Choosing the Best High Security Locks

When your home or business absolutely needs to be protected with the utmost level of strong security, it’s essential to understand all the variable factors of high security locks in order to determine what the best locks for your needs are. In this brief blog post, the residential security and commercial security experts at LocksmithMAN will help you understand exactly how to choose the best high security locks for your needs.

Lock Cylinder

You want the lock cylinder to be made of a complicated internal makeup, reducing the chances that a burglar will be able by using a bump key, lock impressor, or picking. The more complicated your lock cylinder is, the fewer amount of people will even attempt to try to break through your security. If you’re looking for a keypad only door lock, you don’t even have to worry about lock cylinders.

Metal

You want the lock to be made of as much strong metal as possible. Since parts of the door need to be absent when the door lock is installed, requiring cross-boring, the door will be vulnerable around the lock hardware area. The best high security door locks add metal content that help protect this vulnerable area of your door. You can usually tell if a lock has a good amount of metal just by holding it in your hand. Heavy locks don’t utilize large gaps or plastic parts to reduce manufacturing cost – while sacrificing security. Any good high security lock needs to have heavy and strong metal in spades.

Bolts

You want your lock to have hardened steel bolts that can resist bludgeoning attacks like battering, sledge hammers, shoulder strikes, or kicks. Bolts should also be resistant to cutting with hacksaws or reciprocating saws.

Drills

Criminals often utilize drilling as a breakin method. You want to ensure that your high security lock has set screws and a shear line protected with hardened ball bearings, and/or rotating anti-drill plates to help protect them from the risk of being drilled.

Key Control

You want to ensure that you buy a high security lock that has patented keyways in order to maintain key control and reduce the amount of people that might be able to use your lock. You’re definitely going to want to know the right way to hide your spare keys (not under your mats!) but it definitely is an essential to ONLY EVER use locks that have special patented keyways.

Bypassing

High security locks should never have bypass methods like thumbturns – they are simply easy entry methods, and basically allow for the canceling out of the complex security enforcing structure of a lock allowing potential burglars to exploit a lock’s weakness. Make sure to research whether or not the high security lock that you are using has a bypass method.

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Difference Between Transponder and Non-Transponder Car Keys

Most cars today come outfit with electronic keys fit with transponder chips – it’s a common security measure that is now the standard in the industry. However, many older, more vintage cars rely on typical mechanical keys for successful operation. Here’s a guide from the automotive lockout experts here at LocksmithMAN on the difference between transponder keys and non-transponder keys.

What Exactly are Transponder Car Keys?

Transponder keys transformed the security standards of the automotive industry after they began being used in the year 1985. General Motors introduced the – then luxurious – transponder key in their Corvette of that year. Transponder keys – like typical keys – use metallic blades with a specific sequence cut out inside it in order to fit the car’s ignition. However, transponder keys hold a small chip inside their plastic gap. This chip receives a radio frequency signal from an antenna ring in the car’s immobilizer, and then sends its own coded frequency back to the antenna. This antenna will then transmit this code to the car’s computer, which will disable the car immobilizer, allowing it to start. This entire process occurs in a simple matter of seconds.

 

Transponder keys were invented as a solution for the issue of car theft. Stealing a car became as simple as touching two wires together to make the car start – a process colloquially known as ‘hot wiring.’ With transponder keys, even if a car thief can get past the door locks of your car, they will not be able to start it – because there is no radio frequency code being transmitted to disable the immobilizer. Transponder keys ALWAYS need to be programmed to match the code in the car’s system – otherwise, they are useless to start the car. Professional automotive locksmiths, like those here at LocksmithMAN, can easily cut and program transponder keys to match your vehicle – as well as deleting old key codes from your car’s system, in case you have lost your original set of transponder keys.

 

What are non-transponder car keys?

Before the invention of transponder car keys, the majority of cars used typical metallic cut car keys. Non-transponder keys can still be high security – as they are usually double cut on their top and lower half, making it almost impossible to start the ignition without them – even with criminal picking tools. However, their lack of an immobilier-connected system will allow for the chance for criminals to start the engine if they hot-wire the car or manage to turn the ignition. Hot wiring is the most common method of car theft – and non-transponder keys can be easily copied by automotive locksmiths. 

