There are a few issues that can cause this problem.

• Standard keys are made of relatively soft metals, like brass and nickel.
• The key has been damaged by wear and tear over time.
• The lock itself is not adequately lubricated or has jammed.

What to Do After a Key Breaks in the Lock

No matter the circumstances behind the broken key inside the lock – whether it’s a house lock, business lock, or car lock – it should be addressed immediately.

• The broken key can actually cause damage to the lock.
• If the key broke inside lock before the door was shut, you’ll be unable to lock the door, thereby leaving your home, car, or office at a greater risk of theft.
• If the key broke off in lock after you’ve closed the door, you may be unable to reopen the door until the issue is resolved.

How Do You Get a Broken Key out of a Lock?

If a key has busted off inside of the lock and you notice that a portion of it is sticking out of the lock, you should consider yourself lucky. If this is the situation, you may be able to extract the piece of key remaining in the lock by simply pinching it between your fingers and pulling it out.

If you can’t get ahold of the piece remaining inside the keyhole, it’s time to grab your toolbox.

Tools for Removing Broken Keys from Locks

If there’s only a small amount of key sticking out, the job will be more challenging. You can try extracting it using a pair of needle nose pliers or a strong magnet that can pull out the remaining piece.

If you have to poke and prod and can’t quickly grab the key, you may be doing more harm than good. You risk pushing the broken piece further into the lock, causing damage. So, we actually advise against this – proceed with caution!

When Part of the Key Isn’t Sticking Out of the Lock

If no part of the key is sticking out of the lock, the chances of you being able to remove it yourself are slim – especially if you don’t want to damage the lock in the process.

It may be possible to use a flathead screwdriver small enough to fit into the keyhole. By inserting it in the lock, you can try to lever or loosen the positioning of the key until part of it extrudes from the lock. At that point, you should be able to extract the broken piece with needle nose pliers or a strong magnet.

Again, it’s possible to cause further lock damage by forcing tools into the lock. It may be better to call in the help of a professional locksmith.

How to Prevent Broken Keys

There are a few things that you can do to prevent a key breaking off inside of a lock from occurring in the first place.

Lock Lubrication

Often, keys snap inside of locks because the lock hasn’t received proper maintenance. A silicone- based lubricant should be sprayed into the keyhole about every six months, or whenever you notice grinding or excess friction when locking the door.

Replacement Keys

Keys are subject to a lot of abuse and are used very frequently. So, if you notice that your keys are starting to wear, it’s time to have a copy made and toss out the old one.

Time to Call a Locksmith?

Whether you need a replacement key or you need to change your locks, be sure to visit A1 Lock and Safe to see how we can help you protect your home. Notably, we sell safes where you can store firearms and your most prized possessions in the event that you are robbed. Thankfully, A1 Lock and Safe specializes in changing locks, making duplicate keys, and more for your safety. If you so much as suspect that someone could break into your home or office because your locks are faulty, let our Durham locksmiths know and we will replace your keys and locks for an affordable price.

Contact us today to get started! A1 Lock and Safe can help you protect your home. We want you to feel safe and sound at home!

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A small home safe is a lockable steel box that’s supposed to store your items. As the name suggests, it’s meant to keep your valuables safe, whether cash, jewelry, or important paperwork. However, it can be alarming to find yourself unable to open your safe. You’ll probably be frantically worrying and immediately wanting to get a locksmith service. 

Go ahead and give us a call, but you might want to know why your safe isn’t opening before you get in touch with a technician. Check these five possible reasons below and see what steps you can take to open it.

1. Dead batteries

When your safe doesn’t open, you may go ballistic only to find later on that the culprits are the dead batteries. Even your keypad normally beeps and lights, so make sure to check the batteries first. They may have remaining power but not enough to pull off the bolt work. If the batteries are completely dead, change them immediately. When doing so, opt for brand name batteries to ensure they will last for as long as possible.

2. Lockout mode or time delay

Remember that your home safe may get into a penalty lockout mode if you have entered a lot of wrong codes. When it isn’t opening, wait for 10–20 minutes before entering the right code. Also, your safe may have a time delay, which is typically ten minutes. In that case, you may need to wait before you re-enter your code.

3. Jammed bolt work

There’s a possibility that your safe has a jammed bolt work. The jam can be the main reason your safe won’t open as you hear the motor trying to retract the bolt work. Here’s what you can do: press firmly on the door a few times to loosen the bolt work. But make sure not to press on the keypad and handle. From there, pull the handle in the opposite direction than you usually do and enter the code.

