When to Change Your Locks

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Changing locks should be routine when you take care of your home maintenance. Locks are essential for safety and security. The job of changing them should be important to anyone who has a family and valuables they stand to lose if someone breaks into your home. If you have ever wondered why you should ever have to change your locks, perhaps we can offer you some guidelines for doing so.

1. Lost or Stolen Keys

Since you can’t find your keys they may have been stolen or you may have possibility lost them. In either instance, you should definitely have your locks changed. Even in the event that someone finds and returns your keys, you can never be too sure as to whether or not the key was copied.

 

2. Moving

When you are moving into a new place whether it is a house or apartment, change the locks. This is something that is supposed to be handled before you move in, however, you can’t always trust that it was actually done. It is better to be safe than sorry. Change the locks!

 

3. If Keys Were Ever Left With Someone

If you ever have to leave your keys for a service professional or for a neighbor to let a service professional inside your home, change the locks afterwards. You do not know if the neighbor or someone close to the neighbor duplicated your key.

 

4. When Getting a Divorce

It doesn’t matter if your getting a divorce or separation, it is a good idea to change the locks on the doors to be on the safe side. Even if you ended the relationship on good terms, you can never be sure when animosity could rear its nasty head. Take it all in stride and get the locks changed. We are sure that you would be devastated to walk into your home and notice that everything has been stolen or moved out.

 

5. Roommate Moving Out

If you have a roommate moving out, this is good time to change the locks of your door. You don’t know if they have ever given the keys to someone or had their keys stolen and duplicated. Even if you trust them, you simply can’t be too sure if you can trust everyone whom they have come into contact with. Remove the possibility of an ex-roommate or their friends coming into your home, uninvited by having the locks changed.

 

6. Old or Worn Locks

This is something that you might not feel that we need to mention but it is something that goes overlooked all the time. If you do not want someone to easily break-into your home or if you don’t want to find yourself locked out, have the locks of your home changed when you see rust building up. If they are worn, you can also tell because the key won’t turn as easily as it should. Contact a professional locksmith in Tampa, Florida, such as, 24/7 Tampa Locksmith to change any worn or old locks you may have.

 

7. A Break in Attempt

This goes without saying, contact a professional locksmith whenever it appears as though someone has tried to break into your home. You might notice something strange with the way your door is opening, you may see some marks around your keyhole or lock, call a locksmith and have your locks changed. If your garage door looks like it has been tampered with, contact a locksmith today.

 

8. Old and Obsolete Locks

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It is just a good rule of thumb to change your locks every couple of years since locks can become worn and not as reliable as they were when they were first installed. Some locks become obsolete and are not longer able to add the level of effectiveness that they used to. This is because burglars may have become more skillful in their method of breaking locks. If you have one that they have mastered, you certainly wouldn’t want to find out the hard way be experiencing a break-in.

 

9. Electronic Locks Compromised

If you arrive home and you notice that your locks have been compromised, this is a good enough reason to have the code changed or another lock installed. It is pretty hard to compromise these types of locks but not impossible depending on the type of electronic lock that you have installed.

 

While the above can serve as a guide to know when to have your locks changed, there may be other instances, which have not been discussed. One thing we would suggest you do is, listen to your instinct. Don’t take any unnecessary chances with your safety and don’t allow yourself to become victimized by a burglary when you can help it. In some instances, it is a matter of not prioritizing what we need to get done. If you feel as though your safety and that of your family is important, do not walk, run, to the nearest locksmith service to get the help that you need to have your locks changed.

You might feel that it makes more sense to just buy the lock from your closest hardware store and install it on your own. This isn’t always the smartest thing to do if you lack the training and experience to properly install locks. The key to making sure your safety is not jeopardized is to make sure a professional locksmith correctly installs your locks. It might be more cost-effective to handle the job often your own but it might not be the wisest thing to do. You’ll have to ask yourself whether or not it is more important to save a buck or two or protect your assets and your loved ones. Most people would answer the latter yet they still don’t do anything to prevent an incident from occurring that can otherwise be avoided. Act now by contacting a professional locksmith service in Florida who is trustworthy, affordable and efficient.

Article source here: When to Change Your Locks

Transponder keys – problems

Transponder keys have paved the way for a drastic decrease in car theft. Most drivers, car dealers and even auto mechanics can’t say enough good things about these amazing keys that not only keep your car safer, they allow you to unlock your car, and even to start your engine remotely! How is all this even possible? Transponder key technology has been with us since the early 1990’s. In fact, most cars built from 1995 on use transponder keys to power the ignitions. In other words; it works! Is there a downside to transponder key usage? Only that they occasionally break or become lost! Fortunately, in Tampa, FL there are many places where you can get affordable and expertly done transponder key service; even on a 24-hour basis!

What makes it a transponder key?

