Category Archives: Locks

Should I Rekey or Replace My Locks

Should I Rekey or Replace My Locks?

Although it’s exciting to receive the keys to your new home, it’s important to know that you are the only person who has access to your property.

When you’re relocating to new premises, it’s impossible to know who else may have a set of keys. Did the previous owner make copies for relatives? Has the real estate company loaned out a set to cleaning contractors? Have the keys been lost in the past, and duplicates made?

Home insurance companies do not look kindly on people who neglect to check the security of their home or business once they move in. Should they discover that the new resident hasn’t taken the proper measures to protect their home, they can be reluctant to pay up if a claim is made. This could end up costing you a great deal of money.

Most people fail to deal with the issue of security because they assume that changing the locks will cost them a fortune. This doesn’t have to be the case. It isn’t necessary to go to the expense of replacing all the hardware in your new home in order to lock out the previous keys. Rekeying, rather than changing the locks, could provide the solution.

Rekeying:

If the previous owner installed locks that can be rekeyed, you may not even have to call out a locksmith. (Click here to find out more information about rekeying your locks.)

Rekeying is a way of changing the configuration of your existing locks, so that they can be opened with a new key. This means that you can be secure in the knowledge that only the new key will work, and the old one will be rendered useless. There are several advantages to doing this.

It saves you money as you don’t have to replace the entire lock hardware.
You can rekey all the locks to work with the same key. This way you don’t have to carry multiple keys around with you.
You can be certain in the knowledge that no unauthorised person can gain access to your property.
When to change the locks:

In some instances however, you may still want to consider changing your locks.
For example:

If the locks are in poor working order, or have so much wear and tear that you experience key jams, or difficulty gaining entry.
To upgrade the level of security at your property, (particularly for vulnerable entry points such as the front and back entrances, or a garage that may house valuable goods.)
In both these circumstances, it’s worth considering consulting a locksmith about upgrading your security. In many cases however, changing the locks for the entire property is unnecessary. Professional locksmith and security systems are able to provide locks to suit all budgets, and offer a full rekeying service to customers who want peace of mind when relocating to new premises.

How To Choose High Security Locks

There are many different methods of securing your property, and with the vast range of products on the market today, it pays to seek advice before you spend your hard earned cash on an expensive security upgrade.

So what features should you look for when purchasing high security locks?

Quality:

Look to purchase products from reputable brands. The extra money they cost is well worth the peace of mind. For example; the door cylinders on your exterior doors are probably the most vulnerable components of your lock hardware. If an intruder can manipulate the cylinder, they can gain entry to your property. Medeco®is a highly respected, leading lock manufacturer, offering a wide range of pick, drill and bump resistant cylinders that in independent laboratory tests have been proven time and again to be highly resistant to attack. It isn’t worth cutting corners when it comes to your security. Always buy the best quality products your budget will allow.

Serviceability:

Are the locks easy to service if something goes wrong? How expensive will it be to cut a duplicate key? Does the installation company offer good customer service if you want to upgrade again in the future? A reputable dealer should be able to answer all these questions for you. Remember, it’s no good investing in a high tech, electronic security system if there are annual or additional costs that make the system unviable.

Special security features:

Do you need the flexibility to adapt your security periodically? Do you require a master key system to be put in place for maintenance staff? Do you want the convenience of a single key to open all the doors on your premises?

Business owners have different security needs to people looking to secure a residential property. Key control is just one aspect of security you may need to consider. For tailor made, individualized security plans at this level, consult the experts. Again, it isn’t worth the trouble cutting corners and trying to do it yourself, especially if you have valuable contents to secure.

ANSI/BHMA standards:

Last of all make sure that all your hardware complies with recognized industry standards.
ANSI is the American National Standards Institute which oversees guidelines relating to consumer goods. The body coordinates voluntary standardization to develop and maintain performance standards for builder’s hardware. It introduced the idea of product grades to help identify the quality and durability of locksets through a series of operational and security tests. 
BHMA stands for the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association. This is the trade association for North American manufacturers of commercial builder’s hardware. BHMA is involved in monitoring standards, safety regulations and other activities that specifically impact builder’s hardware.

Products that are marked as ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 are the strongest available residential or commercial lock products.
Always buy locks that are ANSI/BHMA approved if you want to be sure you’re buying the highest quality locks available.
For advice on installing or upgrading a high security lock system for your home or business, ring 1-877-864-4134 to speak to one of our experts.

Mul-T-Lock® Top Products

Mul-T-Lock® products represent versatility and strength. As manufacturers of quality, innovative, high security products, Mul-T-Lock® is a name respected by locksmiths around the world. Although all of their products are rated by ANSI and the BHMA as some of the most secure on the market, we think the products below represent some of the best lock hardware that money can buy.

