Chicago Winter and frozen locks

Freezing temperatures and freezing rain are here again. These conditions are perfect for frozen locks.

You may be able to prevent freezing by lubricating all of your outside locks before they freeze with WD-40, Tri-Flo or another spray recommended for lock lubrication. Use the straw that comes with the can and spray deep and long into the lock. Then put your key in and out a few times working the spray into the moving parts of the lock.

If your lock is frozen, you may or may not be able to insert your key. The key will not turn. At this point the moisture inside the lock has frozen and must be either warmed or evaporated with a de-icer.

If you can reach the lock with an extension cord and a hair dryer warming the lock is easy. Lubricate after opening.

Lock De-Icer is available at most hardware and locksmith stores. You must spray it all the way back into the lock where the key goes in. It usually takes a few minutes to work and you may have to do it more than once. The alcohol will evaporate the ice, but it also removes any lubrication in the locks. Make sure to lubricate your locks after you use a de-icer or your locks may be damaged.

Using a torch on a lock is NOT a good idea. If there is any lubrication in the lock, you will cook it and make it sticky. The lock will not work and probably have to be replaced.

Or you can call a locksmith who will have a good de-icer and lubricant or warming method to open your lock and get you going. However, if it is a good freeze there may be a waiting line.

Holiday Security Tips

The cheer of the Christmas Holidays can be ruined by a crime.  Every Christmas season marks an increase in home invasions, muggings and purse snatchings. 

Here are some tips we hope will help make your Christmas a safe one:

1. When you leave home be sure all your locks on doors and windows are locked.
2. Don't hide a spare key for others to find.
3. If you'll be out later than 5:00, consider leaving a light and/or radio on to give the appearance someone is home.
4. When you're shopping hold on to your purse tightly or better still leave the purse home.
5. If you do carry a purse, keep you keys separate so if the purse is stolen the thief doesn't get your keys and address as a bonus.
6. If you carry a wallet, keep it in a front, inside or zippered pocket.  Keep your credit cards and license separate so if the wallet is taken you still have your credit cards and ID. 
7. Don't flash a big wad of cash in the stores.
8. Be alert and walk in well-lighted and high-traffic areas.
9. When driving, park in well-lighted areas and keep your doors and windows locked.
10. Don't fill the car with newly bought packages and then return to finish the shopping.  Take them home and make a second trip. Many thieves can open a trunk faster than you can with your key.
11. Buddy shopping provides safety and more fun while shopping.
12. Finally, help your neighbors.  If you see anything suspicious call the police and do what you can to help, yell, scream, wave to draw others attention.  Thieves don't appreciate an audience. 
13. We wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Max and Snoopy!

Cicero, Berwyn and Oak Park share beautification of Roosevelt Road

It started over 3 years ago.  Meetings of business owners and officials from Cicero, Berwyn and Oak Park Illinois. Roosevelt road joins the three communities along a one mile strip, Harlem avenue to Austin blvd.

A hodge-podge of designs by the three towns over the years created uncared for sections and different street decorations (what they call streetscape). 80-100 year old infra-structure was crumbling and sewers were breaking.

So, a painful process began to bring the needs of the street to state and local officials. The plan was created and approved by all three towns, which was a major accomplishment. With the end of the planning stage, construction began, and began and began.

Businesses and neighbors suffered through traffic congestion, loss of business, lots of dirt and noise for 3 years. Now it looks like the end is in sight. And I have to admit it is looking very nice.

Our staff at PHS Locksmiths really appreciate all the customers who waded through the mess to reach our doors. Berwyn, Cicero and Oak Park customers who have avoided Roosevelt road during the construction can now find parking, nice sidewalks and nice streetscape. Although not totally finished, come by and see what's been done.

And if you need an extra key made, stop in and we can chat about how nice Roosevelt road is looking.

Slick Locks for Service Vans, No Drilling

Recently, we purchased a new Ford Transit work van.  Previously we've used standard brackets/hasps like those pictured above to increase security.  However, the new work van presented installation problems for the usual hasps. Also, we hated the idea of drilling into our brand new vehicle.

We heard about Slick Locks, a new type of bracket/hasp specifically designed to be used on work vans. We watched the installation video several times and then talked to the manufacturer about becoming a dealer.

This is a well thought out product, created by someone who thought there had to be something better to lock up his service van. Made in the USA by it's creator; it has no holes to drill, no rusting of stainless brackets, a no-freeze weather cover and a no-wrench Spinner.

Finally, our vans can have secure locks that enhance their appearance. And they are easy to install.

Watch the installation video.

http://slicklocks.com/how.aspx

Fire Ratings on Home Safes

By examining the rating label(s) on a safe, you can determine the degree and length of protection it will provide for your valuables.

The temperature on the label is the maximum temperature allowed within the safe during the test.

   Class 350 protects paper

   Class 150 protects magnetic tape and photographic film

   Class 125 protects disks, cds and computer products

The time on the label tells how long the product met the required temperature during the test.

   Hourly ratings are 1/2 hr., 1hr., 2hr., and 4hr.

Types of fire resistance testing a safe may undergo are fire endurance test, explosion hazard test, and fire impact test.

   Fire Endurance Test - After heat sensors are placed inside the safe, it is locked and put into a furnace. Safes rated for less than an hour may specify the temperature tested at on the fire label.  A 1hr. rated safe is tested at 1700°F.  A 2hr. rated safe is tested at 1850°F.  (The average house fire burns at 1200°F.) The internal temperature is measured and must never exceed the temperature on the label. Usually 350°F, 150°F, or 125°F.  (Paper chars at 450°F.) Then the safe is opened and examined for any visible effect from the heat.

   Explosion Hazard Test - The safe is locked and placed into a furnace at 2000°F for 30 minutes (for a 2hr. rating, it's 45 minutes).  If this rapid heating does not cause the container to explode or rupture, it is then cooled and opened. The inside, lock mechanism, and bolts are examined for any stress or damage.

   Fire Impact Test - The safe is heated under the same conditions as the Explosion Hazard Test.  However, within 2 minutes of the safe's removal from the furnace, it's dropped from a specified height onto brick or concrete. The safe must remain locked without deformation or rupture. Once cooled the safe is reinserted into a 1550°F furnace for another 30 minutes (for a 2hr. rating, it's reheated to 1638°F for another 45 minutes).  Once cooled again, the safe is inspected inside and out for visible evidence of heat or drop damage.

UL Underwriter's Laboratories rate most safes in the US. They also re-test the products from time to time to make sure the product hasn't changed.

There are different testing facilities in other countries. Ratings and tests may be different on safes imported from other countries.

For more information on fire safe ratings:

• UL - Record Protection Standards
• UL - 10 Things You Didn't Know About UL's Safe Testing
• AMSEC - Fire Ratings Explained