a storm, homes lose electrical power, so it’s important to have a flashlight, a battery operated radio and additional batteries in your storm safety kit.

Continue reading →

What Are They Doing?

So, you’re locked out and it’s about two thirty in the morning. Perfect. Just before frustration roots and sets, Google “locksmith NYC” on your phone and discover SOS Locksmith NYC. Our Locksmith offers a mighty convenient and fairly priced 24 hour emergency lock out service. So if you’re locked out, don’t fret. This service is perfect in the clutch when you are stuck outside of your house, safe, or office at an indecent hour. Even if you need a lock repair, safe repair, lock replacement, door hardware repair, or intercom installment or repair, SOS Locksmith NYC will be there in no time to help you out of your jam. Getting locked out is such a common situation here in New York, that we thought you should know a bit more about the entire emergency lock out process and the best locksmith company in New York City to get you back inside. Hopefully, the more you know the less stressed out you feel when something goes wrong and you’re locked out.

The SOS Locksmith NYC only employs the most qualified door service technicians and professional locksmiths. Thorough background checks are performed for all employees to ensure the trustworthy standards they’ve created. Also, some institutional education is a necessary prerequisite. All technicians and servicemen are insured and licensed; there are too many unprofessional, unlicensed, uncertified, even untrained ‘locksmiths’ out there, SOS Locksmith NYC doesn’t want to add to the number of scams that are already all too apparent in the industry. There are plenty of testimonials validating the honest and noteworthy policies of the SOS Locksmith team. An overwhelming majority of reviews have said the prices are fair and the service is great; they’re punctual, friendly, and professional. They are a family run business who has operated in the same location for over 30 years, their background alone is self-validating.

The Process

Firstly and quite obviously, the locked out client must call SOS Locksmith NYC. Someone will answer, you explain the lockout situation, and they’ll quote you an accurate price, ask your location and dispatch a serviceman. The SOS Locksmith NYC shop is located in the heart of Chelsea between 21 st and 22 nd street on 7 th avenue ; if you’re local they will be there well within 30 minutes, and if not they will be there as soon as traffic allows. Once the locksmith arrives he gets right to work with a lock pick and tension wrench for standard pin tumbler locks, or for more advanced locking systems other lock picking methods are applied. I’ve often wondered if locksmith’s break into your locks the same as a thief would; do they pick your locks? Well yes, the process is fundamentally the same; however, professional locksmiths are just that, professional, and they tend not to break or damage your locks in the procedure. Before you know it, you’ll have access once again. For most simple lockouts, the process takes no more than 5 minutes, and a lock change, about 10 minutes. As stated, an estimate of the cost will be quoted to you over the phone when you first call SOS Locksmith; nine times out of ten, unless there is some serious miscommunication from all parties, the price you pay will be the quoted price. They accept both cash and credit cards, so if you can’t run over to an ATM, just hand your card to the technician, he or she will run it, and your tender is paid.

Being locked out doesn’t have to be so exasperating, it can just as easily be a very simple and stress-free process. You just need to know what to do and what locksmith to trust. SOS Locksmith NYC has been in business since 1973 for a reason, and that’s because of their honest, reliable service when you’re in a tight spot.

History Tidbits on Locks and Locksmithing

The lock and key are daily customary instruments in lives of New Yorkers. We trust that the lock on our door will keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our belongings safe and secure inside our charming abodes. We also trust that a safe will protect our valuables from unwanted hands and eyes. We trust that our offices will not be infiltrated over the weekend. We place a lot of stock and good faith in these rather exquisite apparatuses, probably without any knowledge of how they function or the history behind how they were made and came into such common usage amongst today’s societies. Furthermore, we don’t really stop to consider the nature of the locksmith or the process he must go through for proper lock and safe installation and lock and safe repair.

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SOHO NYC

Security systems are a necessity in New York City nowadays. SOS Locksmith NYC knows that there is just no getting around it, retail stores, corporate offices, and residential homes must have some sort of security system ensuring the safety of their occupants, their goods, and their data. A preventative security measure like installing an alarm or intercom system will deter potential criminal activity. Even installing a new lock or calling for a lock repair if your present lock is outdated can increase the security of your home or business. Unfortunately, we don’t live or work in a totally trustworthy society; therefore, we must take supplementary measures to safeguard our persons and our belongings. In the 21 st century, all stores should really have some form of integrated security system to prevent theft; this statement is perfectly exemplified by the following true story about a friend of mine who innocently went shopping, expecting a smooth trip, but became inadvertently involved in a petty theft gone awry, all of which could have been avoided if the retail store found SOS Locksmith NYC.

