key in door lock

How to Tell If Your Lock is Broken

If you’re thinking about calling a Locksmith for some help, then chances are you’ve either misplaced your keys, had them stolen or something’s broken and you don’t know how you’re going to get in. Whatever the reason, we’re glad you found us!

All American Locksmiths offers fast, reliable services for emergency, auto, residential and commercial needs all across Connecticut and in Westchester County, New York. Whenever you’re in a jam or if you need someone you can count on to come get the job done, we’re here for you.

If you’re still in the early stages of trying to figure out whether you may need a locksmith at all, we’re here to offer you some help too.

Here are some signs that your door lock is broken and you’re going to need a locksmith to come out and help.

Door Won’t Lock

One of the first and not obvious signs that your door isn’t working as it should is that the lock won’t work. You turn the key and nothing happens. It’s stuck. No matter what you try, the door just swings right open anyway.

Key Spins in the Lock

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there is the instance of your key just spinning round and round when inserted into the lock. Again, this issue means there’s an obvious problem to address or an entirely new lock needing to be installed.

The Knob Wiggles

Even if the door closes okay and the lock seems to work, there could be an issue that puts home security at risk. A wiggling doorknob is a telltale sign that the lock is malfunctioning. Whether it’s loose screws or bolts or something else is happening, it’s best to address the problem with a professional as soon as possible or risk an intruder easily forcing their way in through a damaged door.

Don’t let any of these reasons worry you into thinking that a solution to your door issues is complicated. Our team of professionals will be there to your Bridgeport location promptly to assist you with broken locks, rekeying and entry into your home or business.

Get in touch today!

apartment

Protecting Your Apartment from Break-ins

Even if your apartment building has surveillance cameras and buzzers, it can still be vulnerable to burglars. A multi-layered security system can make it easy to become complacent and make careless mistakes which allow thieves to steal valuables. Here are some tips to keep your belongings safe.

Make Sure Only People You Trust Have Keys

Before you move into a new apartment, make sure the lock has been changed or rekeyed. A former tenant, plus his or her family members and friends, could still have keys. That means that if the lock wasn’t changed or rekeyed, a stranger could potentially walk into your apartment at any time.

If you lose a key in or near your apartment building, or if you lose your key and identification together, contact the landlord or management company immediately and ask to have the lock changed. You may have to pay a fee, but it’s better than having someone waltz into your home and steal your expensive possessions.

Lock up Your Apartment

It only takes a moment for a burglar to enter an apartment, grab valuables, and disappear. Thieves are often able to get into homes because people leave their doors or windows unlocked. Always lock your apartment, even if you are just going to get your mail or to talk to a neighbor down the hall. Keep windows locked, especially if you live on the ground floor. If you have a sliding door, use a pole in the track to improve security.

Know Who Belongs There

Get to know your neighbors, as well as apartment staff and maintenance workers. Note unfamiliar faces and report any suspicious activity to management or to the police. If you need to go away, ask a neighbor you trust to keep an eye on your apartment.

Hide Valuables

If someone is coming to install or fix something in your apartment, hide valuables, such as a laptop, jewelry, and credit cards. Even if the person doesn’t steal anything at that time, he or she could be looking for valuables to come back and steal later.

Make People Think You’re Home

If you need to be away from your apartment for a while, or if you work at night, creating the impression that someone is home can deter burglars. You can set timers or use a smartphone app to control the lights from any location.

Make Security a Top Priority

All American Locksmiths serves residential and commercial customers in Connecticut and New York. We service the county of Litchfield, Waterbury, Norwalk and more! We can change or rekey locks in apartment buildings if a new tenant is moving in or if someone loses a key, and we can help tenants who accidentally lock themselves out. If you are a landlord interested in improving security or a tenant in need of emergency assistance, contact All American Locksmiths. We are available 24/7 to help with all your security needs.

padlock

3 Reasons to Hire a Locksmith

Most people don’t think about locksmiths until they need something unlocked. But what exactly can locksmiths unlock? When should you call a locksmith? We at All American Locksmiths have all these answers, and more! If you find yourself in 1 of these 3 situations, then you should call a locksmith.

You Need To Open a Combination Safe, But Forgot The Code

Whether the safe holds your valuables or valuables that were left to you, locksmiths can help you gain the access you require. There is, of course, one catch: you must verify that you own the safe you’re looking to unlock. If a locksmith doesn’t ask you for identification, then tread lightly. Safes are meant to thwart thieves, but it doesn’t stop them from trying. In both heist movies and the news, we see that many thieves are attracted to combination safes. After all, safes generally represent a “big score.”  Therefore, if you need to open a locked safe, call a locksmith, but be sure to provide appropriate identification. 

It’s Late at Night & You Lost Your House Keys

Nobody wants to have to resort to breaking into their own house. If you find yourself in this situation, then it’s best to call an emergency locksmith. Emergency locksmiths are available to help you 24/7. Remember that a locksmith doesn’t need to see your key in order to pick your lock. An experienced locksmith will help you gain entry without damaging your door or its lock. 

You Lost Your Car Keys & Don’t Have a Spare

Few lockout scenarios are as stressful as the ones that involve entry to your car. Cars represent independence, and if you don’t have the ability to enter and start your car, you effectively lose that independence. If you call a locksmith, you won’t have to lack that independence for very long. Nowadays, you don’t need a spare key to create a new key: all you need is your vehicle’s VIN number. With that, and proper identification, an experienced locksmith will be able to cut you a brand new car key. 

In Need of a Connecticut or New York Locksmith? Give us a Call!

If you’re currently in one of the situations discussed above, then please call us at 203-752-1464. It doesn’t matter if you’re in Croton-On-Hudson, Stamford, Greenwich, Fairfield, or Hartford–we’re available to help you 24/7.