Ken's Locksmithery

Don’t leave notes for service people or family members on the outside of your front door. These act as a welcome mat for a home burglar. Also make sure that your doors are always locked and your locks work properly!

You've probably heard the term "lojack" to describe a vehicle tracking system and wondered where the term comes from. It's actually a play on words where "hijack" means seizing or stealing a vehicle, "lojack" means making that more difficult. Hi and lo, get it?

Care to guess how long ago the classic pin lock was first developed? That would be about 4,000 years ago. Although the Egyptians can take the credit for inventing the pin lock, it was the early Greeks who refined this type of lock by miniaturizing it and crafting it from durable metals instead of wood.

Although research into the impact of theft to commercial businesses is ongoing, preliminary evidence suggests that financial losses for burglaries are typically 20 percent greater than losses sustained in comparable residential burglaries.

Think getting people into a locked car or cutting keys are all locksmiths do? We can also rekey your home or company, set you up with a safe--conventional or electronic, and repair just about any broken lock you need fixed.

Do you live in California, Texas, or Florida? These three states topped the FBI's list for highest auto theft rates for 2011. Follow the advice of security experts, and replace car keys as soon as they are lost.

Padlocks should be at least a grade 2 for proper protection. Anything less can easily be forced open with the appropriate tools.

You should always change the locks of your new home when you move in. In fact, it should be your top priority if you want to ensure complete safety and security.

Did you know that the pin locks, made from wood, were first used by Egyptians around 3000 years ago? This type of lock was only used to secure doors and is believed to have been only available to the government or wealthy.

Did you know that many of the earliest automobiles were not locked at all? This was because they were primarily owned by the very wealthy who typically hired a driver who would stay with the vehicle at all times, eliminating the need for a locking system.

Most locks are, by default, keyed differently. However, if you're replacing locks throughout your home and want to cut down on the need for extra keys, you can tell your locksmith that you want your locks to be keyed alike.

Door and trunk locks on cars were beginning to become standard equipment by the mid-1930s and the sidebar lock was the principal design. The modern pin and tumbler configuration began appearing in the 1950s and became the dominant form of automobile lock.

Do you ever worry that a former employee could still have a set of keys to your office building? Since some people have no qualms about stealing from former employers, it’s wise to change your locks to ensure they don’t still have access.

One of the first improvements on automotive locks occurred in 1935, less than 10 years after locks began to be installed regularly on vehicles. This very first improvement was created by General Motors and included a more advanced six cut sidebar lock that was more difficult to break into.

The earliest found lock with key utilized a pin tumbler principle that is used in many modern locks. The key was dated to the 8th century BC and found in the ruins of Emperor Sargon II’s palace in Khorsabad of the Assyrian Empire.

The batteries for keyless or remote entry systems for cars will not last forever, and they can also be damaged from exposure to moisture or shocks from sudden impact. If you think the battery in your fob has stopped functioning, let us help get your keys working again.

One of the best ways to protect your home is to keep your keys out of circulation. Only give keys to a few trusted people, as duplicate keys are easy and inexpensive to make. Also, don't leave a spare key in an obvious place, such as under the welcome mat.

One of the most commonly recommended security items for any form of business is a deadbolt. These are one of the most reliable forms of both commercial and residential security. There are many different options, as not all deadbolts are created equal.

Did you know the Panama Canal is made up of six locks? The canal runs 51 miles from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean and has a depth of 39ft.

There are a number of considerations that go into choosing a locksmith who will help with your automobile. One of these considerations is the professionalism shown by the locksmith providing the service.

When it comes down to it, businesses are going to require additional security for doors, windows, and other points of entry. By securing your property, you will significantly decrease your risk of a break in and protect your investment.

Whether someone has attempted to steal your vehicle, or a key has broken off in the ignition, it's possible for the ignition lock cylinder to become inoperable, leaving you stranded. An auto locksmith has the expertise to repair or replace the ignition lock cylinder.

Safes are some of the most secure means to keep your valuables, well, safe. But turn the dial too fast, or force it open before it’s completely unlocked, and you might just end up ruining your safe.

What is a panic bar? It is generally a metal bar that is spring-loaded and allows easy ability to exit a building, even in the dark or in the case of an emergency. A commercial locksmith can install panic bars on any fire and emergency exits in your business.