Thousands of people use transponder keys without even knowing what they are or why they are special. 24/7 Tampa Locksmith offers this post to familiarize you with their characteristics and to give you some easy tips on how to deal with transponder

Tampa Automotive Locksmith

key problems when they arise.

We all know what a key looks like. It has a blade of metal that has grooves and teeth cut into it, as well as a large rounded head to be used for holding and turning; so far; so good. Here is where a transponder key’s resemblance to a “regular” key ends.

In a transponder key, a programmable chip is embedded in the key’s head. This chip sends an electronic signal to your car’s computer when you turn on the ignition. If the computer “recognizes” the signal (they match) the engine starts. If not, forget about driving THIS car! See how it aids in theft prevention? Use the wrong key and no ignition starting!

Transponder key problems

Keys break or become lost no matter what they are made of, or what special programming went into them. Like the old saying goes “the more parts there are, the more that can go wrong!” and since transponder keys have specialized components, this holds very true.

The embedded computer chip can fall out. This happens on its own or when dropped. Sometimes, the key is dropped and then picked up but no one noticed the fallen-out chip still lying on the ground. By the time it is realized that the chip is missing, it is too late to find it or it has become damaged beyond repair. The key is not a total waste as it will still open the driver’s door and the trunk, but as far as the engine starting, there is no signal to send for the car’s computer to recognize.

Key breakage

Yep; transponder keys break, too. Here at 24/7 Tampa Locksmith we’ve heard every story in the book about how a customer’s transponder key broke. From using it to open heavy cardboard boxes to beer can puncture stabs, transponder keys often snap or break in half when used for the wrong reasons. Many times the broken transponder key was not misused at all; there was simply too much pressure applied to it when in the ignition. Of course, now the problem is intensified as you will need key extraction, transponder key programming AND transponder key duplication!

Stuck transponder key

Yes, your transponder key can become stuck. First of all, don’t panic! If you do, you won’t be able to think straight and this can make things worse. Be careful to NOT force your transponder key out of the ignition. As mentioned earlier, they can break. Usually the cause is simple so relax and check to see if the car is in the right gear. Your auto should be in the PARK gear; if it isn’t the transponder key will not come out. This is a built-in safety mechanism that protects you from accidentally removing the key while driving!

Check your battery

If your transponder key opened the driver’s door but didn’t start the car, check to make sure that the battery is not low. Try turning on your headlights, the radio or the dashboard lights in order to test your battery. This is important because if you are dealing with a dead or low battery, there will not be sufficient power to send an accurate transponder chip signal to your ignition. It’s almost as if you used the wrong key because your auto’s computer won’t recognize or respond to your key now.

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Lost transponder key

This is one of the most common transponder key problems. Your key may be lost, stolen or lent out (as a spare) and never returned. Many a transponder key was left behind in a hotel room or dropped by accident on a hiking or camping trip, leaving the driver with no way to properly start their car. If you have a spare; that’s great, but if you don’t, you’ll need a new one and fast, too!

Solutions

You may think that the best solution for transponder key problems is to call a mechanic, or your car dealer. This is not recommended as you could wind up spending more money and wasting more time that you need to. Here’s why. Since your car won’t run without a proper transponder key signal it will need to be towed to the repair shop in order to match the new key’s signal to your car’s computer. In addition, car dealers and mechanics charge a premium for doing anything with and for your transponder chips including key duplicates, key programming and repair. Add to all this, the long waits, the appointment availability and the extra hassles and you can see why in Tampa, FL it makes sense to find another solution.

Automotive locksmith service

That’s right; call a licensed, bonded and insured automotive locksmith service like ours here at 24/7 Tampa Locksmith. You’ll get access to fast, mobile service that is much more affordable than going through all the middle-man charges your dealership will put you through. Many shops (including ours) offer same day service, 24-hour emergency help and free price quotes, so if you need transponder key assistance, you now know where to get it.

Article source here: Transponder keys – problems

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT INTERIOR LOCKS FOR YOU

Finding the Best Door Locks for Interior Doors

We don’t often think about installing locks inside the house. Sure, we want exceptional-quality locks for the outside doors, to keep our home secure. But what about locks for guarding your privacy on the inside? There are all sorts of reasons you may need locks inside ~ parents’ bedroom, bathrooms, home office, teenager’s bedroom, liquor cabinet, filing cabinet, collectibles cabinet, and so forth. Finding the right door locks for your home’s interior doors depends on so many factors. There is a surprising list of different kinds of interior door locks available. Taking a good look at the features of each lock will help you choose exactly the right one for each of your needs.

basic locking door handle: The usual interior door lock that we normally imagine is called a privacy knob. It has a standard locking handle on the inside of the room. The exterior of the door knob is relatively easy to unlock from the outside in case of emergency. You can use a flathead screwdriver, or sometimes even a dull kitchen knife or your finger nail to get it unlocked. This type will probably meet your everyday needs.

