Guide to Purchasing a Keyless Door Lock

Considerations before buying a smart lock for your home

BY JASON STEVENS

Do you have multiple family members coming and going from your home on a daily basis? What if someone loses their keys? What if someone gets locked out of the house? These are just a few of the reasons smart locks and keyless entry door locks are rapidly growing in popularity.

In addition to the safety benefits, smart locks are just more convenient. Gone are the days of fumbling through your purse for front door keys while you’ve got a squirming toddler in your arms. To unlock your door, simply punch in your numerical combo and you’re on your way. Connect your front door smart lock to a mobile app, and you’ll never have to lie in bed again and worry whether you secured the door. Just pick up your smartphone, check the front locks, and sleep peacefully. While the use of keyless door locks is in popularity, hacking into home locks is growing in popularity as well.

We’ve outlined details about the best keyless door locks and smart locks for your home, so you can choose what works best for you and your family.

Types of keyless smart locks

Thanks to creative minds and ever-advancing technology, you’re not only able to more efficiently protect your home, but you may also have the ability to easily unlock the door with the sound of your voice or a quick number combination. When selecting keyless entry options for your home, here are a few things to consider:

• Keypad locks are easy to set up and require a PIN number to unlock the door. Individual users can also have their own unique PINs, and you can change codes anytime. Brinks Home offers the KwikSet 888 Smartcode Deadbolt and the KwikSet SmartCode Wireless Keypad Leverlock. Both keypad locks feature a stainless steel side locking bar as well as racks and pins for increased strength and security. While these locks lack remote accessibility, they save kids and other family members from keeping up with keys. Additionally, since keypad locks don’t access the internet, they can’t be hacked.
• Wi-Fi-enabled lock options allow for more control both on-site and remotely. So if one of the kiddos forgot their key, a quick call to Mom or Dad and the push of a mobile button on a smartphone app will solve the problem. While some homeowners enjoy the convenience of a full wireless setup, keep in mind that any lock connected to the internet could be vulnerable to hackers. If you don’t want the hassle of connectivity, the tried-and-true deadbolt and keypad may be for you.
• Key fobs act as an electronic key that can wirelessly lock and unlock your home up to 500 feet away. Key fobs are a good option for those who don’t want to remember a code but still want the technology of a smart lock. In addition to keyless entry lock fobs, keychain remotes can turn lights on and off, open garage doors, and, in case of emergency, activate police or auxiliary panic alarms. Just remember to keep your keychain remote safe, otherwise you may accidentally alert the authorities.
• Biometric solutions can help lock down and protect your space with the scan of a fingerprint. Though usually reserved for businesses, easily programmable biometric locks can also arm your home through fingerprint or facial recognition. While these exclude the need for remembering a passcode or carrying any type of key, these biometric options do tend to be a bit pricey and may still be vulnerable to hackers.

Keyless lock features to consider

In addition to assessing what size lock will fit your door, you also need to consider the outside environment around your home, your budget, and who will use your locks. Here are some things to think about before making your purchase:

Durability: Make sure your lock can not only stand up to intruders and vandals, but also to any extreme weather.

• Is your lock waterproof and heat-resistant, for instance?
• Will it perform well in cold weather?
• Before purchasing a smart lock, ask about any guarantees or warranties in the event your keyless lock incurs damage.

Integrations

• What is the most efficient way you and your family can operate locks?
• Will a numeric keypad do the job, or would you prefer to have remote access in case of emergency?
• Do you want your door lock to work cohesively with your cameras, alarms, or overall security surveillance system?
• You can also connect Brinks Home products with your Google or Alexa digital assistant to enable voice command.

Wi-Fi connectivity: To connect integrations, you’ll need a solid Wi-Fi connection.

• Before you purchase any devices, make sure they have adequate range to reach throughout your home and, even better, into your garage and backyard. That way you won’t have to interrupt your evening on the back porch to unlock the door for a guest.

Power source: Some keyless entry options are battery-operated, while others rely on electricity. Either way, getting locked out of the house is always a possibility, so have a backup plan, such as hiding a spare key in a secure location (that’s not under your welcome mat) or leaving a key with a trusted friend.

