What can you do to safeguard your home if your house keys accidentally end up in the wrong hands? That’s a question nearly two out of every three American homeowners should consider closely, according to a new study.
The study, Danger at America’s Doorstep: Who Has Keys to Your Home? I looked at how homeowners protect–or fail to protect–their house keys and safeguard their home.
The survey found that a majority (64 percent) of American homeowners have knowingly circulated their house keys outside of their immediate family, and nearly one-third (27 percent) of American homeowners have given out a key three or more times.
Every 15 seconds, a burglar breaks into a house, apartment, or condo in the U.S. Burglars are often quick to attack a home’s easiest point of entry, and nothing’s easier than unlocking a front door with a set of keys. According to John Heppner, President and CEO of Fortune Brands Storage and Security, including Master Lock Company L.L.C., “Too many Americans underestimate the potential risks they invite to their homes when they let their house keys wander.”
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent strangers from entering your home–even if they have your key. For example, the Master Lock NightWatch™ Deadbolt looks and works just like a standard deadbolt lock, but it offers a powerful new security feature-a patent-pending blocking function that locks out all keys.
To help you prevent your home from becoming a burglary target, you need to understand how a burglar thinks. If you know what “makes them tick,” you have a much better chance of avoiding a problem.
Police and other security experts agree that burglars prefer two particular conditions:
(1) An Invitation and
(2) A fast, easy, undetected entry, and exit.
You would never put up a sign in your yard that says, “Burglars Welcome.” That would be ridiculous! But, that is exactly what you are doing if you make ANY of the following 14 mistakes:
1. Your yard is messy. Do you leave toys, tools, or other items lying around the yard? If so, this is an open invitation for thieves. Could you not do it?
2. One of the major causes of car theft is a key being left in the car. Even if your car is parked in your own driveway, always remove the keys. Here is an actual example I saw in the newspaper recently. A man drove his car from his garage onto the driveway to wash it. He forgot to take the keys out. When he finished washing the car, he went inside for lunch. About an hour later, when he came out to his car—–you guessed it—-it was GONE! Some neighborhood kids took it for a “joy ride” just for some fun. However, the point is clear. No matter where your car is parked, always make sure that you take the key out!
3. You can easily protect your home by ensuring no dark or concealed areas.
4. Believe it or not, some people actually will leave a window open when leaving their home. Especially in today’s world, even if you only plan to go to the corner store, make sure that all entries to your home are closed and locked.
5. You never want to leave a note on an exterior door for a deliveryman telling him where you have gone. Have you ever made this mistake?
6. Do you really think that a burglar doesn’t know that your house keys are on top of the door jam, under the mat, or somewhere close to the door of your home? If you need to give your home access while you are away, either give the key to a neighbor or buy a “lockbox” from Home Depot or Walmart. But never leave your keys just sitting around to be found!
7. Don’t use your answering machine as an invitation to be robbed. Messages on answering machines saying that you are away are like saying, “OK, you can come to take what you want from my house now.” Never change your message. Just be aware that most answering machines let you listen to your messages from a remote phone by entering a personal security code.
8. This is a true story! A family in California went on a weekend trip and left their garage door open by mistake. When they returned Sunday night, many of their valuables were nowhere to be found! The Police and their insurance company had little sympathy for them. Don’t let this happen to you!
9. Sliding glass doors without any additional locks, such as a wooden pole placed in the track or a key lock at the top of the frame, are a favorite entry point of choice for burglars. Make sure you have an additional lock of some kind.
10. Burglars love to see homes that have no lights on—night after night! That’s an indication to them that your home could be an easy target for theft. The solution can be as simple and inexpensive as getting a “timer” to turn your lights on and off.
11. Having a privacy fence can be a double-edged sword. Not only does it keep neighbors from seeing what’s happening in your yard, but it also prevents neighbors and Police from seeing if there is a problem—like burglars! Ensure that your yard is well lighted or has lights with motion sensors if you have a privacy fence.
