Locksmith Hampton: Various Kinds of Locks

With all of the different kinds of locks in existence, it can be challenging to know where to start if you are looking for new locks for your property. Do you start with knob locks? What exactly is a knob lock and how does it differ from mortise locks? These are questions that tend to come up when people are looking around for brand new locks. There are different options for different concerns, as well as different materials and finishes. You can find locks that are on the high end of the cost spectrum, but you can also find locks that are affordable but still sturdy. A lock and security provider can point you in the right direction if you provide them with your budget and any information regarding your concerns. But if you are just looking for a starting point, have a look at some of the information provided. This will help to give you a better idea of what is available to you.
Lock Types

• Combination Locks – These are locks that entail the use of a series of numbers, symbols or even letters. Knowing the appropriate sequence is what enables the lock to open. Typically, a combination lock will have a rotating dial as well as a keypad entry. You can find these locks in electronic, single dial and multiple dial form. You might use this kind of lock if you have a locker at school or work that needs to be kept closed, or if you have a safe that otherwise doesn’t have a locking mechanism.
• Knob locks – These are found on internal and external doors, primary at residences. They are made up of a key cylinder on one side and a turning knob on the other side. You might have a knob lock on a door that opens to your bedroom, so that you can enjoy privacy at home, but you wouldn’t have this kind of lock on your front door or on a door that serves as a primary point of entry to your property. Why? Because they can easily be picked open, but they allow privacy in bedrooms and bathrooms if needed.
• Deadbolts – Deadbolts typically accompany knob locks or other types of locks for additional security. A rotating cylinder is turned to lock a bolt. There are different kinds of deadbolts available, which include:
• Single cylinder deadbolts
• Thumb turn deadbolts
• Double cylinder deadbolts
• Keyless deadbolts

• Padlocks – Padlocks are portable locks which makes them quite convenient. There are various sizes available, but all of the different variations are comprised of three primary parts – shackle, lock body and locking mechanism. You can get combination or keyed padlocks, and both are very beneficial.

• Mortise locks – Mortise locks work by joining a non-locking spring latch controlled by means of a lever, and a deadbolt locking mechanism. These locks are sturdy and thereby difficult to break – if you’re looking to prevent a break in, then you might want to consider mortise locks.

• Lever handle locks – You will commonly find lever handle locks at businesses. This sort of lock has a rotating door knob as well as a key cylinder. They are found on doors that need to be easily opened and closed through the use of a lever handle – a business with many people who are in and out every day will need this type of door handle. This way, in an emergency, people can exit quickly.

• Cam locks – A cam lock might be found on a lock box or even a cabinet. You wouldn’t use this kind of lock to secure a front door, but you would use it to secure a file cabinet.

Choose the best locks for your needs

There might be confusion, as mentioned, when it comes to selecting the best locks for your property and your needs. Getting on the phone with a lock and security provider can prove very beneficial. You will likely have a lot of questions. Going directly to the right source can save a lot of time and frustration. Locksmith Hampton provides services to locals in Hampton, Virginia. This team of experts is able to provide free consultations to customers, so they can have all of their questions answered. Perhaps you are reading this from a different part of the country. Not to worry. Just do an online search and pull up a professional that is in your location. Try searching for “locksmith in [your city]” and then see what comes up. Through sites such as Yelp and Angie’s List, and even Facebook, you will be able to see reviews from real people who have previously used the services of said business. Look for a company that comes highly rated – this will help you to have more confidence when you hire them for the job, whether it is for new lock installation, lock replacement, lock repairs or anything else. You will also be able to trust that if you do hire them, they will do a great job.
It is important that your property and belongings are kept safe. Unfortunately, there are people who are dishonest in the world, and they look to take advantage of people who have items which aren’t locked up. With the right locks, you can ensure that your property can’t be broken into – or at the very least, it would be extremely difficult to get to your most valuable items. Now that you have a better idea of the various kinds of locks which are available, start to narrow down the choices. Then, be sure to purchase the best ones for your needs. There are various kinds of commercial and residential locks available today – whether you want to go keyless, or you want something portable, there is certainly something for you. Best of luck in your property protection! Be sure to call a locksmith with any questions or concerns.

