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!

The post Key Break Off in Your Lock? | Locksmiths | Chapel Hill NC | Durham NC appeared first on A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina.

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! 

The post Types of Safes for Your Home | Safes | Locksmiths | Chapel Hill NC | Durham NC appeared first on A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina.

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.

1. Reprogramming

Nowadays, most vehicles have keyless entry systems. So in order to use keys to unlock them, they need to be programmed first. A good locksmith who is familiar with keyless entry systems knows how to reprogram the lock and unlock the car without damaging it.

2. Immobilizer Re-flashing

Some vehicles are equipped with a theft deterrent, known as immobilizer. An immobilizer prevents a car from starting when a thief tries to steal it. However, in some cases the immobilizer becomes defective and prevents the vehicle from starting even if you use the key. Auto locksmiths are highly efficient at fixing this particular problem and getting your car moving in no time.

3. Broken Key Extractor

Sometimes a key gets broken within the lock of the car. In this situation, locksmiths use a broken key extractor to remove the broken key or key parts from the vehicle’s lock and then duplicate the key and unlock the car. Locksmiths also use a door handle clip removal tool that helps in taking out the retainer clip that locks a vehicle’s door handle to the door.

4. Key Analyzer and Mechanical Code Key Cutter

Modern and technological vehicles feature keyless entry. If such a car gets locked, auto locksmiths use a key analyzer or a VATS passkey decoder to determine the electrical resistance values of the car. They then use a mechanical code key cutter to make a precise key without having the original to duplicate.

5. Slim Jim

Every auto locksmith uses a slim jim as a primary tool. When a car is not unlocking, a locksmith inserts slim jim between the glass and weather stripping of the car’s window in order to unlock it without the key. While the process looks pretty simple, the use of a slim jim requires a lot of knowledge, training, and experience because improper use of this tool can damage or disable the airbags or electrical system of the vehicle.

6. J and L Tools

For unlocking older cars that have switched lock and unlock buttons near the inner panel of the doors, auto locksmiths use a J tool. They reach the inside of the car by passing the J tool through the top of the window. It is then manipulated to release the car door by lifting the unlock button. The L tool has a design which is quite similar to the J tool. The main difference is that the L tool has a bit of a different shape that is suitable to work with some specific car models and designs.

In conclusion, auto locksmiths have the experience and tools to unlock any vehicle without damaging it. So if you ever find yourself to be in an emergency situation with an inoperable lock or key, it is recommended to call on the help of an auto locksmith who will be able to help you in a reliable, quick, and cost-effective way.

A1 Lock & Safe

With A1 Lock & Safe, you are guaranteed experienced and friendly Durham locksmiths. We want you back in your vehicle as much as you do, which is why we handle these cases with ease. If you lock yourself out all over again, we will prop your door back open for you and still for a reasonable price. Now you know the dos and don’ts of vehicle lock outs, you know to rely on none other than the best Chapel Hill and Durham Locksmiths around—A1 Lock & Safe!

The post How Do Locksmiths Unlock Car Doors? | Locksmiths | Chapel Hill NC | Durham NC appeared first on A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina.

WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT YOU ARE LOCKED OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE, CONSIDER THESE DOS AND DON’TS: 

– Do not panic in any way. 

+ Do call A1 Lock & Safe! 

– Do not break your window in, tempting as it is.  

+ Do look for Chapel Hill and Durham Locksmiths! 

– Do not remain stranded. 

+ Do wait for A1 Lock & Safe to respond to your call. 

With A1 Lock & Safe, you are guaranteed experienced and friendly Durham locksmiths. They want you back in your vehicle as much as you do, which is why they handle these cases with ease. If you lock yourself out all over again, they will prop your door back open for you and still for a reasonable price. Now you know the dos and don’ts of vehicle lock outs, you know to rely on none other than the best Chapel Hill and Durham Locksmiths around—A1 Lock & Safe!

The post Locked Out of Your Car? | Locksmiths | Chapel Hill NC | Durham NC appeared first on A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina.

Your security is at stake when you find yourself hiring an untrustworthy or inept locksmith to work on your locks. To ensure you hire a trustworthy locksmith to solve your locked-out problem, follow these tips.

1. Research Locksmiths Before You Need One

Instead of waiting until you get locked out of your house or another emergency, be proactive about finding a locksmith you can trust. Spend time researching locksmiths, and add their contact information to your phone so that you have it with you when you need it.

