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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Why it's Important to have Panic Bars at your Commercial Property

If you own a public commercial building of any kind, then you may be aware that “panic hardware” is required to provide proper emergency egress and ingress. A panic bar is the push bar that must be installed on each exit door to allow people to make a quick exit from the building. Then there must be an uninterrupted and unobstructed exit path to a place of safety. These doors are typically needed in restaurants, bars, and malls, and other public places such as schools. It is of utmost importance that you comply with the law when it comes to protecting your building’s occupants. You won’t pass inspection if you’re not up to code. With the installation of these vital devices, you’ll guard the life and safety of every occupant - employee, customer, and visitor alike.

Panic hardware consists of a latching device, with a touchpad or crossbar spanning across at least half the width of the door, which releases the latch if it’s pushed. Panic hardware may also be called an “exit device” or a “crash bar”; for fire doors, it’s called “fire exit hardware.” This specialized hardware is used where it’s required by code to make it possible for large groups of people to get out fast. It also provides increased resilience and reliability.

The International Building Code (IBC), the International Fire Code (IFC), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Code, are America’s most common building and fire safety codes. You’ll need to determine which code, and which edition of that particular code, applies to your building. Local codes in your area may compel you to adhere to additional requirements. Make sure you’re fully compliant.

The requirements affect doors that either lock or latch. For instance, panic hardware isn’t required for a free-swinging door with only a push plate and pull handle. Panic hardware is required by code for only certain occupancy types. In general, an “assembly occupancy” is a building or area where large groups gather, such as a gym or a theater. An “educational occupancy” refers to a school for children up to twelfth grade. A building used for college classrooms is considered a “business occupancy,” and some college classrooms are even large enough to be classified as an assembly occupancy. The NFPA 101 Code includes a separate occupancy classification for “daycare occupancy,” where daycare is provided to children or adults. A “high-hazard occupancy” (an area containing a high level of hazardous materials) is a space that is vulnerable to explosions. 

Whenever you install panic hardware on balanced doors, a touchpad-style device has to be used, and the touchpad should not extend more than halfway across the door. Code requirements normally prohibit the installation of any other kind of lock on a door with panic hardware, except for electromagnetic locks released by a sensor or by a switch. The bottom line is: Any person who must leave has to be able to open an exit route door from the inside at all times - without having to use any keys or tools, and without possessing any sort of specialized knowledge. 

The way panic bars are made, they prevent entry from the opposite side of a door. On the inner side, of course they ensure a speedy exit in the event of an emergency. A panic bar that locks only from the outside is permitted on exit discharge doors. Typically, rooms containing electrical equipment must have panic hardware or fire exit hardware that will allow a professional technician to escape in the event of a fire or explosion. 

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Proficient Locksmith Services For Your Enhanced Security

Advancement in technology leads to development in every domains and service of an establishment. Quality works cannot come for minimal costs but when you approach a best locksmith service, you can compare their fee structure to choose the right one. We all need to conserve our monetary value and budget moreover; we need to pick the budgetary services for our requirements. Approaching an affordable locksmith service and most of them use these both terms in their website and online listings. But inexpensive locksmith administers not necessary to be insured and licensed. So in addition to their affordability, their reputation and certification are more imperative in this regard. When you with your security lock, you ought to pick a perfect, reputed locksmith administration for a better purpose. 

Automobile locksmith services:

If there is a chance that you lose the car key or break the key of the ignition then you require calling automobile keymaker services. They have some proficient auto locksmith equipment and they can offer you the car opening facility. In addition to this, they can provide the alternate car key and restore the key of the ignition system.

Emergency locksmith services:

There may be an instance where people get stuck inside the room or residence. Then you can get the emergency facilitator to change the lock and provide the alternate key for your home. Even a commercial establishment that has been the sufferer of a robbery can contact these locksmith services to repair their security system. Emergency keymaker can provide 24 hours locksmith services with contact numbers which may help in time of emergency. They also offer you roadside help to unlock your car.

Residential and commercial locksmith service:

If you want to implement some safety locks in your home and at workplace then you can contact the necessary locksmith services for enhanced services. They can advise you the best type of security system, and they will initiate the necessary locks in your assets immediately to serve the purpose. In addition to that, some locksmith administers can also offer you electronic aided gadgets such as CCTV installation, residence alarm installation and electronic lock installation.

24/7 Locksmith Service By Skilled Technicians

Losing your key is not less than losing your safety. It is even more critical when you do not have spare keys! Locksmith is the leading technicians that help in replacing you lost key or lockouts through efficient methods of alternates. You need not worry anymore as regardless of whatever the time is best 24 Hour Locksmiths service is offered by experts. 

Emergency lockout service 

Licensed and well-skilled locksmiths are devoted to serving you with exceptional rekeying service assuring the safety of living and security of the asset. You are ensured to get immediate action soon after your call from well-versed locksmiths as they serve emergency cases well. 

Diverse varieties of lock administrations 

You can completely rely on locksmiths in case of any wrongfulness with your lock and key. There are several services and products consisted for rendering 24-hour locksmiths assessment that involves emergency lockout service, key cutters, replacement car keys, car unlocking, car door lock repair, new lock installations like home security locks, padlocks, window locks, door locks, and file cabinet locks.

Key cutting service – Looking to get your stuck key for cutting? Or for other lock repairs, lock rekeying service and lockouts? No matter, whatever the problem is, professional is committed to providing you a perfect solution within the required period of time at a suitable budget.

Old door locks if isn’t working anymore, experts will provide lock rekeying service that involves key duplication, creation of new keys, laser key cutting and other modern types of services assuring customers complete satisfaction. 

Car and door unlocking service – It is very annoying when you get stuck up in the car or home or office? We really do not have an idea of what to do next? Simply, we try if windows or anything is open to help ourselves get out this chaos. 

Understanding the impatience of being into this problem, experts see to that they offer to provide quick service employing modern tools to get the best result within a required period of time. Using the digital and modern techniques and tools affordable services are being offered.

Key replacement service - One of the most popular and an excellent method considered and offered by locksmith is replacement of your keys and locks. Technicians being highly equipped with modern tools they serve ignition repair, chip key programming, and replacement services within a periodic time. 

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!