Break-in
By Mike Cohen / High Security Locks • Locks Change • Phoenix Locksmith / • • • • / 0 Comments

What to do after Break-in

Burglary of your property? Here’s what you should do

Immediate action should be taken right after a break-in. the security element of your house or your office should be improved. Being a victim of a home or an office robbery could devastate you and make you scared even after a lot of time has passed. The bad consequences of it are stamped on your mind and you can think of any other thing. Hence, you should do something in order to protect the future of your home or your office! Also, you must put all your efforts to identify the thief.

So let’s have a look at a few of the steps that you would have to take after a break-in:

  • Don’t touch anything

Your first and foremost mission should be to make that thief arrested, no matter what happens. As a responsible citizen, you need to take this step! So, don’t touch anything. There might be several pieces of evidences left by the thieves and burglars. Their fingerprints also carry a huge value in front of the policemen. So, call the policemen immediately after a robbery and stay away from all the things. Let the officers collect the fresh fingerprints so that the burglars are caught.

  • Make a list of items that are stolen

Sit back and prepare a list of the things that have been stolen. A list of the things stolen would help the police to retrieve the things from the burglars. Also, insurance claims are important in such a scenario! Hence, when you will have a complete list of the things, the insurance company will verify it and will compensate you. So, immediately after a robbery, prepare a list. I know it will be difficult, but you have to do it.

  • Replace or rekey the locks

Now, it’s time to call the locksmith service company. The locksmith service company will come to your doorstep and would give you the best possible advice. Not every time the locks are destroyed by the burglars. So, when the locks are not destroyed, you should go for rekeying. Rekeying is basically the task of changing the key of the lock. So, the lock will remain the same but it will no longer be unlocked by the old key.

If the locks have been damaged too much that they can’t be repaired. Then, your last resort is to replace the locks. This time go for the high-security locks. High-security locks are better than traditional locks and can save you from many bad circumstances. Also, ask the locksmith company to install the best locks that are made by the best of the brands.

Never ever compromise on the security element just because you will be able to save a few bucks. Always go for quality so that your house or your office is fully secured!

Burglary

The Bottom Line

Robberies and burglaries can occur at any time. You must take active measures to avoid them. However, if something bad occurs, then we hope that you know what to do!

Master Key System
By Mike Cohen / Master Key System / / 0 Comments

Master Key System

With the word master in the name, it sounds empowering. But, what exactly is a master key system, and who benefits from them? More importantly, once you realize you want to set up a master key system, who do you call, and what are the steps to take to go about getting one installed and maintained?

What Is a Master Key System?

First, let’s describe what a master key system is. Simply put, it is a method of allowing one key to open more than one lock. More specifically, this one key is given to authorized personnel such as janitorial staff, realtors, property managers, or supervisors in a company. The purpose of the master key is to be able to have access to open several locks within the master key system that is set up specifically for your needs. For instance, a property manager who owns several apartment units within a building will want a master key which allows them to get inside an apartment for the purposes of maintenance or to show the apartment to a potential renter. Cleaning personnel use master key systems in order to gain access to otherwise locked and secured office space so they can get inside to clean. Another situation that requires a master key system may be that a manager may want control of keys given to his employees. Master key systems are used for hotel housekeeping staff, college or school campus locks, landlords, and any office or property that requires several keys.

How Keys and Master Key Systems Work

As a technical explanation, most master key systems use a pin tumbler style of lock. Pin tumbler locks are opened when a driver pin and key pin in a pin stack are raised above a shear line. This is done by inserting and turning the proper key. The key pins are varied sized, but the driver pin is a universal size which means, the key used to turn the lock must have the right set of grooves needed to lift the pins to the required height in order to unlock it. When a group of pin tumbler locks is converted to a master key system, a master wafer pin is added to go between the driver and key pin giving the pin stack two shear lines. One shear line is for the pin stack and one is above or below the line that allows the master key to work.