12. Flimsy door locks or latches can be a big problem. If your locks need repair or replacement, do it immediately. You will save yourself a lot of hassle in the long run.
13. If your home has a basement, be sure that all windows are properly locked. Homeowners sometimes overlook these basement window locks.
14. if you will be away for more than a few days, it’s a good idea to cancel your newspaper and mail deliveries. Ask a neighbor to pick them up for you if you don’t want to have both the mail and newspaper deliveries interrupted. The best sign to a burglar that a house is unoccupied is a stack of newspapers thrown on the driveway.
Once a burglar sees an “invitation” for your home, the next thing they look for is a quick, easy, and undetected way out. Human nature being what it is, they will always take the path of least resistance.
Here is a shortlist of favorites for burglars that you should avoid:
1. Large shrubs in front of a window.
2. A dark area somewhere around your home.
3. Exterior doors leading to a pool. Many times people forget to lock these doors.
4. Exterior doors without a deadbolt lock can also be easy targets.
P.S.
From our family to your family—may your home always be safe.
Being a locksmith in today’s world contains as many dangers for the locksmith as it does for the person who needs the locksmith services. People should be more suspicious of who they allow working on locks for their businesses and homes because of the courage of today’s criminals, the technology, and the availability of supplies that fall into the wrong hands. The locksmith has to be protected from false accusations, from being blamed for the damage they did not do and being sued.
Being in the locksmithfield of work is a career choice to take seriously and with pride for those who want to excel and be respected and recognized. As with any other career, there will be locksmiths who are trustworthy and reliable and those who are less worthy of the public’s business.
Locksmith education is offered to anyone willing to pay for the course. This puts the public in danger because the student does not have to prove a criminal background before being approved for the course.
Locksmiths who are unfairly accused of wrong-doing are in danger of losing much-needed business. They must fight for their reputation and to be able to acquire new customers and keep them. The locksmith must also take precautions to arm themselves with the proper licenses, insurance, and certification and take steps to protect themselves physically.
There are dangers in having access knowledge to people’s homes and businesses because of the potential for wrong-doing by trespassers, disgruntled family members or friends, divorcees in battle, unhappy business partners, etc., in any remote areas. Another danger lies in the locksmith hiring employees who may have questionable backgrounds. Besides the locksmith having to worry about protecting himself from his customers or other dangerous people or situations, he also has to protect himself from hiring the wrong employees.
Being a locksmith can be a profitable, enjoyable business with many rewards as long as the proper precautions are taken. Hiring a locksmith can safe and secure as long as the proper precautions are taken. Awareness pays off from both perspectives!
Colorado Springs is a great place to live. You can find a good bit about history, and a wonderful new home, just as you have always dreamed. Find a realtor in Colorado Springs and start looking for your new home now.
When it comes to finding a good realtor agent in Colorado Springs, you will want to look at several areas like the Internet research engines, internet newspapers, and any friends or family that you might know in the area. As for the area, you should first know a little bit about the area’s history and get a local introduction. You can find many links to quality agents and real estate right here on these pages.
Peaks Peak is one of the number one tourist attractions because there is so much to do. The peak is open all year round, and 7 am-7 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day. You will only need reservations for the Cog Railway, and the cost practically costs you nothing. To hike the mountain can take all day. A person can do so many more things at the mountain that is great for all ages. Pikes Peak is the most visited mountain in the world. Doesn’t it sound so great to be part of Colorado Springs? The views located at the Summit House shows off the best scenery in Colorado Springs, and you will find it all quite exciting. The Summit House is the only restaurant located near Pikes Peak and serves thousands of people each day. If you are near this location, you should stop by and take a look for yourself. You will never tire of it.
Many of the realtor agents in the Colorado Springs area have been in business for decades, so you know homes are bought and sold all the time. No matter what type of home you may be dreaming about, you can find it here. The agents in this area care more about introducing others to Colorado and will usually give tips about all the things offered in the area. You will also find that the whole town gives off this friendly and homey atmosphere. You can depend on a real estate agent to help you find that dream home.
