Rim Locks and Latches – The US Locksmith Pros Guide

The world we live in determines what our approach towards it must be. Unfortunately, crime is a constant reality of the day and we have to be prepared for it. No one wants to be surprised by burglars in their home just as no one wants to wake up at night to find a stranger next to their bed. Your home is the one place where you should feel safe and secure.

It is up to you to make sure you and your loved ones sleep peacefully at night. Apart from the standard locks that all homes have, you can install additional security that is not going to cost the earth. We all know that normal security is not going to stop a determined and experienced burglar. Where there is a will there is a way and burglars tend to find ways. So, make it as difficult as possible for the criminal to enter your house and consider installing a rim lock or latch to your doors. Rim locks can be anything from standard security to more advanced locks.

A rim lock is a device that is attached to the surface of a door. It can be used on interior or exterior doors but is mostly attached to the outer doors. The rim lock is fitted on the inside of the door. One would always open a rim lock with a key from the outside but depending on the level of security, one would use either a key or a latch on the inside.

The most basic rim lock, also known as a Yale lock, is opened with a key from the outside but has a knob on the inside that you turn to lock or unlock it. Yale locks are often used in the place of more traditional locks on a front door although it is usually not the only lock on the door. The disadvantage of this kind of lock is that it can easily be opened with a credit card or similar card from the outside by merely swiping the card through the lock. The advantage is that you can pull the door shut behind you and lock it quickly by turning the knob to the closed position.

If you are on the lookout for something that is more secure, the basic rim lock will not be for you. More advanced rim locks are available and are opened with a key on the inside and the outside. Many of the rim locks are deadbolts and far better security than the standard basic one. Single cylinder deadbolts will offer additional security but for even better security, you can fit the double cylinder deadbolt.

When locked, these cylinders interlock and it is not so easy for burglars to bypass it. It definitely will not be opened with a credit card. The rule of thumb is that one would fit a rim lock or latch as additional security to a door. This means that the thief has two sets of locks to break through before they enter your house. An ordinary door lock with a Door Lock Cylinder is your first line of defense. But don`t be fooled into thinking that this is enough security to stop a would-be burglar.

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Commercial Building Security Systems

Everyone wants to be able to protect their valuables. Whether it is an intrusion, a fire or even an equipment malfunction, commercial security systems provide business owners with a way to keep an eye on things 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Each system has different options and upgrades to choose from. Many can be customized to fit a certain facility to make sure that everything is safe and protected.

Businesses use commercial building security systems to protect both the people and the products located inside. Basic systems offer the user an easy way to set the alarm when leaving and deactivate when coming back in. There is usually a key code associated with the system, which is used by employees to gain access to the building.

The system itself is connected to a security company that monitors the area and reacts when an alarm is set off. With just a phone call the local police, fire department and business owner can be informed about the situation. The business owner can then check out the situation to let the security company know whether or not it was an actual intrusion or just a false alarm.

There are several different features that can be added to a commercial building security system to provide more protection. Cameras can be installed both inside and outside of a building to record everything that happens. This information can be invaluable if there is a theft or vandalism. The perpetrator is caught on film. In most cases the cameras can be viewed remotely, making it easy for the owner or security company to check on the property at all times. Most cameras are able to film during both daylight and evening hours.

Control Access Systems

In some instances a company will establish an access system. Through the use of cards or codes, employees will be able to go to different areas of the building. A stranger would not be able to get into the building without the proper credentials and information. In some cases, the work that takes place in the commercial building is highly sensitive. This type of security system protects everything with a well laid out accessibility plan.

Security systems protect from more than just an intruder. Some commercial building security systems can notify an owner if there is a complication with the building, including a fire, smoke, or equipment failure. With special detectors throughout the area, the system will pick up on changes to both the quality of air, in the case of smoke, or the temperature of the room, in case of fire. When something out of the ordinary takes place, the local authorities, including the fire department, as well as the business owner would be contacted to check the situation.

In order to secure a commercial building, it is important to consult with a professional. They will look into things like the number of access points as well as the security already in place. Some locations may need specialized equipment while others may need a more basic set up. A warehouse filled with Black & Decker spare parts may need something completely different from an office building that houses only paperwork. No matter what type of building it is or the items contained inside, it is important to have some type of security system in place.