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Historically, humans have sought to protect their property and valuables from fires. While the Egyptians buried their scrolls in the pyramids, Greeks carved their records on fire-proof ivory slabs. The modern iron safes with inner walls of stone, cement, plaster, chalk and other materials became popular after the 1830s. They can be used to store valuable jewelry, cash, and documents at home or office. The recession and bad economy has also increased the rate of burglaries and thefts in the New York City area. Your safe can not only protect your valuables from fire, but also from thieves and crooks. If you live or own a business in the Big Apple area and are looking for a safes installation NYC company, you should contact SOS Locksmith Services. They will provide quality service at an affordable price.

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New York City is arguably the most dynamic and vibrant city in the United States. The 8.1 million people in the city keep the NYC locksmiths busy with constant demand for opening locks with lost keys and installing new locks. Many professional companies such as the SOS Locksmith Services provide additional services to meet the safety needs of the modern world. These include safe maintenance and installation, intercom system installation, and access control systems. They have the experience of working with several brands and types of products, and can advise you about various products and services.

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Safes have been used traditionally to protect cash, important documents and valuables from fire and theft. There are several varieties of safes in the market today. This is an important investment for your home or office. Hence, you should consider several factors before buying them. If you live in the New York City area, or own a business there and are looking to buy a safe, you should contact a safe service NYC company such as SOS Locksmith Services. These professionals can provide you the right advice about choosing a safe as per your budget and needs.

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Historically, locksmiths have been considered as artists who make locks and also have the ability to defeat or break them. The 8.1 million New York City residents may require the services of locksmiths from time to time. While it might be an occasional event for some of you, others may have an increased tendency of losing their home, apartment, car or safe keys. Professional NY locksmiths including SOS Locksmith Company provide 24 hour emergency services to the residents of the city. It is important to choose a company that is trustworthy and efficient.

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M any of you may have the experience of losing your home, car or safe keys at some point. Your locksmith will not only open the lock for you without damaging the door, he will also help you chose a new lock that is appropriate for your door and install it for you. If you are one of the 8.1 million New York City residents and are looking for lock installation NYC companies, you should trust the SOS Locksmith Company for great service at a competitive price. They have been in business for the past 30 years, and provide 24 hour emergency lock opening and lock installation services. Remember, proper installation of your lock is important for the security of your house, office and family.

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Until the early 19th century, safes were used to protect valuables from burglars. They offered little protection from fire and floods. They were made up of wooden boxes with iron hoops. The fire-proof iron chests were introduced into the market in the 1840s. Competing safe manufacturers started using new materials and technologies to develop safes that were durable, reliable and inexpensive. Modern safes are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. They have strong locks, which cannot be defeated by anybody including trained locksmiths. However, like any other furniture or equipment in your home or office, safes also require maintenance from time to time. Safe maintenance NYC companies can provide the support to New York City homes and offices.

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If you are one of more than 8 million residents of the beautiful and vibrant New York City, you would understand the importance of a good lock for your home, office, business, or safe. You would also appreciate the fact that anyone can misplace a key. A locksmith is your savior at that hour of crises. In today’s era of the smart phones and tablets, you just need to type locksmith NYC in a search engine to get the list all the popular companies serving the area. SOS Locksmith and Advanced Security Company has been providing 24 hour service to the region for the past 30 years. They have the experience of opening any type of lock.

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Locksmith ManhattanLocksmith Manhattan

The island of Manhattan is the oldest and the smallest of the five boroughs that make up what is New York City. Even though Manhattan is the smallest of the boroughs, Manhattan is the most densely populated having fewer than 1.6 million residents. The area of New York City is around 23 square miles. The amount of space is small and the amount of people wanting to be in this space is large. Due to this, demand for space is great and this leaves people looking for a way to make sure what they have is safe and secure. With the help of locksmith Manhattan , this is possible.

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NYC Locksmith

New York City is one of the largest cities in the world and is home to millions of people. New York City does not have ample space so many people are all squeezed into one small area. Because of the limited area and the amount of people all in that limited area, security is a huge concern. While the crime is not out of control, people are still concerned about their personal items both large and small and seek out the guidance and abilities of locksmith NYC . With the help of a locksmith, residents of New York City can live in the city they love and feel safe doing so.