4. Disconnected or damaged wiring

Another culprit is either a disconnected or damaged wiring. For disconnected wiring, remove the keypad and check the wires to see if they are loose. If so, connect them or perform a simple fix. If they are intact but aren’t working, chances are they may be damaged. When the wires are damaged, you may need to contact a technician.

5. Deactivated code

Many safe owners tend to neglect this part—your code may have been deactivated. That’s why the safe isn’t opening at all. What you can do is to have someone try his code to see if it works. If not, then you may need to get a locksmith service.

Conclusion

There are a handful of reasons your safe won’t open. As outlined above, it could be due to dead batteries, lockout mode or time delay, jammed bolt work, disconnected or damaged wiring, and deactivated code. Take some of the valuable steps mentioned above. If the safe isn’t still opening, you can call a locksmith for assistance.

The post Safe Won’t Open? | Locksmiths | Chapel Hill NC | Durham NC appeared first on A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina.

There are a few types of security systems that you can depend on to protect your home. 

Wireless Home Alarm System

Wireless home alarm systems are exactly what they suggest—security systems without wires. These alarm systems typically use a control panel and a series of sensors that are connected with built in radio frequency transmitters. Once your alarm system is triggered, a signal is transmitted to the control panel and the alarm is activated. Some benefits of wireless systems are that they allow for remote system management through your mobile device, and integrate with other smart home functionality like lights, video surveillance and thermostats.

Unmonitored Home Alarm System

Unmonitored systems, also known as “local” alarms, rely on you or someone near your home to alert the authorities of an emergency. With an unmonitored system, audible and visual alarms are triggered whenever your system is tripped. Unmonitored systems are typically a less expensive option compared to monitored systems. However, unmonitored systems don’t provide the same level of protection, as they do not notify a monitoring center of your emergency for subsequent first responder dispatch. Even if the alarm sends an alert directly to your phone, you may be unable to respond if you have bad cell reception or are away from your device.

Monitored Home Alarm System

Having a trusted professional looking out for you is always comforting. A monitored home alarm system helps ensure that authorities are notified quickly in event of a break-in 24/7/365. This is because monitored alarm systems alert both the homeowner and monitoring center operators when an alarm is triggered. Depending on the type of system you have in place, the alarm can be triggered by opening an entryway, movement in the house via motion sensors, a loud sound via auditory sensors, or manually. The monitoring center will then verify the alarm, and dispatch emergency services if needed.

Wired Alarm System

A wired security system relies on your landline phone connection to transmit signals to a monitoring center. While it supports basic monitoring capabilities, there is a threat of physical onsite wires being cut or destroyed, rendering the system ineffective. For this reason, cellular backup is recommended to prevent weather or other landline interference.

Electric Current Alarm System

Electric current systems are your most basic monitoring tool, in that they only monitor entry points like doors and windows, and are often installed when a home is being built. With these systems, a low-voltage electrical circuit flows between two points. If doors and/or windows are shut, the current flows easily. But, if they are opened, the circuit is disrupted, and an audible beep is triggered.

These options guarantee you peace of mind about the security of your property. Contact us today to get started! A1 Lock and Safe can help you protect your home. When you’re ready to buy a security system from a professional, let us know. We want you to feel safe and sound at home! 

The post Your Guide to Residential Security Systems | Security Systems | Safes | Locksmiths | Chapel Hill NC | Durham NC appeared first on A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina.

There are four main types of safes for a home, depending on what you need to store. 

Simple Fire Resistant Safes

If you only want to protect important documents at home, like a will, automobile titles, etc. that are very important to you, but would be of little use to a burglar, you might only need a simple fire safe. 

Burglary Safes (Burglar Fire Safes)

A burglary safe is more secure than the simple fire safe. They are heavier, and in the “safe world” heavy almost always equates to “more secure”. Steel is heavy and well built safes are made of steel! Burglary safes are usually concealed in some manner. The three main burglary type home safes are the stand alone safe, wall safe and the floor safe. Most of these safes are fireproof, not just fire resistant. It’s always good practice to check the fire rating before buying.

Standalone Home Safe

This type is heavy and usually made of steel. It can be fireproof and can be fitted with a wide array of locking devices, from key lock, to combination lock, and even all types of fancy electronic locks. They generally can be mounted to the floor or another surface but generally are just free standing.

Wall Safes

This is a very popular way to hide important documents and other valuables in the home. People employ this type of safe to conceal their valuables inconspicuously out of site.

Floor Safes

This type can actually be imbedded into a concrete floor. This makes them very immune to removal. The only down side to embedding it in the floor is that it can, over time, succumb to rust, because of how it is installed. 

Gun Safes

These come in various sizes, strength of security, fire resistance and price ranges. A gun safe is most often necessary to keep your weapons out of the hands of children.

