Jammed Safe – What to do?

There are thousands of safes here in Tyler, TX and in the Greater Dallas/Ft Worth Metropolitan area. Many homes, businesses and institutions have and use safes to secure their cash, jewelry, documents and other valuables from perils of all kinds. Every once in a while a safe may become jammed and not open when needed to. This is why Locksmith Tyler has decided to make this post; so you’ll know what to do in case your safe becomes jammed or hard to open.

Why won’t it open?

There are many reasons why a safe will become jammed. It may need servicing or the hinges and other parts may have become worn due to use or age. Electronic safes may have a short circuit, a low battery or there may be an absence of electricity or a power surge in the neighborhood. Also, digital safes have a built-in safety mechanism that will “shut down” the safe and prevent it from opening for several hours if the wrong combination is used. This is much like trying to access your bank online and entering the wrong password too many times. You will most likely be locked out of your account for up to a day or so.

Vintage safes and estate sales

Many safes are bought at auction or at estate sales. The previous owner may have died, had it repossessed or even gone to prison! Many if not most of these safes don’t have a known combination to open them. The new owner will need the professional services of a Tyler, TX locksmith in order to get his newly acquired safe open again. Technically these safes are not jammed but the end result is the same; no safe access.

So, what should you do?

You obviously need access to your safe or else you wouldn’t have discovered that it won’t open. You may be trying to add something to its contents, or you may have needed to get an item out of it. Maybe, it’s somewhat of an emergency and you need fast access to its contents as quickly as possible. You might need cash for a medical emergency or for a funeral expense. You may be trying to close a business deal and need access to money or documents right away.

The main thing to keep in mind is to not try and force your safe open. Doing so can damage your safe as well as the contents inside. The movies and television show “safe crackers” come in and easily and quickly open safes of all sizes and types by simply turning the dial a few times and listening. This is fiction; pure and simple. True safe opening is a skill and takes experience and training in order to do it right. You can’t just smash your way in or “James Bond” the situation in a couple of seconds!

Speaking of contents…

We briefly mentioned not damaging the contents of the safe. This brings up another point; you can put anything you like inside your residential or commercial safe. This can include cash, jewelry, documents, watches, art, flash drives, receipts, warranties, passports, licenses, stock certificates, appraisals, property deeds, coins, vintage photos, rare artifacts, guns, stamps and anything else deemed of value. Your safe is meant to keep these valuables protected from thieves and other unauthorized persons as well as the elements like wind, dust, rain, fire, moisture and flood.

Do NOT call a safe shop

You may be thinking that since you might have purchased your safe from a safe shop; that you can get it serviced there, too. There are pros and cons to this thinking. Going this route offers ease of use and convenience. You just call the shop and leave the rest to them. On the downside however is that almost all safe shops are merely retail outlets. If they offer set up, delivery or service for the safe you just bought, it will usually be outsourced to guess who; a locksmith!

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So Many Types of Locks! How to Find What's Right for you?

If you’re shopping for locks, you will soon find out that there is basically an endless list of various kinds of locks and keys. When it’s time to track down the best locks for your specific needs, you want to be sure they will be the most effective. You’ll need to carry out an in-depth evaluation of each lock you’re looking at, and ask the following questions:

• Where will you install the lock?
• Who will use it?
• Where you’re installing the lock, what are the surroundings like?
• What level of security do you require?

Let’s consider some popular locks and their security features.

Deadbolts are the safest locks you can install at your home, which is what any professional locksmith will tell you. Accordingly, whenever you install deadbolts, you’ll be adding an extraordinary level of security. They’re called “dead” because there aren’t any springs to operate the bolt; a deadbolt is operated by hand - that is, with a thumbturn or key.

There are four standard deadbolts: single-cylinder, double-cylinder, jimmy-proof, and lockable thumbturn.

A single-cylinder deadbolt is the basic deadbolt we all think of, having the key cylinder on the outside. On the inside, you use a thumbturn to open and shut it. It’s normally used on a solid door, made of metal or wood. The one weakness to a single-cylinder deadbolt is, if there’s any potential access to the inside - through a window on the door or through the peephole (something a thief can easily do) - then the door can be opened with the thumbturn.

One solution for this disadvantage is a double-cylinder deadbolt, which has a key cylinder both inside and outside the door. If your door’s locked, the double-cylinder requires a key for opening it from the inside. This deadbolt lock is just right if your door has any glass, or if there’s a window next to the door, because it will prevent a robber from breaking the glass and reaching in to unlock the door. Its shortcoming is that it isn’t safe in case of fire. So if you use a double-cylinder deadbolt, always leave a key readily available. That way, if a fire occurs when people are home, everyone will be able to get out fast.

A jimmy-proof deadbolt is a surface-mount lock, most often used on double doors and in apartment buildings. Folks who like this deadbolt prefer it because it requires few door modifications. The way this deadbolt lock works is that it interlocks with the jamb bracket, which stops it from the possibility of being pulled apart or forced from the outside by a burglar. A surface-mount lock means that the lock screws into the door’s inside, rather than having the drill pattern of a conventional deadbolt.