Many people decide to move to Colorado Springs because of the atmosphere and simplicity and because of the beautiful scenery. Colorado Springs is one of Colorado’s most known areas, and when people visit the area, many decide to stay. How wouldn’t you want to stay, considering that Colorado Springs has so much to offer everything rather they are old or young. There are schools, museums, and so much to do, that the entire family will enjoy living in this area.
When Realtor agents in Colorado Springs realize that you are relocating to the area, they will most likely go all out to show you a good time. You will usually be given a map of all the streets, highways, schools, shopping areas, and major landmarks from your realtor, and then they will most likely show you the high points of the city. Many will give their customer’s tips on where to get the best food or services. Who knows, maybe once you settle in your new home, you will bring others to the Colorado Springs area if you want to sell homes as well!
Because there is so much opportunity in the area, eventually, a person may want to invest in the city. Colorado Springs is a great investment. Rather it is buying a house or running your own business. Many businesses in the area end up making great profits because of the activities that draw in tourists. There is no real off-season when you live in Colorado Springs. When a person checks out the region with their realtor, there is much evidence that it is a great place to relocate and offers so many opportunities for the average American entrepreneur. With the high amount of traffic and people throughout the region, many new industries and businesses find it easy to establish and build a business.
When it comes to realtor agents in Colorado Springs, you will want first to figure out what area you want to relocate to, and then you can quickly find a realtor. You may want to look in several surrounding Colorado Springs areas that are just as nice, and class as the Springs and yet be close to your job in the city. If you are working out of town, you will find the highways very accessible and cut time off your commute.
You can purchase a home located exactly where you want because the construction business in the area is continuously growing, but most don’t stay on the market long. That’s why you should make an offer on a home as soon as you find something that you like, so you don’t miss out on something you really want to own. The Colorado Springs area is a good investment because travelers come to Colorado Springs all the time and want to relocate to the area once they have seen just how beautiful the area really is. In fact, don’t be surprised if someday a person rings the doorbell giving you an offer, but that type of thing doesn’t really happen every day, but you know what we mean!
Houses in this area are so hot that everyone wants to live in Colorado Springs. The property may seem a bit expensive, but considering that it could eventually be double or three times worth what you paid, it’s a good investment. Real estate in Colorado Springs is practically a goldmine since people travel thousands of miles each year to go to the slopes or visit the Summit House, located on top of the world’s most visited mountain. Colorado Springs is definitely a place you would want to invest your money because it is forever changing and expanding. The value of the real estate in this area is only going to climb, as the scenery and atmosphere are something that many people from around the US are seeking, getting out of the big cities to smaller, seemingly more rural like areas.
When it comes to the real estate salespeople in the Colorado Springs area, clients find that they are very down to earth and eager to educate their clients on the history of Colorado Springs and the area’s diverse offerings. Colorado Springs has it all for a family with different ideas or pictures of the perfect place to live. Just by simply asking your agent about the area, you will become overwhelmed with fun facts and interesting historical stories. It is a nice place for families as well as an enjoyable place for those who are single. You know an area is a great place to live when people travel the entire world to spend a day there. Colorado Springs is a very safe and dependable place to relocate.
A locksmith must, of course, learn the basics of being a locksmith. The locksmith must learn the tools necessary, the machines used, the locks and systems on the market, key identification, panic hardware, electronic security, business security, home security, and tax information. The locksmith must also learn advertising, bookkeeping, employee information, hiring techniques, safety measures for him or herself, safety for the employees who will be left at the office, pricing, and customer relations.
Being a locksmithinvolves much more than a person might realize. This is a craft becoming more sophisticated as the technology and the laws increasingly become more complicated. The knowledge of the locksmith must change and grow with the business and the modern world.
Learning how to locksmith from an accredited institution is important for the quality of the information provided and the results. If you learn locksmithing on your own through books or personal experimenting, you will not gain the necessary credibility to earn your place in the business world. This may gain you a tiny following of customers, but it will also carry great risks. Knowing how to access people’s homes, businesses, and vehicles must be treated as highly confidential information.
