Posts Tagged ‘Emergency Locksmith’

Key Bumping

Thursday, July 16th, 2009
There is much on the internet about key bumping, but not much about how to prevent your locks being bumped open.

The principle of bumping relies on two things. First, that the lock has only one shear line with standard bottom pin, top pin and spring in each chamber. With this set up the bump key acts like a cue ball in the game of pool. The bump key hits the bottom pins hard and the energy bounces the top pins above the shear line allowing the plug to be turned. Second, it relies on keyblanks for the lock to be available to make a bump key.

Cheap manufacturing and sloppiness in many residential cylinders improve the odds of bumping or picking the locks open. High security locks do not rely on one shear line to keep their lock secure. To thwart lock pickers and now lock bumpers they have patented either a second shear line within the cylinder or arranged their pins in a unique way to make it very hard to raise all the pins at the same time and thus open the lock by bumping or picking.

Residential locks usually come with one of four different keyblanks. Y-1 Yale, KW1 Kwikset, SC1 Schlage C, and WR5 Weiser. Obviously, these keyblanks are easily available to make bump keys. High security lock companies design keys which they patent and keyblank manufacturers cannot make copies and sell them. In this way the high security lock manufacturer can control who it sells its keyblanks to and sets the terms under which their contracted dealers can make duplicate keys. Dealers are forbidden from selling any uncut keys, which means there are not any keyblanks for sale to attempt to make bump keys.

If high security is beyond your budget, you can purchase locks with proprietary keyblanks, usually from locksmiths. These keyblanks are not common, but there is not a patent with direct oversight by the manufacturer. The cylinders are made better than most residential locks and can be more difficult to bump open.

The really bad news about bumping or picking locks open, is there is no sign of forced entry. Many insurance companies require that there be sign of forced entry to cover the loss from a burglary.

High Security Lock Companies include Medeco, Schlage Primus, Mul-t-lock and Assa.
 

Lock-Doc 24 7 Locksmith Jersey City
645 Newark Ave.
Jersey City, New Jersey 07306
(201) 216-1334

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Burglary Facts (from FBI`s 1999 Uniform Crime Reports)

Friday, July 10th, 2009

1. 60% of residential burglaries occur during the daylight hours
2. There are an estimated 2,329,950 annual burglaries nationwide, with an annual loss by victims of approximately $3.1 billion.
3. This year, one in six homes will be burglarized
4. A burglary takes place every 12 seconds and produces an average loss of $1,675 per event.

Lock-Doc 24 7 Locksmith Jersey City
645 Newark Ave.
Jersey City, New Jersey 07306
(201) 216-1334

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Keyless Locks

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

Keyless locks are locks that one would be able to unlock or lock without the use of a key, or other device that you would use (such as a key card). Keyless locks are locks such as a combination lock, or other types such as a keyless home security center where you can use a remote to lock doors. A combination lock is the most used out of the keyless locks as it is a standard form of single-factor identification. Most combination locks consist of a simple dial or a number of wheels that you can turn to get the desired number. With the proper combination it unlocks.

The more advanced types of combination locks use more than numbers, as they can use letters or even other symbols in order to better protect the contents of what the combination lock is guarding.

Other forms of keyless locks include biometric scanning (such as fingerprints) and password deadbolt type locks. The password locks are similar to a combination lock but they differ by use of their electronic system and wider array of possible combinations or passwords that could be used. They’re also fairly difficult to break as they are normally made out of durable materials. Although these locks are much more rare, they are normally used to replace standard door locks that offer minimal protection. This also prevents criminals from simply picking the lock due to the fact it simply has no lock to pick. Another bonus to these locks is that you will never lose your key. Since the password is normally memorised in your brain the only problem you would have to worry about is a sudden case of amnesia rather that continually losing your keys.

Biometric scanners are also becoming more common due to their affordable prices as technology progresses. These scanners tend to be mostly fingerprint scanners as they are the more common and affordable finds on the market. While not exactly the cheapest type of lock system they do provide a fairly easy way to get into your home and prevent burglars from ever dreaming of entering. These scanners prevent the need of a key or a password for even easier use. The only thing you require is your fingerprint and it will unlock the door. The simplicity of use can outweigh the cost in terms of protection and security that these types of electronic locks can bring.

On the down side, biometric scanners are rather difficult to install. They normally require a professional installation which can add up in cost. Although varying in install complexion it is a task that most average home owners are not suited for.

Lock-Doc 24 7 Locksmith Jersey City

645 Newark Ave.
Jersey City, New Jersey 07306
(201) 216-1334

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Security Consultant

Monday, July 6th, 2009

Though working with locks and keys are still a main part of the job, many locksmiths aren’t just key-cutters. Many are trained to be full-time security consultants for both residential and commercial customers. By examining the differing levels of safety and risk within a building, they can assess the situation and determine which security system would be most efficient and effective. Often, they work with advanced systems, such as keyless entry, electric locks, and other controlled systems to make each layer of security fail-safe against intrusion. Often combining different forms of defense helps make a building all the more secure, but each layer also adds to the initial cost of the installation.

