WHAT LOCKSMITHS DO

Everyone knows what locksmiths do; they work with locks! Everyone knows that! But what does “work with locks” really mean? Our Schaumburg Locksmith pros offer some helpful tips on what locksmith service can entail. Read our post and gain some insight into some of the many valuable tasks that a lock and key professional can do on your behalf. Whether you live here in Schaumburg, IL or elsewhere, you can save money and get better service by simply knowing what to expect from your local locksmith professional.

Locksmith vs handyman

Sometimes, service jobs overlap and can be done effectively by either a locksmith OR a handyman. This obviously does not apply to all locksmith tasks as you will see. Handymen can do things like change door knobs, cut keys, add a padlock, install a peephole, deliver your safe, and maybe service your alarm. In general, handymen are not licensed, insured or bonded. They can be part time help and even be inexperienced. Generally handymen will not respond to 24-hour emergency calls or be available during holidays.

A locksmith should be fully certified, carry insurance and be bonded. They will generally arrive in mobile service vehicles stocked with locks, keys and key making equipment so that you can enjoy on location convenience as well as round the clock access to a trained and experienced professional. A locksmith will generally cost more than a handyman but many shops offer affordable, honest rates and free price quotes to go with them. Schaumburg Locksmith and many of our local lock and key colleagues are ready and able to help you with any and all of your emergency, residential, commercial and automotive locksmith needs, all day, all night; anytime we are needed!

Emergency locksmiths

These are the pros you call when your situation feels urgent. Here in Schaumburg, IL you can call your favorite emergency locksmith on a 24/7 basis so that true lock and key assistance is always available to you, no matter what your situation happens to be. How can you tell if your situation is a real emergency? Simple; does it feel like one? If it does; it’s an emergency! You might be locked out of your house, car or business and need back inside as soon as possible. Your store’s panic bar might be stuck and you aren’t able to close for the night. Your luggage might be locked in your car’s trunk along with the ignition keys and the airport security is yelling for you to move your car. There are thousands of possibilities and all of them are valid emergencies if you feel in danger or stressed out because of them.

Residential locksmiths

Many people automatically think of lockouts when hearing the term “residential locksmith” but home lock and key experts do more than just let you back in after you’ve locked your keys in the home; they specialize in every part of home security and protection. A good residential locksmith can cut keys, open doors, lock garage doors, extract keys, add a safe, install a deadbolt, replace locks, change door knobs, provide security doors, repair break-in damage, lock your pool, upgrade locks, add a gun safe, install a peephole, lock your mailbox, service alarms, add intercom, and lots more!

As you’ve guessed, it pays to be choosy when selecting someone to actually work on your home locks and keys. Handymen can only do so much before you need to rely on true lock professionals with skill, training and experience. Always choose a full service residential locksmith to work with. They are a true wellspring of home security and protection that you can rely on anytime, day or night for everything from lockout assistance to security upgrades.

Automotive locksmiths

Your car only has a few locks on it. The main ones are the ignition switch and the door lock. Other locks can include the trunk, glove compartment and maybe the front seat console. That being said, these locks and their accompanying keys are all-important when it comes time to operate your vehicle. Older car keys could be duplicated by taking them to a convenience store or mail center. Not so much anymore; modern cars use transponder keys that are hard and very expensive to duplicate. That’s what makes them so good at protecting your vehicle from theft. On the downside, if your transponder key is lost or damaged, you are left with a big bill from your car dealership, not to mention the long service area wait and the accompanying tow charges. On the upside, a good Schaumburg, IL automotive locksmith can come to your vehicle’s location and service your locks and keys affordably, expertly and on your time frame! This service can INCLUDE transponder key programming and duplication, saving you tremendous time, effort and money!

Commercial locksmiths

Do you know how many businesses there are in the Schaumburg, IL and Greater Chicago metro area? Tens of thousands! Every one of them uses locks and keys and other specialized commercial hardware. A business locksmith that is skilled, knowledgeable, experienced, and up-to-date with the latest advancements in commercial lock security can be a valuable asset to have on board. Just as an attorney, financial advisor, accountant and tax professional are vital consultants that every business should have access to, a commercial locksmith fulfills an important and specialized role in keeping local firms safe, protected and secured from inside and outside threats of all kinds.

Local businesses that can benefit from a commercial locksmith include laundromats, shoe stores, apartment rentals, attorneys, gas stations, mechanics, HVAC techs, contractors, dentists, accountants, artists, bakers, dry cleaners, fast food locations, fine dining, auto repair, home improvement, electronics stores and hundreds more.