 

It’s not possible to upgrade your non-transponder key to a transponder key, as if you have an older car model, it’s likely it doesn’t have a built-in immobilizer system. Make sure not to spend the extra money buying a new transponder key blank if you’re just looking to replace your lost non-transponder car keys. This concept is true vice-versa as well – don’t accidentally buy a chipless key if your car utilizer a transponder system, as you won’t be able to start your car. You can count on the automotive transponder key copying and programming experts here at LocksmithMAN to instantly provide you with perfectly operational transponder keys.

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3 Situations That Warrant Emergency Locksmith Services

No matter how careful you are, there’s still a chance you may find yourself in a sticky situation involving your keys. These are some of those scenarios that warrant an emergency locksmith service Winnipeg.

1. When your toddler locks themselves in the house

In a home lockout scenario, older children may take some set of instructions but if your toddler locks themselves in a room or house, the whole story changes. The thought of your child locked in the house is enough to strike terror into the heart of any parent but you need to keep calm then act swiftly. If it’s an interior door, you might be able to unscrew the door if the screws are visible. However, exterior door locks are meant to enhance security and not privacy so these are usually sturdier and harder to unscrew. If this is the situation, call an emergency locksmith immediately and while you wait, keep your child engaged by talking to them until the locksmith arrives. For prompt response, call a locksmith in your local area. As a preventative measure, once the locksmith has resolved the emergency talk to them about childproofing your doors. You want to prevent a recurring situation where your child locks themselves in even more dangerous rooms of the house such as the kitchen.

2. Broken keys in Lock

Imagine this:  You have a few minutes to get to an appointment, you run for the door lock and as you turn the key, it snaps and breaks. What do you do? In a scenario like this, you have no time to struggle to retrieve the key from the lock so your only quick solution should be to call an emergency locksmith. In situations where you’re not in a rush but your efforts to retrieve them are in vain, you’ll be in for a lockout if you don’t get help soon. The tricky part about removing broken keys in the lock is you need some tools. If you don’t have the necessary tools, you may end up damaging the entire lock. To prevent keys from breaking in the future, lubricate them regularly so they don’t get jammed in the locking mechanisms and break off. Also, replace any old keys so they remain functional.

3. Break-Ins

If you recently experienced a burglary or you suspect someone tried tampering with your lock, prioritize calling an emergency locksmith.  For the sake of your home’s security and for your peace of mind, getting the locks changed after such an incident should be your top priority. If your lock has been tampered with, chances are that someone examined your lock. The only way you can be assured of safety is if you change the locks. If your house was broken into, consider getting stronger locks and also installing a security system to prevent future burglaries.

Emergency locksmith is all about finding a prompt and effective solution.  If you happen to be in any of the scenarios above, call (204) 813-9553 now and we’ll send one of our well-trained 24-hour locksmith crews over! At LocksmithMAN, we are dedicated to providing the best service to all our clients.

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Replacement For Different Car Key Types

Losing car keys does not have to give you extensive headaches – easier said than done! That is why the following tips can help you deal with your car key lost problem before you start fretting.

Search Immediate Surrounding

In life some days are good and others frustrating. It’s therefore not surprising to forget car keys just about anywhere. Before you start contacting your dealership or locksmith for key replacement, first inspect your environs. Then, contact the people recently had an encounter with. Often times, people also lock their keys inside the car.

Identify Your Car Key Type

Once you are sure you cannot locate your keys, the next step is to identify your key type. Your type of car key lost can be any of the following:

• Transponder key

Most cars built after the late around 1993 comes with a responder key. These keys have an inbuilt rf transmitter which transmits a signal that is extremely low. The vehicle can only detect the signal when the key is inserted and only then will the car start. This key provides a minimal chance of being hotwired hence increasing car security. With that being the case, it is complicated to replace a transponder key but our locksmiths know their way around these types so don’t sweat it.

