One way to make sure your home and business are secure is to understand the different types of deadbolts. This way, you can make sure you’re purchasing and installing the right lock for your needs. In general, there are three basic parts of a deadbolt lock. These parts are: 1) a key accessible cylinder on the outside of the lock, 2) a throw or bolt that slides in and out of the door jamb, and 3) the thumb turn that lets the bolt be manually controlled from inside the door. Most deadbolt locks are made of either steel, bronze, or brass.

The most common type of deadbolt is what is called a basic single cylinder deadbolt. This kind of lock is operated with a twist knob on the inside of the door and a keyhole on the outside. The bolt is “dead” because you have to physically move it in and out of place with a key. Single cylinder deadbolts can be broken through, unfortunately, because an intruder can break glass near the lock and open the lock from the inside of the door that way.

Double cylinder deadlocks are a bit more secure, as an intruder would not be able to reach in through a broken glass panel. This is because this type of lock requires a key to operate it on both sides of the door – not only one side. The down side of this type of lock is that if someone is trying to escape the home quickly, it will take longer to unlock this type of deadbolt than a single cylinder lock.

Regarding the throw, or bolt, there is a difference in security risk between a horizontal and vertical throw. The standard horizontal throw comes out by one inch beyond the edge of the door and into the jamb. If an intruder is forcing his or her way into the door, this may not be enough support to keep the door and lock intact. Locks with a horizontal throw are called a rim lock or a rim latch.

The vertical throw, on the other hand, works by interlocking with a set of metal rings that are fixed onto the frame of the door. The rings around the bolt make this lock nearly pry-proof. Therefore, vertical throws are safer than horizontal throws. Vertical throws are also called a rim lock, even though it is a deadbolt with a vertical throw.

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So what is a deadbolt? A deadbolt lock is a steel bolt that extends into the door jamb and strike plate of a door frame. This makes it more difficult to open the door with force. There are three basic parts of any deadbolt lock: a key accessible cylinder on the outside of the lock, a throw or bolt that slides in and out of the door jamb, and the thumb turn that allows you to have control of the lock from inside your home. Deadbolts are typically made of steel, bronze, or brass, and these materials will keep you the safest. Never buy a deadbolt that’s made from cast materials, because they can break apart easily.

Be mindful of the ways your deadbolt lock can become compromised. For example, lock bumping is a technique used to break into deadbolt systems. When you choose your deadbolt, make sure to do some research to ensure that your deadbolt cannot be easily bumped or picked.

While it’s important to choose the right type of deadbolt for your safety, it’s also necessary to choose the right type of door. An effective deadbolt lock paired with the right door type will leave your home or office safer. A standard steel clad door might be a great option for you. If you choose a wooden door, make sure that the door is made of solid hardwood and that the panels of the door are not too weak to be kicked in. Choose reinforced door frames as well; this will help combat a break-in. If you’re thinking of installing glass doors, make sure your door is reinforced and that the windows are positioned away from the lock itself.

The door frame you choose is also important. If an intruder were to kick in your door, typically it’s the door frame that breaks rather than the door itself. There are many home security door and frame reinforcement kits you can invest in, and they are well worth the peace of mind.

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“Police in Paris are now saying that Kim Kardashian’s social-media presence made her an easy target for the robbers who held her up at gunpoint in her Paris residence before making off with more than $10 million worth of jewelry”

While you might not be as high profile as Kim Kardashian, a great way to prevent theft and robbery is to make sure you’re staying safe on social media. With that in mind, here are 3 tips to use so your social media usage doesn’t turn into disaster. 

1. Don’t Show Off Your Valuables 

Just as you don’t place valuable items near your window or post how to disable your alarm system on facebook, don’t be so flashy about the priceless possessions you own. It’s easy for criminals to find out what you own on social media, figure out where you live, and make a plan. Don’t give them that edge. Social media is about sharing experience and connecting with other people— focus on that. 

2. People Don’t Always Need to Know Where You Are

While it’s nice to check in somewhere every once in a while, you don’t need to do it all the time. Kim posted many videos from her Parisian hotel on snapchat a few hours before she was robbed. Because of that, her location was very clear. The robbers were able to see exactly where she was with the valuables she had been showcasing over social media. While you’re at home, it’s a great idea to disable the Geotagging function to make sure you’re totally safe. 

3. Delay those Vacation Pics 

Just like you leave a couple lights on when you’re gone, you shouldn’t let people know that your home will be vacant for a significant period of time. Suppress the the urge to live tweet and stream every second of your vacation. Post the bulk of your pics when you’re safe at home. That way, you’re not broadcasting that your home can be robbed. 

How Else Can You Be Safe?

Even with the best kept social media habits crime can happen. One of the best things you can do is invest in superior locks for your home. At A1 Lock and Safe, we’re committed to providing quality locksmith services throughout durham. To the locks you need, feel free to contact us and we can determine the best fit for you. 

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Need help Choosing the Perfect Safe? Our Durham Locksmiths Suggest: 

•            Choosing a Fireproof Safe to figure out which safes have the best and latest, fire resistance features. According to Consumer Reports, a lot of new safe owners want to know that their safe is fireproof. Even if the chance is 1 in 4 household fires, people want to know that their safe is prepared.
•       Choosing a Burglary Protected Safe, because what is the point of a safe that everyone has the passcode to, or that is easy to break into.  Burglars go for what they can grab in a single run through, meaning they may or may not try to carry your safe out the door. Best to bolt it down or hide it if you can.
•        Choosing a Water Resistant Safe, in the event of a flood or a broken water line, you do not have to worry about your jewelry or papers with a water resistant safe. Our Durham locksmiths can make sure you have this added feature when you buy your safe from A1 Lock and Safe.