It is possible to operate a small locksmith business. If you want to specialize in only automobiles, you can concentrate on education and equipment for that particular field’s locksmith knowledge. You may want to expand your knowledge to focus on locksmithing for residences only or businesses only. Locksmiths have a choice of several areas to learn and specialize in. You can choose to combine all the areas and learn one area at a time, expanding your knowledge and your business slowly.
One thing to remember when choosing the field of the locksmith is the demand in your area. How many locksmiths are already available? What are their specialties? Are there any public complaints about the local locksmith businesses? Are there any public needs that aren’t being met? How can you put your business one level higher than those that are already available? Knowing which questions to ask is also an important learning step for a locksmith.
Being a locksmith can be very rewarding for the right person, but it is important to research the field to learn if this is the right business for you. Two more questions to ask while learning about being a locksmith are: what hours must you keep, and what demands will this field of the workplace on your family? The public can be unforgiving in times of desperation.
If a storm has damaged a home or a business, if a criminal has broken into a home or business, or if the security system has malfunctioned, will you be able to accommodyour customers’ needsmers? As always, preparation is the key to success!
Lock picking is the activity that opens a lock without the proper key. When we are thinking of it, usually we are associating it with illegal activities. But that isn’t always the case!
For example, let’s think about what we can do if we have lost the house key or locked ourselves outdoors. If we live on the ground floor, we could jump through the window (if it’s not open, we can easily break it with a stone). But if we are not, we either unlock the door or… break it (which is not a cheap solution). With a bit of talent and an unsophisticated lock, we can manage to unlock it ourselves. The reality is not quite like in the movies (when a door is unlocked in a couple of minutes, just in time for the hero to save the heroine). The best solution is to call for a professional locksmithwho is trained to deal with these situations.
When picking a lock, a locking tools kit is needed. The simplest kit contains a tension wrench (a screwdriver, for example) and a lock pin (a long, thin piece of metal, curved at the end). In an emergency, a lock pin is successfully replaced with a hairpin. A professional kit will have many tension wrenches (in different sizes and shapes) and a lot of dimensions for the lock pins. Or it could have a pick gun (contains many metal pieces that vibrate and push all the lock pins up at once).
The first step is to insert the tension wrench in the keyhole and turn the cylinder as a normal key would do. Then we can insert the lock pin and carefully start to lift the pins. When they reach the normal position, we will hear a slight click, and the lock is unlocked.
Along with “picking,” there is another technique called “racking.” It presents a lower level of precision. We need a special pick called a “rake.” This will be inserted until it hits the back of the cylinder (not slowly like a pick), and it will be pulled out quickly to hit all the pins up on its way out. In the meantime, the cylinder is turned with the tension wrench.
Master locks are one of the hardest locks to be picked! They are not infallible, but they do have an excellent protection system. They were invented in 1921 by Henry Soref, who thought of producing the padlocks in laminated layers of steel. While the Master locks in padlocks have the same picking system as the other locks, Master locks in combined formats require a patient and skillful locksmith.
There are many lock picking books, which teach us the techniques of lock picking step by step. Sometimes they are accompanied by a video or CD for a better illustration. Some books are written for professional locksmiths, but many others are directed to people who want to know more about the subject. Sometimes the books show the history of locks and lock picking or how they can become a locksmith!
When buying a lock, we have to keep in mind the value of what we intend to protect! Most locks can be picked, but buying a good one increases our security and safeness!
From the beginning of humankind, people have felt the urge to protect what they possess. They start by covering their caves’ entrance with stones; later, they hid their gold and jewels in the ground.
Then they discovered locks. These were first made of wood and rope. They served the purpose well, although they were not so nicely designed. There is a lot of historical proof that certifies the use of locks long before we could imagine. Even in the Bible (Old Testament, Books of Judges), we frequently mention locks and keys.
Types
In modern society, we have keys and locks for everything: the house, the office, the car, the bike. We even have more than one key for the same building; keys and locks are so much a part of our daily routine that we don’t consider them (or maybe we do that only when the ring of keys is too heavy placed in our pockets).