• Traditional car keys

If you consider yourself forgetful, you can implement these pro-tips. In the meantime, though, you should take preference into traditional keys. This type is made mechanically by a key cutting machine so it’s pretty easy to replace. Traditional keys may compromise your car’s security since in the hands of the wrong person, there’s a risk of easy duplication.

• Laser-cut keys

They also go by names sidewinder key or internal cut key. Unlike the traditional key, which is cut along the edge, laser-cut keys are cut through the center. This makes them hard to replace. Only the car dealer of a well-trained locksmith can replace a laser-cut key.

Among other keys are electronic keys, remote control, switchable key, and smart keys.

Identify Your Vehicle Information

The dealership or locksmith will have to gather enough information about your car before they can prepare for a replacement. Failure to provide the correct information may result in keys that fail to operate your car. Essentially, identify the type of car key lost. Narrow down to the car model and identification number, registration number and the year of the vehicle. Your insurance card should contain all this information so if you’re missing any details, you can check there. If you don’t have all the information and you also can’t get a hold of your insurance card, the locksmith can come conduct a quick examination of your car to gather these details.

Evaluate Your Service Provider Options

The last and most step of getting a car key replacement is zeroing down on who to contract for the service. On this, you have two options; to contact a locksmith or your car dealer. If your car is much older, locksmith services will be cheaper compared to dealership. Again, unlike dealers, most locksmiths are flexible so they will easily show up on your location. You’re also more likely to get a quick response from a locksmith that you would from a dealer. This is because dealers don’t specialize in replacement lost car keys, rather selling and servicing cars.

For more information on car key replacement, contact licensed locksmiths at LockmithMAN at (204) 813-9854

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Your Business Needs a Security Budget

As companies set aside a budget for various departments, security often gets left out. Yet there’s a wide array of threats that businesses face; from internal threats to external ones. In the event of break-ins and frauds, businesses that don’t have a security budget in place end up losing a lot of money. In turn, this has detrimental effects on the overall business performance. Essentially therefore, having a modicum of business security in place, helps ventures stay prepared for threats not even perceived. Here are more reasons why you need to set aside a security budget for your business.

Setting aside a security budget saves you money

It’s a production that is done with a cast of one or just but a few, has no script, no lights, no audience and it’s mounted every 10 seconds – yet it fetches the producers some $1.4 billion annually (purely profits). If you do your calculations, this is almost $4 million per day. Its name is “Burglary.” One of the histories longest running show. That your business location prides in being on one of the safer streets is not a security assurance. Without a security plan in place, all businesses are prone to theft. And unfortunately, unlike lightning, thieves are notorious for striking the same place multiple times. Away from your business’s physical security, nowadays, with the rise in internet fraud, all it takes to bring your business down on its knees is a single compromised password. With all these facts, getting a commercial locksmith to inspect your locks and help you come up with more secure locking systems will enhance the physical security of your business by discouraging burglars.  A security budget also caters for internet and online fraud prevention.

Part of setting up the budget is revising or upgrading security procedures

When setting aside a business security budget, it’s natural that you will also revise or upgrade your business security policies and procedures. When there’s a gap in your business’s security policies or procedures, your enterprise is prone to theft. Keep in mind, thieves keep upgrading their skills, so when you don’t upgrade your policies, your business becomes an easy target. Security procedures refer to detailed actions and instructions on how to implement security controls as enumerated in the security policies. Security procedures ensure consistency in the execution of a security business process. These procedures are to be followed to the letter each time a security threat arises. They provide direction to how your employees should behave in regards to the company data, assets, physical access and so on. Security policies, on the other hand, define who, what and why, in regards to the desired behavior of the overall security posture.

Preparedness in times of emergencies

It goes without saying, setting aside a business security budgets is itself a plan in times of emergencies. Security threats don’t just refer to burglaries and internet frauds. Natural disasters could also leave your security systems damaged. Natural disasters can strike anytime, anywhere; sometimes predicted and often times striking without warning. Floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and blizzards could potentially disrupt your supply chains, communication, physical building, equipment, and security systems. Every business in disaster-prone areas should have a disaster emergency plan in place, part of this should be a security plan.