The lockable thumbturn deadbolt is like the single-cylinder and the double-cylinder deadbolt put together, providing superior security and flexibility. It has a thumbturn on the inside, which works the way an ordinary single-cylinder deadbolt does, but it can also be locked with a key, so it can’t lock or unlock the door. Thus the thumbturn can be left in an unlocked position while you’re at home, but it will function just like an ordinary single-cylinder deadbolt. When you leave, the thumbturn can be locked, so that even if an intruder manages to gain access to the door’s inside, the deadbolt itself can’t be unlocked.

Knob locks are the typical locks for your exterior doors, and your main source of security for your home. Sometimes, they are also installed in additional to deadbolts to provide more security. A knob lock alone isn’t completely secure, because the lock cylinder is inside the knob itself, instead of in the door. One downside is that a potential burglar could break off a knob lock from the door with a hammer. It can be forced open with pliers, or bypassing the lock cylinder with a wrench behind the knob.

Mortise-cylinder locks are threaded, screwing into mortise hardware mounted on the door’s inside. This lock is held in place by a set screw, and the lock mechanism is activated by the cam. Mortise cylinders come in several lengths, with a variety of choices for the cams, depending on the hardware you want.

Lever handle locks are seen frequently on interior doors at commercial facilities. If you need to provide accessibility for the disabled, a lever lock is your best bet, because they’re easier to open than knobs are, since the push-down handle doesn’t have to be grasped and turned, the way a knob does. Its one inconvenience is that you can sometimes catch your clothes on the lever.

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What Locksmiths Do

There are many locksmiths advertising services all over the country. But what many people want to know is, what does a locksmith actually do? Some people just believe that the job is as simple as creating key copies. Others think they only come out to help customers during lockouts. However, the list of what a professional lock and security provider can do is seemingly endless. Locksmith Tyler has come up with a brief list of services that they offer, and you are sure to find that whether you are in Tyler, TX or elsewhere in the country, you will be able to take advantage of relevant solutions. 

Lockout Assistance

This is a very popular solution that most lock and security providers will offer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Locksmiths have the ability to assist people when it comes to regaining access to their property. Most technicians are incredibly understanding because they know firsthand just how stressful these situations are. For this reason, they will work quickly when manipulating your locks to get you back inside. They can generally be called for car lockouts, home lockouts and even business property lockouts. 

Anything and Everything Key Related

Locksmiths create copies of keys so that homeowners can have spares; a lock and security professional can remove or extract keys that are stuck, whether they are stuck in the ignition cylinder of a vehicle or just stuck in a lock; locksmiths have the ability to professionally program transponder keys; they can rekey locks so that one can avoid lock replacement; and so much more. When it comes to keys, it seems that locksmiths can truly do just about everything. 

Residential Solutions

There are various residential solutions that a homeowner can take advantage of with a professional, to include mailbox locks, patio locks, key extraction, garage locks, rekeying locks, master keys, intercom systems, deadbolts installation, keyless entry and more. There are so many ways that a person is able to protect a home, beyond just having locks that work. Talking to an expert who offers residential services can prove to be very helpful.

Commercial Solutions 

Locksmiths can do so much to improve the security of business properties all over the place. For instance, they can install new safes in which money can be stored; they can install panic bars which are vital for exit plans whenever you own a building or part of a building; they can set up keyless entry so that you and your trusted employees are able to get back into the building without having to carry around keys; and a locksmith can install drawer or cabinet locks to make sure that important items stay out of the wrong hands. Of course, if a lockout occurs, a professional can get you back in.  And have you heard of access control? Access control is important in keeping people out of certain points of your property. These are just some ways an expert could help with commercial property security.  

Automotive Solutions

One might not think to call a locksmith if they are having issues with their car, but the fact is, you can do this. If your key is stuck or has broken off in the ignition cylinder, services that can be carried out include broken key extraction and even ignition cylinder replacement. If a break in took place and locks were damaged, then an expert will be able to come out and provide break in repairs. Transponder key programming and smart keys are often times offered by expert locksmiths as well. Clearly, there are many things that a professional should be able to do for you to improve your security and safety. 

Peace of Mind

The first thought many people have when they are dealing with car problems is to go to a mechanic, or car dealership. Of course, these are valid options, but did you know that locksmiths can bring you peace of mind, too? They can carry out the service you are looking for, at least, if it is related to locks and keys. From break in repairs and ignition cylinder replacement to broken key extraction and transponder key programming, there are so many things that a locksmith can do. People are often inclined to reach out to a locksmith rather than their dealership or local mechanic because they find the prices to be lower and they find that they are able to create a long lasting relationship. It is important to have local businesses that can be trusted, and often times, when you use the services of a lock and security provider, you will find that you are getting a dedicated professional who cares.  

A Lock and Security Provider Does It All!

