Need a Locksmith?

Reliable, trusted locksmiths, local to you

Home » Blog

LockRite Locksmiths Blog

Stay up to date with the latest news, views and information from the UK's largest network of professional Locksmiths.

Featured Posts

A customer using their debit card to pay for locksmith services

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

Halloween Home Security Tips

How to Prevent Burglary: Top Tips to Safeguard Your Home

Why does a locksmith cost so much?

Increase Your Home Security with These 3 Devices

LockRite Blog July 6, 2016

There has never been a better time to improve home security. Buying a home may be the most expensive investment you’ll ever make and the home is supposed to be a safe place for us in which to live and store our valuables, however there are threats to the safety of any home;

Burglars
Home appliances, with a high risk of unpredictable electrical malfunctions
Busy lifestyles that keep us away from home

With a bit of technology and some smart locksmith’s work, you can now take this security concern off your shoulders. Here’s a list of 3 complementary devices you can use to secure your house better:

1. Samsung SmartThings Home Monitoring Kit

This home security device has the advantage of being both affordable and user-friendly.

What does it contain?

A hub that connects to locks, cameras, sensors, etc
Two sensors for monitoring closed or open doors, windows, garage, etc
A motion sensor that detects movement inside the home
An outlet that allows control of house electrical devices: lights, appliances, etc.

What does it do?

It tells you if everything is OK at home. If there’s some unexpected activity at home, the device sets off immediate alarms to warn you. From that moment on, you’re only one screen tap away from safeguarding your house again.

All you need is to get a good Internet-connected router. Then, install the free SmartThings app for iOS, Android or Windows Phone. Do you want to know the best part of this system? It allows you to add hundreds of compatible smart devices to enforce your household protection.

2. Enhance Home Security with a Yale Smart CCTV

Yale Smart Closed-circuit televisions (CCTV) are excellent to extend your smart monitoring system. They help you keep an extra eye on your house.

What does the Yale CCTV system contain?

Two weatherproof, high-resolution HD 720 Yale cameras
Yale HD 720 Hybrid DVR with real-time, full-screen high-resolution video recording and playback
enhanced infrared LED night vision up to 30 m / 98ft
500 GB hard drive

How does it work?

Yale CCTVs allow live viewing of your home’s surroundings. The cameras also record images for you to watch later if you need to. You just have to download the free Yale App, and there it is! Full view of your home in the palm of your hand.

A CCTV provides high-quality images both live and recorded. You can just check them up on your smartphone, tablet or PC at any time. Plus, cameras include an infrared LED for night vision, ensuring 24/7 protection. If you want to expand your monitoring area, you can always add more cameras to the CCTV network.

3. Smart Locks

Yale Digital Smart Locks are meant to be a huge obstacle for intruders. Your home security no longer depends on a key. You can now lock your door by touching a button.

How do Yale Digital Smart Locks work?

They allow you to lock or unlock your house doors by using the Yale Security app or by using a code. You get full remote control over who gets in or out of the house. You can even set up a temporary code in case you need some friends or relatives to enter the house while you are away.

Yale Smart Locks features

There are different types of Smart Lock. It all depends on the doors you have: PVC, Timber, Composite. A good professional locksmith can surely assist you with the right choice. Here are some of the features these smart locks have in common:

They are battery operated
They include a low battery indicator, allowing emergency battery connection
All settings and codes set up by the user stay unchanged when batteries are replaced
They can be smartphone operated

Increase you peace of mind by enhancing your home security. Want some professional advice on how to choose the best options for securing your house? Connect with us on Twitter or check our Facebook page.

The Truth Behind 3 Common Smart Home Myths

LockRite Blog June 29, 2016

The smart home industry is very young. Many people still don’t understand how the technology works and what it does. The result is a significant number of rumours and misinformation spreading around.

We want to show people what the Internet of Things is all about. Let’s tackle three common smart home myths and get to the bottom of things.

1. “Smart Homes Are Too Hard to Handle”

WiFi connected devices are more technologically-advanced than their counterparts. Because of that, people assume they’re hard to install. The truth is that, while some appliances require a bit of technical knowledge, most don’t.

[Image Credits: https://blog.smartthings.com]

Most smart home myths are propagated by those who don’t own such houses. The companies that manufacture such devices know the needs of their clients. One of them is ease of installation.

Devices like the Amazon Echo are plug-and-play, so they barely need you to do anything. When it comes to things like thermostats or locks, they come with detailed instructions and guides, although if you need assistance with installing smart locks we are here to help!

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to have a smart home. In the end, if something is too complicated for you, you can always get a professional to help you.