There’s a direct relationship between the security of your business and its success. By setting aside a security budget, you make it easier for your business to bounce back from detrimental events such as burglaries, and natural disasters.

As companies set aside a budget for various departments, security often gets left out. Yet there’s a wide array of threats that businesses face; from internal threats to external ones. In the event of break-ins and frauds, businesses that don’t have a security budget in place end up losing a lot of money. In turn, this has detrimental effects on the overall business performance. Essentially therefore, having a modicum of business security in place, helps ventures stay prepared for threats not even perceived. Here are more reasons why you need to set aside a security budget for your business.

Setting aside a security budget saves you money

It’s a production that is done with a cast of one or just but a few, has no script, no lights, no audience and it’s mounted every 10 seconds – yet it fetches the producers some $1.4 billion annually (purely profits). If you do your calculations, this is almost $4 million per day. Its name is “Burglary.” One of the histories longest running show. That your business location prides in being on one of the safer streets is not a security assurance. Without a security plan in place, all businesses are prone to theft. And unfortunately, unlike lightning, thieves are notorious for striking the same place multiple times. Away from your business’s physical security, nowadays, with the rise in internet fraud, all it takes to bring your business down on its knees is a single compromised password. With all these facts, getting a commercial locksmith to inspect your locks and help you come up with more secure locking systems will enhance the physical security of your business by discouraging burglars.  A security budget also caters for internet and online fraud prevention.

Part of setting up the budget is revising or upgrading security procedures

When setting aside a business security budget, it’s natural that you will also revise or upgrade your business security policies and procedures. When there’s a gap in your business’s security policies or procedures, your enterprise is prone to theft. Keep in mind, thieves keep upgrading their skills, so when you don’t upgrade your policies, your business becomes an easy target. Security procedures refer to detailed actions and instructions on how to implement security controls as enumerated in the security policies. Security procedures ensure consistency in the execution of a security business process. These procedures are to be followed to the letter each time a security threat arises. They provide direction to how your employees should behave in regards to the company data, assets, physical access and so on. Security policies, on the other hand, define who, what and why, in regards to the desired behavior of the overall security posture.

Preparedness in times of emergencies

It goes without saying, setting aside a business security budgets is itself a plan in times of emergencies. Security threats don’t just refer to burglaries and internet frauds. Natural disasters could also leave your security systems damaged. Natural disasters can strike anytime, anywhere; sometimes predicted and often times striking without warning. Floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and blizzards could potentially disrupt your supply chains, communication, physical building, equipment, and security systems. Every business in disaster-prone areas should have a disaster emergency plan in place, part of this should be a security plan.

There’s a direct relationship between the security of your business and its success. By setting aside a security budget, you make it easier for your business to bounce back from detrimental events such as burglaries, and natural disasters.

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Security Enhancements For Tenants

Tenants often struggle with how to secure their homes without making invasive changes to the property. They may not have the freedom to mount new storm doors or install complicated security systems. Nonetheless, as a tenant, there are a number of ways you can boost the security of your home without breaking the lease.

Changing door locks

in a perfect world, every time a tenant moves out, landlords should change the locks in preparation for a new occupant. After all, as part of proper maintenance, landlords are responsible for the safety and security of their tenants. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world and your landlord may delay changing the locks. The danger with keeping the old lock is that you don’t know how many people have keys to your door. So, for your peace of mind, it’s better you foot the bill but have a residential locksmith install new door locks.

If the locks are keyless, it goes without saying that you should change the code and only share it with your family members of those you intend to have access to your home. If security is a real concern in your new location, you could talk to your landlord about installing superior locking systems. For instance, if you have euro cylinder locks, you could upgrade to anti-snap cylinders. Grade1 deadbolts also provide better security.

