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A common problem I can help with. "I lost my car keys". I handle this problem all the time, just give me a call at 303-339-0085 for an estimate. |
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Motorcycle Keys, ATV's, Scooters and RV's |
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Lost your motorcycle keys, scooter keys, keys to your RV or ATV? When it comes to these vehicles, a locksmith is often going in rather blind. There is so much variation among models and years, especially motorcycles adn scooters, that these can be difficult to give a fair estimate on. One of the issues I face is the lack of information available. While with automotive, we have scores of catalogs, references and software, that I know what I am working on before I get there we do not have that with motorcycles, scooters and ATV's. With common makes and models, you can find some information, but generally I go in blind. I am happy if I know what keyblank is going to fit. Given the 100's of keyblanks for motorcycles, I stock most of the common ones, for Harley Davidson, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda, BMW, Buell and more. I also do the tubular (barrel key) locks for the Harley's. Even with the lack of information, I like working on motorcycles. They are less common than automotive but can be more frustrating in the search for the right keyblank, however, they are rather easy to work on in general. Usually I build a key by picking a helmet or gas lock, then I "read the wafers". This usually gets me 50-80% of the key. From there I usually use a technique called "impressioning" to get the last few cuts for the ignition. Another way to finish out the key is by running a progression. Assuming the motorcycle hasn't been rekeyed, there are times I get enough out of the helmet lock, that there are only 2 or 3 possibilities for the final cut(s). When it comes to RV's, ATV's and even heavy equipment, experience is the best teacher. Generally, these are pretty straightforward, although, at times they can be challenging. RV's often have many keys for access to water, heat, storage, hitch locks and the ignition lock. The challenge with ATV's and heavyequipment is getting the lock out of it's mount. From there, it is smooth sailing, assuming I can figure out the right keyblank. Call for your free estimate! 303-339-0085.
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The Kwikset SmartKey Deadbolt Reviewed |
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Kwikset has a new product called the SmartKey series. Included are deadbolts, knobs and levers. My review of this line of products follows. |
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Read more...
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A recent reality show on Discovery called "It takes a thief", showed two ex-burglars working with homeowners to increase security. This show demonstrates that most of the time, a burglar gets in easily because doors are not locked, windows are not locked or have flimsy locks, keys are found in fake rocks, but I have yet to see them pick a lock to get in. This means as a homeowner, you should be concerned about windows, garage doors, sliding glass doors, crawl spaces, etc. WINDOWS Many windowlocks (older windows) can easily be jimmied or shimmed from outside. Look for these in your home. In order to properly secure a window, many factors exist: Window configuration, metal or wood, window needed for emergency egress, etc. A good security audit should address your windows. Don't forget about basement windows or windows on the second floor! GARAGE DOORS Many people that have an attached garage use their garage (overhead) door as a means of access. Many times people have a keypad mounted just outside the garage, and they can simply type in a code, the garage goes up, and they can enter the home because the door from the garage into the home is left unlocked. This is convenient for people with kids, no keys to lose. In general terms, this is not a big security concern, but be aware that gargae doors with automatic openers can be opened rather quickly from outside. This is probably not the way a burglar would enter, but if you require high security, just lock your interior door or add a lock to your garage door rails. Locking garage doors for high security depends on the door configuration and needs. SLIDING GLASS DOORS Sliding glass doors often have a lock on them, but the latch is often made of pot metal which can be easily broken. Mis-alignment on the latch of a sliding glass door is common resulting in a door that can be opened with little or no effort. These doors can even sometimes be lifted right out of their track. While the old broomstick in the track isn't bad, doors can often still be moved enough to get in. My recommendation on sliding glass doors is a folding bar. Since many people like to leave these doors open to aid in air circulation, I recommend this product: Mag 8820 This product will allow you to secure your sliding glass door, allows for ventilation and is cost-effective. We install and sell these. Call 303-339-0085 for more info! |
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FREE Online Home Security Survey |
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This home security survey is excellent and is provided by our friends at the Jefferson County, CO Sheriff's Department. FREE Home Security Survey PDF Compliments Jefferson County, CO Sheriff's Department. JeffcoSheriff.com Fill this out and fax it to us at 303-957-LOCK (5625) and we can provide an estimate for improving your home security based upon your budget. We can complete most of the to-do items on this survey! If you cannot open the PDF File, try Foxit Reader for Windows and Linux |
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Some common myths and misconceptions about locks and security. - There is no master key that opens all locks, or even most locks, or even 1% of all locks. (Bumpkeys discussed below)
- Spending a bunch of money on a lock does not make it better or more secure
- Buying a Biometric (Fingerprint) lock or a Code Entry (Cypher Lock) does not increase security, it does increase convenience which means you may actually use it
- You cannot put something in a lock to make a mold of the lock and then make a key from the mold
Item 1: Bumpkeys are not master keys, they work on an entirely different principle. Master Keys are often used in public buildings so emergency responders (Firefighters) have access to the entire building in the event of an emergency. This master key is kept in a knox box and only the local Fire Department has access to it. Item 2: Often more expensive locks have more convenience or are more stylish. Spending more on the lock is not always the correct answer for your security situation. For example, if you have a rather flimsy door frame or door, a high security lock won't keep the door from being kicked in. Item 3: As already stated, these locks will not increase security, but they will increase conveneincem which will increase use. If your friends and family can just enter a code or scan theur fingerprint to get in, you are more likely to keep your door locked. Item 4: I had to add this item. I often get this question when someone has lost the keys to their car or truck. We use a variety of techniques to replace lost keys, none of them include making a mold of the lock. Some do include making measurements of the lock using special tools that look like keys.
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Denver Locksmith Blog