Repairing and Protecting Locks, Keys and Safes
Why You Should Never Take Anything for Granted When It Comes to the Security of Your New Home
Duane Ramirez
When you and your family first walk into a new home, excitement abounds. You could be forgiven for letting enthusiasm get the better of you and not focusing as much as you should when it comes to security. What should one of your first jobs be, the very morning that you move into your new pad? Securing your home.
Are Your Protections Suitable?
Firstly, have a look at the security options provided by the contractor who built or renovated the house. Remember, that some contractors are generalists, so be sure you get an expert to have a look at all your perimeter doors. Perhaps you need to get the deadbolts reconfigured or reinstalled. The size of the bolt that fits into the doorframe is crucial, and the striker plate should have very high tensile screws that go a considerable depth into the frame itself.
Double Sided Key Locks
You also want to be sure that deadbolts are completely replaced with double sided key locks instead. It's no good having a deadbolt next to a decorative window, for example, which could easily be knocked out, allowing somebody to reach in and access. You need to insist on having key access from both sides, even though this may be a hassle from time to time.
Where Are Those Older Keys?
Whether or not you move into a brand-new home or an older house, get the locks rekeyed straight away by a competent locksmith every time. It's almost certainly the case that a master key exists somewhere else, and you never know when previous keys could end up in the wrong hands. The locksmith may also advise you to have high security locks installed, which come with keys that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. In this way, you know that your risks are minimised in the future.
Don't Go for Cut-Price
Don't cut corners when it comes to your security. Buy the best locks available and not those that you will find at a discounted superstore or that may be on special offer, online. The more expensive, specialist locks are built to high specification and you can't put a price on your safety.
Doing a Formal Assessment
Have a walk around your house with a security expert and locksmith, making a note of what you need to work on. You don't want your initial exuberance to turn into despair, simply because you haven't paid proper attention to security.
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Hi, my name is Olive, and when I was a kid, my dad was a safe manufacturer. I used to love being in his welding shop or accompanying him to jobs to make locks onsite. When I grew up, I did not follow in his footsteps, but I owned a restaurant, and I always thought of my then late father when I put cash into the safe at the end of the night. Through years of being a business owner – sometimes in a not very safe neighbourhood – I learned the importance of locks. I also learned how they can break, how to repair them and how to ensure they in working order. To honor my dad, I wanted to make a blog about locks and safes. Whether you are a business owner, a homeowner or someone curious about becoming a locksmith, I hope you enjoy reading these posts!