There’s an emergency and you must leave town right away. However, you need important documents that are in a safe deposit box in a bank or other facility. A locksmith can provide the same security but allow you to keep valuable items at home.

You should have at least one set of spare car keys made in case you lose or break your regular ones. Give the extra set to a friend or family member. Ideally, have a third set, and keep one in your wallet or purse as backup.

Do you know what an immobilizer system is? It's an advanced safety device that only allows a car to start with a special transponder key. Locksmiths have the programming for these immobilizers so you can even get into a locked car with an immobilizer in place.

If you live in a recently built condo, apartment, subdivision, or gated community where a single manufacturer supplied similar locks for every house in the community, then it may be wise to have your house rekeyed.

Consider having the locks on all exterior doors examined by a locksmith. They should be able to withstand an attempt at forced entry. FBI statistics show that 6 out of 10 burglaries in 2013 relied on forced entry.

We recognize that the person with the spare key to your vehicle won’t always be able to get it to you as quickly as you need access to your car. Calling a locksmith may be the fastest way to get back into your vehicle when you’re locked out.

A car lock might seem like something that’s basic and unchanging. But like every other part of a car, lock technology is constantly evolving and changing. Auto locksmiths stay on top of the changes in car lock technology so they’ll be able to open almost any car.

A reputable locksmith will always ask to see your ID or proof of residence before working on the locks in your home. Most will also ask to see proof of ownership (such as an insurance card) before unlocking your car or duplicating a lost key.

We specialize in unlocking vehicles, and our locksmiths are trained to deal with the specific methods to unlock cars of all makes and models, and the hazards inherent in unlocking cars with advanced locking systems.

Electronic keypad systems work well for business owners worried about employees who forget to bring keys or access cards to work. Additional technology, such as fingerprint access, makes it impossible for an employee to forget a security code or access card.

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to wait until keys are misplaced or stolen in order to change the locks to your company. Whether it’s time for preventative measures or you need stronger locks to deal with crime increases in the area, we’re always here to help.

Why are more than two million burglaries committed each year? It could be that only about 13 percent of all break-ins are solved, making the choice of locks for your entrance doors even more important.

Nobody writes locking themselves out of their car into their schedules, which means that odds are good you have to be somewhere other than waiting to get your car unlocked. We understand this, and will work quickly to get you back on the road.

Even if your spouse and children aren't worried about driving around without knowing who to call for emergency auto locksmith services, you can rest easy knowing that you've taken care of your loved ones.

Imagine you get a call one day and an electrical fire has severely damaged your house. Luckily, no one was hurt. Even better news is that all of your important documents many that you’ll need for insurance and other purposes were in a fire safe and are not damaged.

When looking for a place to break in, an intruder will select the door with the lock that seems easiest to penetrate in the location where he or she has the least chance of being seen. Your best protection is to install quality locks along with added safety features such as security lights.

If you like the idea of integrating the locks on your facility, an interconnected locking system may be for you. It combines the functionality of both a deadbolt and a latch in one. From inside, the door can be unlocked and opened in one easy motion.

While doing things yourself may seem like an expense-saver, make sure it does not cost you more in the long run. If you try to pick your car lock and you damage it, it may void the theft protection of your automobile insurance.

Do not try to pick the lock yourself. Not only does this look suspicious, but most car insurance will not cover damage done to the car by the owner in an attempt to unlock it.

It’s important to remember that some employees are unable to handle losing their job the way most employees are. If you’re concerned that a former employee might try to burglarize or vandalize your business, changing the locks is the first order of business.

When looking to make your house less of a target for burglary, one of the best fixes is lighting, both outdoor and indoor. It’s partly about minimizing the appearance of vacancy inside the house, but partly about shedding light on would-be intruders outside your home.

Some advanced electronic locks can actually allow you to issue individual passcodes to authorized users and will record each time a specific code is used. This kind of lock is perfect for a safe or other location where highly valuable or sensitive items are stored and access is restricted.

While you may have multiple employees with access keys to your office building, that doesn’t mean all those employees will be able to get to the office when you misplace your key. If you need help getting into your building, we may be able to help.