Once in place, the master key system will require at least two kinds of keys, the change key which is sometimes called a sub-master key, and the master key. The change key is the lowest level in the master key system and is intended to open only one lock or one type of lock. The master key is at the top level and is able to open every lock in the system. The system can go up in tiers to a Grand Master Key or even a Great Grand Master Key and beyond if necessary.

Master Key System

Pros and Cons of a Master Key System

One of the biggest pros to implementing a master key system is that it offers convenience along with reliable security in an affordable way since they are inexpensive to install and not overly costly to maintain and upgrade. It eliminates the need to have a large, bulky key chain filled with tons of keys. It also gives you control over specific measures of security within the system. This system of key control keeps unauthorized employees, students, or visitors from entering spaces they are not allowed.

One of the only potential cons in a master key system is that pin and tumbler locks, which are the most common types of locks used, are easier to pick than other high-security locks. However, a knowledgeable locksmith professional will be able to walk you through methods that will increase your security, including installing a heavy duty secure lock on the outside of your building while using the master key system inside, using multiple cylinders, disk detainer locks, installing electronic controls or sidebars, using restricted keys or master rings, or even implementing separate master key systems for separate workgroups or sections of the building.

 

Before you install a master key system, talk with a qualified, skilled, and knowledgeable locksmith profession who will be able to recommend, install, and maintain the best system for your security needs.

Locks Changing
By Mike Cohen / High Security Locks • Locks Change • Phoenix Locksmith / • • • • / 0 Comments

Phoenix Locks Change

Residential & Commercial Locks Changing Service

If you want to increase the security and safety of your home, office, vehicle, or other property, consider changing your locks at least once every five years. A professional locksmith can change or rekey your locks to enhance the security of your living space, working space, or vehicle. High-security locks are designed to be more resistant to drilling, picking, and bumping, and the keys for these locks are impossible to duplicate.

Power Locksmith can change any type of lock, and we offer competitive rates on Phoenix Locks Change and lock replacements for our residential and commercial customers in the Greater Phoenix area.

Top reasons to call a locksmith for locks changing

Here are some of the top reasons why you might consider to have your locks changed:

  • Need Security Improvement
  • You move into a new house, apartment, or condo
  • A broken or damaged lock
  • Someone leaves your property without returning their keys
  • Increased crime rates in your area
  • More than five years have passed since a lock change

Lock Replacement

 

Types of High Security Locks

We often recommend high-security locks for homes and commercial properties where there may be an increased risk of vandalism or criminal activity. High security locks are very difficult to pick or modify, so they are more resistant to breaking and modifications than standard locks. There are several high-security locks on the market;

here are three of them:

Medeco – these locks are designed with the KeyMark X4 system and some types are more affordable than others.

Mul-T-Lock – the heads of the keys of these locks are usually blue and it is very difficult for someone to bump the lock open or drill the lock. Mul-T-Lock also has electronic access systems.

Schlage Primus/Everest: these are commonly found in homes and businesses and the upgraded locks include side pins and a sidebar.

Locks Brands

High-Quality Locks Change Service At Affordable Price!

Do you need your property in Phoenix locks changed, rekeyed, or replaced? Call Power Locksmith for FAST, SAME-DAY SERVICE, and a FREE estimate! Our experienced technicians can install and replace any type of lock and provide recommendations on high-security locks and security systems if you need it.

We work hard to ensure 100% customer satisfaction with all of our work and will be at your location in 25 minutes or less! We serve the Greater Phoenix Area with a full range of residential, commercial, auto, and emergency lock and key services. Call us for the most competitive rates and a high level of customer service.

Need Your Home, Office, Or Business Locks Changed? Feel free to give us a call with any questions or requests. For immediate locks changing service in Phoenix AZ area Call: (602) 386-3770

Mailbox Lock
By Mike Cohen / Locks Change • Mailbox Locksmith • Phoenix Locksmith / • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Replacement Mailbox Locks

Mailbox Lock Changes in Arizona – What You Need to Know

Mailbox Lock Key, Do you want to change the locks on your mailbox? Or do you need a new set of mailbox keys? You don’t have to go to the post office for these services because a licensed Phoenix locksmith can take care of everything for you.
Professional locksmiths have all the tools and equipment they need to change mailbox locks, repair locks or set up an entirely new USPS-approved mailbox lock. They can also cut a new set of mailbox keys. The best Phoenix and Scottsdale locksmiths can get this type of job done quickly and also offer great rates.