bed & bath knob: This familiar style of interior door lock has a regular locking mechanism inside the room, and a little hole on the outside. You need a precision flathead screwdriver or special tool to unlock it. This is a popular interior door lock choice, because it’s a bit more difficult to unlock from the outside, and it can be unlocked without a key in an emergency.

key lock: A key lock door on the outside obviously offers you an increased level of privacy, since it requires a key to unlock it. You’ll always have to remember to have the key on you, of course, or you won’t be able to unlock it from the outside.

cylindrical lock: This popular lock is installed through the door with a knob or lever on either side, which retracts the latch when depressed or turned. One advantage of a cylindrical lock is that it’s easy and quick to install. Two holes are drilled in the door ~ the first through the face of the door for the lock chassis, and the other through the strike edge of the door for the latch bolt. You’ll see cylindrical locksets everywhere you look ~ they’re typically found in homes and offices, and on interior doors in all sorts of buildings.

mortise lock: This is a top-quality interior door lock that’s fitted into a pocket cavity (mortise) inside the door. Mortise locks are well-known, as they’re one of the oldest style locks, invented decades before we had cylindrical locks. You’ll often see mortise locks in older commercial buildings, but they’ve also grown more popular nowadays in upscale residential buildings. You can install a mortise lock on exterior and interior doors, and often on wooden cabinets. They are available in iron, bronze, brass, aluminum, or steel to suit your budget and taste. Rather more complicated than the standard locks we’re accustomed to, a mortise lock consists of: the lock body, the part installed inside the mortise cut-out in the door; the lock trim, which could be a lever, handleset, or pull; a strike plate, which reinforces the hole in the frame for the latch or deadbolt to extend into; and the keyed cylinder, which operates the lock body’s locking and unlocking function. A mortise

lock is tricky to install, so you should hire a professional locksmith, who will bring the proper specialized tools required to precisely cut the hole for the lock, and so on. If you are located anywhere in Tampa, Florida, you may want to choose a trustworthy locksmith such as the mobile experts on staff at 24/7 Tampa Locksmith, where free consultations are available.

knob lock: This is the standard lock we have on our exterior doors at home, often installed along with a deadbolt.

deadbolt: If there’s one particular room you’re especially worried about, a deadbolt lock will certainly fit the bill. The reason these superior locks are called “dead” is that they do not have any springs to operate the bolt; that is, a deadbolt is operated manually, using a key or thumbturn. There many different kinds of deadbolts, including single-cylinder, double-cylinder, lockable thumbturn, rim, jimmy-proof, mortise, vertical, and even keyless or digital. Do your research to see which one will work best for your requirements.

rim cylinder lock: You’ll often see this lock on commercial doors, entry glass doors, and at apartment complexes. Perhaps you’ll want this lock for a door to your solarium or enclosed porch. They’re usually used in rim latch locks, mounted on the inside of the door. Rim cylinder locks have a long metal piece that extends out from the lock’s back, running through the door into a locking mechanism on the opposite side.

lever handle lock: These locks are frequently used on interior doors in commercial buildings, but if you need to make your home accessible throughout for a disabled family member, lever locks will be your best bet. They’re easier to open than knob locks, because the push-down handle doesn’t need to be grasped and turned, the way a knob does. Consider whether you’ll need left-handled or right-handled doors. One drawback: You may agree with folks who don’t like lever-handled locks, because they often inadvertently catch and rip their clothes on them.

electronic door lock: Believe it or not, in today’s high-tech world, you’ll find lots of lever-handled variations for interior locks ~ with keypads or touchscreens, which ask you to enter a passcode. Some even add a required fingerprint to gain access, and will allow you to program in the fingerprints of up to 100 people! If you want to spend more, some will require not only a user code, but also a traditional key too, plus two more steps of identity verification. Do your homework to choose the ideal electronic lock for you.

This is a simple overview. There is literally an endless list of various kinds of locks. To learn more, consult with a local reliable locksmith.

Article source here: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT INTERIOR LOCKS FOR YOU

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24/7 Tampa Locksmith in Tampa – Live Stream

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24/7 Tampa Locksmith in Tampa - Live Stream

Watch on YouTube here: 24/7 Tampa Locksmith in Tampa - Live Stream
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CPS worker accidentally locks child in hot vehicle

CPS worker accidentally locks child in hot vehicle

 
By Benjamin Lloyd

CORPUS CHRISTI - Terrifying moments for a toddler accidentally locked in a hot car by a Child Protective Services worker.

The employee placed the child in the car and accidentally dropped the car keys inside.

When she realized what she did, she ran into the building,  and grabbed a police detective who works in that office.

The officer broke the window and pulled the child out.  The temperature outside the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services office on Greenwood Drive was 95 degrees at the time.

Paramedics treated the boy who was sweaty and had a temperature of nearly 100 degrees. He was placed him in an air conditioned unit and given water.

Read more: CPS worker accidentally locks child in hot vehicle

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