These options guarantee you peace of mind about the security of your property. Contact us today to get started! A1 Lock and Safe can help you protect your business. When you’re ready to buy a storefront lock from a professional, let us know. We want you to feel safe and sound at home! 

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Types of Keys that Can Be Duplicated

Luckily, there are lots of different kinds of keys that locksmiths can copy for you. 

‘Do not duplicate’ Keys

These are keys with a ‘do not copy’ stamp on the key head. Although these stamps may stop you from wanting to get these keys copied, there are no laws that prohibit the cutting of keys with ‘do not copy’ stamps and so it is not illegal. These stamps are often recommendations and have no legal consequences. The next time you need a copy of a stamped key, contact a professional locksmith.

Now that we have mentioned what keys the locksmith cannot duplicate, we will be exploring the kinds that a locksmith can actually work on.

Deadbolt Keys

Whether you misplaced the keys to your house or want to secure the entrance to your property, you can get your door’s deadbolt key duplicated. Locksmiths can duplicate every kind of deadbolt and including the single cylinder, double cylinder, and even the lockable thumb turn. As a homeowner, you can get this to improve your door security, safeguard the building and your valuables. 

Padlock Keys

Padlock keys are usually obtained to protect smaller items or properties like bicycles. A good locksmith will identify the type of padlock you have before starting the duplication process. It is however, important to note that some padlocks are irreplaceable.

Mailbox Keys

Any type or model of mailbox key can be duplicated. Mailbox keys often get lost and so it is a relief to know that they are quite easy to duplicate. You should consider duplicating your mailbox keys if you share your mailbox with family or friends.

So don’t find yourself in a bind without a spare key!  Contact us today to get started! A1 Lock and Safe can help you copy your keys. When you’re ready to do so from a professional, let us know. We want you to feel safe and worry free!

The post What Keys Can a Locksmith Duplicate? | Locksmiths | Chapel Hill NC | Durham NC appeared first on A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina.

Types of Storefront Locks

There are a few different kinds of storefront locks that you should consider for your business.

–Deadlock: The deadlock is the most common type of storefront door lock. It is easy to identify a deadlock because it uses a thick laminated steel straight bolt. The heavy duty straight bolt projects 1-3/8″ from the lock body for maximum security. The thick laminated steel of the deadlock makes it impossible for potential forced entry by cutting with a hacksaw or prying with a crow bar. Deadlocks are designed for use on swinging storefront doors and are not used on sliding storefront doors. For these reasons deadlocks are preferred storefront door lock choice for the majority of storefront doors.

-Hookbolt: Essentially a type of deadlock, a hookbolt operates and functions exactly the same as the deadlock with the main difference being the shape of the bolt. On a deadlock the bolt is a straight bolt, but on a hook bolt the bolt is shaped like a hook. Hookbolts also vary from deadlocks with its application. Hookbolts are designed for use on sliding storefront doors, not swinging storefront doors. For this reason hook bolts are the preferred choice on storefront automatic sliding doors.

-Deadlatch: A deadlatch lock uses a spring loaded latch bolt design to maintain security. Deadlatch locks are primarily used in after hour applications, where pedestrians can freely exit the building, however pedestrians are unable to enter the building without a key. For example, a medical office door would be a great application for a deadlatch lock. During normal business hours, the door can remain unlocked and customers can pass through the door freely. After hours, the door can be locked, and only authorized employees with keys can enter the building. Anyone inside of the building can still exit the door while maintaining security with a locked door.

Protecting your business is the same as protecting your livelihood. The last thing you need to worry about is whether you can trust your lock. These options guarantee you peace of mind about the security of your property and business. Contact us today to get started! A1 Lock and Safe can help you protect your business. When you’re ready to buy a storefront lock from a professional, let us know. We want you to feel safe and sound at work! 

The post Types of Storefront Locks | Locksmiths | Chapel Hill NC | Durham NC appeared first on A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina.

Or pull it slightly out of the lock before it will turn? Do you have a spare key for your home in the event that you’re locked out?

It may be time to get a duplicate key made. Keys are typically made of brass or a nickel-brass mixture, and the pins in a lock are also made of brass. Over years of use, keys and pins do wear down. In addition, it’s important to have spare keys around (perhaps left with a trusted family member, friend, or neighbor) in case you’re ever locked out or need a friend or family member to get into your home for some reason.

How are keys made?

Keys are cut with a machine called a key duplicator. Your original key is placed in a vice on one side of the key duplicator, lined up with the cutting tool (or blade), and a blank key is placed in a vice on the side of the machine that contains the alignment tool. The alignment tool is a piece of metal that is even with the blade. The key guide, or alignment bar, on your key duplicator, ensures the keys are even with one another.

