LockRite Locksmiths Blog
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Why does a locksmith cost so much?
Locksmiths play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of our homes and businesses. However, when we need their services, we can find
Where Are My Keys? Top Tips for Finding Lost Keys
Are you tired of losing your keys and experiencing the panic that comes with it? Don’t worry, in this article we share practical tips and
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Door Lock Elements – Do You Know What’s Inside?
When you have a problem with the lock on your door, the best thing you could do is call an expert locksmith who has the necessary knowledge and expertise to handle any issue which might arise.
Even so, it makes sense to know more about the door lock elements and understand how they work. That’s because the lock on your door is one of the main safety devices which protects your property, your goods and your family.
There are different types of doors and locks on the market right now, so obviously not all of them are built the same.
However, the basic door lock elements included in this article are common to most of the locks which can be found in stores and in many homes right now.
The Latch
Also referred to as a bolt, the latch is a piece of metal which extends into the door frame through the strike plate. The lock mechanism engages the bolt inside the door. This action holds the door closed.
There are two main types of latches:
- Spring latches. A spring mechanism holds the bolt in place. The spring is compressed to unlock the bolt. When the bolt is released, it automatically goes back into a locked position.
- Deadbolts. This type of latch doesn’t have a spring loading mechanism and it can be locked or unlocked using a key or with a knob placed on only one side of the door.
One of the major differences between deadbolts and spring latches is the first don’t have doorknobs or door handles and the second do.
Also, deadbolts are seen as being the more secure option because a deadbolt can only be moved to the open position by rotating the lock cylinder (which happens when using the correct key).
Therefore, it’s harder to unlock a door with deadbolts without the correct key.
The Cylinder
The cylinder is one of the most important door-lock elements because this is where you insert your key. Generally speaking, if the correct key is not used, the door won’t open.
So how does the cylinder know when the right key is used? The mechanism uses a set of spring-loaded pins which prevent the cylinder from turning when engaged – unless the correct key is used.
Whenever a key is inserted into the cylinder, the uneven edge forces the pins upward to different heights. When the appropriate key is used, each one of the pins moves into its correct position and height for the lock and the door opens.
Otherwise, the key will not turn inside the cylinder.
The Strike Plate
The strike plate is the metal plate which is attached to the door jamb. One of its main characteristics is it has a hole or holes (also known as the box) for the latch of the door.
The primary purpose of the strike plate is to lead the latch bolt from the cylinder into the box of the door frame and strengthen the lock mechanism. When the lock is activated, the bolt extends into the hole in the strike plate to hold the door closed.
Nowadays, strike plates come in a variety of different shapes and styles. The opening on them can be:
- squared
- rounded
- flat on one side and rounded on the other (this depends on how the latch which goes into the strike plate is shaped)
Now You Know More About the Basic Door Lock Elements
It’s important to mention electric-based locks have an entirely different setup. But in case you have a traditional door lock, this article should have helped you shape a better understanding of how it all works.
As you’ve seen, a door lock mechanism is both straightforward and sophisticated at the same time.
So if you need reliable locksmith services, get assistance from an expert. Contact us online or call us at 0800 0612 677 and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
4 Tips on How to Protect Your Holiday Home All Year Long
If you are fortunate to have a place to get away at the end of the week or for a few weeks in summer, you likely want to spend as much time as possible there.
However, you do have to go back to your year-round home at some point. And when that moment comes, it’s essential to make sure your second property is shielded against trespassing, vandalism and burglary.
So how can you protect your holiday home all year long? Start by considering these preventive measures.
1. Install Security Cameras to Protect Your Holiday Home
One of the best ways to keep an eye on your property even when you are miles away is to invest in a monitored security system.
There is a broad range of security camera systems to choose from nowadays, so it should be relatively easy to find one to fit your needs.
Some CCTV systems even offer homeowners the ability to check up on their properties in real-time using a dedicated app on their smartphones, tablets or PCs.
This means you can keep track of what’s going on at your holiday property whenever you want, whether you are at home or away.
2. Consider a Holiday Home Alarm System
Alarms are an excellent visual hindrance to stop burglars from targeting a home.
In fact, recent statistics have shown 60% of burglars would be discouraged from attempting to enter a property if they notice there was an alarm system in place.
What’s more, with a monitored alarm system, you will be alerted about any issues as soon as they occur and take further actions.
3. Don’t Leave Any Spare Keys on the Property
The absolute worst thing you could do is hide a set of spare keys outside the home, in places like under the door mat, up on the door frame, in hanging baskets or under plant pods.
Burglars know where to look, so take all spare keys with you and keep them in a safe place at your main residence to protect your holiday home.
If you do want to let friends, neighbours or a cleaning person in when you are away, technology provides several electronic options for these types of situations, as well.
For instance, you could have a Yale smart lock installed. This gives you full control when it comes to whom and when people have access to your property.
If you need to, you can set a PIN code which only works for 24 hours for the person you want to grant permission into your home.
