With technology always changing, locking and security options are endless. For all of your locksmith needs in Durham and Chapel Hill, NC, give us a call at A1 Lock and Safe.

From The Spruce, here are their tested best keyless entry systems of 2020:

Best Overall: SCHLAGE Camelot Keypad Entry with Flex-Lock at Amazon: “A simple keypad, plus a lever to open the door once access is granted.” For a tried-and-true keyless entry system, the best overall choice is the Schlage Camelot Keypad Entry with Flex-Lock. This popular lock for home use has a simple keypad with digits zero to nine, plus a lever to open the door once access is granted. What sets this unit apart is the exceptionally long battery life, as well as the Flex-Lock option.

With Flex-Lock, you can disable the automatic locking feature of the system by flipping the thumb turn on the interior side of the door to the vertical position. If you are bringing in groceries, expecting company, or have kids frequently going in and out, this can be a useful feature. However, some users mentioned that it can be hard to tell if the system is in automatic lock mode unless you memorize what the horizontal versus vertical position of the thumb turn means. For everyday home users, this shouldn’t prove to be too challenging.

The Camelot Keypad will hold up to 19 unique entry codes and does feature keyed entry access in the event of battery failure or other emergency. This Schlage lock is not the sleekest or most stylish keyless entry system on the market, but it is one of the most well-reviewed and widely used keypad locks.

Best Budget: Kwikset 92640 Electronic Keypad Deadbolt Lock at Amazon: “Allows six unique entry codes and one-time access codes for visitors.”

Best for Smart Homes: SCHLAGE Z-Wave Camelot Deadbolt at Amazon“: Allows you to use the keyless entry system with Amazon Alexa.”

Best for Fingerprint Access: ULTRALOQ Fingerprint and Touchscreen Keyless Lock at Amazon: “Sleek, long battery life, and expansive access capabilities.”

Best with No Key Access: SCHLAGE Touch Camelot Lock at Amazon: “Is a reliable, solid choice for keyless home entry.”

Best for Garage: Chamberlain Clicker Universal Keyless Entry KLIK2U-P2 at Amazon: “Installation is simple since the unit operates wirelessly.”

Best for RV: AP Products Electric Travel Trailer Lock at Amazon“: It features a five-button capacitive touch keypad.”

These are only a few options to keep your home protected; there are many keyless entry system options out there. At A1 Lock and Safe, we want you to feel safe and secure at home. We are trusted locksmiths in Durham and Chapel Hill, NC. Whether you need to secure your home, business, or anything else, we’re here to help. Contact us today!

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One common question most locksmiths receive is when you should change your locks. Strong locks on all your doors are the first point of defense against intruders in your home or business. We all know it is important to lock your doors, but sometimes locks can be compromised. Some situations might require you to change your locks:

• When you move into a new home: when a home is on the market for sale, usually there’s a lock box on the front door. Any authorized agent can use the code and access the key, such as realtors and home inspectors. Even the old owner may have held onto a copy of the key, whether on purpose or by accident. So it’s best to change your locks as soon as you move in, just because it is impossible to know who might still have a key to get in. Even if you’re buying a newly constructed home, go ahead and change your locks. Better safe than sorry!
• If your lock is worn out: even if you’ve owned your home for years and you believe no one else has a key, you still might need a new lock. Just like anything else, locks get worn down over time. A rusted lock can be easily picked or broken. If you notice any rust, tarnish, or other signs of wear, go ahead and change your locks.
• If you’ve experienced a break-in: unfortunately, break-ins do happen. If your building has recently been broken into, go ahead and change your locks! Even if the intruder broke in through a window or another source, they still may have taken or copied a spare key. You might also be more likely for burglary in the future.
• If your key has been stolen or lost: anyone could gain access to your home if your key has been stolen or if you’ve lost it. This is especially dangerous if you’ve lost other things with it that would help someone identify you or your home, like a wallet, a purse, or even your car.
• If you’ve just finished a renovation on your home: if you’ve given a key to a contractor, your lock could be compromised. Even if you’ve given your key to someone you trust, they may have let someone else borrow a key who might not have your best interest in mind. Go ahead and change your locks if this is the case!
• If you’ve just ended a rental agreement: if a new roommate has moved in or out, it’s time to update your locks. There’s no way to tell if someone made a copy of the key.
• If you’ve just gone through a divorce or a breakup: if a significant other has moved out or if you’ve broken up with someone who has your spare key, it’s time to change your lock. Again, there’s no way to be certain that someone won’t make more copies of your key.
• If your lock is cheap or inferior: don’t make it easy for intruders! Builder grade locks are not very secure, so play it safe and go ahead and switch out your locks for more secure ones.

