Prevent Lock Picking and Bumping with High-Security Locks

lock-picking-bumping-high-security-locksBurglars can target any neighborhood at any time. Homeowners would like to think that they are safe if they lock their doors, but the truth is that many commonly used locks can easily be picked or bumped, allowing burglars to gain access to a home while leaving no sign of forced entry.

According to the National Crime Prevention Council and the Department of Justice, about two-thirds of break-ins do not leave signs of forced entry. Criminals gain access through unlocked doors and windows and by picking or bumping locks.

How Criminals Can Pick or Bump Locks

Locks can be picked or bumped using a few simple tools. Criminals can purchase bump keys, which are special keys that have all of the valleys cut to the maximum depth so that they can fit into nearly all locks. The bump key is inserted in the key hole and tapped with a hammer or screwdriver to force all of the tumblers above the shear line.

Bump keys make it easy to open most locks sold at home improvement and hardware stores. A burglar with a bump key can open as many as 90 percent of locks in a matter of seconds. The technique is so easy to learn that even a child can do it.

Websites have been created specifically for criminals to educate others about how to break into homes and businesses without leaving signs of forced entry. Lock picking tools, bump keys, and instructions on how to make and use them are readily available online.

How to Protect Your Home from Burglars

Homeowners should be concerned about the dangers of lock picking and bumping. In addition to the possibility of theft, some insurance companies refuse to pay claims if there is no evidence of forced entry.

If your home has locks that were purchased from a hardware or home improvement store, it is very likely that they can be picked or bumped. One of the most effective ways to prevent this and keep your home secure is to install high-security locks that are much more difficult to manipulate than many common types of locks. High-security locks are specifically designed to not be able to be picked or bumped.

All American Locksmiths has installed high-security locks for homeowners across Connecticut. And when we say across Connecticut, we mean any and every town you can think of. Connecticut is our home, too. We take pride in servicing residents of Greenwich, Stamford, New Haven, Fairfield, and Hartford. This is not an exhaustive list, by the way.

We’ll proudly service any town in Connecticut; these are merely the most popular. When you choose All American Locksmith, you’ll get professionals who care about this great state. We travel to serve you, and as an added bonus, we get to stop at some of our favorite Connecticut restaurants. Need high-security locks near Ralph ‘n’ Rich’s in Bridgeport? How about Bar in New Haven? We’re happy to visit you near the Dew Drop Inn in Derby, too. Once we solve your lock needs, we’ll be treating ourselves to your neighborhood eateries.

What do we install, you ask? We can install high-security locks to keep your family and possessions safe. Our high-security locks can make it much more difficult for someone to break into your home and can give you peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more.

Jimmy-Proof Locks Are a Secure Alternative to Deadbolts for Your CT Home

Keeping their families safe is a primary concern for homeowners across Connecticut. Break-ins occur every day and can happen in any community. If you own a home in Connecticut, installing jimmy-proof locks can help deter thieves and keep your family and property safe.

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What Is a Jimmy-Proof Lock?

A jimmy-proof lock is not the same as a deadbolt. A jimmy-proof lock has an oval shape with a flat side and a bolt that can slide up and down into the strike plate when the door is closed. The strike plate is a brass piece that is attached to the frame with self-tapping screws. The lock can be used on either side of the door, regardless of the way it swings, whether in or out, left or right.

The difference between a jimmy-proof lock and a deadbolt is that a deadbolt is a complete locking system, while a jimmy-proof lock needs a pin cylinder in order for the lock to work. A jimmy-proof lock is often located on the inside of a door. A jimmy-proof lock gets its name from the fact that it cannot be accessed from the outer portion of the lock on the front of the door. This prevents someone from prying off the lock.

A jimmy-proof lock is also easier to install than a deadbolt. A jimmy-proof lock only requires a 1 ¼-inch hole, whereas a deadbolt requires four holes.

How to Keep Your Family and Property Safe at Your Connecticut Home

If you are concerned about security in your neighborhood, installing jimmy-proof locks on your doors can give you peace of mind. Jimmy-proof locks can prevent break-ins and keep your family and belongings safe from intruders.

All American Locksmiths is a full-service locksmith company serving customers all over Connecticut. We can install jimmy-proof locks in your home to improve security. We can also provide other services, such as changing or rekeying locks, repairing or replacing locks, and keying locks alike. We can help you get inside if you accidentally lock yourself out of your home or car. If you need help with any locksmith issue in Connecticut, call All American Locksmiths any time, 24/7.

Benefits of Profile Cylinder Locks for CT Homes and Businesses

profile-cylinder-locksKeeping buildings and their contents secure is a top priority for homeowners, business owners, and managers. People also need to be able to access private and common areas. In many places, such as businesses and commercial buildings, it is necessary to allow many people to access certain areas while keeping other areas restricted only to specific people. This can be accomplished by installing profile cylinder locks.

What Is a Profile Cylinder Lock?

A profile cylinder lock has a cylinder that can be unscrewed by a locksmith to rekey the lock. The cylinder can have several types of locking mechanisms, such as a wafer tumbler lock, pin tumbler lock, or disc tumbler lock. Cruciform pin tumbler locks can also use an interchangeable cylinder.

How Profile Cylinder Locks Can Be Keyed

Profile cylinder locks can be keyed in several ways:

In an individually keyed system, a cylinder can only be opened with an individual key.

With a keyed-alike system, multiple cylinders can be opened with the same key. This system is typically used in a home or business to open front and back doors.

In a master keyed system, each lock has an individual key that will not open any other lock. All of the locks in the building can be opened with a master key. This is often used in commercial properties so maintenance staff can access apartments but residents cannot access other people’s units.

A grand master key system is an extension of the master key system. Each lock has an individual key, and the locks are divided into groups. Every lock in a group can be opened by a master key, and the whole system can be opened by a grand master key. This system is often used in large commercial properties.

Maison keying, or common entrance suite keying, is often used in office buildings, hotels, and apartments. Each apartment or office has an individual key that will not open any other unit. Each key will also open entrance doors and doors to communal areas. This system is often combined with a master key system that the property owner or landlord can use.

A digital or electronic profile cylinder lock uses an electric current. This may be a stand-alone lock with an electronic control assembly mounted directly to the lock. Electronic profile cylinder locks are often connected to an access control system that can log who enters and leaves the property. Keys can be removed or added without needing to rekey the cylinder locks.

Contact All American Locksmiths to Have Profile Cylinder Locks Installed

Profile cylinder locks are versatile enough to be used in many residential and commercial applications. All American Locksmiths has installed profile cylinder locks for many homeowners, commercial property owners, and business owners across Connecticut. If you would like to improve security and access control at your home, business, or commercial property in Connecticut with profile cylinder locks, contact All American Locksmiths today.