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24 HOUR  LOCKSMITH SERVICE |
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| locksmith tips The Evolution of Locksmith Services The first thing you probably think of when you think of a locksmith is getting locked out of your car. While this is easily the most common locksmith service, there are several instances where a locksmith can be useful around your house, too. Some of the most common services provided by a residential locksmith are: changing the locks installing window gates, installing intercoms Installing cameras to keep out unwelcome guests, opening the door when you are locked out of your home, locked out of your garage or lost your car keys and inspecting your house after a burglary, there are much more things that a locksmith can do around your house. Modern Residential Locksmith Services Modern residential locksmiths are far more advanced and offer many more services and technologies than those of a decade or two ago. Well beyond conventional lock-picking and replacement, these professional now deal with electronic and magnetic locks that are the very height of technology. Most residential locksmith companies offer a combination of locksmith services and home security systems, including home safes, intercoms, secure doors, windows, and gates with the latest technologies such as fingerprint readers. Of course, no home security system is impenetrable, but you can get pretty close. The casual burglar won't be able to get in, and the experienced burglar is probably going to pass over your home in favor of one that is more accessible. If the worst happens and someone does break into your home, your first call is going to be to the police, but it's not a bad idea to call a 24-hour locksmith, either. They may be able to tell you exactly how the perpetrator entered your home. Plus, your locks probably need to be replaced, anyway. However, if you have enough time to make an appointment with a residential locksmith, he or she can test your entrances and give you an honest appraisal of your home's security, possibly stopping a break-in before it happens (without the off hour surcharge). LOCKSMITH SECURITY IS NUMBER ONE. 24-Hour Locksmiths Since many of the tasks performed by residential locksmiths are needed during times of urgency, many of these professionals offer or specialize in 24-hour locksmith services. 24-hour locksmiths are rarely called to make locks or plan home security systems; while they may be able to handle such tasks, 24-hour are usually hired to perform lock-picking, lock repair, and other urgent keying services. When an issue does not require immediate attention, a 24-hour locksmith is often a more expensive option than a non-emergency residential locksmith company; the former will show up quickly, no matter the time, and will typically charge a premium rate for their prompt appearance, while the latter will give you a better price by scheduling your visit in advance. Keeping the bad guys away More homes are broken into during the summer than any other time. So how can you protect your property? JoAnne Purtan has this consumer investigation so you don’t waste your money: It takes just seconds for an intruder to kick in a door and get inside your home. Wayne County Sheriff Warren Evans: “I think the biggest misconception is people think if they lock their doors they will be ok.” Locking your doors is not enough but the door itself is not typically the weak spot experts say. Mike Cutler of Dearborn Heights has been a locksmith more than 50 years. He says one of the biggest mistakes is using short screws in the door jamb to hold your dead bolt in place. Mike Cutler: “All you have to do is kick the door, the screws will split out and everything goes flying. Consumer Reports tested a solid wood door with the short screws and it didn’t hold. A metal door also did not hold. The door jamb split in both cases. The key is to use three-inch screws that go into the two-by-four or main beam of your house. Better yet, a strike box and plate that hold the dead bolt in place. Cutler says you put the three-inch screws into the strike box and into the frame. Then the strike plate is screwed in on top also with three-inch screws. Cutler: “This will really hold back an awful lot of kicking.” The strike box, plate and screws cost only about $10. Also, to protect your home, if you have a sliding glass door, lodge a pole against it. Install good outdoor lighting high up so it can’t be easily disabled and keep valuables out of sight. |
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What to do when you're locked out
? One of the most annoying and frustrating emergencies is getting locked out of your car. If the car's running, or a child is trapped inside, it could become a very big problem. The best way to avoid locking yourself out of a car is to change your behavior. Getting in the habit of locking the door with your key instead of using the inside door locks could save you some hassle. Waiting until you're outside the car to put your keys away may also help. It may be a good idea to keep an extra set of keys where you can always get to them. A locksmith may be your best choice when you do get locked out. Prices may vary from around twenty-five to more than fifty dollars for opening a locked car, so call around for the best price if you have time. On older cars, a bent coat hanger can sometimes do the trick. New cars are nearly impossible to get into without damage to the vehicle. Your car dealer may be able to bring you a key to your new car if you get locked out. If it's a true emergency, your local police or fire department may be able to open your locked car door. |
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