Reliable Locksmith & Safe: Commercial Keyless Locks

As a business owner, you may have a really big bunch of keys that you have to walk around with. If you don’t have to do it, your property manager may be given this very bothersome task. But why do you have to have so many keys? How about using keyless locks? Or are you just not very eager to make the switch from keyed locks to keyless systems? 

Don’t be afraid to make the switch. Keyless locks, although expensive, are very secure systems to have at your commercial property. Let our Miami locksmiths help you. We can install many types of keyless security systems and we can provide maintenance services as well as repairs for these systems.

Commercial Locks

There are many types of commercial locks on the market today. Some are expensive, some are not. Of course, there are high-quality locks as well as locks of inferior quality too. But, as a business owner, you need to make sure that whatever decision you make about your locks, you have your interest and the interest of your business at the forefront of your thoughts. It is not always good to let your finances drive your decision. In many cases, it really pays to make a big investment in securing your commercial property. 

But why use commercial locks? Why not use locks that can be used on residential properties? It’s quite simple. Your business often deserves more security than a residential property. All your hard work may have been invested in your business so that you could ensure its success. Why not protect it as much as you can? 

When choosing commercial locks for your commercial property, there are two basic directions that you can go in- keyed locks and keyless locks. 

·         Keyed locks

Don’t be fooled into thinking that keyed locks are less insignificant when compared to keyless locks. Many commercial properties around the world are protected only by these traditional locking devices. So far, most of these locks have provided a ton of security for these commercial properties. 

Yes, there are some locks that are not built to withstand a lot of pressure and they may give way to criminals who try to pry them open. However, once you have purchased a lock that has a very good reputation, you should be able to get many years of amazing services from it. 

·         Keyless locks

As implied by the name, these locks do not require keys to be open. Many commercial properties have been changing their traditional locks so they can use these new and modern locks. Not only do these locks offer much more protection, but they are very specific to who is allowed to enter or exit. You can get a lot of features on these locks too. You can see who has entered, change codes for users, add new users and much more.

How to Choose Keyless Locks

There are many factors to consider when you are choosing a keyless lock. If you select a lock without thinking about these factors, you may end up selecting a lock that will not stand up to do the job that you are expecting it to do. 

Before you purchase or install your keyless entry system, make sure you consider these things.

1.     The number of employees you have

The size of your business is very important when determining the keyless system that you put in place. Not all systems are able to handle a lot of users as once. If you have a large business or if you are intending to expand your business in the future, make sure you purchase a system that can handle a lot of user codes. 

This way, you can keep your codes specific to just one individual. In the event that you need to track the movements of your employees, you will be able to know who has entered and what part of the building they are in.

2.      The amount of security that you need

Figuring out how much security you need will significantly impact the system that you purchase. Some systems will require the use of RFID cards while others can get as specific as performing iris scans or full body scans. Certainly, an RFID card is less secure than a body scan. So, it is up to you to determine just how secure you want your property to be. Bear in mind that the higher the level of security, the more you will have to spend on the security system.

3.      The features that are important to your business

All keyless entry systems are not made equal. Some can perform more functions that others. The most basic systems will only allow codes to be programmed or entered into the systems along with resets and other basic functions. As the systems get more complex, you can track the movements of your employees, determine which code was used where and when, control energy usage on your property and much more.

Where Can You Purchase Keyless Locks?

There are a lot of places that you can purchase keyless locks. From locksmiths to online stores, keyless locks are readily available. Although they can cost anywhere from a few hundreds to thousands of dollars, a good keyless system often comes with a lot of costs associated with it. Not only will it be expensive to purchase, it will also be expensive to install and maintain. Since some are more complicated than others, you may need to be quite tech savvy to operate them. If you own a larger business and you have a computer or technical department, you may leave your keyless system for them to operate. But, whatever you decide to do, make sure you purchase a system that can be fully operated within your business.

If you are thinking about purchasing a keyless entry system for your business, call our locksmiths in Miami at Reliable Locksmith & Safe. We have the experience, expertise and resources needed to handle all types of keyless lock installations and much more.