A locksmith can certainly get many things done to help with property protection. If you’re in Tyler, Texas, schedule a free consultation with the team at Locksmith Tyler in TX to find out more about how you can benefit from assistance. And if you don’t live in this part of the country, then do a Google search to find a locksmith that is local to you. Referrals from family, colleagues, neighbors and friends can also be incredibly helpful. Remember that many locksmith experts will be available to provide 24 hour a day help, so if you’re ever locked out, you are able to access help quickly. The job of a locksmith is to keep property protected, and that is exactly what they strive to do. From installing new locks that are completely functional and attractive in appearance to helping locals who are unable to get into their home because they can’t find their key, there are so many things a professional lock and security provider can do. Be sure to jot down the contact information of the best one in your area so you always have someone to call when security becomes a potential issue. Hopefully this post has provided you with the information you were looking for!

Signs That Better Security Is Needed!

Remember the “old days” when people actually slept with their windows open or doors unlocked? Just watch any re-run of Mayberry RFD and watch the friendly neighbors walk into each other’s homes freely and unannounced. Nowadays, you can get shot for that! What happened? More people and more crime happened! Today, people are not as trusting, nor should they be. With the increase in gang activity, neighborhood crime, car theft, shoplifting, flash mobs, vagrants and homeless, you just can’t be too careful. This is where better security is needed and comes into play. Here at Locksmith Tyler, we advocate better security and protection no matter where in town you are. This includes home, auto and business.

Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

The first step to better security is to simply be more aware of where you are and who is around you. Apply this new awareness to home life as well as to your workplace and recreational locations, too. When you are in the grocery store, is your cart with your purse near you at all times? Or, do you leave it (only for a moment!) to go get a box of crackers 20 feet away? When you load those groceries in your trunk, are you cognizant of who is walking behind you or parking next to you? As you enter an elevator at work do you notice any suspicious looking person(s) nearby that might just jump in with you? When you are working in your garage at night do you leave the light on so that your property is well lit and no one just happens to walk up to you or sneak inside? The purpose of this post is NOT to make you paranoid – only to increase your awareness of your local Tyler, TX environment and the possibilities of threats to your well-being. If you have friends or guests with you, it is very easy to get distracted to the point where a pick pocket or armed bandit can get to you or to one of the members of your party. This gets even further complicated when you are responsible for children and/or pets.

Neighborhood Problems

It’s a myth that only bad neighborhoods get crime. Sure, crooks tend to haunt poor locals but they are not stupid; they know where the money is at. Even higher end parts of town can experience burglars, home invasions, domestic problems and drug deals gone bad. Our Locksmith Tyler customers live in a wide range of socio-economic neighborhoods ranging from mobile home parks to country clubs and all experience the need for added and better security to protect homes, businesses and automotive vehicles.

Are You Being Watched?

Not to alarm you but many times, a “mark” is watched before the criminal strikes. This can include your daily habits like taking your lunch break at a certain time and place. It could mean that someone is lurking behind a hedge near your home and noticing that you get the morning paper before 7 am and you never lock the door behind you. Your dog door may be large enough for a person to crawl through. Even small pets have doors that a child can fit through. You may be thinking “what can a child do?” but think for a moment. That less than innocent boy or girl can be trained to enter your pet door and run to your front door to unlock it! If your dog has been previously observed to be friendly and not aggressive, then this is a very likely scenario when you are away at work or on vacation.

Change Those Locks!

Have you been the victim of a recent crime at home or at your business? Changing your locks can help. In fact, even if your life has been crime free up to now, rekeying your locks is a smart precaution. Have you ever wondered who has keys to your house, car or business? The most obvious choices are your children, your spouse and any roommates. Think back though; where did you get your key? Realtors, builders, property managers, contractors, delivery persons, landscapers, baby sitters and many others have had access to your key(s) at some point. How many just happen to have a spare?

Lock Change or Lock Rekey?

There’s a difference and here at Locksmith Tyler, we are often asked which is best. That part is up to you. When our licensed, bonded and insured technicians rekey a lock, we leave the lock itself in place. We simple alter the interior pins so that a different key is needed to open it. In most cases, this is what you really need. Rekey work is fast, affordable and gives you tremendous peace of mind as you now have better control over your key distribution. When we change the locks, we actually change them out for new ones. This involves a slightly higher expense and is often a preferred choice when you want to upgrade to better quality locks for added protection.

Business Security

Remember when a simple lock on the shop door was enough? Not anymore. Commercial property can include apartment rentals, restaurants, retail stores, medical clinics, car dealers, attorney firms, private schools, art galleries, jewelry stores, laundromats and hundreds more. Anytime you are dealing with money, cash, credit cards, customers and inventory, you have to worry about shoplifting, employee theft, pilfering and even “not so accidental” slips and falls. Each Tyler, TX business is unique and has different security issues so it’s best to consult with an established commercial lock and key expert like ours here at Locksmith Tyler. We offer free consultations, free price quotes and superior quality hardware from the nation’s best lock manufacturers. You might consider CCTV camera installation, high security locks, deadbolts, rekeys, change outs, panic bar additions, peepholes and other quality improvements that can vastly enhance the security of your company, customers and staff. If you already have a preferred locksmith shop that you work with, ask them for their recommendations to bolster your security protection at home, in your car or at your business location.