Replacing a lock requires more than simply pulling out the old one and installing a new. Unless you want to have multiple keys to open the now different locks, it is a good idea to have all the old locks rekeyed during this time.

Every car lock requires different tools and techniques. We use a specialty transponder, for example, to unlock cars with remote keyless entry systems, but we may use a traditional lock lifter on older vehicles with manual locks.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to remember who all you’ve given spare keys to over the years when you’ve lived in your house for a long time. If you need to ensure that you know exactly who has access to your home, it’s smart to change the locks.

The weakest point of any door lock is the strike plate, which attaches to the door jamb. Some locks include high security strike plates that are made of heavy gauge metal and are mounted with 3" long screws that secure to the wall framing.

General Motors first produced the Vehicle Anti-Theft System (VATS) key during the 1990s. Many people believe this is the same as a transponder key, but actually it is a resistor, which can be visible on the blade of the key. If it is not working properly, the car will not start. We can help you if your VATS key is showing signs of problems.

Locks are designed to accept multiple keys with the same keyway, but only turn with the correct milling. This differentiation allows car makers to create valet keys and master keys. Slight differences in the millings and locks mean the valet keys only work on certain locks.

Do you know what weak points your home may have that burglars can take advantage of? The most obvious would be an open door when you are either away or at the back of the house. Another weak point would be a tree house within stepping distance from an upstairs window.

Some criminals may use a filed-down key, known as a "bump key," to force open a standard lock. Certain locks (such as combination locks, disc locks, magnetic locks, electronic locks, and keyless locks) are immune to bump keys.

It’s important to remember that the same features that make your vehicle less attractive to car thieves can also create headaches for you when they stop working. If a digital locking system is the only way to access your vehicle and it stops working, it may be necessary to contact a locksmith for help.

Ward locks are ancient locks that are still used today. They are common throughout Ireland and the UK, and in America they have been utilized in cabinet locks, padlocks, and often in other low-security locks.

While most car doors may look the same from the outside, some automakers have made significant changes to the locking mechanisms inside to make them safer. Calling in a locksmith is the best way to get back into your car without causing damage when you’re locked out.

If you’ve locked yourself out of your car, using an auto locksmith is always going to be your best option. Auto locksmiths have been trained to open cars quickly and without damage, and have a number of tools available, depending on the particular lock configuration of your car.

Are you moving soon? When you move into a new house, it’s a good idea to change all the locks and tumblers. While it would be extremely rare for a previous owner to break in, it is possible that they accidentally could have left behind a hide-a-key. Don’t take any chances!

Can automotive locksmiths re-key locks on motorcycles? In most instances, yes. If a motorcycle key has been lost, or is suspected stolen, it is possible to re-key motorcycle locks, even coded number locks, instead of replacing the entire lock.

A home burglar can gain entry into your home by kicking in the door or disabling the lock, so you want to address both of those possibilities with the equipment you choose. The first step in doing this is to have either a solid wood or metal door.

Did you know that there are high security locks that are virtually impossible to pick or bump and can also withstand attack from a cordless drill? Of course, the drill will likely damage the lock, but the burglar remains outside.

It is a myth that only a car dealer can make a copy of a transponder key. These are the keys with a small electronic chip as a safety feature. Any experienced auto locksmith has the equipment and training to copy a transponder key.

One in 36 homes is burglarized every year. That figure varies based on location and other factors like time of year. Statistically, the risk of your home being burglarized isn't high, but it still pays to take all reasonable precautions to keep your family and belongings safe.

Locks and deadbolts are of course intended to prevent burglary, however businesses can reduce risk to crime in many other ways too. Be sure that your establishment’s parking lots and storefronts are well lit at night, and establish staff policies requiring at least two people to open or close your business.

Did you know that auto locksmiths must use special tools in order to unlock cars that feature the new security systems? This includes everything from laser key simulators, to tension tools and decoders for car security system codes.

When access to different areas of your building needs to be adjusted or restricted, electronic access control systems provide the security you need. Access can be granted for as little or as long as needed, depending on the project.

It is a good idea to review your security protocols periodically. During this process, check your facility door keys to make sure they all keys are accounted for. If you discover some keys are missing, have your locks changed immediately.