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Intercom Repair in NYC

There are many different types of security devices. From basic locks to advanced security systems, all of these incorporate the different types of security devices that are available. New York City is one of the largest cities in the world and millions of people call New York City home. With so many people living in such a small space, people look for different types of security to help them feel safer and more secure where they live. Intercoms are a common security feature and there are many companies that perform intercom repair NYC.

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SOS Locksmith NYC

New York City is home to millions of people and those people are spread out over five different boroughs. The space that holds New York City is fairly large but the amount of people takes over space size. With so many people being in one small area, the need to feel safe and secure runs high. To help people to feel safe and secure, a locksmith is the person to turn to. A locksmith does not only work with different locks. They have a broader job description and deal more with security issues and how to keep items and people safe.

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New York City is one of the largest cities in the world and is home to millions of people. When comparing people in New York City to the amount of space in New York City, there are definitely more people than there is space for them. This leaves for tight quarters and for people looking for ways to feel safe and to keep all of their belongings safe. A standard safety measure that can be found in many of the buildings in New York City is an intercom system. With the proper intercom installation NYC , residents of the city can feel safe knowing that only certain people will be allowed inside.

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Access Control

Access control systems are physical or electronic systems which are designed to control who has access to a location. The most simple example of a physical access control system is a door which can be locked, limiting people to one side of the door or the other.

These systems are typically comprised of:

Access Control at SOS locksmith

1) Keypad for entry from outside or internal entry into a secured location (ie: server rooms, vaults, etc.)

2) Electronic lock on door(s) that will engage or disengage according to credentials programmed into system.

3) “Brain” or electronic hub where data is stored and checked, This usually includes a software module that is installed to gain access to the data.

4) In most cities there are laws and codes pertaining to egress from a location, so that must be taken into account. For example, usually a motion detector or push-to-exit button are deployed inside the building at each exit to provide a means of egress. The codes can be seen at: http://www2.iccsafe.org/ states/newyorkcity/Building/ PDFs/Chapter%2010_Means%20of% 20Egress.pdf

5) If a keypad is not used, the system will need a key, key fob, or magnetic card that is pre-cut or pre-programmed with access rights.

When installing access control systems , companies should consider who will use the system, and how it will be used. The larger the number of users, the higher the risk. In a situation where numerous users, including guests, are entering the area, tiered levels of security may be advisable. For example, a bank with a large staff and customer base will undoubtedly employ multiple access control systems to ensure that the public cannot reach the safe, unauthorized staff cannot reach the ATM, and so forth. On the other hand, a smaller business might be satisfied with a single key used to open all of the doors in the building, distributed to all employees.

Read About: Locksmith NYC , Lock Installation NYC , Intercom Service NYC

Intercom Installation NYC

If you’re considering additional security features for your home or business, you should consider the many benefits of an intercom system. Intercom installation NYC is a very popular option in the city. Intercoms come in many different shapes and sizes with features to suit everything from a small residential building to a large business. You can place your intercom anywhere you need it and customize the access options. Your intercom may be used for a single office, or to keep the entire building closed to visitors. Intercoms can also allow access to only a certain floor of a large residential building.

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Locksmith NYC

You may only think of a locksmith as the person you call in the unfortunate event that you get locked out of your home or car. Certainly a locksmith will be able to help you in such situations, but a good locksmith NYC company will be able to help you with much more. SOS Locksmith NYC provides a wide range of services for safety and security. Don’t wait until you’re locked out to look up a good locksmith. These qualified professionals can help you act proactively to maintain the best in locks and other important home safety and security features.

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A home safe is an excellent way to keep your important items and documents secure. New York City experienced 37,835 cases of grand larceny in 2010. While your first line of defense is properly protecting your home, a safe will help you keep your most important items especially well protected. A safe is also handy for protecting items from fire or even curious children. Knowing how to select the right safe for your needs is essential to getting the protection you need. Once you’ve chosen the right safe, all that’s left is locating the best safes installation NYC company to finish the job.

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Intercom systems in buildings have become much more sophisticated since the 1970’s when Carlton, the flat-voiced doorman, used to announce visitors on the show, “Rhoda”. Now, buildings not only have more security features than ever, but NYC buildings with doormen have become astronomically more expensive. But no matter what kind of building you will need to secure, you will need the help of an intercom installation business located in NYC. Before you hire a company, it is necessary to ensure that you get a fair and clear quote.