Take your home security to the next level by pairing keyless locks and smart entry options with video doorbells, security cameras, and other Brinks Home products. Contact us to get started.

Jason Stevens is a senior writer for Brinks Home. He is a “tech guy” who enjoys sharing home security and automation tips with others.

Article Source: Guide to Purchasing a Keyless Door Lock

Related Article: LOCK AND KEY TYPES

Visit www.ahwatukeelocksmithaz.com to learn more about keyless entry locks as well as other types of locks. For professional locksmith assistance, call (480) 719-6057

source https://ahwatukeelsaz.wordpress.com/2022/05/30/guide-to-purchasing-a-keyless-door-lock/

How to Make Your Ground-Floor Apartment More Private and Secure

Strategies that don’t involve installing an expensive security system.

By Elizabeth Yuko 5/07/22 3:30PM

Photo: Ryan DeBerardinis (Shutterstock)

When it comes to real estate, everyone has their preferences, and apartments are no exception. And there are so many factors to consider when deciding which part of a building you’d like to live in.

For example, do you want to live on a higher floor and have a better view, but deal with it being warmer than other parts of the building? Or would an apartment on a lower floor be better, if the elevator breaks (or the building doesn’t have one at all)?

And of course, safety is another concern—especially for apartments on the ground- or lower-levels. But sometimes, those are the only units available in a building and/or at your price range. In that case (or if you prefer being closer to the ground), here are some tips for making your place a bit safer and more private.

Invest in window treatments

Yes, this one’s obvious, but really important, and overlooked more often than you’d think. Putting up some combination of curtains, drapes, blinds, and/or shades not only gives you more privacy, but it also prevents passersby and would-be burglars from seeing what you have inside.

Install window locks or security bars

Most rental apartments—even in older buildings—should have windows that lock. Whether or not those locks are functional is a different question, so start by checking those. If they don’t work, check with your superintendent, landlord, or building management company to see if they can be replaced. Even with the standard locks, you may also want to install an additional lock, or security bars for another layer of protection.

Ensure the hallways are well-lit

Let’s say someone who doesn’t belong in your building is able to gain access to it: Having dim, poorly-lit interior hallways will make it easier for them to remain undetected. And so whether you rent or own your apartment, it’s a good idea to talk to your building’s management about keeping the hallways sufficiently lit.

Article Source: How to Make Your Ground-Floor Apartment More Private and Secure

Related Article: Monitored Security System

Visit us at www.ahwatukeelocksmithaz.com and learn how we can make your apartment more secure. Call us at (480) 719-6057 for professional lock installation assistance.

source https://ahwatukeelsaz.wordpress.com/2022/05/17/how-to-make-your-ground-floor-apartment-more-private-and-secure/

Tips to Hire A Good Locksmith

Ahwatukee Home Lockouts

A locksmith will come to your rescue if you become locked out or if you are looking for lock or security upgrades, so it is a good idea to have someone in mind that you can call and count on. But how are you supposed to find a skilled locksmith? We are going to provide some tips to hire a good locksmith. As a mobile locksmith, we are proficient in installing new locks, deadbolt changes, lock rekeys, lock repairs, security camera/CCTV installation, safe unlocking and other lock and key services.

We believe that customers should be a priority for any business. That is why we put ourselves in the shoes of our customers. We care about them. But this is just one thing to look for when hiring a good locksmith.

We recommend finding a locksmith that is mobile. What does this mean? It means they come to their customers, delivering the needed services. This would be important if you were to ever become locked out, because you would need help to arrive to your location.

We also recommend finding a locksmith that offers various services. You might be initially interested in lock repair, but perhaps the job just cannot be done, so lock replacement is needed. Or maybe you call on a locksmith because your key is stuck in the ignition, so you believe broken key extraction is needed. Upon further inspection, it turns out an ignition change is needed. It would be beneficial if the locksmith you hired was skillful in performing both services. This is just one example of the importance of offering various services.

Another recommendation is to find a locksmith that offers fair, competitive pricing. You want to make sure that the person you hire does not try to scam you. The price should not change significantly when the locksmith shows up to do the job, or at all. It is one thing for something unexpected to arise, but it is another thing for the cost to suddenly shoot up for no known reason. Fair pricing is important when looking for a good locksmith.