Surprising Ways that Weather Affects Locks

When you start to consider why you’re having problems with your locks, you might not think about the weather. In fact, that is probably the furthest thing from your mind. It is often the key that you are focusing on and not the lock itself. At Reliable Locksmith and Safe in Downtown Miami, FL, we often find that it is also the lock as much as it is the key; that is causing your problem. There are lots of reasons why your lock may no longer be effective. You may also assume that your lock isn’t working because someone tried to break-in and they damaged your lock. While this is certainly a possibility, you must also consider the weather conditions outside. Yes, you heard it right, the weather. When the temperature outside changes it can affect locks. We thought it might be helpful for you to understand what happens at very times of the year so that when you begin to experience problems with your locks, you don’t panic.

1.     Summer and Spring

The most common problem that a person might experience during this time of the year is door jams. In this case, your door might not turn or if it does, it will only turn in one direction. This is a problem that we often find with exterior doors. The hotter it is the more the doorframe begins to expand. If your exterior door has a deadbolt on it, which most do; it can contribute to your problem. The door will start to get wider around the lock. If you have wooden doors, you may experience this problem more than someone who has a door made from steel. Wood can expand rather easily due to the material. It is one of the reasons some people decide against purchasing a wooden door.

2.     Fall and Winter

We often receive more service calls during this time of the year than any other due to locks that are not working. This is often the case during winter since locks can freeze more easily during this time of the year. Instead of the door expanding, the opposite will occur. Again, the problem affects both the lock and the door. Your key may not turn in either direction or your deadbolt lock will not work. In this case, you may realize that the problem isn’t necessarily because of the key; rather it is because your door is contracting because of the temperature outside. You may be able to get your door to open by pulling it toward you and re-aligning the lock with the doorframe. While this isn’t a permanent solution it can at least work for the moment and give you access inside our out. The problem that you’re experiencing could get worse without the help of a qualified locksmith in Downtown Miami. Let us know if you’re experiencing a problem with your locks and we’ll get you the help you need right away.

Cold Weather and Car Locks

The temperature outside not only affects your home locks but it can also begin to affect your car locks. Your door or the lock may be totally frozen. This can occur when there is moisture inside your doors lock. If it is frozen, it is impossible to get the key to open you door or a remote. Although this may sound weird, it happens more than you might imagine. Some people suggest heating up your car key before attempting to place it in the door. This isn’t something that we would personally suggest that you do but it has worked for some people who know how to effectively do it. If your car is newer and you can start it with your transponder key, you could start your engine before attempting to get inside. This will begin to heat up your engine and could possibly aid in unfreezing your door locks. You can certainly try these solutions before calling on us for assistance but if it is cold outside, chances are that you would rather get back inside of your car quickly rather than trying something that you are uncertain as to whether or not it will actually work or not.

How to Prevent Problems Due to Weather

If you have never had this problem before, you can’t imagine how upsetting this situation can be. If it is an incident that you do not want to happen to you or if it has happened to you before and you want to make sure that you can prevent it from happening again, we have news for you. This isn’t a plug to get you to use our services but contacting us to make sure that your locks are correctly installed is one good way to avoid this problem from happening to you because of the weather outside. In some cases, when the locks are not properly aligned, it is far easier for you to experience a problem with your doors sticking or expanding.

Also, if you’re considering purchasing a wooden door, you should also consider that wooden doors are problematic, especially when it comes to weather. You might be able to save yourself the frustration by considering having a different type of door installed that will not pose this same problem. With the various options that are available today, you are sure to be able to find a door that you’ll like just as much as a wooden door and save yourself some stress in the future.

The best way to avoid the problems that occur due to weather, we strongly suggest that you keep your locks lubricated. This can keep your locks working even in the worst temperatures outside, high or low. The absolute best way to lubricate your locks is to dissemble them. If this is not something that you wish to do, we have many customers who depend on us for the maintenance of their locks. This means that we’ll dissemble your locks and properly lubricate them. Schedule your lock maintenance today.