The key duplicator is then turned on, and as the original and blank keys move horizontally across the machine, the blade cuts into the blank key, using the original as a sort of template. Afterward, the lock tech will sand the duplicate key for a smooth finish. The final product is a duplicate key that matches the original.

Don’t make a copy of a copy of a copy.

How accurate is the key that needs to be copied? When keys are worn down, they should be decoded before copies are cut. The key gauge shown in the center right-hand photo was used to determine the depths of the original cuts. In general, however, one should not make a duplicate key without the original on hand.

How long does it take to cut a key?

A professional locksmith can accurately duplicate a standard key in just a few minutes. Duplicating a more complicated key can take up to 25 minutes. How long it takes to get a key copied could depend on where you go to get your key copied.

Can I duplicate skeleton keys?

Perhaps you collect antique skeleton keys, or you live in an old home with interior locks that still use skeleton keys. If so, a professional locksmith can create duplicates of your skeleton keys.

What are jiggle keys?

Jiggle keys are keys that come in a range of groove patterns and are used to attempt to open a lock in absence of the correct key for that lock. Termed “jiggle keys” because they typically require some jiggling around to successfully open the lock, these tricky keys are often used to pick locks. Also called “bump keys,” jiggle keys should not be used by the average person as an alternative to having a spare. It’s best to visit a professional and have duplicates made of all your important keys.

A1 Lock and Safe

Whether you need a replacement key or you need to change your locks, be sure to visit A1 Lock and Safe to see how we can help you protect your home. Notably, we sell safes where you can store firearms and your most prized possessions in the event that you are robbed. Thankfully, A1 Lock and Safe specializes in changing locks, making duplicate keys, and more for your safety. If you so much as suspect that someone could break into your home or office because your locks are faulty, let our Durham locksmiths know and we will replace your keys and locks for an affordable price. Contact us today to get started!

The post How are Keys Made and Where Can I Duplicate Them? | Rekeying | Chapel Hill, NC Durham, NC appeared first on A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina.

You might also need a replacement key or to change your locks; be sure to visit A1 Lock and Safe to see how we can help you protect your home. We sell safes where you can store your most prized possessions, and we also specialize in changing locks, making duplicate keys, and more for your safety. Contact us today to get started!

The national average cost to install a security system is between $280 and $1,090. So while that old adage about not being able to put a price tag on peace of mind is sometimes true, it doesn’t really apply when shopping for a security system that fits your needs and budget.

A number of factors could lower or increase how much you pay to protect your family—and you’ve definitely got ongoing subscription fees to consider as well. This guide breaks it all down.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Security System?

$280 to $1,090 is about what you can expect to pay for your new security system. With so much variability, though, knowing what to look for in a security device that protects your family is key.

Any homeowner should also factor in monthly fees or membership costs when budgeting for their new home security system. The initial cost to install your device doesn’t factor in ongoing or recurring subscription charges.

What Security System Can I Get on My Budget?

No matter what you want to spend, there are ways to buy a security system that’s in your budget.

Less Than $100

Basic security features that increase window and door safety, such as purchasing new locks, adding glass break sensors to windows, or putting motion detectors around your garage are all available for under $100.

At this price range, you will likely have to install any security equipment you purchase yourself. For example, quality door locks cost about $80. If you’d prefer to hire someone and pay a little more, see if a local handyman installs locks.

$100 to $600

For under $600, homeowners can choose from a number of popular wireless security systems. These start at around $200, but vary in price and often come with an ongoing subscription fee.

Installing an alarm system on two to three doors ranges between $200 and $600. These systems alert you—and local authorities—if someone enters your home. To save money, consider installing a wireless system over one that’s hardwired.

$600 to $1,000

Hardwired home security systems start at around $800 for parts and installation. As the name implies, these devices run the length of your home on wires and function on a closed-loop system that protects you from tech-savvy criminals.

$1,000 or More

Beyond the $1,000 mark, homeowners can hire someone to install a home security system that fits their home’s needs. Along with camera monitoring and door sensors, additional features such as panic buttons and real-time security monitoring are available.

Large homes that need multiple cameras or high-end safety features like a security gate could push you over the $2,000 mark. The cost to install a security gate is around $1,900, for example.

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So, is your security system outdated? We’ve got your answers on lock. Here are seven signs that it’s time to upgrade to a more modern security system:

1. You Have an Old Hardwired Security System

Perhaps that old wired alarm system has always done what you needed it to, but it has a major weakness that you can’t ignore. Wherever there are wires, there is a threat of them getting tampered with. Wireless security systems are the modern standard for a reason—no matter what happens, that footage will still exist somewhere.