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Gaining entry into a New York City building is not as easy these days as it used to be. Many office workers now have access cards with photos that they have to scan to enter their workplaces. Unpredictable times have forced building and business owners to become more vigilant about protecting their entrances from trespassers. Companies that provide intercom service in NYC have benefited from this increased desire for security. The best ones offer a wide range of intercoms for residential buildings, small businesses and homes.

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There was a time when the only things you cared to protect were your stash of candy and your favorite toys. Then you got older and protecting your heart and your image was all that mattered. Now you’re fully-grown and suddenly it seems that everything needs protecting – from your family and your life, to your home and all the things in it. Lately, you’ve even been wondering whether or not to put a safe in your home. You’ve never had one before, and so you’ll need the help of a good safes service company in NYC.

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A locksmith in NYC will probably hear many stories from people who have called to have their locks changed after being burglarized. The locksmith will see the fear on their faces as they talk about the incident. He or she will try to answer their questions as they ask how to prevent this from ever happening again – how to go back to feeling safe in their homes. The truth is, it is difficult to stop thieves from at least trying to get into your home. However, you don’t have to be an easy target. You can begin by finding a locksmith around your NYC neighborhood to help you. But there are additional steps you can take to make your home more secure:

Get a professional l ocksmith in NYC to install good, secure locks on your doors.

Keep windows locked, especially those on the ground floor.

Do not leave empty boxes from your new electronics or other expensive items outside your home, since they can attract thieves.

Leave the front door light on if your house will be empty during the night, and also leave a light on in the back.

Do not hide an extra key under doormats or in other obvious places.

Hire a reputable locksmith in NYC to install a security system in your home.

Set up outdoor nightlights around your home, especially near shrubbery, bushes and other hiding places.

Even if you live in an apartment, there are things you can do to make your residence less attractive to potential burglars. One tip is to keep windows locked, especially those by fire escapes, on lower floors, or facing the back of the building. Some people like to leave their television or stereo playing while they’re not home. Most thieves do not want to enter a dwelling if they believe the residents are there. You can also have a locksmith visit your NYC residence to install extra locks on the front door. Remember, there are no neighborhoods that are completely immune from robberies. Just ask any locksmith in NYC.

At SOS Locksmith NYC , we are dedicated to providing first-rate locksmith, intercom and safe sales and services to customers in New York City. We also offer alarm, closed-circuit television, ironwork and access control installations. During our thirty years of business, we have gained an excellent record with the BBB, as well as with multiple trade associations and consumer affairs. At SOS Locksmith NYC, we provide all major locksets brands, such as Multilock and Medeco, and a wide range of architectural hardware such as Omnia, Emtek and Baldwin. Our professional service personnel are comprised of fully licensed and highly qualified locksmiths and door service technicians. We are available 24/7 to meet your locksmith and security needs. Call us today to get a free estimate.

Read about: SOS Locksmith NYC , Locksmith Coupons

Most of us have seen those movie scenes where some professional thief or maverick managed to open a locked safe in a matter of minutes. And all they had to do was press an ear against the door and listen quietly for clicks, while turning the combination lock. If it were that easy, anyone with good hearing could be a safe-cracking maverick. But in reality, opening a safe can be a very tricky and frustrating problem. Many companies that sell safes and perform repair jobs in NYC receive numerous calls about this common issue. The biggest problem people can encounter once they’ve had a safes installed in their home or business is having the lock get stuck. No matter how often they key in the code, or use whatever means the safe usually requires, the door will not open. Safes are mainly designed to protect people’s assets by keeping thieves out. But what if your safe is keeping you out?

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Manhattan may be New York City’s smallest borough, but it’s one of the most popular business and cultural centers in the country, and also in the world. It’s no surprise that thousands of people take up residence in the city each year. However, the same wealth of opportunities that may have attracted you to the city also attracts a lot of scam artists and other unsavory individuals. Even finding a reputable locksmith in Manhattan can cost you, if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for, when searching for a locksmith in Manhattan.

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When the economy is struggling, many people look for ways to cut costs. Hardware stores will see an influx of people looking for items for their do-it-yourself projects. Suddenly, even the non-handy are ready to build their own bookshelves, paint their apartment, fix their broken toilet, and buy DIY books for tips. But when it comes to lock installation in NYC, these DIY projects can end up costing you much more than you anticipated.

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Many New Yorkers believe they will never need to have a safe installed in their home. They have come to assume that safes are only for protecting large sums of money, papers related to money, guns, or very expensive heirloom jewelry. Their argument goes, why should I buy a safe when I have nothing to keep…safe? This is a common mis-perception, because there are many practical reasons for seeking out a company that provides safes installation in NYC residences. Safes are not only meant to protect valuable items, but they are also a great place to keep any item that would be difficult or even costly to replace.