Did you know that most auto locksmiths perform a variety of different services? Not only can the unlock a car, but auto locksmiths can make keys, change locks, perform door key or ignition extractions, and even open a locked trunk.

Joseph Loch is credited for his invention of the modern combination lock. However, the technology seems to have been around for years. The earliest known example is from a Roman period box that was opened with dials instead of keys.

Auto locksmiths can handle virtually any door, lock or key emergency. We have special tools and detailed training that allows us to open a locked car, for example, without damaging the glass or weather stripping.

Do you know that if deadbolts aren’t installed properly, they won’t ensure complete security and protection? This is why it’s important to have a locksmith to install them rather than a contractor.

Did you know that typically a burglar will only spend about 60 seconds trying to break into a building before giving up and moving on? Often all you need is a quality lock and other deterrents such as security lights to discourage a potential intruder.

If the key to the lock on your car door is offering resistance, do not try to force the issue. Jiggle it lightly while gently trying to turn it, but be careful, too much torque can break the key off in the lock. If this has happened, or you cannot open the lock, call for help.

Doors accessed by key locks often aren't practical in many commercial applications. This is particularly the case when there is a mixture of employees and customers entering a building. Instead, buzzer locks or other keyless entry systems can be effective.

Have you ever had a jammed ignition cylinder? It can be pretty frustrating when you can't start your car, but sometimes there's a quick fix for the problem. The next time it happens, try gently wiggling your steering wheel.

It's pretty easy to get distracted and lock your keys in your vehicle. No matter when this happens you can give us a call, and we'll send out help so you can get back in your car and on your way.

As a professional locksmith service provider, we have access to the latest available automotive key codes for semi tractors, motorcycles, RVs, and more. So, if you are in trouble and need access to any of these, call us.

Are you interested in changing the locks in your home because of a domestic situation? We can quickly change out the locks and provide new keys so that anyone holding keys to the old locks in your home will no longer have access to the house.

Unfortunately, young children can easily lock you out of the car and themselves inside. Since this can be a frightening experience for any parent to endure, we’ll do everything we can to get your vehicle unlocked as quickly as possible.

Care to guess the difference between a single and a double sided key? This is an easy one. A double sided key has both and upper and a lower set of teeth where a single sided key has teeth on only one side. The additional teeth mean that the lock is more difficult to pick.

We believe the best remedy for locking yourself out of your car, or losing your keys, is to have a spare handy. Never keep the spare key in the car. If you have only one key, our locksmiths can create a duplicate one for you.

A double-cylinder deadbolt is one that has a lock on both the interior and exterior sides of the door. It provides another layer of security. Conversion kits are available that can change a standard single-cylinder deadbolt to a double-cylinder.

Why should you check with a commercial locksmith to install panic bars on the exits in your business? In addition to promoting safety, the bars are usually required by building and fire codes throughout the country.

If you are locked outside of your car because your car key broke off inside of the door, then you will want to hire a professional auto locksmith. Only with the right tools and training can this service be done properly, without damaging your starter, which would otherwise cost you hundreds of dollars more to fix.

Making your business secure isn't just a precaution against being robbed. A secure facility also discourages generally honest people from being tempted to overstep conventional boundaries. When you secure your property and proprietary information, you protect others as well as yourself.

While legal requirements vary from state to state, many locksmiths belong to professional associations that issue them identification and provide opportunities for continuing education. Regardless of their affiliation, you should always feel comfortable asking a locksmith for their ID to make sure they are who they say they are.

Do not be offended when we arrive to unlock your car and we ask for some form of identification. This step is to protect you against someone trying to break into your car and stealing it.

If you own a business, just locking your front door at night may not be enough. It is also important secure your intellectual property, including items like: design patents, confidentiality agreements, trademarks and non-disclosure agreements.

Search for the locksmith’s address online and check it out under streetview. Some scam companies will list an empty lot as headquarters to give them a street address.

ANSI Grade 2 locks are appropriate for light commercial and heavy residential use. Most locksmiths recommend using a lock with a minimum rating of ANSI Grade 2 for residential use on exterior doors and doors between garages and living spaces.

In skilled hands, modern high tech versions of the old-fashioned Slim Jim can open most locked cars. An extremely long thin version allows the locksmith to access the lock without triggering the side airbag.