A locksmith that is proficient in commercial, automotive and residential services will be capable of providing so many different services. From safe unlocking and commercial lock replacement, to ignition changes and transponder key programming, there will be many services for you to choose from. As far as residential locksmith services, a locksmith will be capable of performing lockout help, keyless entry system installation, lock changes, deadbolt changes, safe installation, and more. Clearly, it is a good idea to find a locksmith that you can count on to be skillful and adroit.

What to Avoid

So now that you have a better idea of what to expect and look for in a locksmith, we are going to briefly cover some tips on what to avoid, so you can make sure you are hiring a good locksmith.

1.) Be careful to avoid locksmith scams. There are people out there who might try to lie or manipulate you and take advantage of your situation. If you are locked out, and the locksmith gives you a price for getting back inside, they should not show up when you are involved in a vulnerable situation and then suddenly change the price without warning. This would be very unfair to the customer.

2.) Another way to avoid locksmith scams is to make sure the person shows up with either identifying clothing or an actual physical ID. You wouldn’t expect someone to show up to an office setting in a t-shirt and shorts, in most cases. A locksmith should have some sort of identifying logo on their clothing, or at the very least, they should be dressed professionally.

3.) Determine your end goal in hiring a locksmith. Are you interested in more advanced locks, such as keyless locks or smart locks? Do you frequently have guests come into town and it would be easier for you to provide them with a code to get into your home, rather than having to create copies of your key often? Perhaps a break-in occurred next door and this has you wondering how sturdy your own locks happen to be. Knowing what your end goal is will help you to find a good locksmith that is prepared to do what they can to address your particular locksmith dilemma.

A locksmith will come to your rescue if you become locked out of your home or commercial property, or if you are looking for lock or security upgrades. This is why it is a good idea to have someone in mind that you can call and count on for lock and security solutions. But how are you supposed to find a skilled and adept locksmith? How are you supposed to know what to look for, or what to avoid? We have taken the time to provide some tips to hire a good locksmith, and we have included tips that will help you avoid hiring a locksmith that could be attempting to scam you or take advantage of you. As a mobile locksmith, we are proficient and adept in installing new locks, combination changes, deadbolt changes, lock rekeys, lock repairs, lock replacement, security camera/CCTV installation, window lock installation, safe unlocking, patio and garage lock installation, and other lock and key services.

It is important to find a locksmith that appreciates their customers and treats them respectfully. We believe in treating our customers the way we would want to be treated. That is why we put ourselves in their shoes and ask ourselves what we would want in the same situation. It is our belief that this helps us to serve our customers better.

We hope this information helps you to find a good locksmith. We hope that we have answered any questions that you might have about finding someone proficient and adroit in providing lock and security solutions.

source https://ahwatukeelsaz.wordpress.com/2021/11/09/tips-to-hire-a-good-locksmith/

WHY YOU NEED TO ADD ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM

Are you thinking of adding access control to your Ahwatukee, AZ business or industrial location? It may be a very smart choice! For those not familiar with access control, it is simply a way to better control the flow of people throughout a location, by use of locks, hardware, signage or other tools. While the term “access control” sounds mysterious or even intimidating, it’s really not. Remember the last time you went to a sporting event? You entered through one location and got in line at another to buy your ticket. You got into another designated line to present your ticket in order to gain paid entry. You were directed to an assigned seat and after enjoying the event, you exited through a designated doorway that most likely opened from the inside and not the other way around.

It’s all around us!

Access control is used by all of us on a daily basis - not only here in Ahwatukee, AZ but everywhere in the world! You see evidence of access control in restaurants, hotels, nursing homes, shopping malls, universities, apartment rentals, retail stores, government buildings, schools, casinos, sporting events and even funeral homes.

Why is access control important?

Access control use enables us to enjoy privacy, security and order. By restricting access to certain parts of a building or location, we can enjoy enhanced benefits that would not be possible during an all-out free for all. Take banks for instance. Our Ahwatukee Locksmith AZ technicians often are called upon to install keypad devices, CCTV, panic bars and badge readers at local banks, savings and loans and other financial institutions. Can you imagine if anyone visiting your bank was allowed to enter into the vault, safety deposit box room, or manager’s office? Thanks to access control, only authorized personnel can gain entry to these areas and their contents.