Come Choose the Perfect Safe. Choose A1 Lock and Safe Today. 

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Let Our Durham Locksmiths Assure You that Your Guns Need to Be Locked.

1.    The first reason is that at least 62 children are accidentally injured or die from handling a gun in the United States.

2.    The second reason is that one child or teenage dies from a gun every 3 hours and 28 minutes.

3.    The third reason is that 1 in 3 families has a gun in the home vicinity of their children.

No matter where you stand on the gun issues overtaking the nation right now, make sure you at least protect your children. With our Durham locksmiths, you can find the perfect safe for your home and your family.

Have Your Own Reasons for Safe. Get yours with A1 Lock & Safe of Durham, NC.

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Our skilled and friendly team of professionals can help you feel that you have restored some of your safety by rekeying your locks, replacing your keys, and duplicating keys that you have already.

Our Durham Locksmiths Ask These Questions, Because We Have Seen Way Too Many Versions of the Same Case.

Who Has Access to Your Business: there are popular television shows about co-workers stealing from their bosses, or of retail stores getting robbed. By knowing who has access to your property, you can narrow down anyone that steals from the inside.

What Do They Have Access to: holiday cards? Your bank account information? Really think about where those duplicate keys of yours could lead your employees to if they really wanted to go looking.

Why Do They Access to Your Business: if you cannot answer why the maid who only comes into your hotel once a week has a key to your office, safe, and every room in your hotel on floor 3,6,9,8,14, and 12 – then you likely have a problem.

Durham locksmiths can help you keep your business on lock down. Rekey and duplicate your business keys with A1 Lock and Safe Today!

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Fires: a lot of us tend to ignore the usual fire siren as it fades in and out of the distance around us. If it is not coming to our location, then what is the point of worrying about it? Well, the truth is you never know when you will need to stop, drop, and roll out of a situation. If it is a vehicle lockout situation, call a locksmith in Durham, NC at A1 Lock & Safe.

Floods: last week there was hail. What will it be this week? Your safety matters during floods, too, and no one can guess how much those will impact your location either. With proper equipment installed, you could detect what watery event is coming.

Thefts: for your peace of mind, make sure keep at least one spare key around your business or home. That is, keep a spare key to your vehicle and your house nearby. That way, you can always get in and out of a bad situation – including a lock in or lock out.

Fires can happen any time. Floods are less likely, but they occur, too. Though Spring 2016 may see less thefts, make sure you know who owns what keys and who has what access to your property.

Get the Most Out of May. Call A1 Lock & Safe Today! 

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After all, it is hard to spring forward when your keys are sitting in the passenger’s seat in a locked jeep. As you go about enjoying the warmer weather, be sure to plan ahead for any circumstance. Our Durham locksmiths, for instance, encourage you to make duplicate keys and hide them around your home or office in the event of a lockout.

Do you own a hotel in Durham, NC? With Spring Break on the horizon you might need to upgrade your locks and key entries for all the people stopping through Durham. Before and after new management takes place is another great time to update your locks and keys. Our Durham locksmiths offer keypad access and entry locking solutions, and your regular lock and key features for residential and commercial customers.

Spring into Action with A1 Lock & Safe Now.

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Identify theft remains a leading problem nowadays. Though technology is changing, and attempting to improve, there are still malware and thieves who know just what kind of information to look for. Just today, Apple had to shut down a malware that could encrypt the data of their Mac computers so that hackers could stop demanding payment from people. Identity theft can be your Child ID, your Tax ID, your Medical ID, your Senior ID, or your Social ID, which are all examples of information and paperwork that you could file safely away in your lock or safe.

What else can you do to prevent identity theft? Besides investing in a safe from A1 Lock & Safe, our Durham locksmiths want you to know that you can:

• Protect your social security number

• Don’t respond to people who request your personal information

• Watch your back when typing passwords on computers and ATMs

• Collect mail right away

• Pay attention to your bills

• Shred receipts, credit offers, account statements, and expired cards

• Store personal identifying information in a safe place at home and at work

Need another reason to buy a safe?

A1 Lock & Safe has you covered. Buy Your Safe Today.

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In addition to being a family, our Durham locksmiths know Durham, NC:

If you say you are locked out of your car at the Barnes & Noble at Southpoint Mall, we know where to find you. If you tell us your house is located off Guess Road, we know where to find you (in fact, you would be right down the street from us). Beyond knowing our way around Durham, NC, we know how many residents and businesses come through the area. As Durham, NC continues to grow, we want to be Durham’s #1 locksmiths. Whether you are looking at keys for your Sheraton hotel, or your Super 8 motel, our locksmiths know what to do. We know what kind of locks and safes a business needs to do their job most effectively.

Worried about the cost of getting the locks and safes you need? Do not be! We are competitively priced and we still offer some of the best quality locksmithing in Durham, NC service a person can find.

Choose A1 Lock & Safe to Be Your Durham Locksmiths Today.

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