Security & Apartment Living

Your safety and security is important to us at Locksmith Hampton in Hampton, VA, no matter what type of home you have. If you live in an apartment building, you may already know that there are still things that you can do to avoid a break-in. If you live in a home and are transitioning to an apartment, you may be a little naïve to the possibility of a break-in even in an apartment.  There are certainly precautions that you can take to make sure that you remain safe and that you do not experience a home invasion. There may actually be burglars who live in your same building, just looking for someone to let their guard down so that they can swoop in and get your goods. Don’t give them the benefit of doing this. Instead, take the necessary precautions to make sure you do not receive an unexpected visitor.

Here are some precautions that we suggest that you take if you are planning on apartment living:

Things you should do before moving into an apartment is ask about the crime in the area. Make sure you evaluate the maintenance of the property. Ensure that the locks of your new apartment are changed before you move in and finally, make sure your apartment has a peephole.

RECAP:

• Crime Reports – Getting a crime reports alerts of you the types of crimes being committed in your area so that you can proceed with caution and be alert. Based on the crime in the area, this could be a deal breaker to some people but not to others. At least with a crime report you will have the option of determining if you want to move in or not. Your local police station will usually provide you with a crime report for your neighborhood.

• Maintenance Issues – If you look around the property, not just your unit, and discover that the general upkeep is lacking, you should really consider whether or not this will be a safe environment for you. In our experience, when the property isn’t well maintained, the management office is lacking in other areas. Unfortunately, they may drop the ball when it comes to your safety and security. However, this wouldn’t come as a surprise to you if you notice that they are also lacking in other areas, such as, general property maintenance.

When checking out the property, take notice of trash in the parking area, fallen drywall, leaks, broken window or trash bins that are overflowing. If you see more than one of these things, you should proceed with caution.

• Change Locks– Yes, you are absolutely correct in thinking that this is the responsibility of the maintenance department to change the locks on every apartment before someone moves in. While this is expected, it isn’t always done. What sometimes occurs is that maintenance will transfer locks from one door to another, not investing in brand new locks. This can pose a threat to tenants safety and security because someone out there still has a key to that lock. If you want to be sure that they actually replaced the existing lock with a brand new lock, you might just take it upon yourself to buy the lock and give it to them to install.

• Check for the Peephole – When we advise people on how to remain safe in an apartment, we always mention something that they should look for that many tell me they never consider, the peephole. While most apartments have them, there are some that do not. If you want to be sure that you’re going to be able to identify the person coming to your door unannounced, you’ll need a peephole. If you have taken notice of the fact that there is no peephole in the apartment you are considering, ask if they can install one for you.

If you have taken the aforementioned precautions before deciding to move into a particular apartment, you’ll also have to consider what to do after you have moved in. We can help you with this also. We would advise you to secure your patio door, install window coverings and make sure your door as a deadbolt locks on it.

• Secure Your Patio – If you have a balcony or patio, it likely has a sliding door. The best way to secure this type of door is to install a bar lock or put a bar across the tracks of the door to impede any access from outside. This is the door that is often overlooked by most people and this is why we find it important to include it in the list of things to do after moving into an apartment.

• Put Up Blinds or Curtains – If there isn’t already something over your windows; put something over them. When you do not have anything over your windows, you are allowing others to see what is inside your apartment. If a burglar happens to see something that is of value to them, they might just make your apartment their target. Keep it covered up at night so that others are not aware of what you have inside your home and avoid becoming the target of a potential intruder.

• Get a Deadbolt Lock – Some apartments have deadbolt locks on them already but if there is no deadbolt lock on your door, invest in one. This is the most durable type of lock that a person can buy. It is made from solid core materials, which means its hard to break through. Again, you can ask that the someone from maintenance install your deadbolt lock for you. Most of them will not have a problem doing this, as this is a request they receive often. If they are reluctant to install it for you, you can always rely on Locksmith Hampton to install it for you.

Don’t take unnecessary chances with your safety even if you’re living in an apartment. Take matters into your own hands to ensure your safety and security.