WHAT TO DO WITH OLD KEYS

Do you have old keys lying around your house? They may be in a drawer or cabinet. Maybe some are resting unnoticed on a dresser or table. Everyone seems to have these older, mostly forgotten keys. They might be at home, or at your workplace. They might be in your car’s ashtray or glove compartment. Why do you save them? Why not just throw them out? The reason is pretty much the same from everyone; they just might be needed someday! Here at Reliable Locksmith & Safe we’ve heard all kinds of reasons to hang on to these once valued and productive keys. Who doesn’t remember trying key after key in a lock to see if this particular mystery key is the right one for it? It’s so odd that a key that was once used so much is now almost gone from your memory (but not your dresser drawer!).

The origin of old keys

Old keys were not always forgotten and near-useless pieces of metal. They were once used, useful, and on your key chain, going with you wherever you went. They may come in all sizes, materials, colors and shapes but now when you put them all together, they look like a hodge-podge of forgotten misfits that have no use or purpose. Old keys come from file cabinets, mailboxes, front doors, cars, motorcycles, desks, cabinets, office doors, bicycles, laundromats, vending machines and thousands more! When you think of how many old keys there are here in Miami, FL it staggers the mind. In fact, every year there are over 400 million keys that make it to local landfills and this huge amount does not include the many more that are still in people’s possession!

Why not throw away?

So, why haven’t you thrown your old keys away? Is it because you just haven’t taken the time or effort to round them all up and “toss them?” Or, does a little voice in the back of your mind tell you that you just might need one or more of them someday? Don’t worry – the Miami, FL trash department won’t mind if you actually do something creative or useful with them after all!

Run them through again!

It’s kind of like key re-birth. We are talking about recycling your old keys. They might come back as a different kind of key, or maybe not a key at all; how about part of a table or dinner fork? Recycling is becoming a useful and popular way to help our planet while getting rid of items that are no longer useful or needed. Whether you live here in Miami, FL or elsewhere in the world, your local area should have recycling guidelines – just call your local municipality and inquire as to what yours are.

Old keys for good food!

Did you know that there is a little known way to use your old keys to feed the less fortunate? This unique way to dispose of your old keys also serves another purpose – educating school children on the less fortunate and how to help them. The name of this great program is Key For Hope. This organization collects old keys from donors all around the country. They sell the keys for scrap metal and donate the proceeds to the food bank of your choice! On average it takes about 50 keys to equal a pound of metal. This program is very popular and thousands of keys pour into their location from all over the world. Key drives in local schools are sponsored by Key For Hope and the school children work excitedly to gather keys from home while they learn about both recycling and helping others with food.

Sell crafts

While making and selling craft items doesn’t appeal to all, it can be a good hobby for some. E-bay and Etsy are great places to sell your craft items as well as to friends, family members and at yard sales and flea markets. Many people are surprised to find that old keys can be used to make useful and unique items that actually sell. You can search the online shops above for ideas on how to use your mystery keys in this way and turn them into fun and now profitable items. Don’t copy people but do use their own craft creations for inspiration and ideas. 

Old keys are handy around the house!

It’s true – mystery keys can be morphed into curtain weights and tablecloths. If sown into the hem, they act as the perfect weight and balance to keep the drapes and table linens from flapping about in the breeze or sliding off.

Many ceiling fans and lights are missing the small knob on the end of the light cord. You can use one of your old keys to replace it. You can decorate the key to match the lamp or leave it “key-like” if on a vintage item. Also keys can replace the ends of zippers on backpacks, suitcases and other luggage type items. They are big enough to grasp but flat enough to lay against the surface and be too noticeable or cut anyone.

Get your neighbors involved

Do you know your neighbors? Would you like to? One nice way to get more involved with the other folks on your street is to run a key drive of your own. Use the recycle program with Key For Hope and let your neighbors get involved too. It’s a nice way to “break the ice” and do some good for others at the same time. You can do on online search for them and get additional details on how this program works and how it helps the less fortunate. There are millions of keys that are no longer being used, not only here in the greater Miami, FL metro area but all over the country. If you put your mind to it, you can give these mystery keys a new life and so a little good at the same time!