Break Secure XP

Break Secure XP is a new, top of the range, retrofit cylinder featuring numerous high security innovations for home protection. It is the first cylinder to achieve the new BSI Kite mark TS007 3* accreditation, without the need for high security handles, and is resistant to all forms of cylinder attack.

The Break Secure XP cylinder is engineered using high strength, robust materials, which under laboratory testing have proven to withstand prolonged drilling. Manufactured with interlocking cams, the cylinder surpasses other brands due to its greater degree of strength. Break Secure XP is designed to be grip resistant to thwart intruder attempts to wrench the lock with grips, and most impressive of all, the front section is designed to snap off if forced, leaving all your entrance points secured should any break in be attempted.
The Break Secure XP cylinder is truly one of the top performing cylinders on the market today.

Mul-T-Lock MT5+ Hercular® Double Cylinder Deadbolt

Reinforced in just about every way possible, this unique double cylinder deadbolt will stop almost any attempt at forced entry.
The patented MT5®+ range uses telescopic pin technology, meaning that the correct alignment of the top bar pins depends upon a unique combination key being inserted into the cylinder. The key includes additional security features, such as the patented mobile interacting spring (Alpha spring) which is located at the tip of the key. This engages a separate pin at the rear of the mechanism, in effect creating a double shear line.

All MT5+ products have a patented double-sided key which can only be duplicated by authorized dealers. The MT5+ key secure system requires a unique key authorization magnetic strip card which must be presented to the dealer before any additional keys can be supplied.

The Mul-T-Lock MT5+ Hercular® Double Cylinder Deadbolt is rated as a grade 1 locking mechanism by ANSI, and is the only product of its kind to include an adjustable backset.

For more information about Mul-T-Lock® products, or for advice about upgrading your security systems, contact the team at Professional Locksmiths today on 1-877-864-4134, our experts are on hand and happy to help.

What Are The Advantages Of Choosing Medeco® Locks?

Since the 1980’s, Medeco® have been leaders in the field of locksmithing. Medeco® locks are heavy and tough, and have the reputation of being one of the most attack resistant locks available on the market today.

There are several reasons why Medeco® products are considered to be amongst the best money can buy. They’re pick, drill and bump resistant, and are highly restricted. Read on to see why we recommend this world renowned brand.

Bump resistant technology:

It’s a little known fact that thieves can break into most consumer grade pin tumbler locks in just a few seconds, and so most lock hardware you see in the general store, offers a relatively low level of security.

If a criminal wants to gain access to your property, they can quickly and easily get in by using a technique known as “lock bumping”. Lock bumping requires no more equipment than a “bump key” (which can be made at home or bought cheaply from the internet,) and a small plastic paddle. With a wealth of information about lock picking readily available on the internet today, it’s not hard for criminals to find a way to break in. Worst of all, lock bumping is almost impossible to detect, so if you’re unfortunate enough to be broken into, you may not even be able to claim compensation from the insurance company.

Medeco® locks are made to be resistant to key bumping by using angled key cuts to neutralize bumping attacks which disperse the kinetic force.

Pick and drill protection:

Medeco®hardware is made with hardened steel inserts at drill points, making all Medeco® locks highly drill resistant. In fact, consumer reports have shown that Medeco®is the only brand that can withstand a break in from a common home drill. Medeco®locks also contain special side bar features that make them extremely difficult to pick.

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Medeco® keys can’t be cut by just anyone.

Using readily available technology, thieves are now able to create duplicate keys from almost any lock on the market. Medeco®ensures that their patented key duplication machines are distributed to authorized dealers only. This restricted procedure means that only the owner or an authorized individual can order copies of your keys.

Independent tests conducted at laboratories associated with ANSI/BHMA standards, consistently confirm that Medeco®high security locks meet or surpass all the necessary requirements for a high security cylinder. Medeco® is an excellent choice of hardware for clients needing extra security and peace of mind for their home or business.

For more advice about the benefits of installing Medeco® high security locks, call our Medeco Locksmith in Miami on 1-877-864-4134 today.

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Medeco® Top Product Reviews

Medeco® products are renowned for their attack resistant and tamper-proof design features which provide strong protection against forced entry. A leading brand of lock manufacturers, Medeco® products lead the way in innovative design in both residential and commercial security. With a wide range of hardware to suit every budget, Professional Locksmiths routinely recommend Medeco® products to customers who require value for money and peace of mind.

Here are two of our top recommended Medeco® products;

Medeco® Logic Residential Maxum deadbolt

The Medeco® Logic Residential Maxum deadbolt exceeds ANSI Grade 1 industry standards for auxiliary locks. The product is manufactured using top quality materials, and has diameter mounting bolts designed to resist wrenching, prying and hammer attacks. In addition, a 1 inch throw hardened steel bolt prevents sawing and crowbar attacks, providing maximum physical security for your dwelling. The cylinder is also equipped to provide the user with an audit trail, the ability to schedule user access rights, and the freedom to quickly and easily add or remove a key from the system.