More examples

Visit your local jeweler and you’ll see additional examples of access control. The gems, watches and necklaces are kept inside of locking glass cases and only the staff, manager or owners have authorized access. Additional gems and investment grade stones are kept in a private vault in a private, no public access area. The back door to the store is protected by a panic bar, an exit sign and an alarm system. You as a customer know that you are to stand on one side of the cash register and glass cases. How do you know? The signs and roped-off areas say so! If you are observant, you will start noticing access control everywhere you go. Access control can be applied in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional locations and in each case, it makes crowd flow and employee access more controlled, safer, and orderly.

Fingerprint locks

Biometric lock technology or fingerprint locks is a fairly new and emerging from of access control. The person trying to gain access to an area or a device must enter a thumbprint, handprint or even retina scan first to see if it is recognized. If it is; access is granted! This form of access control is probably the most expensive form and is used in high dollar locations or products like banks, luxury high rises, jewelry stores, museums, luxury hotels and the like.  Apple is now using this form of access control mixed with a number sequence on a keypad backup for greater security for their iPhone buyers.

Panic bars

Also known as push bars or exit bars, these universally used horizontal bars seem to be everywhere! There’s a reason for that; they work! Push bars help with crowd flow by allowing the user to “push” on the bar and open the door. This is done easily, quickly, and with no knob turning or keys in the lock. You’ll usually find panic bars on exit doors that don’t have normal access into the room or building. This one-way flow helps keep the traffic moving along and leads to less panic and trampling in times of danger.

Push to exit buttons

These are mounted on walls near the exit doors and just like the name implies; you push on the button to release the door in order to exit. Most of the times, these buttons are red or green and clearly marked “push to exit.”

Motion sensors

This unique technology detects a person or a vehicle approaching the exit and when it does, it unlocks the door or gate. This is often used in government facilities or in country club communities where access is limited to authorized personnel or certain residents.

Emergency exits

These are usually located near the exit and are attached to the wall. There are two main types of these. One type uses a pull down handle that releases the door. The second type is the one where you break the glass and a switch inside is activated that releases the door.

Keypads

These are quite common in the access control industry and can be found in many applications ranging from car doors to luxury hotels. They are easy to use and only provide minimum security as anyone standing behind you can observe your key code and use it later to gain access. In order for keypad devices to be more secure, a video surveillance system needs to be implemented along with it so that visual recognition can be matched to the number sequence entered.

Proximity readers

These are also known as swipe cards or badges. These readers are a form of keyless entry in that no keys are needed to gain access to a room or building. A badge or swipe card embedded with a bar code or a computer chip is either held up to the device to be read (proximity) or swiped in order to be recognized and to be allowed access.

Get more info

Is access control right for you? If you’ve read this far, it might be! We urge you to call an experienced Ahwatukee locksmith expert and get additional details and all of your questions answered.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A SAFE IN YOUR HOME

It’s Better to be Safe than Sorry!

Banks, billionaires, and businesses have safes. But why should regular people like us own one? If you’re living in a neighborhood you feel fairly comfortable in, you are probably thinking a safe isn’t something you need. On the other hand, if you reside in an area you’re doubtful about, you might be at least a little curious about what kind of safe you should purchase. You may still be wondering: What would I ever keep inside a safe, anyhow? There are indeed a good number of reasons to purchase a home safe ~ and some that may not have occurred to you before.

Do your research.

 

Do your homework so you’ll be able to wisely choose the right safe for your requirements and your property. Let’s consider the following:

• How big does your safe need to be?
• Should the safe be hidden or visible?
• What’s the most secure location for your safe in your home?
• What company will you be able to contact if you were to ever get into technical problems?
• Are there any uncommon aspects regarding protecting your specific items properly ~ such as temperature, humidity, light, and so forth?
• Industry guidelines indicate the security rating for every safe manufacturer. What level of security is needed for your circumstances? Would you like to have a basic standard combination lock, or a safe that’s more sophisticated, such as a retina scan or fingerprint, and/or other features in between? What about a simple metal box? Or, what about something that’s firmly anchored?
• Get familiar with industry standards when it comes to fire-resistance and water-resistance levels.
• It’s vital to formulate a backup plan, just in case someone loses the information needed to get your safe open?
• Which individuals will you decide to trust enough that you’ll show them how to open your safe?