Add a locksmith to your life

We recommend that you find and work with a full service, well rounded locksmith firm that offers all four of the above specialty areas as well as 24-hour emergency care. Whether you are dealing with an emergency situation or simply want to upgrade your security, a well-established and skilled lock professional is always good to have nearby!

Article source here: WHAT LOCKSMITHS DO

LOCKED OUT? WHEN IS IT TIME TO CALL A LOCKSMITH?

Keys, phone, wallet. We keep that mantra in the back of our mind as a reminder whenever we walk out the door. And we remember every time…until that one time…when…we totally forget. Oh no! Locked out! Suddenly realizing that you’re locked out ~ whether from your car, your home, or your business ~ it doesn’t matter whose fault it is, it’s never convenient and always unnerving, especially after hours. But there’s no reason to allow yourself to get upset. Don’t waste your valuable time!

First, call that trusted friend of yours who always keeps your spare key around for you. If you don’t already have a person like that, then you’ll have to go look for a door or window you’ve left open. Maybe you’ll get yourself right back in. But…if you’re not that fortunate, and you’re still stuck, read on.

Any place you’re stranded, particularly after dark, you may be worrying and wondering whether the help you need will ever arrive at all. But don’t waste your valuable time and energy. Should you actually entertain the idea of breaking a window, risking being mistaken for a robber? Of course not! Plan ahead, and you’ll avoid this whole scenario!

Before an emergency happens, find a dependable locksmith. The best thing for you to do is to locate a highly regarded locksmith before you need one! Do your homework in advance, and you’ll avoid getting overcharged or scammed.

Ask friends for their recommendations. Word of mouth from satisfied customers is the right way to go.

Find a responsible local locksmith company. If you can’t get a good recommendation from someone you trust, then do your research. Check the phone book, and search the Web.

Make a list of the potential locksmith companies in your area, with street addresses and phone numbers. Choose locksmiths that specialize in the services you need, and confirm that each address truly belongs to each locksmith. A disreputable company might give out a phony address, claiming it’s local when it really isn’t. So, using the Internet, be sure to match each street address with its phone number. If a person answers your call with a basic greeting such as “locksmith services,” instead of the company name, then ask to know the legal name of the business. If that individual doesn’t give you a satisfying answer, then cross off that locksmith from your list. Note also: A perfectly good locksmith may decide not to include its street address, because the business is mobile, dispatching a professional locksmith who’s local to each customer. Therefore, if an address isn’t given, simply find out why.

You can also ask the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints exist. Consult your local consumer protection agency, too, as well as your state’s attorney general’s office.

Are you locked out of your vehicle? If you have a membership in a roadside assistance company, call it immediately. Roadside assistance organizations always keep a list of pre-approved subcontractors who are already known to be reliable for expertly performing standard services, such as unlocking your automobile, giving your car a jump, and so forth.

If you don’t belong to a roadside assistance organization, then find a conscientious automotive locksmith specialist, who possesses the expertise required to replace your car keys and car locks, to install a new ignition cylinder, to program your transponder “chip” key, and so on.

Request an estimate. Even if you find yourself in a lockout emergency, you should always ask for a written quote before you allow any work to begin. It ought to include parts, if any; labor; and extra fees, if applicable. A legitimate locksmith will tell you either a precise cost or ballpark estimate on the telephone. There could be a minimum charge; there may be an extra fee for after-hours work; and there might be a fee for mileage. Upon arrival, if the price the locksmith gives you doesn’t match the price you were told over the phone, then it’s thanks but no thanks.

Confirm the locksmith’s credentials. When the locksmith comes, ask for a business card, identification, and proof of license. The invoice should include the company name. Verify that the name on the locksmith’s vehicle is the same as what’s on the invoice and the business card. To follow correct security procedures, the locksmith must unquestionably authenticate your identity. Before any work can begin, you’ll be required to show your ID and prove that you’re the property owner ~ whether of your car, your home, or your commercial building.

Be skeptical of any locksmith’s claim that a lock has to be drilled or replaced in an emergency. An accomplished professional locksmith will bring the right tools, and be experienced enough to know that such extreme measures are probably excessive. A bona fide locksmith is absolutely qualified to unlock just about anything.

A prime locksmith is suitably insured, fully licensed, officially certified, appropriately bonded, and thoroughly background-checked. If your property were to be damaged during a service call, or if the locksmith were to perform unacceptable work, the locksmith must show proof of insurance. Accordingly, find out if there is a warranty.