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There are approximately 8 million people living in New York City. If you’re one of them, at one point or another you may need the services of a locksmith in NYC . It may be because you arrive at your front door, reach into the place where you usually keep your keys, and find that they’re not there. You will frantically search through everything, before accepting that you lost your keys. Or you will break your key in a lock, need to cut new keys, or need to change a lock altogether. No matter what the reason, you will likely need the help of a locksmith located in NYC. But not all locksmiths are created equal. Then, how can you be sure you’ve found a good one?

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When it comes to security locks, you want to choose a locksmith company that is reputable and will do the job. Here are 20 high security locks on the market we highly recommend today

Medeco³ Rim & Mortise

Medeco’s Rim and Mortise cylinders provide patented key control and UL437 Physical Security in adaptable retrofit cylinder formats.

Medeco Logic Rim & Mortise

Medeco Logic merges the flexibility of electronics with reliable mechanical technology – all in a Rim or Mortise cylinder. Medeco Logic offers end users audit trail, user access schedules and the ability to quickly add or remove a key electronically from a system.

Medeco XT Rim & Mortise

The Medeco XT Rim & Mortise electronic cylinders are a direct replacement for mechanical Rim cylinders and is ideal for loss and liability management. The cylinder requires no wiring to the door and is powered by the Medeco XT rechargeable key (sold separately).

Medeco³ Logic Rim & Mortise

Medeco³ Logic merges the flexibility of electronics with reliable mechanical technology – all in a retrofit Rim or Mortise cylinder. Medeco³ Logic offers end users audit trail, user access schedules and the ability to quickly add or remove a key electronically from a system. Medeco³ Logic installs with no wiring in a matter of minutes and digital keys and digital cylinders reprogram for instant changes.

Aperio Mortise Cylinder

The Medeco® M100 battery operated mortise lock with Aperio Technology makes it easy and cost effective to bring access control to applications where audit trail and monitoring are becoming increasingly critical.

Maxum Deadbolt

The Medeco® Maxum deadbolt exceeds ANSI Grade 1 standard for auxiliary locks. Hardened steel inserts and rotating pins provide drill and pick resistance according to UL 437 standard. The Medeco³ design offers a utility patent that provides protection against unauthorized key duplication.

14 Series Deadbolt

The Medeco® 14 Series is a Grade 2 commercial deadbolt that provides an outstanding combination of cylinder options, performance and value. It is the ideal choice for a wide variety of commercial and heavy duty residential applications where consistent quality, ease of use and installation are required.

Medeco Logic Deadbolt

The Medeco Logic Maxum deadbolt exceeds ANSI Grade 1 standard for auxiliary locks. In addition to the physical security of the Maxum deadbolt, the Medeco Logic cylinder provides end users with an audit trail, the ability to schedule user access rights and the freedom to quickly add or remove a key from the system.

Medeco Logic Residential Deadbolt

The Medeco Logic Residential Maxum deadbolt exceeds ANSI Grade 1 standard for auxiliary locks. Solid brass, free turning collar and 1/4 inch diameter mounting bolts resist wrenching, prying and hammering attacks. 1 inch throw hardened steel bolt resists sawing and crowbar attacks. In addition to the physical security and Residential aestetics of the Maxum deadbolt, the Medeco logic cylinder provides end users with an audit trail, the ability to schedule user access rights and the freedom to quickly add or remove a key from the system.

Maxum Residential Deadbolt

The Maxum Residential deadbolt is offers commercial grade 1 Security in a Residentially pleasing format.

Medeco³ Key in Lever/Knob

Medeco³ Key-in-Knob cylinders are designed to retrofit knob type cylindrical locksets, lever type cylindrical locksets, padlocks and bored type auxiliary deadlatches and deadlocks. 20 series, Key-in-Knob cylinders are UL437 listed for drill and pick resistance, and the those that incorporate the Medeco³ design, offer utility patented key control.

Medeco XT KIK/KIL

The Medeco XT Key in Knob/Lever electronic cylinder is a direct replacement for mechanical KIK/KIL cylinders and is ideal for Loss & Liability management. The cylinder requires no wiring to the door and is powered by the Medeco XT rechargeable key (sold separately). The cylinder is designed for interior and exterior use with an operating temperature rating of -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Flexible authorization, auditing of use and quick retrofit to existing hardware are all in one convenient package.