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Card Access Control System Installation

There are two components involved when installing a card access control system. First, the hardware has to be installed and then the software has to be programmed to allow card holders to enter the premises. There are various systems available on the market and each system will be installed a different way according to the instructions that come with the system. These systems used to be a lot harder to install and required quite a bit of technical knowledge. Nowadays, technology has come a long way and almost anyone should be able to easily install the simpler systems on the market. Access control systems used by businesses are more complicated and generally require experienced technicians to set up the system. Wiring the system in large commercial buildings requires thorough electrical knowledge to make it work.

Card access systems can be bought with integrated surveillance cameras if so desired. This allows for the ultimate protection and security of the property. Both business and home user can control the system through their PC via a software application that is installed on the computer. The hardware component of the system has to be installed first in order for the software to be able to set the controls for the device. The instructions give clear directions in how to install the various wiring components needed to make the unit work properly. Many people can follow the instructions but some may require professional help in this regard. The hardware units are installed in the desired location and checked to make sure they are operational.

The system works by reading the card presented to the reader on the unit and sends this information to the control panel. The control panel compares the number on the card to a list of data. If this number is not in the database, access is denied and the door remains locked. If the number matches then a relay is operated that then unlocks the door. Quite often the reader provides feedback by showing a flashing red light for a denied access and a flashing green light for a granted access. The door access control system can be installed using an existing Ethernet network. Authorized individuals have to follow the instructions in the user manual to set up the access controls. The numbers on the cards have to be carefully entered and double checked to avoid entrance denial to qualified personnel.

Once the access controls have been customized the software goes to work and instructs the controller. All commands are processed by the controller. If the system has been installed by a company, access can be changed by authorized users from anywhere within the company network. The components will need to be installed by strictly following directions or the signal between the controller and access cards may not function properly. Using systems such as these provides a high level of security for both homes and businesses. It`s even possible to make your games room secure and sports minded individuals may be interested in checking out table tennis tables and other leisure equipment.

If you are interested in hiring a local locksmith access control system installed in your home or business, please search through our LocksmithPros on our service areas page to see if our Pros service your location.

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You may have recently moved and wish to re-key your locks for added security. Or perhaps the unthinkable occurred, and you experienced a home break-in. You may simply want the convenience of having all the locks in your home open with only one key. No matter what your reason to undertake a Kwikset lock re-keying, the process can pose a bit of a challenge. The Kwikset type of mechanism is most commonly used in homes, and it is the one which you are most likely to encounter during any re-keying process.

If your specific Kwikset Lock is a fairly recent model, then you will probably find a hole adjacent to the key-way which will be used in the Kwikset lock re-key process. A Smartkey Learn tool will be needed to accomplish the job successfully, though locating this device can be difficult if you were not the original purchaser of the locking mechanism. If you do not see such a hole, then you will be unable to re-key your Kwikset lock on your own – a professional locksmith will be needed. If your lock does have such a hole, move onto step two.

The second step in any Kwikset lock re-keying is to locate the current key for the lock. If you are unable to find this key, you won’t be able to continue and will need the services of a good locksmith at this juncture. If you do have the working key for the lock, then insert it into the lock and rotate it a quarter turn to your right. Then you will want to put the Smartkey Learn tool into the hole next to the locking mechanism and push. Now remove the key without turning it back to the upright position.

The next step in the Re-key Kwikset Locks  process is to place your new key into the door. Once inside the lock, turn this key back to the upright position, and then again one quarter turn to the right. Pull the key out carefully. You now have successfully reset your Kwikset Lock, allowing you to use your new key from this point on.

There is the process in a nutshell. As you can see, at several points during a Kwikset lock re-keying you may need the services of a experienced professional. Even if you have all the correct equipment, you may still want to employ a certified locksmith, to ensure that you do not accidentally make your locks dysfunctional. The re-keying process is essential anytime that you move or change addresses, you never know who has a key to your new dwelling.

Our US LocksmithPros provide re-keys of your residential or commercial kwikset locks, and the the price can be cheaper than you think! Visit our service areas page or us our contact page to give us a call about pricing and availability of parts.

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