When you do find a first-rate locksmith, keep that company’s information for your future reference ~ in your smart phone, on your fridge, in your wallet, and at the break room’s bulletin board at work. That way, you’ll always be able to get out of trouble if any problems come up with locks and keys ~ automotive, residential, or commercial.

Whether you seek a proficient locksmith in an emergency, or if you must hire a locksmith technician to work on a special project, you don’t want to hire just anyone when it comes to addressing problems with keys and locks. An exceptional locksmith will be happy to answer all your questions. If you’re anywhere in Schaumburg, Illinois, hire a reputable locksmith company such as Schaumburg Locksmith, where staff mobile locksmiths work 24/7 to provide automotive, residential, commercial, and emergency locksmith solutions. Free consultations are available.

Article source here: LOCKED OUT? WHEN IS IT TIME TO CALL A LOCKSMITH?

Schaumburg Locksmith: How to Know Better Security is Needed

Schaumburg Locksmith has a skilled team of professionals who work hard to provide important services to locals who are looking to enjoy better security. Their services can be taken advantage of by commercial property owners, residential property owners and even vehicle owners throughout Schaumburg, Illinois. No matter what sort of property you own, you don’t want the items inside to get taken away from you. If you have a business with money in it, then you need a safe that will hide the cash from potential criminals. If you have a home with valuable items like jewelry or dangerous items like a weapon, then you need a fireproof or water resistant safe there as well. There are so many solutions that can enhance the security of your property. Here are some ways that you can know you need to do something to improve yours.

1. You recently bought a new home, whether that means new real estate for you or a previously owned property. It is so important that you swap out the locks or at the very least, rekey them, if you are just moving into a new place. Why? Think about how many people might have been accessing said property. How many contractors have had to go in and out to fix little problems or to ensure proper maintenance? How many realtors were in and out with clients, showing the home before you purchased it? If the house ever had a lock box on the outside, then you can trust that many people were able to access the inside of the home, at least at one point or another. So take things into your own hands and have the locks rekeyed or replaced. If you bought a new home, you need to consider your security!

1. Another sign that you need better security solutions is that you don’t feel at ease while inside of your property, or when you are out for the day. You shouldn’t be worried that someone can easily break in. If you live in a safe area but have a feeling that something is off, then it is a wise idea to get on the phone with a lock and security expert. They can come out to do an inspection and point out areas which are lacking security. The answer might be as simple as having a deadbolt set up. Or it could be that you are missing functional locks on your sliding glass door. Talking to a professional can certainly provide insight and guidance as to what to do.

1. Locks appear to be damaged. Do you see rust on your locks? Are they breaking? It’s time to replace locks if they are clearly falling apart. If you can see that they are falling apart, so can a potential criminal.

1. You have weapons at your property, or a wad of cash that is out in the open. Having money sitting around at your place of work is a recipe for disaster. Owning a commercial property likely means often times having people you don’t know in and out the front door. You can trust just anyone. And having a weapon at your property that isn’t locked away in a safe can mean that it can end up in the wrong hands. If you have important, high end items that aren’t locked away, then you need better security. If you have money sitting out in the open, then you definitely need better security. Talking to a professional can provide ideas on solutions that will be helpful.

1. You have dealt with a break in. Break-ins are very scary. They make you feel like you’ve been violated, and you might feel unsafe being at home for quite some time. While having a police officer regularly patrol your street is great, it is also a good idea to have locks fixed and new locks installed. Rekeying locks can give you peace of mind if your key was taken. Lock replacement can give you even more peace of mind. Maybe your next step is to have an alarm system installed, or a keyless entry system that alerts authorities when an incorrect code has been entered one too many times. Just know that if your home, business property or car have been broken into, you need to take measures to improve your security. And proven solutions are only a phone call away.

If you are concerned about any of the aforementioned points, then you likely need to do something to improve your security. You might have nothing more than a gut feeling, but remember that these feelings are often times right that something is off. If you are located in or work in Schaumburg, IL then you can get on the phone with the wonderful experts at Schaumburg Locksmith for trusted assistance. Do you live somewhere else in the country or have an office elsewhere? Then you can easily pull up your local locksmith online, or you can ask trusted friends who they recommend for the job. It is so important that you pay mind to the proper protection of your belongings, yourself and your family. As a business owner, you are responsible for the people who come to your property, at least, to a certain degree. That is why it is critical to talk about the options you have with a professional. Ask an expert about why you need panic bars at your place of work to help keep people protected, and to help improve security. Ask a professional why you might be able to benefit from garage locks and patio locks. Talk about the concerns that you have, and about any parts of your property that just don’t seem to be as secure as they can be. You might be surprised at the information you find – often times, people are pointed in the direction of security solutions they never even knew existed!