Almost everyone owns valuables ~ collectibles, treasured heirlooms, and critical documents. Why risk losing or misplacing them? Let’s consider the following:

Protect against fire. 

If there’s a fire, a prime-quality safe will protect whatever’s inside from destruction. Think about what would happen if you were to lose these crucial items to fire?

• birth certificates
• passports
• mortgage records
• documents regarding any properties you own
• copies of your driver's licenses or other identification cards and papers
• your will
• safe deposit box keys or other significant keys that you rarely use
• investment documents
• emergency cash
• rare stamps or coins
• a list of family doctors with their contact information
• tax records
• funeral arrangements
• outstanding loans and other debt records
• retirement plans
• insurance papers for filing a possible claim
• powers of attorney, living wills, & healthcare proxies
• bank account information
• titles to your vehicles
• prescription medication and pharmacy information

Put a stop to theft.

 

A safe prevents a robber from stealing your much-loved possessions. Protecting your cherished items kept inside a safe will give you peace of mind. Do you often throw parties? Do you entertain house guests from time to time? When people visit, you can’t keep an eye on everyone. It’s a comfort to know that your irreplaceable items will remain intact inside your safe.

Guard against floods.

 

If a flood or any type of water-related disaster should occur, if you have the right safe, then anything inside it will be safe and sound.

Restore computer data. 

As every computer owner knows, you must make backups of your computer files continuously. Additionally, if you also store your computer data in your safe, if you ever were to face grave computer problems, your files would be totally retrievable. If your computer ever were to suffer a complete hard-drive crash, you’d still be able to restore everything.

Keep your loved ones out of harm’s way.

 

Do you own weapons? Then it’s absolutely imperative that you stop them from falling into the wrong hands ~ a child, a visitor, a teenager, an intruder, and so on. Take every possible step you can to avoid danger and tragedy! Buy a gun safe so only you will ever gain access to your guns, explosives, knives, axes, or any other weapons.

Preserve family photographs. 

Store digital duplicates of all of your family photos inside your safe, and keep the old-fashioned family photos there, too. Such photographic memories are otherwise irreplaceable.

You’ll always know just where your things are.

 

If you are constantly misplacing stuff, when you keep your essential items in your safe, you won’t lose them ever again.

The fact is, a safe is superior to a safety deposit box.

 

You may presume that a safety deposit box at the bank is better than having a safe at home. But the truth is, a home safe gives you numerous advantages:

• Your home is private, not kept in a public area, like a bank, which means you always have direct access to your items.
• As a general rule, believe it or not, at a bank, the contents of a safe deposit box aren’t insured. On the other hand, the items inside your home safe are usually covered by your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.
• Of course, you can open your safe 24/7, instead of only during business hours.
• You make a one-time investment only, instead of paying a monthly charge.
• Any emergency cash in a safety deposit box isn’t FDIC-insured.
• Upon the death of a loved one, if you’re the beneficiary, you may think you can open that person’s safe deposit box; but customarily, a bank seals a safety deposit box upon receipt of the individual’s death certificate. You won’t be permitted to open it until the estate representatives supply the bank with the proper court papers.

There’s no doubt about it: A home safe provides lots of benefits. Safes are available in many sizes, brands, and types. If you have any questions about which safe is perfect for you, and you’re in Ahwatukee, Arizona, consider calling a professional safe technician on staff at Ahwatukee Locksmith AZ, where free consultations are available.