2. “Smart Homes Are Burglarproof”

That is the most dangerous of the smart home myths. Assuming that nothing can go wrong just because you have a smart lock or CCTV camera is not a good idea.

We always advise our customers to exercise caution. The security system is there to protect you, but vigilance is always helpful.

You don’t have to fear computer geniuses hacking into your network and waltzing in. The security system is extremely difficult to crack.

You should focus, as always, on the regular-joe burglar who will jump at the chance to enter through an unlocked door or window. From that viewpoint, smart security systems are better prepared because they lock themselves.

There will never be a perfect security system or lock. Smart homes are going in the right direction, though.

The best you can do to keep your home safe is to get the best security and be careful. Smart home security devices offer you proper safety and comfort but not perfection.

3. “Smart Homes Are Just a Fad”

The spread of WiFi has revolutionised everything we do. We don’t see how automating chores and having more control at home is a fad.

We admit that some devices will not change your life. Others, however, help you save money and time, keep an eye on the house and generally improve life.

More and more people are accepting this technology into their house. Smart homes are becoming commonplace, and the market is growing.

How to Tell Smart Home Myths from Reality

We may have debunked these three, but there are many other myths out there. Knowing what is true and what isn’t can be difficult at times.

Our recommendation is to get as much information before making a purchase. Look for product reviews and scores. Learn what the devices can do. If you hear some outlandish claim, look for sources.

We don’t know everything, but when it comes to smart locks, smart alarms or video surveillance, we’re experts. Check out the products and we’ll help you separate fact from fiction.

If you liked the article, give it a share. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We’ll be releasing more insightful articles there.

What You Can Do With A Smartphone and a Smart Home

LockRite Blog June 22, 2016

Smart home technology is continuing to evolve. While voice-command lights are neat, the focus is on smartphones. Now you can use your phone as a portal to your home.

Let’s go over some features your house can have and how they improve your life:

You Can Control the Temperature

Setting the thermostat can be a real dilemma. On the one hand, you want to come home after work to a warm and cozy house. On the other hand, you don’t want to waste money heating an empty house while you’re gone.

Your smart home can have the best of both worlds. By using your phone to control the thermostat, you can turn the heat on just as you’re going home.

You waste less money and still get the right temperature when you want it. You can also automate the process. If something unexpected happens, though, you can adjust.

It’s features like these that really warm our hearts. You’re in control of your home, wherever you are.

You Can Always Keep an Eye on Your Smart Home

Some of the biggest advantages of the technology are in the security department. Let’s break it down into three points:

Smart Locks. Keys are old news now. These locks only require your smartphone to enter a PIN and you’re good to go. You can open the door remotely whenever you want. If you’re having guests, you can even set up a temporary code for them. Your phone can tell when the smart house is locked or not.
Smart Alarms. Motion sensors and keypads are not exactly new. What is new, however, is the ability to arm and disarm the system via smartphone. You get a notification if the alarm is triggered. You don’t have to hear bells every time your housemate forgets the code.
CCTV Cameras. A surveillance system improves security. Going home, however, only to find footage of the burglars is not very comforting. Smart cameras send you real-time footage to your phone. You can see your house whenever you want.

Smart home technology empowers you to protect your home proactively. You are better prepared both for burglars and clumsy guests.

You Can Monitor Battery levels

Everyone has had to endure the constant chirping of low-battery smoke alarms. It’s part of the experience of being a homeowner.

That’s about to change though. Most smart house appliances can send you a notification on your phone about the battery level.

Annoying beeps aside, such a feature can save lives. There’s no chance that something like an alarm or smoke detector will run out of juice without you knowing.

Battery level notifications not only make your home more convenient. They make it safer.

You Can Check Your Detectors Remotely

While we were on the subject, sensors deserve attention too. While fire is a real danger, it’s not the only one.

Gas or CO leaks are possible catastrophes. If you get a leak, it’s important to know before you enter the house. Turning the lights on or breathing in CO can lead to disaster.

The detector can send a notification to your phone when something goes wrong. That means that you know the danger before entering the house.

This feature, together with the one we mentioned before make your smart home safer than ever.

Are There Other Things You Can Do?

Yes, there are loads of devices on the market and more on the way. You can control a myriad of stuff with your phone. There are smart sprinklers, windows, lights, lower outlets and much more.

Getting a smart home now not only brings you many advantages. It sets you up for what’s to come.

We hope you found this article informative. Share it with your friends so they can learn new things too. If you’ve got a question, you can find us on Facebook and Twitter.