Article source here: Schaumburg Locksmith: How to Know Better Security is Needed

The Advantages of Commercial Keyless Locks

Trying to determine which types of locks to use for your business can be a daunting task, especially considering there are far more options available to businesses now than ever. There are several things that most business owners consider when they are trying to improve the quality of their security. They take into consideration, cost, efficiency and convenience. With convenience in mind, many businesses are opting for keyless locks. You will often find these types of locks in areas that are frequented often by the public, such as, hospitals, schools and government buildings. With keyless locks, you are able to quickly get people in and out. This affords many the level of convenience they are seeking.

 

Advantages of Keyless Locks

 

1. When an employee leaves, there are no keys to rekey or locks to change.

1. The fear of keys being lost or stolen is eliminated

1. No re-entry without the proper code or fob

1. There is no key to duplicate

1. You don’t have to waste time searching for a key when you arrive home late

1. You can allow access at specific times and on specific days

1. You can design a master fob key program

1. Specific employees can be added or deleted from the system so that they can no longer gain access. Other employees are not affected.

1. You can program a keyless lock to allow employees access during specific hours not to include after-hours access

1. You can grant management and other employees access to certain parts of the building

1. Theft is minimized

1. You have a record of anyone who comes in and out of your building

1. The amount of people in your building can be monitored

 

Most locksmith companies offer the installation of keyless locks. Considering the many advantages that this type of lock affords businesses, it is no wonder they are more popular than ever.

Types of Keyless Locks

 

Electronic Keypad Locks

Electronic keypad locks are very popular today. The advantages of having this type of lock include the following:

1. If someone becomes aware of your employee code, the code can be removed from one central location and a new one can quickly be programmed

1. Specific codes can be assigned to each employee

1. There is no hard-wiring needed in order to install an electronic keyless lock and therefore it is less expensive to have installed

1. Since it is battery operated, it can be replaced quite easily and quickly

1. Will be able to see who has been in and out of your building at any given time and day

1. When there is a power outage, you can still gain access

1. Most models offer a lock override feature for emergency situations

With so many advantages to businesses, it is no reason that more and more businesses are found with electronic keypads.

Electronic Keypad Lever Combo

This is another great option to consider when you are trying to determine which type of keyless lock will be best suited for your needs. Here are some of the advantages of an Electronic Keypad Lever Combo.

 

1. Employees are able to use a code or a fob card to gain access

1. Some can be programmed based on proximity

1. There is often an emergency override feature that enables you to open the door in emergency situations

1. There are battery operated systems available

1. A code can be quickly changed when necessary

1. Keep track of everyone entering your building

1. It can be less expensive to install if it is one of the models that do not require hard-wiring. If you are on a budget, shop for the ones that are not hard-wired.

 

You may be looking at the above and thinking just how similar the latter is to the electronic keypad. While there are certainly some similarities, there are also some additional lock types worth taking a look at.

 

Manual Keypad Locks

 

Not only are these types of lock popular with business owners; they have become more popular amongst homeowners also. If you’re wondering why this is the case, perhaps these advantages are the reason.

 

1. Both the deadbolt and knob are combined

1. The codes can be changed as needed

1. Small business seem to find this keyless lock to be easy to use and program

1. The deadbolt version of this keyless lock lets you keep the door unlocked at specific times of the day

1. Doesn’t require batteries

1. The storeroom version locks as soon as you exit the room

Intercom Systems

 

With an intercom system, you can speak directly to whomever is attempting to gain access inside. It is a great way to enhance your existing security. This is yet another option that many homeowners are finding appealing. At Schaumburg Locksmith in Schaumburg, IL we are finding that more homeowners are requesting an intercom system now more than ever. In some cases, the locksmith is able to use the electric wiring you already have to connect your intercom system. Any qualified locksmith will be able to effectively hook up an intercom system. Visitors are able to use a fob card or keycard. Most of the time you will see this type of system on condominiums or apartment buildings. Tenants are given the chance to screen their visitors by way of the intercom system. At this point they have control over who comes into their home or not. Again, the tenants name can be quickly added and removed from the list on the call box. Adding and removing the names of tenants from the call box is considered to be a part of the buildings routine maintenance of the access control-system. This is another type of system that a locksmith is capable of installing for you.

 

With a host of options available to you, there is no doubt that you’ll be able to find what you are looking for when shopping for a keyless lock for your business.

Article source here: The Advantages of Commercial Keyless Locks