If you want the key to home safety, who better to ask than a locksmith? With their experience making and repairing locks and their home security expertise, there is no one better to advise you. So today, we’ve compiled a list of locksmith tips and tricks. Whether you’re a new homeowner or an old hand, it never hurts to refresh your memory and remind yourself of important security advice. You never know—you just might learn a thing or two!
Locksmith Tips and Tricks
- ON NEW HOMES. Always rekey or replace your locks when you buy a new house. The previous owner could have extra copies of the keys, or they could have given spare keys to neighbors, family members, friends, or even contractors. If you don’t want strangers to have access to your home, you need to replace your locks (the pricier, more complicated method) or rekey your locks (which is quicker and cheaper). To learn more about replacing/rekeying your home’s locks, check out this previous blog post.
- ON DEADBOLTS. Install a deadbolt lock for superior home protection, but make sure that it’s installed correctly. Many contractors don’t know how to install locks the right way, so call a locksmith for best results.
- ON WINDOWS AND LOCKS. If there is a window near your deadbolt lock, realize that a criminal could easily break your window and unlock the deadbolt. To avoid this simple mistake, use a double cylinder lock that needs a key instead. And don’t leave the key sitting in the lock!
- ON HIRING. Looking to hire a new locksmith? Take your time. Many “locksmiths” out there are scam artists who will charge you far more than they quoted and far more than the service is worth. You need to find someone trustworthy, reliable, and experienced, so don’t call up the first name you see in the yellow pages. Use our tips to find a locksmith you can trust.
- ON STURDY DOORS. Use sturdy, solid doors made of solid wood or steel. If the door is made of a weak, flimsy, or hollow material, it can easily be kicked in or broken. A great lock needs a great door.
- ON HIDING PLACES. Never hide your door key under the mat! Do you really think you’re the first person to think of that hiding place? If a criminal wants to access your home, they will usually search obvious places in the 10 feet surrounding your door. Doormats, pots, planters, mailboxes, rocks, and fake rocks are all common hiding places. Choose somewhere 15-20 feet away from the door that is unusual and protective instead. Or better yet, give your spare key to a friend or loyal neighbor!
I hope these locksmith tips and tricks come in handy. Be sure to share them with any new homeowners you know, as well as your friends and loved ones.
If you’re in need of a locksmith and you live in or near Springfield, MO, contact Advanced Key. Since 1982, we’ve been providing the Springfield area with a variety of locksmith services, including mobile service, automotive replacement keys, commercial and residential re-keying, the change and installation of locks, and ignition service and repair. So if you’re in a jam, give us a call at 417-865-9393 or click here to contact us online. We would be happy to help!