But we do give a lot of thought when we have to pick the type of lock or key type. Basically, we are talking about mechanical locks (based on mechanical activation of the keys), electro-mechanical locks (can be both mechanical or electrical activated, but usually the key is replaced with numbered buttons that have to be pressed), and electrical locks (activated by a card key that has a particular code, programmed to be read by a card reader which is controlled by an automated central or a local processor).
How to pick the lock?
It is not as complicated as we think, but also not as easy as it appears in many movies. Some say that this requires both art and science. We have to have a good knowledge of the lock mechanism and some practice.
Firstly we insert a tension wrench in the lock (a screwdriver, for example) and, with slight pressure, turn the plug (the lock cylinder) like the proper key would have done (we have to figure out what is the normal direction for the key to be turned). It will help create a small place between the lock pins (placed inside the lock). We have to insert a lock pick to lift them (like the proper key will do when inserted in the lock). Doing this and continuing to apply pressure on the tension wrench, we will hear a slight click (made by the pins when they fall in the right position), and the lock will be unlocked.
For unsophisticated locks, we can use a metal hairpin as a lock pick. But professional locksmiths need an adequate pick tools kit. Basically, this contains a tension wrench (they have different shapes and sizes) and several picks(long pieces of metal curved up at one end). Some can use an electrical pick gun (contains long metal pieces, and when they vibrate, push the pins up and unlock the lock).
The process of rekeying is quite simple (it takes a couple of minutes), and it shouldn’t be confused with the process of replacing a lock. Actually, it consists of disassembling the lock cylinder and replacing all the old lock pins with new ones to match the new key. Then the cylinder is reinstalled in the lock!
When, for example, a member of the family loses the house key, we can assume that a burglar has it. We should go immediately, re-key the house lock to prevent potential theft. It doesn’t cost a lot of time and money, but it can spare us big stress. The same procedure is advisable when moving into a new house/apartment.
The better the lock is, the harder it will be for a burglar to break in!
While backing out of your garage or even just your driveway this morning, you sure managed to leave some scratches on your car. Not only that but after a couple of miles, you seemed to have run out of gas. Luckily, you were near a gasoline station and were able to fill up your fuel tank.
However, it seems luck has fled from your side for the day. After filling up, you were able to drive for some distance when a tire of your car went flat. Of course, you had to change the tire yourself. And while you were at it, you noticed that the hubcap you purchased along with some Pontiac auto parts seemed to have fallen somewhere between your current location and your garage. Because you were already late for your work, you hurriedly grabbed your things and rushed out to catch the elevator.
Tough luck. Now that you need to use your car to drive back home, you just realized that in your hurry, you forgot to take your car keys with you. And they are just where you left them – inside your car. You may not be a locksmith, but if you own a car that has been created before the 1980s or if you may have left a window of your car slightly open, you may have just the slightest chance of opening the car yourself.
You do need a wire hanger to do this challenge. Straighten the hanger out and then bend an end. Make sure you form a hook or even a triangular handle. This would serve as the extension of your hand in breaking into your own car. You can also try opening a window through prying. Just use a putty knife and slip it between the window and the door.
When you have part of the window open, slip the wire hanger you bent through it. Your task would be to actually move the hanger through your car and try to pull the door lock open. This may not be easy, but it can be achieved.
If you own a newer car model, well, the best move for you would be to call a locksmith and let him do the work.
Having a key break off in one of your locks can be a real pain in the neck. But with the proper information, you can better understand the problem and take steps to solve it. With the information I provide in this article, you stand an excellent chance of removing the key yourself and preventing it from happening to you in the future.
WHAT CAUSES KEYS TO BREAK
Most keys, even brass, and nickel-plated keys will eventually wear out and break along any of a key’s cuts. But some conditions will speed up the process, such as:
1. The key has one or more deep cuts, which become the “weak point” of the key. After so much use (or just a little abuse), the key will break at these points. Having a deep cut as the first cut (next to the head of the key) can be real trouble, but a deep cut in the middle of the key can cause big problems too;
2. The key is made of a light-weight material not suitable for everyday use. Keys cut on aluminum blanks are a prime example. They will also break at a deep-cut “weak point” only sooner. Identified by their lightweight and either grey in color or sometimes bright colors such as red, green, blue, or gold.