Of course, there are more situations when it might be smart to change your locks. If you have any doubts at all, we think it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your home, your office building, your loved ones, and/or your prized possessions. At A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina, we want to make you feel as safe as possible. Contact us today to get started!

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When it comes to high-security door locks, it is important to know which types are worth considering. Many locks will advertise that they are high-security, but it is essential that you know the difference in protection between all kinds of locks. There are many traits that play into how secure a lock is, and if you can find a lock system that has several of the following characteristics, you should be able to count on the security they will provide.

Lock cylinder complexity: the more complex a door lock cylinder is, the less chance of someone being able to make a bump key device and therefore pick your lock.

Metal content: the type and amount of metal that makes up a lock will determine how hardy the lock is. You can usually tell the metal content of a lock by holding the lock in your hand. The heavier the lock, the more secure it will be.

Bolt strength: the bolt of your deadbolt needs to be able to withstand a lot of force. High-security locks will have hardened steel bolts that withstand attacks against the door: physical attacks and cutting attacks.

Drill protection: a high-security lock may also have some kind of anti-drill precaution. Areas like set screws and the shear line can be protected with hardened steel ball-bearings, which will help the lock from being drilled through. Sometimes there are anti-drill plates that rotate to protect the lock as well.

Key control: some high-security locks have patented keyways, which means someone won’t be able to copy your key without you knowing and get into your home. You will still need to know the proper way to hide your spare keys, but there are ways around getting patented key blanks and ways to cut them.

Bypass resistance: some of the most secure locks can still be bypassed with certain additions to the locks. Some seemingly high-security locks can still have bypasses, therefore only providing the illusion of security. Bypasses are simple methods of entry. Make sure that you look up the lock you’re considering to install and whether it has a bypass.

High-security locks can be an effective safety precaution to take in your home or business, but make sure to consider all of the factors mentioned above when looking to purchase locks.

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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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For any break-ins, wear and tear, or lost and stolen keys, A1 Lock & Safe can duplicate house keys and replace locks. We also change keys and locks in the event that your house keys get lost or stolen. For electronic entry systems, our Durham Locksmiths offer a variety of electronic options.

Let’s face it.

We need more solutions for home burglaries. As of 2010, Safe Guard the World reports that home burglaries in America occur every 13 seconds, especially in homes that do not have a security system in place. With summer around the corner, your home is even more of a target for burglary.

A1 Lock & Safe seeks to expand its home locksmithing services to include more alarm security and access control so that when you need home security options you get them. Open 24 hours day, we devote our time and service to your safety because we care.

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Think about how many times you have walked out of your hotel room without being sure the door closed behind you. Think about how many times you have locked a building without being sure you turned the key the right way. Think about the number of individuals that could walk by and notice you in these scenarios. 

Their Chapel Hill and Durham locksmiths specialists provide master keys for hotels and motels, locks for commercial foreclosures, re-keying for whatever the reason may be, and they can even prevent doors from being left open so that you do not have to worry. Even if it is in the middle of night, A1 Lock and Safe is available to help because they are open 24 hours. Commercial businesses, especially, can depend on a business like A1 Lock and Safe to keep their companies running smoothly and safely. 

Not only do they provide quality work at an affordable price, they care about the other businesses that depend on them. When asked to describe the most gratifying part of their work, for instance, the Archers said, “after a job has been completed, knowing they went above and beyond to satisfying our customers.” Given that their business philosophy is to treat people “honestly and fair,” I believed them. 

Their story does not end here. 

In the future they hope to expand their services to include a larger variety of locks and safes and several more service vans. With their growing industries, A1 Lock and Safe also hopes to expand in the areas of alarm security and access control for both commercial and residential customers. With thirteen lucky years of experience, which is more than any business can ask for, I believe they will continue to achieve their goals.

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