In this day and age, there is no room for a haphazard attitude about your security. From your home and your office, to your car – they all rely on a lock of some sort to keep them secure.

So, no matter what the issue, there is a locksmith service that will match almost anything that you need. Of course, you will do well to make sure that you implement other types of security in the form of cameras, alarms, and even anti-theft paint should you require it.

Everyone will likely need a locksmith at least once in their lifetime, and it is always better to be prepared and know who you are calling for each situation.

Photo by Miltiadis Fragkidis on Unsplash

Cars

One of the most common problems is actually people locking their keys into their car (vehicle lockouts) or losing their car keys. But it is important that you know the difference between car key types, so you know what you have. Most cars work on an ignition key, and that same key will be used to unlock the doors and sometimes the boot. However, newer models of cars often have what is referred to as a transponder key. A transponder key has a chip that sends a signal to the can to lock, unlock, and start the car.

There are occasions that your tradition ignition key may break, and unfortunately they can break off into the lock, or snap out of the rubber grip For this occasion, you’ll need to call a professional locksmith to arrive at your location. They will extract the key and craft you a car key replacement.

With transponder keys, the main concern is when the key is no longer programmed correctly. The key simply will not work. It doesn’t happen often, but if you notice that your keys takes too long, or doesn’t work first time, you should get a professional locksmith. They can deal with car fob programming and re-programming for you with ease.

Car key fobs often have issues with the batteries, so keeping on top of their replacement is your best option here. A locksmith for automobiles will be able to tackle any issues you have with your car keys, no matter what style you have.

Commercial

One of your main concerns, when you have a commercial property, should always be the security of your goods and staff. You will need a locksmith that you can trust, look for ‘commercial locksmith services’ on their website or van advertisements. There are a number of ways that your company can benefit from the use of a commercial locksmith.

24/7 Service – this is absolutely invaluable as a service because when you face break-ins and burglaries, they most often will happen outside of standard business hours. Many locksmiths are trained to handle these emergencies and will work with you to increase your security going forward.

Safe Services – Your safe will be the most likely place to store documents, cash, and other items of high value. Which also makes them the most obvious point of attack. However, from time to time, there might be an issue unrelated to an emergency including repairs, installations, upgrades, and removal.

High-Security Upgrades – You may have heard that people are now able to steal cars without using the key, and that is because would-be thieves are able to use smart technology too. However, you can call in a commercial locksmith service to give your property the once over and ensure you have everything you need in place, as well as recommending and installing upgrades.

Company Lockout Service – If, for whatever reason, the main key isn’t working or has been lost. Or perhaps the fobs are malfunctioning, you are going to lose as many hours (and money) as it takes for you to get it fixed. So, the right company can minimize this impact.

Home Security

While there are many things you could and should DIY when it comes to your home, locksmithing isn’t really one of them. That’s not to say you can’t add a simple lock on the bathroom, but when it comes to the main entry points to your house, garage, and shed – a residential locksmith service is who you should be turning to.

An authorized and licensed locksmith is typically very qualified in their job. They will have gotten official locksmith certification training and qualification, passed a couple of exams, and they have the authority to practice the trade. Usually, a locksmith with certifications will be part of a regulating body – which protects you and them as they carry out their work. These locksmiths are also regularly tested and updated on new techniques and security issues.

It is important to note that it isn’t just a traditional lock and key entry that they are capable of the fitting, but electronic key systems, smart security systems, biometric locks, and keyless entry systems for home or office. So when it comes down to it, sure you could DIY it, but you really should want the best for your property and family. And, the best is a professional.

Photo by Mārtiņš Zemlickis on Unsplash

Lockouts from home are actually very common, and when you are in need of an emergency locksmith service, you should have a name you can trust in your mobile phone already. Not only can they pick your home lock and get you back into your home, but if it is required due to a key malfunction, they can re-key your locks too.

Something that many people don’t realize is that a locksmith can perform key cutting on site too – subject to seeing your ID and proof of address.

Here are a few other things that your residential locksmith will be able to take care of for you:

Digital locking systems – They work in a similar way to an alarm system, as most will need a code for them to unlock. Many work with smart security systems and phone apps.

Deadbolts – A spring bolt lock that can’t be unlocked by anything other than rotating the key.

Peepholes – If you have recently moved into a home, or replaced a door and don’t have one, they’re great for and an extra layer of security if you don’t have a smart camera fitted.

Lock repairs – If your key or lock become worn or damaged, a locksmith can fix that for you.

Lockboxes and Padlocks

Padlocks are improving every year, and you can now get weather resistant ones, a range of thickness and shackle length, you can now even have Bluetooth enabled ones. Handy for those people with a penchant for tech and security. A locksmith can give you information and advice on the best one for what you need. If you need a range of locks all keyed to a master key or high-security locks that can’t be copied, then a locksmith will be able to give you the right advice.

Lockboxes are a brilliant way to give the right people access to your premises. The lockbox will hold the keys to your property. This could also be your garage, garden, or office for cleaners, call-out mechanics, and other nonpermanent staff. They can be attached to door handles, doors, walls, and more. When the door is opened, using the correct code, a small box that is typically just key sized will be accessible.

Both of these add extra layers of security to your home and business and should be installed by a professional.

Home Office

It is now the case that millions of people work from home. And it isn’t always the case that simpler home security should be installed in your office space. Depending on where you have your office, in the loft, an outbuilding, or in the home, it would be prudent to consider using a more commercial security standard for protection. If you consider that you likely store a range of information on clients, as well as your own business financial information in there a home office break-in can be very lucrative. And while you don’t have to go Tony Stark on it, you should consider these tips:

Space – if you have a room in the home, you should consider having a different lock on the entry than the ones to your front and back door. This lowers the risk of someone getting access to those keys and using it to access your office.

Safe – If you are still in the habit of keeping paper files with financial details, contact details, and petty cash in your office, then putting them away into a safe every evening will increase the security.

Windows – If you are on the ground floor, then you might consider fitting bars to your windows. The chances are, aside from your computer, printer, and other electronics, other things like your work mobile, files, and the rest of your home can be accessed via this route.

When you find a locksmith that you can work with and get valuable information from, then you should make sure to add them to your contact list. Building a relationship over time with a qualified locksmith will mean that no matter what happens, you will be in great hands. In the end, there are a few things that are certain, and one of them is the right security measures will keep your belongings, your business, and your family safe.