Usually, before a key breaks, one or more tiny cracks will appear by the cut about to give way. You may want to check your keys right now -at least the ones you use and depend on every day. If you see a tiny crack being formed by one of the cuts or if the key is bent or misshapen in any way, go to your nearest locksmith or key shop and get another one or two made. And to be safe, don’t carelessly toss the old key away. A new key could be made from the pieces and used to access your property.
BROKEN KEY REMOVAL TOOLS
We, locksmiths, have a variety of tools for removing broken keys from locks. One of the more common tools I use is made of springy steel that is 5″ long, 5/16″ wide at the handle, and .022″ thick. There is a small tapered barb at the end of this tool that will dig or “bite” into the broken key piece so the piece can be pulled out.
It is not necessary to invest in a broken key extractor tool. As long as the tool you use is made of sturdy metal, is narrow enough to enter the keyway, and has a barb to grab onto the broken key, you will likely be successful. A scroll saw or jigsaw blade should do the trick.
PROCEDURE #1 – Partial Key Broken Off In Lock
When a deep cut gets too weak somewhere in the middle of a key, you end up with the key’s front part in the lock and the remainder in your hand. The good news is the lock is probably in the proper position for key removal (more on that later).
FIRST – unless the lock has been in good working order (with the key going in and out smoothly) before the key breaking off, I suggest spraying a lubricant such as WD-40 or Tri-Flow in the lock’s keyway first. You want the broken key piece to slip out as easily as possible, and a dry or gummy lock will make the job harder.
SECOND – insert the removal tool into the lock’s keyway so that the barb (or teeth) can contact the key piece’s cuts to be removed. It would be best if you told me how far to insert the tool based on how much of the key you still have in your hand.
THIRD – let the barb “bite” into one of the broken key pieces’ cuts and give the tool a sharp tug towards you. The key piece should be coming flying out.
FOURTH – take the two pieces of the key to your local locksmith or key center and get another one or two made.
PROCEDURE #2 – All But Key’s Head Broken Off In Lock
When the first cut in the key is deep and gets too weak, you end up with just the key’s head in your hand. Most of the time, what remains in the lock is the operating part of the key. All key cuts necessary to operate the lock are stuck in the lock (if you are fortunate, enough of the key will be sticking out, so small pliers/tweezers are all you need to remove the broken piece-but that usually doesn’t happen). You can test if the lock will operate by taking a small screwdriver and, using it as a key, try turning the lock cylinder. If the lock cylinder does not turn, follow procedure #1. If you can turn the cylinder more than a few degrees to the right or left, you have to make sure the lock cylinder is positioned to remove the key. Let me explain…
Most locks have one position that a lock cylinder must be in for key removal. If you were to insert a key in almost any pin tumbler lock and turn it, the key could not be removed until the lock cylinder is back in the proper key removal position. The same is true when removing a broken key piece that still works the lock. The key cylinder must be in its normal key removal position, or you will be wasting your time trying to remove the broken piece.
FIRST – as in Procedure #1, we suggest spraying a lubricant such as WD-40 or Tri-Flow in the lock’s keyway first.
SECOND – insert the removal tool into the lock’s keyway so that the barb (or teeth) can contact the key piece’s cuts to be removed. It would be best if you did not have to insert the tool very far – so that it reaches the first or second cut of the key piece.
THIRD – let the barb “bite” into one of the broken key pieces’ cuts and give the tool a sharp tug towards you. The key piece should be coming flying out of the keyway.
FOURTH – take the two pieces of the key to your local locksmith or key center and get another one or two made.
Now that you have read through this information, you should be ready to attempt removing a broken key on your own. Good Luck! NOTE: This article (with pictures) can also be found on my website https://colorado-locksmith.com/