2. You’ve Never Received Upgrade Offers

When you interview a potential security provider, they should offer to install your equipment upfront, as well as continue to monitor and provide additional support. A typical security contract will last one to two years, at which point you can choose to make changes.

Typically, there will be some notable upgrades for outdated software and technology, but that doesn’t always mean they are required. Conduct research and consult a specialist who can identify weak points in your system. A trusted local home security specialist can recommend changes that your system needs versus those that will not add value to your current setup.

3. You Have No Audio Capabilities

If your security footage is a silent film, you can only make conclusions based on what you see. Without hearing conversations, you could miss crucial identifying information. 

Modern security systems even have two-way audio capabilities. These offer the opportunity to remote in and provide verbal warnings that may stop intruders in their tracks.

4. You Don’t Have Remote Capabilities

Photo: Hispanolistic / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Wireless and mobile security platforms allow the user to remote in at any time. This can help prevent false alarms by showing whether it’s necessary to contact authorities when the system goes off. Repeated false alarms can result in fines, so holding onto outdated technology could cost you. Plus, with smart home systems, you can remote in for important tasks like turning the lights on and closing your garage door.

5. Your Security System Has Grainy Footage

If you need your strongest reading glasses to make out what’s on your security camera’s footage, it’s high time for an upgrade. Blurry or grainy footage is nearly impossible to use for proving guilt, especially these days where high definition is the standard.

6. You Don’t Have a Professionally-Monitored Security System

Not having professional monitoring means you’re stuck being reactive instead of proactive. Sure, your DVR can prove activity—but it can’t call the cops for you and it certainly can’t protect your home or business. The presence of a security system alone often isn’t enough to deter crime, either. This is not to say you shouldn’t maintain recorded security camera footage, but you should also supplement it with features like live monitoring and interactive audio capabilities.

A1 Lock & Safe

Whether you need a replacement key or you need to change your locks, be sure to visit A1 Lock and Safe to see how we can help you protect your home. Notably, we sell safes where you can store firearms and your most prized possessions in the event that you are robbed. Thankfully, A1 Lock and Safe specializes in changing locks, making duplicate keys, and more for your safety. If you so much as suspect that someone could break into your home or office because your locks are faulty, let our Durham locksmiths know and we will replace your keys and locks for an affordable price. Contact us today to get started!

The post Is Your Security System Outdated? | Locksmiths | Chapel Hill NC | Durham NC appeared first on A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina.

Be Realistic About Your Lifestyle

No matter what you’re deciding between, it is important to be realistic about your lifestyle before making a decision that impacts your home. If you’re prone to losing your keys, needing to find a second key in the morning wouldn’t be a great idea. However, if you prioritize extra security and invest what you can into securing your home, it could make a lot of sense. 

Separate Keys are More Secure Than One Key

As long as you don’t give access to both keys at the same time, separate keys are technically more secure than having a single key. If you lose one of the keys, you won’t have to worry about someone gaining access to your house. However, if you keep both keys together on a key ring, you’ll likely lose both keys at the same time. If someone can use the two separate keys, it isn’t any more secure than having a single key. 

May Not Be Necessary

What kind of personal possessions do you have in your home? What kind of neighborhood do you live in? If you maintain a home office with highly confidential documentation, taking the extra steps necessary to lock the deadbolt and door lock with different keys might make sense. If your neighborhood has a high crime rate, having separate keys could be a way to keep your home even more secure. For people with minimal personal possessions in a crime-free neighborhood or an active security system, it is understandable to not want to deal with having two separate keys.

What Happens if You Lose One

If you happen to lose just one of your keys, you will still need to call a professional locksmith to get back into your house. Since you would have locked both the deadbolt and the door lock with separate keys, one key won’t allow you to open the door. In some ways, this can successfully secure your home from even its owners.

It’s Your Choice

Ultimately, whether you choose to have your deadbolt and door lock open with the same key is your choice. There isn’t necessarily a one size fits all answer. If you want to have separate keys for a door that currently uses only one key, it is easy enough for a locksmith to set it up for you. 

A1 Lock & Safe

Whether you need a replacement key or you need to change your locks, be sure to visit A1 Lock and Safe to see how we can help you protect your home. Notably, we sell safes where you can store firearms and your most prized possessions in the event that you are robbed. Thankfully, A1 Lock and Safe specializes in changing locks, making duplicate keys, and more for your safety. If you so much as suspect that someone could break into your home or office because your locks are faulty, let our Durham locksmiths know and we will replace your keys and locks for an affordable price. Contact us today to get started!

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