7 Secrets About Locksmiths

Everyone knows how to use a lock and key, but the inner workings are a mystery to all but a select few people who have been trained as locksmiths. For the most part, you don’t really need to know anything about how the lock on your front door works, but knowing a few of the secrets of how your home security works will help you to protect your home and improve security.

1. The most secure lock is a deadbolt

A good deadbolt has at least a one-inch throw along with a security plate on the strike side.

One of the most important things to know about deadbolts is that they are often installed incorrectly. Many locksmiths will agree that general contractors don’t know how to install deadbolts. This can lead to a false sense of security which can leave your home exposed.

2. Safes are only worth the money if you have something to protect

You may want to reconsider the purchase of a safe unless you really need it. The idea of owning a safe is very exciting to a lot of people but in reality, the average homeowner has nothing to put in it. In many cases, with a safe, all you’re doing is telling a thief exactly where you have stored all of your valuables.

3. Do not duplicate doesn’t matter

When you have any key that says “do not duplicate” on it, that really means “please don’t duplicate. The reality is that these keys are duplicated quite frequently. Fortunately, good locksmiths will be able to install high-security locks with keys that cannot be duplicated at a local hardware store. If this is something that you want then you should look into your options carefully so that you know exactly what you’re getting for your money.

4. Locksmiths need to see ID

When you call an emergency locksmith to help, you access your home you need to make sure that you have some ID to prove that this is, in fact, your address. After all, they are giving you access to the property so they will need some proof that you are the tenant or homeowner.

5. You get what you pay for

When you buy a cheap lock you need to know that it will not protect you the way that you think. Most cheap locks are stupidly easy to compromise. If you’re looking for a good, cheap lock, look for at least a grade 2. Anything less than that is leaving your property at too much of a risk. If you want to know more about that different options that you have for your locks, you should speak with an experienced locksmith about your options.

6. Don’t worry about how you locked your self out

You may feel foolish about how you were able to lock yourself out of your home, but you really shouldn’t. One of the most entertaining parts of being a locksmith is finding out which new and inventive ways someone locked themselves out of their property. No matter how dumb you think you may be, there’s always somebody who did something dumber to lock themselves out.

7. They are worth every penny

When you need to use a locksmith, it can be easy to ignore the value of what they’re able to do. When it only takes them moments to open your front door you need to remember that they have spent years training for their ability to do just this. When you get their bill you need to think about how without their skills you would still be unable to get into your home.