Getting a New Mailbox Lock Key

Many people who lose their mailbox lock key think they need to go to the Post Office to get a new set of keys. The individual box locks and the keys associated with them are not actually owned by the Post Office. If you own a condo or live in an apartment, the condo owner or landlord is the rightful owner of the keys. This means it is either your responsibility or the landlord’s responsibility to have new keys made.

The easiest way to get a new mailbox key is to hire a locksmith who will replace your mailbox lock. This is a fairly simple process and typically only takes less than an hour. You can also work with your mail delivery service provider to retrieve the code number off the back of the lock on your mailbox. A professional locksmith can then cut a new set of keys using that code.

Mailbox Lock Replacement

About Post Office Mailboxes

The United States Postal Service states that all locks in the same bank of mailboxes – such as those you find in an apartment complex or condo units – have to be keyed differently. This means there is no master keyed USPS mailbox lock key out there. If you or your landlord owns the mailbox locks, it is your responsibility to have those locks rekeyed, replaced, or have a new set of mailbox keys cut.

Call Power Locksmith when you need mailbox lock key changes or want to install new locks around your home! We offer a full range of professional Scottsdale locksmith services and can take care of any mailbox lock repairs, installations, and modifications.

Call Now: (602) 386-3770 For Mailbox Lock Replacement Service

High Security Locks
By Mike Cohen / High Security Locks • Phoenix Locksmith / • • • • • • / 0 Comments

High Security Locks

High Security Locks

High security locks Phoenix, Whether you own a retail store, restaurant, or other small business in Phoenix, having the right security system in place is a high priority. Even corporate offices and office complexes need high-security locks and security access systems to ward off intruders and reduce the risk of theft.
High security locks are designed to be more resistant to lock picking, drilling, and forced entry. They are usually cylinder locks that are harder to break and are often installed on main doors, front gates, safes, and other parts of a commercial building structure to prevent break-ins.

Why Your Business Needs High-Security Locks

Many of the manual and key-operated locks that are readily available are very easy to unlock using some common lock picking tools. Even businesses and companies that install an electronic access control system often have a manual lock on the doors that people can override with the right key. Manual locks have their weaknesses and aren’t recommended for businesses or office buildings that need a higher level of security. High-security locks are much harder – and often impossible – to break into and can provide a higher level of safety and security.

Some of the key reasons why your business needs high security locks:

  • Keys can’t be duplicated without authorization
  • Cannot be picked open using a pick gun or other lock picking devices
  • Cannot be drilled open easily
  • Aren’t master re-keyed locks
  • Special lock and cylinder mechanisms to prevent unauthorized unlocking

 

Types of High-Security Locks

Professional locksmiths in Phoenix can provide a full range of high-security lock services and typically work with brand names and reputable lock manufacturers to ensure the right type of lock is installed. Some of the most common types of high-security locks include:

  • Medeco – one of the most widely-recognized and popular high security lock brands in the United States. Medeco is famous for its lock cylinders, padlocks, and cam locks.
  • Mul-T-Lock – recently-acquired by Assa-Abloy, this company offers a full range of mechanical cylinders, padlocks, electromechanical locking systems, and key-cutting machines.
  • ASSA Lock, Inc. – ASSA locks are one of the newer types of high-security locks on the market and are very popular in Europe. This brand is slowly becoming a high-security lock brand in the United States
  • Schlage – this is one of the most well-known types of high-security locks and the manufacturer produces both residential and commercial lock hardware. The Primus system works with both Primus locks and Schlage’s standard locks.

Power Locksmiths works with all leading high security lock manufacturers to provide quality lock and key services. Call us (602) 386-3770 for high security locks services and all types of commercial and residential lock and key projects. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!