pile of keys

Do You Know Which Key Goes Where?

Keys have been used for thousands of years, and many types have been developed to improve security in specific circumstances. Here are some of the kinds of keys most commonly used today.

Keys for Homes and Businesses

A master key can be used to open several locks in a building, while each lock can also be opened by a key designed specifically for it. That allows homeowners and business managers to control who has access to each area. For example, some staff members can be given master keys so they will be able to access an entire building to perform their duties, while other individuals can be granted permission to enter only specific areas. Using a master key system eliminates the need for people who require wide-ranging access to carry multiple keys.

Keycards can be used in a home or business to give some individuals access to specific areas while not granting the same level of access to others. A keyless entry system can provide an electronic record of who entered each area and when which can deter theft or help owners and managers find the person responsible for a crime. A manager can deactivate a keycard if an employee quits or is fired or if a keycard is lost. That eliminates the need to change locks and replace keys, which can be expensive.

Vehicle Keys

Many newer vehicles use a transponder key, or “chip key,” that has a microchip programmed to the ignition code so it can only start a particular vehicle. Since a transponder key uses a specific circuit code and is hard to duplicate, it makes it difficult to steal a car.

Smart car keys are similar to transponder keys, but smart keys use more advanced technology that makes them hard to duplicate. A smart key allows the owner to open and close doors and to start a vehicle remotely.

Vehicle Anti-Theft keys have extra security measures, such as a security chip, that make it difficult for someone to open or start a vehicle without permission. Those keys are hard to replace since they require a unique code.

When to Call a Locksmith

If you get locked out of your home or car, don’t try to pick the lock yourself since you could damage the lock and door, which would lead to an even more expensive bill. All American Locksmiths is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help with an emergency lockout. We can extract your key if it gets stuck in a lock or breaks off, and we can duplicate or replace the key if necessary.

If you’re concerned about security at your home or business, we can install high-security and deadbolt locks or a keyless entry system that will let you control who has access. Contact All American Locksmiths if you need help with any security-related issue.

How to Unlock Your House When You’ve Misplaced Your Keys

Misplaced keys are a common source of frustration and panic for homeowners. If you’re locked out and don’t have access to a spare key, your best bet is to contact a locksmith for help. Then you will have to figure out if your home’s security is at risk to decide how to proceed.

Why You Should Call a Locksmith

If you don’t have a key, don’t try to break into your home. Attempting to pick a lock if you don’t know what you’re doing and/or don’t have the right tools would likely cause damage. Then you would have to hire a locksmith to let you into your home and to repair or replace the lock.

Likewise, don’t try to pry open a locked window or climb to enter through an open second-story window. You could damage the window, hurt yourself, or attract the attention of the police.

When You Should Change or Rekey the Locks

If you’re confident that you left your house key at a friend’s home or somewhere else where a stranger can’t get it and that you will be able to reclaim it, then you probably don’t have anything to worry about. If you think you misplaced your key in a location where there is little or no chance of anyone figuring out whom the key belongs to, you most likely don’t need to change or rekey the locks. If, on the other hand, you had an ID badge attached to your keyring, someone could find out where you live and enter your home without permission.

If you think your keys might have been stolen, you should be concerned, especially if you suspect that they were stolen by someone who knows your name and/or where you live. If your hunch is correct, that person could gain access to your house.

Options to Keep Your Home Secure

Replacing locks is generally more expensive than rekeying them. In many cases, it’s not necessary to replace an entire lockset. Locks can be rekeyed by changing the alignment of the pins inside so the old keys will no longer work.

If you have older locks and you have been thinking about upgrading to high-security locks, now would be a great time to do so. If you or other family members frequently misplace keys, you might want to consider installing a keyless entry system so you will be able to eliminate keys altogether and open doors using an access code, card, or key fob.

Hire a Professional Locksmith

All American Locksmiths is a full-service company serving customers in Connecticut and New York. We’re available around the clock to help with emergency lockouts. We can also change or rekey your locks or install keyless entry to avoid the possibility of misplacing keys in the future. Contact us if you need assistance.

3 tips

3 Ways to Find a Reliable Locksmith

Needing the services of a locksmith is nothing new. Some of us may have already had the unfortunate experience of locking our keys in the car before or needing to have our locks changed and interacted with these individuals. For others, the time will come when you require services. The best thing you can do is prepare in advance for possible lockout situations by doing your homework and ensuring you’re choosing someone reliable who can come out and help you remedy the door issues you’re having.

If you’re tired of wiggling the lock or wondering what day you will finally lose access to that door, here are 3 key tips for choosing a reliable locksmith.  Stop waiting until you’re in a pinch to find the professional you will use when the time comes.

1. Do Your Homework in Advance

One of the best ways to be prepared for locksmith services is to not wait until you actually need them. Typically lockouts happen at the least opportune time so having a game plan in advance and trusting the company your calling on is important to having peace of mind during these high-stress times. As you research to check how close they are and if there are fair pricing options available.

2.   Be Leery of Scams

One unfortunate bad wrap the locksmith industry has gotten over the years includes the bad rapport of a few overseas companies and others running scams. The best way to protect yourself from becoming a victim of these is to educate yourself on what scams exist and what sorts of things to check for to ensure you’re not being had.

3.   Check the Reviews

As part of the pre-screening process, and even when you’re in a pinch to hire a locksmith, you should always make it a practice to check out some credible reviews about the company to ensure you’re calling on someone who is capable of helping you in your lockout situation.

All American Locksmiths provides emergency lockout services and more for residential, auto and commercial buildings in Connecticut and Westchester County, NY. We are committed to excellence and will do the job the best way it can be done. Our goal is to leave every customer happy and satisfied with our locksmith services and products. CONTACT US TODAY!