The Medeco® Logic Residential Maxum deadbolt comes with the following features:

  • Electronically programmed keys to open specific locks during a designated time schedule.
  • Recorded information detailing a time-and-date stamped record of every event, including authorized accesses and unauthorized attempts.
  • he product is extremely versatile and simple to install. Medeco® Logic Key provides the power to the cylinder, so there’s no need for any wires or power supply.

Medeco® also manufactures a wide range of padlocks which are ideal for securing motor homes, garages or exterior buildings. We recommend the G8R series Padlock.

G8R Series Padlock

The G8R Series is designed for locking installations requiring weather resistance and strong physical security. The sealed construction is made from stainless steel to resist corrosion, and protect the unit from heavy rain and grime.

He GR8 Series Padlock boasts the following features:

  • The padlock can be adapted to house a variety of different cylinder technologies, making it an extremely versatile product. For example, it is compatible with Medeco® Logic and Medeco® XT cylinders for key control and pick resistance, or a NEXGEN cylinder for electronic access control features.
  • The GR8 Series Padlock is suitable for use in extreme environments, making it an ideal security solution for everything from trailers and gates to cargo containers.
  • The padlock can be adapted for use with stainless steel or hardened steel shackles to suit your particular application.

To enquire about Medeco® products, or to find out more about how we can help improve security at your residence or place of business, contact our experts today on 1-877-864-4134. Your security is our top priority.

How to Replace Your House Locks Step by Step:

The majority of door locks can be replaced relatively inexpensively, and in most cases can simply be switched over without much fuss. There are two types of lock you might need to change in your home; a door knob, or a cylinder lock. Most locks can be changed without having to call out a locksmith. Follow our simple instructions to see how easy it is to do it yourself.

Knob lock
1. Remove the main body of the lock by removing the screws which hold the lock in place. Some door knobs may have a decorative ring which obscures the screws.
2. Remove the door knobs from both sides of the door, leaving only the latch mechanism in place.
3. Remove the latch. Usually this will slide straight out without much effort.
4. Insert the new latch, making sure that it aligns with the centre of the hole where the new door knob will be installed. All latches come in 2 sizes, either 2 ¾ or 2 3/8. Most are adapted so they can be adjusted to the right size.
5. Take the new door knobs and slide them through. Ensure the right handle is on the right side of the door.
6. Check the locking mechanism works and that the latch opens and closes smoothly, then screw the handles firmly back on to the door.

Profile cylinder lock

Profile cylinder locks are easy to change, and usually only require loosening a set screw, then sliding the cylinder out from its housing. The advantage to this is that you can replace the cylinder without having to change the door handles or other hardware.

1. Open the door to reveal the face of the lock.
2. Locate the centre screw by using the cylinder keyhole as a guide. Remove the screw.
3. Remove the cylinder by inserting the key and turning it slightly in the direction of the door hinges and pulling gently.
4. Insert the key into the replacement cylinder, and turn it slightly to align the cylinder cam.
5. Slide the replacement cylinder back into its housing.
6. Replace the centre screw, and then test that the door opens and closes without difficulty.

About Medeco®:

Medeco® (short for the Mechanical Development Company) is the World’s leading manufacturer and supplier of locks. The company as we know it today, was started by Paul A. Powell and Roy C. Spain in the mid 1950’s, and has gone from strength to strength ever since.
Upon setting up his company, Mr. Spain devised a unique advertising stunt, making the claim that he would pay $50,000 dollars to anyone who could pick his new lock. His design was unmatched at the time, as it employed a unique locking principle of angled cuts and elevating rotating pin tumblers that made millions of key combinations possible. It offered the highest level of security. His locks subsequently became renowned worldwide for being highly resistant to most forms of attack.
Ultimately, it was a detective from New York City who was able to decipher the lock. Since then, Medeco® locks have been notoriously difficult to crack.
Since the 1980’s, Medeco® have been leaders in the field of locksmithing, producing innovative designs such as “keymark” for installations requiring strong patented key control without the need for additional drill and pick resistant features, right through to state of the art electronic lock systems.
The company also developed a unique bi-axel cut key system, which ensures their keys cannot be duplicated. The system was one of the first to use hardened steel inserts to defend against physical attack.
To this day, Medeco® products consistently provide a high level of security for ultimate peace of mind.
Medeco® locks protect U.S. government and military installations, schools and universities, hospitals and banks, vending machines and parking meters, as well as homes and offices. As a leading brand specialising in high security locks, they are a household name you can trust.
Call us today on 1-877-864-4134 to see how Medeco® products can protect YOUR home and business.