Lock-Doc 24 7 Locksmith Jersey City
645 Newark Ave.
Jersey City, New Jersey 07306
(201) 216-1334

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Terms of the Locksmith Profession

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

Have you ever heard of a slim jim? No, it is not a piece of beef jerky or a skinny rock star. It is a slender metal tool created for sliding between the door frame and the window on a automobile door to gain entry when a set of keys has been locked inside said automobile. It has been possible to buy a slim jim through perfectly legal means over the years, causing the automotive industry to fight back with tougher entry methods.

Were you aware of a tool called an electric lock pick gun? These are used to open pin tumbler locks, which make up a huge majority of locks sold in America. These guns contain metal needles that vibrate the pins upward and are valuable to the security profession.

A clutch-headed screw is not a silly pet name for a friend. It’s a threaded screw that allows fixed clockwise action for wood or metal. Although other screws are used in locksmithing, this one is not your average screw.

If you would like to sound sophisticated, you could practice using the term escutcheon. It might win points with someone you are trying to impress with your new knowledge of the locksmith trade. It describes the cover for the key hole of a lock similar to a mortice (also spelled mortise). A mortise is not a yoga position. It is a method that allows a face plate and trim to be exposed, placing the lock case within a hole in the door or drawer.

Locksmiths must be literate and familiar with the terms of their trade. It helps if their customers have an idea of the terms as well. These terms are necessary when ordering parts for the replacement or installment of locks. If the customer has a problem with the lock after installation, it is helpful if he or she can describe the parts.

Being a locksmith involves a decent grasp of the English language. Spelling is important as well. Advancement may depend on recognizing the spelling of the terms for a test or to be able to communicate effectively on paperwork. It is a positive step to become acquainted with the books and publications of the locksmith trade, even before becoming certified. Technology demands attention on a regular basis because it changes and evolves so quickly. An ongoing education is part of the job for a dedicated locksmith.

If you are really good at the mechanics of the locksmith trade but have trouble with spelling, keep a dictionary or thesaurus handy for the paperwork aspect of the job. Conveying the proper image on paper is important for high-profile business. If it is necessary to send a letter to a business, your grammar, spelling, and punctuation will put a negative image on your business if it is incorrect and sloppy.

Other interesting terms in locksmithing include sash, rose, and spoon. Some of the terms can be very fun to play with and add an area of interest to the lingo. But more importantly, they add an air of sophistication to the locksmith who uses them wisely.

Lock-Doc 24 7 Locksmith Jersey City
645 Newark Ave.
Jersey City, New Jersey 07306
(201) 216-1334

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How Illegal Locksmiths Hurt the Public

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

Illegal locksmiths caused annoyances in New York and several other states by placing hard-to-remove stickers on private property. They further insulted residents and business owners by using fake addresses and phone number to avoid getting caught. This is a popular scam tactic for locksmiths who are in the business for the wrong reasons.

There are an unbelievable number of illegal locksmiths across the United States who operated many different businesses under many different names while being licensed under only one name. Many illegal locksmiths place ads in yellow pages with phone numbers that connect to national call centers. The addresses they use in their ads either don’t exist or belong to abandoned buildings. Operating under a business name other than the one under which the locksmith is licensed makes it impossible to verify their license for any state level recourse of action for recovery when there has been a scam.

It is recommended that any locksmith’s state license be verified before you hire him/her. Taking the locksmith’s word for verification only makes your family security vulnerable. The scam artists have access to your home, your personal belongings, private information, keys, codes, and safe combinations. If your instinct tells you there is something vague about their answers to your questions, it may be best to follow your instincts. The locksmiths who are doing business legally and who are trustworthy should not mind satisfying your curiosity about their legitimacy.

Lock-Doc 24 7 Locksmith Jersey City
645 Newark Ave.
Jersey City, New Jersey 07306
(201) 216-1334

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Expect Quality Service From a Locksmith

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

Quality of Service is the most important thing when it comes to locksmiths and security. f you are going to get it done, do it the right way professionally. If you get the job done the wrong way, the family that lives in that home is in jeopardy. The family is not only in danger of burglaries, but by the person who installed the locks if they are not licensed. They can sell copies of the key to burglars. You cannot be too cautious when it comes to safety. When a job is well done you should not be able to tell that anything was repaired. That is the difference between a professional locksmith and your convenient handy man in the neighborhood.

Lock-Doc 24 7 Locksmith Jersey City
645 Newark Ave.
Jersey City, New Jersey 07306
(201) 216-1334

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