2. Look For Family-Owned And Operated Locksmith Companies

There are certainly some corporate locksmith companies that are reputable with excellent customer service, but choosing a family-owned and operated locksmith offers a few distinct benefits. 

First, working with a family-owned business means you receive services from a professional who makes your security their top priority. Additionally, supporting family-owned businesses means you contribute to and strengthen your local economy.

3. Ask For Recommendations

Read reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and contact friends, family members, and neighbors for recommendations in your area. Your community can provide valuable insight when it comes to determining which locksmiths are reputable and which should be avoided.

4. Visit Credible Locksmith Organization Websites

Professional locksmiths spend a long time practicing their craft before going into business, so they’re motivated to be active members of industry associations. Ask your prospective locksmith if they are affiliated with any of these organizations.

Several credible locksmith organizations also provide searchable member databases online, so you can ensure you’re choosing a trustworthy locksmith. If you’re searching for a reliable locksmith in North Carolina, you can search the North Carolina Locksmith Association for verified members. 

5. Ask Questions

Ask these questions before hiring a locksmith. If a business can’t provide detailed answers, don’t hire them.

• Where are you located?
• How will you get into the house? Can you tell me the exact process?
• Do you need a picture of the lock?
• Can you give me an estimate? What factors will cause this price to change?
• Do you require cash, or can I pay with a check or credit card?
• What’s the name of the locksmith who will be coming?

6. Check Your Locksmith’s ID And License

When your locksmith arrives, ask for their identification, including a locksmith license. North Carolina is one of only 15 states that require locksmith licensing, making it a crime to advertise or work as a locksmith without proper credentials. 

 Also, look at the vehicle that they are driving. Ideally, trustworthy locksmiths will be in a company truck or van that has the company name printed on the side, supporting the legitimacy of the business. A legitimate locksmith will also ask you for identification to verify that they are unlocking property that belongs to you. 

7. Get A Written Invoice

Make sure the locksmith you hire is willing to provide you with a written invoice. With an invoice, you will have proof of what you paid, and the contact information for the locksmith company. Additionally, it should itemize the cost of the service and any parts needed, so you know exactly how much you paid for each.

Whether it’s a planned home improvement, or an emergency lock-out situation, using a trustworthy locksmith is essential. Do your research before hiring a locksmith for non-emergency situations and have a locksmith’s contact information handy for any emergencies.

The post Finding a Locksmith You Can Trust | Locksmiths | Chapel Hill NC | Durham NC appeared first on A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina.

Do you know how to rekey a lock? It’s knowledge that can come in handy when you buy a new home. They say that one of the first things you should do when you move into a new home is change the locks. You never know who might have a key to your new front door. Changing or rekeying your home’s locks might be a good idea if you’ve lived in the same house for a while or if you’ve recently had a roommate move out, too.

But should you change or rekey the locks on your home? And does your American Home Shield® Home Warranty cover it? Read on to find out more.

When to Change a Lock

When you change a lock, you or a locksmith removes the old locking door hardware and replaces it with new hardware. You’ll have all new locks and all new keys, but changing your locks can be expensive and isn’t always necessary.

You should only change your locks if you want or need new ones because it’s generally more expensive than simply having your locks rekeyed. For example, if your locks are old and wearing out, changing them will be a better option than rekeying them. The same goes if you want to replace your locks with more modern, more secure or updated electronic locks. If all of the doors on your home have different brands of locks and you want to be able to open them all with the same key, you may need to change them. If you’ve lost the key to a lock, changing it may be cheaper than rekeying it, although a locksmith may be able to rekey it without the key.

When to Rekey Locks

When you rekey your locks, you’re altering the lock mechanism so that the old key will no longer open it. Instead, a new key will be necessary. In many circumstances, rekeying your locks makes more sense than changing your locks. For example, if all of your locks are of the same brand or have the same type of keyhole but use different keys, you can have your locks rekeyed to operate from the same key.

If you’ve lost a copy of your old key, and you’re afraid someone will find it and access your home, you can rekey your locks so the old key doesn’t work anymore.

If you’ve moved into a new home for the first time, rekeying your locks can be an affordable way to guarantee that no one but you and your family has keys to your new home. You never know who may have obtained keys to your home from the previous owner and how many copies of those keys have been made.

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 What’s Better: Rekeying or Changing Locks? | Locksmiths | Chapel Hill NC | Durham NC appeared first on A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina.