When To Replace Your Locks

You often hear the phrase “time to change the locks!” but do you know what it really means or what is involved? Keep reading and you soon will! Maple Grove Master Locksmith offers affordable lock replacement and lock change solutions so that you can always stay one step ahead of your security and protection needs and wants. Our licensed, bonded and insured Maple Grove, MN technicians can expertly answer any questions you may have as well as give you free, no obligation price quotes on any of our popular lock replacement services and hardware options.

Your Home Locks

Take your house key and look at it. When did you get it and from whom? Just who has a copy of that key right now? On your list might be spouse, children, a couple of past guests, the babysitter, your mother in law and others. Now think back. Who else has had a copy of that same key? This list can include the builder, realtors, property managers, painters, contractors, movers, delivery persons, landscapers, maintenance personnel and lots more. Even if no one copied that key, you can be sure that there are others like it “floating” about in the community.

Don’t you think that a fresh start with new locks and/or keys at home would be a good idea?

Replacing Your Auto Locks

There are many good reasons for replacing your car’s locks. Maybe you bought it used from another party and would like new or better locks for it along with new, unused keys. The previous locks on the door or the trunk might have been damaged by an attempted break-in, vandalism or a prank. The locks themselves may be fine but you are interested in upgrading them to newer, stronger ones. Any locks on the vehicle are open for replacement including the ignition, the doors locks, trunk locks, even the glove compartment locks!

Commercial Lock Replacement

There’s a lot at stake when trying to protect your inventory, staff, and customers. As a business owner or manager, you want the most lock protection for your money. One cost effective and affordable way to achieve that is with the proper use of your commercial locks and keys. Replacing your office or shop locks gives your firm a new start and allows for better and more efficient key control as you now know exactly who has keys and how many. Lock replacement also allows for upgrades to be made to your present lock hardware as well as replacing any break-in or crime damage that might already have been done.

Change or Replacement; what’s the difference?

We hear and use the term “change the locks” so much that it has become interchangeable with “rekey the locks”. There is a real difference so you’ll want to be aware of that. When a lock is actually replaced, the whole lock is removed and a new one put into place. Naturally, new keys are required; after all, it’s a completely different lock!

When a lock is rekeyed, it is ALMOST the same but with one big difference; the lock stays in place and only the interior pins and tumblers are changed. This means that the shell of the lock is the same but since the insides have been altered, a new key is needed. This method is generally more affordable since you aren’t replacing the whole lock. It is suitable for most situations but not when the lock has been damaged from wear and tear or crime. In those cases, you’ll want full lock replacement! It’s important to keep in mind that you can’t upgrade your locks when rekeying. You must do a lock replacement in order to get better quality or more features in your lock. Be sure to call on your favorite licensed, insured and bonded locksmith shop for either of these services or simply contact our Maple Grove Master Locksmith experts and we’ll be happy to assist you with additional information or with the actual service.

When To Replace Your Locks

Here at Maple Grove Master Locksmith we made a short list of some of the best times to actually replace or rekey your locks. It’s really up to you but here are some of the most often used replacement times:

Old Locks – locks age too, you know! Weather, age and use can take their toll on locks and keys. An old, worn lock is easy to break open with a hammer or crow bar. As affordable as locks are today, it just makes sense to put in new ones.

Keys Lent Out – are you a key lender? If you give key copies to neighbors, kids, friends or babysitters, it may be a good time to have your locks rekeyed or replaced. New locks and keys give you better control over key access and best of all; they give you real peace of mind.

Crime – if your locks were damaged by a break-in attempt, or if they are not of the best quality to begin with, then it’s a good idea to replace them with new hardware that is sturdier and more up to date. Lock bumping is the new rage and this method of bypassing locks leaves no lock damage and no sign of forced entry! Your favorite Maple Grove, MN locksmith shop can help you choose the right bump proof locks for your property.

Lost Keys – lost keys are one of the biggest reasons to have your locks changed or rekeyed. Even if you got them back later, were any copies made? If it’s a key to your backyard shed, it probably doesn’t matter but keys to your home or place of business are another matter!

Upgrade Locks – one of the smartest (and most popular) reasons for changing your locks is to upgrade them. Before you say “my locks are just fine” take a moment to consider the increase in crime lately. Here at Maple Grove Master Locksmith we offer affordably priced high security locks for home, business and auto use. These locks cannot be pried open, picked open or even shot open!

WHAT DOES A LOCKSMITH DO?