Use a safe for irreplaceable valuables and personal documents

Even with the best-laid home security systems, there’s no way  guarantee a hundred percent security from burglary. So as a tenant, how about you prepare for worst case scenarios; we are talking about break-ins. If an intruder manages to get in your house, a well installed and a cleverly hidden safe will protect your valuables. As you probably already know, in the hands of a thieve, your personal documents such as social security cards, driver’s license and other personal documents are valuable items that a thief can use to commit crimes.

The two most frequently chosen types of safes are burglar proof safe and fireproof safes. Burglar proof safes have thicker walls and require a code for access. Fireproof ones normally have a double metal wall. You can choose either depending on your priority need.

Explore already installed home security systems

Your landlord may balk at you drilling holes on the wall as you install a wired security system. Fortunately, there are other alarm options specifically designed for rentals. Several companies offer wireless solutions so this is one option you can explore. You could also find out if your new home has a pre-existing system. Some houses already have an unused system installed and if this is so, you’re lucky. You can engage your landlord and see how you can collaborate to come up with a short-term security plan.

Outdoor lighting

Most tenants forget to install outdoor lights yet lighting plays such a major role in enhancing security. Your home should be well-lit from the entrance, to the stairs and all the way up to your front door. If your budget allows you can choose to keep the lights on throughout the night. Alternatively, install motion activated lights to conserve energy. According to research, lighting is burglar deterrent.

If you’re willing to invest a little energy (and maybe a little cash), the non-invasive changes above can help you secure the place you call home. The good thing with these ideas is that they are well within your rights, regardless of whether the property in question is yours or not.

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Panic Bars and How they Enhance Commercial Building Safety

Panic bars, also known as crash bars, push bars or touch bars, are locks with a spring-loaded metal bar fitted horizontally to a door on the side that is inside a building or room. Unlike handles and knobs that are manipulated by turning and pushing, panic bars are only pushed against to unlatch and open a door simultaneously. This swings the door outwards and towards the exit direction, easing and quickening an exit. Panic bars should only be installed by a skilled emergency locksmith service professionals. They install these locks as per the recommended standards to enhance safety and security in a commercial building.

Most countries have regulations put in place for public buildings and commercial buildings to enhance safety during an emergency. These include setting a minimum number of emergencies exits from a building. These emergency exits should ensure safe and smooth exit of persons from rooms or buildings in case of emergencies. Panic bars significantly contribute to these safety precautions.

Panic Bars and Commercial Building Safety

During an emergency inside a public or commercial building, when those in the commercial building panic, movement towards the exit is usually are chaotic and disastrous. This is because when approaching a door, in the event that the people closest to the door stop or slow down while trying to operate the door, the ones at the back of the crowd will not stop nor slow down but still come charging through. This results in a stampede. Panic bars help eliminate that risk. A simple push to the panic bar swings the door outwards seamlessly. This does not slow down the exit speed or stop it at the door- limiting a stampede.

A feature that panic bars have that makes it different from most locks is that it is difficult to pick. This feature makes unauthorized external access difficult. The commercial building remains secure from forced entry even during non-business hours. Some panic bars come with an alarm that sounds off when accessed. You will find doors with these alarms labeled with words such as, ‟alarm will sound if a door is opened or door alarm.” This deters or detects illegal or unauthorized exit from buildings or to unauthorized building sections. These doors do more than alert in case of illegal exits. When doors with panic bars fitted with alarms are accessed, they set off alarms in the whole building. Since these doors are only used in emergencies, this alerts everyone in the building to respond accordingly to the emergency, minimizing casualties and fatalities.

Doors fitted with panic doors help manage entrance and exit into a commercial building. The identity of people gaining entry into a commercial building is of more concern than the ones exiting. Because panic bars deny access from outside, it is easy to identify unauthorized entry and deter potential threats. To ensure more security, another feature can be added to panic bars. External Trim Locks can be installed on the outer side of a panic bar door to aid access from outside. Evidently, panic bars ease access from the inside, but external trim locks give exclusive external access. They can be accessed using a key where external access to a building is necessary. These locks can be installed on demand.

Panic bars enhance safety and security in public and commercial buildings. To safeguard the lives of your employees, don’t wait for disaster to strike to install panic bars.

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