Medeco³ Logic KIK/KIL

Medeco³ Logic merges the flexibility of electronics with reliable mechanical technology – all in a key in knob or key in lever retrofit cylinder. Medeco³ Logic offers end users audit trail, user access schedules and the ability to quickly add or remove a key electronically from a system. Medeco³ Logic installs with no wiring in a matter of minutes and digital keys and digital cylinders reprogram for instant changes.

Medeco Logic KIK/KIL

Medeco Logic merges the flexibility of electronics with reliable mechanical technology – all in a Key in Knob or Key in Lever cylinder. Medeco Logic offers end users audit trail, user access schedules and the ability to quickly add or remove a key electronically from a system.

Intercom Installation NYC

If you’re considering additional security features for your home or business, you should consider the many benefits of an intercom system. Intercom installation NYC is a very popular option in the city. Intercoms come in many different shapes and sizes with features to suit everything from a small residential building to a large business. You can place your intercom anywhere you need it and customize the access options. Your intercom may be used for a single office, or to keep the entire building closed to visitors. Intercoms can also allow access to only a certain floor of a large residential building.

You will find you have many choices for intercom installation NYC . Many companies provide products for security intercoms in New York. There are lots of small differences between intercom systems, but you will find there are two major types of intercoms. Audio intercoms are simpler and less expensive if you want a more affordable security system. With an audio intercom, the visitor will press a button and speak to the person they want to see. On the other end, the person can hear and speak to the visitor and decide whether to let them in or not. This helps you to keep complete strangers from coming into the building.

Video intercoms are the other popular type of intercom system. Many intercom installation NYC companies offer video intercom systems as well. With a video intercom system, you can both see and hear the person you are buzzing in. The benefit of a video intercom is that you will be able to tell if the person really is who they claim to be. You may recognize the voice of your friends, but a delivery person is more difficult to identify. Businesses especially can benefit from a video intercom as this allows them to clearly see the client before determining whether they are legit.

When used properly, an intercom installation NYC will keep your building much safer. The only people who are allowed inside should be residents and the guests that they have approved. Putting a clear set of rules into place for intercom use will also increase the effectiveness of this type of system. When you’re purchasing an intercom system, look for a reliable security company. Many will outsource the installation work to others, but SOS Locksmith NYC does all the work themselves. With a company like this, you know you will have a safe, qualified professional working on your system every time.

Read About: What to Look for in a Locksmith , Lock Installation NYC

There are approximately 8 million people living in New York City. If you’re one of them, at one point or another you may need the services of a locksmith in NYC . It may be because you arrive at your front door, reach into the place where you usually keep your keys, and find that they’re not there. You will frantically search through everything, before accepting that you lost your keys. Or you will break your key in a lock, need to cut new keys, or need to change a lock altogether. No matter what the reason, you will likely need the help of a locksmith located in NYC. But not all locksmiths are created equal. Then, how can you be sure you’ve found a good one?

Here are some common signs of a bad locksmith in NYC:

When you give them keys to cut, they provide you with sloppily made keys that don’t fit your lock properly, and that you have to fidget with to open your door.

The locksmith lets you into a NYC property without asking for proof that it is your residence.

The locks are badly installed and have to be fixed or re-installed.

The price you are billed turns out to be significantly higher than the price you were quoted for the job.

Now, here are some signs of a good locksmith in NYC:

The locksmith belongs to professional associations.

Their business has been in operation for years, or has gained a good reputation since opening.

Their workers are licensed professionals who have undergone security checks ( locksmiths in NYC must undergo fingerprinting at the Dept. of Consumer Affairs).

They have a website that is very professional, with clear contact information.

At SOS Locksmith NYC , we are dedicated to providing first-rate locksmith, intercom and safe sales and services to customers in New York City. We also offer alarm, closed-circuit television, ironwork and access control installations. During our thirty years of business, we have gained an excellent record with the BBB, as well as with multiple trade associations and consumer affairs. At SOS Locksmith NYC, we provide all major locksets brands, such as Multilock and Medeco, and a wide range of architectural hardware such as Omnia, Emtek and Baldwin. Our professional service personnel are comprised of fully licensed and highly qualified locksmiths and door service technicians. We are available 24/7 to meet your locksmith and security needs. Call us today to get a free estimate.

Read about: SOS Locksmith NYC , Intercoms & Alarms , Safes