Rekey or Replace Locks

All over the world, people need property protection. People need locks, and they need locks that work. In some cases, you will end up needing to change out your locks with brand new ones, whether it’s because you had a break in, or because the locks are just completely malfunctioning to the point that they are unsafe to use. It can be difficult to know, in certain situations, if it is a better idea to rekey your locks or to completely replace them. But don’t worry, because this is where Reliable Locksmith & Safe has offered their expertise. They service the Downtown Miami, FL area but this information will still be useful for anyone. Have a look if you are in the midst of considering replacing or rekeying your locks. Hopefully, this will offer the guidance you need to make the appropriate decision for your property. Remember, security should always be at the top of your to-do list, no matter how busy you might be. You always need to have locks that work, whether you have a residential property or commercial property. And of course, your vehicle needs to stay protected as well. 

If your locks are falling apart, replace them.

Look for signs that your locks are failing to function correctly. Worn out locks could mean that your key must be inserted at numerous different angles to get it to work. A piece of the lock can break, causing the entire thing to malfunction. If you can see that the lock is falling apart, just have it replaced. New lock installation tends to be an affordable service offered by locksmiths everywhere. 

Did you move into a new house? Consider lock replacement. 

If you’re moving into a new property, even if it is one that wasn’t previously occupied, it is a wise idea to replace the locks. Just think about how many people likely had access to this property. Contractors might have been in and out. Realtors might have been in and out. And they could have brought other people with them. If you won’t replace the locks, then certainly have them rekeyed. If in doubt, ask an expert what they recommend based off of your specific situation. If they tell you that rekeying the locks is okay, then this is an affordable solution you should definitely take advantage of.

If someone new is moving in, consider rekeying the locks. 

Do you happen to be a landlord who rents your property out, or a room? Think about rekeying your locks. Basically, this will entail having the pins and springs removed in the lock cylinder. They will then be replaced with new springs and pins, and these will work with a different key. If you have given your spare key out to a tenant who is leaving, imagine how many people could have ultimately gotten their hands on that key. Maybe the tenant made a copy of the key so that they would have more than one, too. Just be sure to rekey your locks so you are still able to maintain control, but you can know that the property is safe to use.  

Have new locks installed if someone broke into your property. 

There are so many reasons to have your locks replaced after a break in. For one, the lock might never work correctly again if it was tampered with. But if a person made their way into your property, who knows what they could have done. In addition to stealing from you, they could have grabbed a spare key that you forgot was sitting around. It is always a good idea after a break in to replace your locks completely. 

Did you lose a key? Rekey those locks!

Don’t let a person have the chance to find your key and lose it, if you happened to misplace it. Rekey your locks so that no one is able to get back in. Rekeying your locks will mean that the inside of the locks are different, and they will no longer work with the old key. 

If you are ready to rekey or replace your locks, call a locksmith!

If you have made the decision that you are ready to take action and have your locks changed or even rekeyed, find a reputable expert in your area to do the job. The average person won’t know how to rekey a lock, and they won’t have the expertise to properly install a new lock so that it is fully functional. If you’d prefer to not have to worry about locks that require the use of physical keys, then you can look into other options such as keyless entry. Again, this is something that an expert will be able to help you out with. 

It is important to hire a service provider that you know you can count on. Keep in mind that if you make the decision to hire a locksmith in Downtown Miami, Florida to rekey your locks, they will also be able to see the condition of the locks. If they see that something is really wrong with your lock upon closer inspection, heed their advice when they say that a replacement is the better option. Remember, they work with locks and keys on a day to day basis. 

There are some brands out there that make locks which can be rekeyed by the property owner, without the expertise and professional/specific tools. But you should bear in mind that if you decide to buy a lock that can be rekeyed by a novice, it might not provide the same level of security that another lock would. Reliable Locksmith & Safe rekeys and replaces locks on a regular basis and can answer any questions that locals in Downtown Miami, Florida might have. If you are living elsewhere in the country, reach out to a local locksmith in your area for guidance. Remember that if you are thinking of rekeying or replacing your locks, then you likely need to do one or the other. If the thought is there, that might mean that there is a problem. So make sure to take care of your locks!