4. Burglar-proof Your Doors and Windows
Doors and windows are the main entryways burglars use when breaking into a property.
This means they are the first two things you should think about when it comes to making your holiday home more secure.
- Doors. To ensure a superior level of security, we recommend you have a 3 level locking system installed on the external doors. This will discourage burglars and protect your holiday home.
- Windows. All windows should be tightly locked at all times. Also, use curtains or blinds to prevent prying eyes from looking in, especially if your second home is well-furnished or if you keep electronics there year-round.
Don’t forget to secure all entries to adjacent buildings on your property, as well (tool shed, kitchenette, garage, boathouse or storage lockers).
Need a Locksmith?
Many of the preventive measures included in this article will require the work and expertise of a locksmith.
If you are planning to increase the security of your holiday home shortly and gain peace of mind, we encourage you to take a look at the locksmith services we offer and see how we can help.
Benefits of Hiring a Locksmith Instead of DIY
You might feel tempted to use the DIY method when it comes to changing a lock for your new home or simply try to repair one which broke.
However, this is definitely not a good idea. Only a professional locksmith can guarantee the proper installation. If you decide to do it yourself, you may not install it the right way, which may lead to security issues.
Hiring a locksmith is the best decision you can make whenever you need help with lock installations or fixing.
Here are the top reasons why you should hire a locksmith instead of DIY.
1. Locksmiths Know What They’re Doing
Professional locksmith companies will always make sure their employees are well-trained and can install any lock properly.
At LockRite, we not only provide excellent craftsmanship, but we also give 12-month manufacturer’s warranty on all parts and 90 days guarantee on all workmanship.
Chances are you will risk damaging the entire system when trying to change a lock because you don’t have the necessary experience and skills locksmiths have.
They can also provide multiple services, such as lock outs, lock repairs, lock repairs, smart locks, key cutting, window boarding, security surveys and alarms. Hiring a locksmith means you will have a multi-talented handyman who can fix many areas of your home.
2. Locksmiths Have the Right Equipment
Installing or changing locks is not as easy as it may seem. You are going to need the appropriate tools to do this, and of course, the knowledge on how to use them.
There are specific tools which are used for certain locks, so it’s best not to use whatever you have in your toolbox and let a professional take care of this. Having the right tools will ensure the fact that the door and the system won’t be damaged.
3. Locksmith Can Provide Valuable Advice
Hiring a locksmith has its perks.
If someone calls us because their lock broke or malfunctioned, then we will do a security survey (if the client wants) to make sure the home and the property are secure.
We will also provide advice which will ensure your property will not become a potential target for burglars in the future and most importantly even if you installed a lock yourself, it won’t make your home vulnerable.
At the same time, we can give you the best advice on choosing the right lock for you depending on your budget.
4. Locksmiths Have Flexible Schedule
Most locksmith companies provide extremely fast service and have a lot of experts ready to go if they receive a call from someone.
At LockRite, we’re on-call 24 hours a day for all types of locksmith work. So whether it’s day or late at night, you can give us a call and we’ll aim to get to you within 30 minutes.
Why are we so fast, you’re asking? Because the locksmiths live within the locality they’re serving and so they can arrive at your home as soon as possible.
Hiring a Locksmith Is the Way to Go
DIY is a risky way to go when it comes to repairing your door lock or installing a new one. Imagine you could lose not only precious time trying to figure out how to do things right, but a lot of money as well because you may end up breaking the security system.
If you want to get a quote, have an inquiry or book a locksmith, don’t hesitate to contact us here.
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Locksmith Services
If you’re locked out, we can get you back in! We’re experts at picking locks and gaining entry.
We change, repair and fit a wide variety of locks, including : Mortice Locks & Euro Cylinders.
Our expert locksmiths can supply and fit the latest digital smart locks. Including the Yale Linus.
Our trained locksmiths can supply and fit the latest High definition CCTV to your home or business premises.
Our locksmiths can provide boarding services to secure your home or commercial premises.
We offer a full security survey service. Do you really know how secure your home or property is?
We can cut extra keys for your home or office. Our locksmiths carry a range of key blanks.
Smart Security Installed
Yale Linus
Smart Lock
The Yale Linus door lock. A keyless lock, designed to secure and simplify your life. Lock and unlock your door, no matter where you are.
Yale Conexis
Smart Lock
The smart door lock that puts you fully in control. The Yale Conexis gives you the freedom to secure your home without the need for a key.
Yale Keyless
Connected Smart Lock
The Keyless Lock allows you complete control over how you lock your home. Unlock with a PIN, key card, key tag, remote fob or your phone.
Yale Sync Alarm
The Yale Linus door lock. A keyless lock, designed to secure and simplify your life. Lock and unlock your door, no matter where you are.
Yale CCTV
The smart door lock that puts you fully in control. The Yale Conexis gives you the freedom to secure your home without the need for a key.