We usually think of a locksmith only when we have discovered we are locked out. But a locksmith is so much more than just a person who can get you back inside your place if you’re stranded. A locksmith is a professional who works not only with locks and keys, but also with security systems, safes, and just about anything you can think of regarding the securing of your property. They install, adjust, and repair keys and locks for homes, automobiles, and commercial properties. Here is a brief overview of the services a locksmith will provide.

Rekeying and lock changes. If you’ve just moved into a new house, of course you’ll need to change the locks right away. There are additional reasons you may want to change your locks, such as keeping out an ex-spouse, an ex-roommate, or (if you have a business), a former disgruntled employee. If you have had a break-in, or even an attempted theft, it’s a good idea to change your locks, whether conventional (new keys and locks) or electronic (new passcodes). You never know if any of your building’s previous residents might still have one of their keys around, or they might still remember a code from the past. Don’t take any chances!

Window and sliding glass doors need locks, too, and a locksmith can help you find what’s just right for you.

Key making and key duplication. A locksmith cuts keys for virtually any kind of lock there is (keys for car, home, and business: bump-proof locks, deadbolts, garages, pools, fences, padlocks, lockers, desks, safes, filing cabinets, transponder keys, dropboxes, mailboxes, remote locks, etc.)

Safes. A locksmith will install or repair your safe ~ for your home or your business, including all sorts of specialized safes such as gun safes, anchored safes, fireproof safes, and hidden safes (in the wall or in the floor). A genuine professional will be sufficiently equipped and skilled to open it without damaging it, if you’ve misplaced the combination.

Automotive locksmiths are specialists who can get you right back into your vehicle if you are ever stranded without your car keys. They can also replace and program transponder keys, replace your ignition cylinder, and so on.

Commercial locksmiths do work for business facilities. When you track down an accomplished professional commercial locksmith you can count on to be trustworthy, you’ll know you can always rely upon that locksmith to end your troubles anytime issues regarding your security may arise, because that person will be familiar with the building’s ins and outs, including not just the locks, but also the emergency exits, the high-security areas, and so forth. Some commercial locksmiths may keep extra master key sets for you as backups, if you ask. They can also keep thorough records of every type of lock you have in place, and assist you with all the security measures you’ve taken in your building, such as video surveillance systems, ID passcodes, panic/fire devices, and more.

Residential locksmiths can advise you on many types of security issues you may not have thought of before, providing specialized services that can enhance the security at your place of residence. They can evaluate the safety of all your outside entries, the quality level of your doors and locks, your garage, your windows, and even your landscaping. An expert will advise you on how best to store your jewelry, valuables, emergency cash, important documents, guns, and so on. Experienced locksmiths know all about burglars’ typical strategies for avoiding detection and gaining access, so they will help you do as much as humanly possible to prevent the likelihood of vandalism, break-ins, or theft. If you’re going to be gone for extended periods, they can advise you on lighting, timers, and even security systems with smart-phone monitoring and control.

Security and access control. Indeed, a premium locksmith can advise you on all sorts of ways to control access to your business or home ~ such as intercom systems, gate entry, magnetic locks, keypads, remote locks, key cards, and even biometric locks (that is, high-security locks that can be opened only with a fingerprint or hand print; cutting-edge technology includes facial recognition, voice recognition, or retina scan).

24-hour lockout service. Some locksmiths work around the clock to be available to you anytime you need help. If you’re anywhere in Maple Grove, Minnesota, Maple Grove Master Locksmith is open 24 hours and staffed with mobile experts perpetually at the ready to assist you.

When it comes to the safety and security of your property and possessions, besides what we’ve already mentioned, there are numerous additional services a locksmith can provide. The list is long:

* deadbolts for doors & windows

* peepholes

* opening frozen car locks

* keyless entry

* broken & stuck key removal

* fence & garage locks

* smart-phone controlled surveillance systems

* window bars

* security systems

* intercom systems

* smart keys

* repair or replace damaged door & window locks, hinges, & electric-locking release mechanisms

* video surveillance

* master key sets for large business facilities & apartments

* install and repair electronic security hardware

* change combination locks on all types of safes & vault doors

* programming transponder “chip” keys

A good locksmith is a consummate professional who works with exceptional skill, finesse, and discretion in all sorts of situations and at all types of locales, ideally at any hour of the day or night. Being a locksmith requires extensive training and a license, and calls for patience and steadiness.

Are you thinking about becoming a locksmith yourself? You’ll need to train as an apprentice first. You’ll have an advantage if you possess construction, electronics, and metal fabricating skills. If you’re really talented at solving problems, and willing to work unusual hours, you may be well-suited to be a locksmith. You must always maintain a professional demeanor, be of the utmost integrity, and of course be discreet, as you will often be made aware of confidential information.