Articles

Sturdy Key Box Stops Lock Outs

2012-04-14T21:47:16Z

"Just ran out to grab the mail!" "The dog or my child pushed the door shut!" "I set my keys down while I picked up my bags!" Whatever the reason, now you're locked out. This never happens at a convenient time.

Now, how do you get back into your house?

Do you try to find a locksmith?

Find a phone.
Find a locksmith that can come out right now.
Wait for the locksmith to arrive.
Prove that you belong there so the locksmith will open the door.
Wait as the locksmith tries to open the door. (Which may require destroying the lock.)
Pay for the emergency service and any replacement parts.

Or, have you prepared for this ahead of time?

Collect your spare key from the key box and let yourself back in.
Put spare key back in the key box for next time.

Obviously, hiding a spare key in a sturdy locking box is the simplest solution. It is readily available and difficult to open if you don't know the code. You might want to put an extra car door key in there too.

GE Security Tamper Resistant Combination Keyboxes or Shurlok Key Storage Lock boxes are durable all metal construction with a combination lock you can set to any four digit number you can remember.

As cars get harder to open and lock manufacturers try to make their locks unpickable these locking key boxes make more and more sense.

Locking Mailboxes Deter Identity Thieves

2012-03-31T20:48:56Z

I never thought about identity theft very much until it happened to me. It is an easy crime to commit. All you need is a little information about a person or business to create checks or apply for credit and do a world of damage to the victim's financial and credit history.

Mail is a likely place to find that information. Criminals either put through a change of address for you or steal mail right out of your mailbox.

To deter mail being taken from your mailbox you can buy a new mailbox that has a lock with a key,

install a mail slot in your door or rent a Post Office Box.

An article you may find informative: Your Risky Mailbox: Identity Theft 101 http://idtheft.about.com/od/identitytheft101/a/Mail_Theft.htm

Gardall general purpose safes protect against Burglary and Fire.

2012-03-25T00:50:43Z

What have you got to lose? Important documents, birth certificates, insurance papers, deeds or titles to property? Cash for a rainy day, coin collection, camera, computer, jewelry, treasures handed down in your family?

Fire/Burglary Safe Gardall FB 2013

Outside Dimensions 27" High x 20" Wide x 20 1/2" Deep
Inside Dimensions 21" High x 14" Wide x 13" Deep
Approximate Weight 312 lbs

Standard Features

Heavy duty construction 2" thick door, 3" thick body
Composite construction door and body
Independent glass re-locking system
3 spoke chrome plated vault handle
1 hour UL 350 Fire Label
UL RSC residential Burglary Label
Center bolt down for ease of installation
1 1/4" chrome plated locking bolts
Attractive two tone paint for increased durability
UL Group II combination (S&G) lock standard. Electronic Lock optional.
Gardall Lifetime Replacement Warranty on Fire damage.

Ratings

UL 350/1 Hour Label - One Hour exposure to severe fire with an exterior temperature to 1700 degrees F and an interior temperature that does not exceed 350 degree F (paper chars at 405 degrees) for one hour and cool down. (For more information see our previous article on fire ratings.)
UL RSC Labeled Residential Security Container.

We offer in home/business delivery within our service area or in store pickup. (We do not ship safes.)

Waging war on shady locksmiths

2012-03-17T22:32:50Z

John Kelly, columnist for the Washington Post, writes that Mark Baldino of Baldino's Lock & Key is spearheading an effort to get search engines to remove questionable locksmith listings.

Since 2004 we have seen the internet used by questionable companies, including locksmiths, to fool consumers. They are gaming the search engines with incorrect information and posting their own rave reviews. This causes thousands of listings to pop up on searches, many with business locations that do not exist. Phone calls are switched to call centers in various states. In many cases, consumers think they are contacting a local company. When they receive poor service or feel they are over-charged, trying to physically find the company becomes a problem.

Real locksmiths are trying to convince the search engines to clean up their listings and provide quality search information to their users. Mark Baldino, the locksmith in the Washington Post story is making some headway.

In the meantime, Buyer Beware. Illinois requires all locksmiths to be licensed. Ask questions to identify the locksmith. Write down the name, address, phone and license number. Ask for the complete price and confirm that price in writing before allowing the locksmith to do any work. If you think you are being scammed, don't be afraid to call the police. The Il. Attorney General and the Il. Dept. of Professional Regulation have prosecuted scammers claiming to be locksmiths.

You should never, ever be asked to go to a cash machine with the locksmith. Real locksmiths take credit cards. If you have a problem, you can call the credit card company to reverse the charge (not on debit cards).

This is a growing problem and will probably move into other service industries. Consumers with an emergency situation are less likely to question or shop around. That is why the locksmith industry was a logical place for the scammers to start their deceptive practices. I've heard they have branched out into carpet cleaning, housekeeping, furnace and duct cleaning. Buyers Beware!

Chicago Winter and frozen locks

2011-12-17T20:58:50Z

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

2011-12-10T19:08:01Z

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:

When you leave home be sure all your locks on doors and windows are locked.
Don't hide a spare key for others to find.
If you'll be out later than 5:00, consider leaving a light and/or radio on to give the appearance someone is home.
When you're shopping hold on to your purse tightly or better still leave the purse home.
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.
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.
Don't flash a big wad of cash in the stores.
Be alert and walk in well-lighted and high-traffic areas.
When driving, park in well-lighted areas and keep your doors and windows locked.
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.
Buddy shopping provides safety and more fun while shopping.
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.
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

2011-11-19T17:37:18Z

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

2011-11-12T20:57:38Z

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

2011-10-22T20:57:11Z

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:

Buy the right safe.

2011-10-08T22:08:57Z

Do you have valuables or papers that need to be protected? What kind of safe should you buy? A safe intended to stop a burglar may not protect your documents in a fire. Conversely, a safe that would protect your documents in a fire may serve as an easy to open box for a burglar to carry away. Consider everything you plan to put in your safe and what you want to protect against. Most safes are tested and labeled to help you choose the right product for your valuables.

Fire Boxes, plastic or metal, are cheap containers with poor quality locks. Their only purpose is to keep papers from burning up in a fire. Look for and read the fire rating sticker. The higher the temperature and the longer the time on the rating the better.

Theft Prevention Boxes are metal boxes designed to discourage valuables from walking. They do not provide fire protection. Screwed to a shelf or drawer they are great for senior retirement apartments or student dorms.

Fire Safes are usually sheet metal with fire retardant material in the walls and door. Some materials form a moisture barrier when heated. If you have photos or stamp collections, you wouldn't want this. Look for a dry fire clay filling instead. Security in these safes improves with thicker sheet metal, better lock and bolt mechanism and temp/time rating. Again, these are meant to protect from fire - not burglary.

Burglar Safes are rated for penetration only. These safes are not for papers or items that would be harmed by heat or fire. The walls and door are made of different thicknesses of steel and bolts. The security improves with thicker steel, better lock and bolt mechanism. Ratings indicate the amount of time it took for professional safe crackers with the proper tools to penetrate and open the safe.

Burglar/Fire Safes are good all round safes. RSC Burglary is the UL residential rating. These safes pass a 1-hour or 2-hour fire test plus a test using professional burglary penetration tools. The amount of time it takes a professional, with knowledge of the drill points, to penetrate the safe determines the strength and rating of the safe.