Garage Door Locks for Additional Security

Everyone who owns a garage realizes that it’s important to keep it locked. Why? Because often times, very expensive items are kept in this space. Cars are kept here. Boats are kept here. Expensive bikes, tools and even little things such as holiday decorations are stored away in the garage. All of this is secondary to the fact that often times, garages lead straight into the home. Ahwatukee Locksmith AZ is here to make sure that everyone (not just people in Ahwatukee, Arizona) realizes the importance of having garage door locks for additional security. Most locksmiths will be able to help you out with garage locks. Look for one that focuses on residential, automotive and commercial services. You will find a plethora of options to choose from, all of which improve the security of your property tremendously. There are locks that have been created for the largest garage doors, deadbolts and many other possibilities. Here, you will discover more information in regards to why you need garage door locks, and you will even learn about some of the solutions available to you. 

It’s a given that today, many people use remotes to operate their garage door. But just because you have an opener system installed, doesn’t mean that it is sufficient when it comes to security. Someone could fairly easily get into your garage if your only means of protection is the opener system. Don’t assume that this is enough. Instead, consider the many different lock types that are out there. Whether you have a manual or automatic garage door, there is a lock for you. There are internal locks and external locks. If you have a sectional garage door, you might want bolts. Do you have an up and over garage door? Again, consider bolts. 

Here are some of the many different options out there: 

·         Garage Door Side Locks for 2 or 3 Inch Tracks

·         Key Shutter Padlocks

·         Garage Door Bolts

·         Quick Release Locks

·         Garage Door Deadbolts

·         Garage Defender Masters

·         Garage Door Inside Deadlocks

·         Secure Universal Garage Door Lock Kits

·         Garage and Shed Latches – Heavy Duty Steel, Tamper Proof

·         And more!

Call a Lock and Security Provider

Clearly, there are a lot of options. If you pull up options online (try using a search engine such as Google, which will lead you to sites such as Amazon.com) you will likely end up being overwhelmed. To eliminate the confusion, get in touch with an expert. They will be able to go over everything with you and outline it in such a way that makes sense. Don’t know of a lock and security provider in your area? Not a problem. Just search online for one if you don’t have anyone you can ask. Friends and neighbors tend to provide the best feedback because you can trust the source the information is coming from. But sites like Yelp tend to have plenty of company reviews, and you should be able to find a locksmith in your area that has good ratings. Obviously, if you are in Ahwatukee, you should call Ahwatukee Locksmith AZ because we offer affordable help and proven services. But if you live elsewhere, be sure to seek out the best option for you. 

When it comes to locks for garage doors, there are so many different brands as well as various materials. Specific kinds of locks must be used with specific types of garage doors. Whether you have a sliding door, roll up door or anything else, a professional will be able to provide the best solution for you. 

Get New Locks and Maintain Your Current Locks

The need to have garage door locks for additional security really isn’t up for debate. The fact is, you need more than just an opener system, and you need to think about how dangerous it would be to physically pull your garage door shut, and then leave on vacation for a week. No one wants to think about the fact that their property could get broken into. But the truth is, you work hard for everything you own, and the items in your garage deserve protection. So have a lock installed on your garage door. Then take things one step further. Don’t forget to have a lock installed on the door inside of your garage that leads right into your home. Most people already have locks installed on this part of their property, but if you don’t have one, make sure to purchase one! Also, check to make sure any existing locks are in great shape. Whether you have Kaba, Kwikset, Schlage, Mul-T-Lock or any other brand, it is important that you pay attention to it and keep it maintained. Over time, everything starts to fall apart. Locks are no different, even if they come from the absolute best manufacturers. Think about it – locks are often used on a daily basis. Over time, cold weather, extreme heat and overuse can lead to them falling apart. You might eventually find yourself dealing with a key that has broken off inside of the lock. You can avoid certain problems altogether by maintaining your existing locks!

Hopefully you have a better understanding of the additional security that is offered by garage door locks. Any questions should be directed to a locksmith expert. Remember, you are sure to be able to find one in your area if you do an online search or ask trusted friends, neighbors and even coworkers who they recommend. You don’t want to install the garage door locks yourself, as you could end up causing damage to your property or injuring yourself. Let an expert do the trick. Just remember there are many different options, from garage latches, universal garage door lock kits and deadbolts to quick release locks, padlocks and so much more. Whether you want side locks or something else, you are sure to find something that works perfectly for you. Best of luck in your search for the ideal locks for your garage door!