Top Ten Tools a Locksmith Must ALWAYS Have Onsite
“There are many tools that a locksmith must have with them onsite, and the necessary tools will vary depending on the service requested. The tools listed here are only a fraction of what is required.” -LPI owner Auto lockout tools Air wedges This is a hassle free tool that professional locksmiths will use to unlock a car door without causing any damage to the vehicle. Clock A clock is used onsite for time management purposes. LPI locksmiths are committed to completing their job as quickly and efficiently as possible. Prying tools This is a common tool used by locksmiths to pry open a car door without leaving damage. Drill This tool is used by a locksmith for numerous reasons, however the most common reason is for lock replacement. When a lock or ignition cylinder has been damaged beyond repair, it will need to be replaced. This kind of service is especially necessary when dealing with a break in or attempted break in of a vehicle. Screwdrivers of all kinds There are several reasons a screwdriver could be used by a locksmith. One reason is simply having the right tool to remove a lock. Other necessary tools Lock pics LPI locksmiths are equipped with all the necessary lock picking tools. These are used for several services: auto, residential, commercial and specialty services. Inspection light Lights are often times needed in order to see into dark places, to spot tiny key pieces, or to see code numbers. Lights are especially necessary when keys break inside of an ignition. Sometimes no matter how hard a locksmith tries, they just can’t see into the lock without one of these lights. Key gauge This tool is very common and extremely useful. Locksmiths carry a key gauge for key duplication services, key creation services, and even decoding services. Key extractor Key extractors are always on hand. These are used in case a key breaks inside of a lock or ignition. While this isn’t necessarily a common problem, it does happen. It’s important for a locksmith to carry this tool, because it is used to pull broken pieces out of a lock without damaging the property. Key cutter This is a machine used to cut keys for several reasons. The machine cuts keys to code, and is frequently used for copying keys. It is also used to create keys for residential, commercial and auto services. A key cutter can even be used in specialty services to create keys for safes, chests, cabinets, etc. If you need more help, call on our Locksmiths today!
When locked out of my house, what can I do before calling a locksmith?
Locked out, but can’t afford a locksmith? There are a few strategies you can try on your own, before spending money on a locksmith service. Does anyone you know have a spare key? This is always your best option. It may prove inconvenient in some circumstances, but if you are trying to save money, it’s best to call and wait for someone to come unlock the door. Check the windows! You won’t want to spend money on a locksmith and find out later that one of your windows was open the whole time. It’s recommended by LPI locksmiths that you double check all ways of access into your home, before calling for assistance. Remove the screen Lift up or slide the window open Carefully crawl through the window into your home Do you have a credit card on you? If you have any kind of laminated card with you, you may be able to pick the lock open with it. If possible, use a card that you don’t mind damaging or scratching (one without a barcode would be best: membership cards, promotional cards, or anything easily replaceable). Simple Steps: Find the latch Place the card between the door and the door frame Slide the card down at a perpendicular angle. While pushing your body weight up against the door, wiggle the card and when you hit the latch, bend the card away from the lock. (This may slide the latch back, releasing the lock) NOTE: “If you are able to unlock your door using a credit card, you will want to have a locksmith come and replace your locks, because clearly your house is not as secure as it should be.” –Professional Locksmith Is it possible to pick the lock on your own, instead of calling a locksmith to do it? The short answer is yes, but yes is not necessarily the best answer. It is possible to pick the lock on your own, however, it’s important to understand that if done incorrectly, you could damage the lock and in result, you’ll need to replace the entire lock instead of just getting a key made. If you are trying to avoid spending a lot of money, I would suggest having a key made instead of trying to break in (especially if you don’t have any experience picking locks). If you decide to try and pick the lock on your own, you’ll need to know three important steps: Find a long and thin object. One that is thin enough to slide into the hole, and strong enough to apply pressure inside the lock. Some example objects would be a hair pin, paper clip or a small screw driver. If your lock has a push mechanism, you’ll insert the object and feel some resistance. Push. If it’s a twisting mechanism, you’ll twist the object inside the lock until it catches. Just a apply pressure, and you’ll hear a clicking sound. The clicking means the door has been unlocked. If all else fails and there are visible screws on the knob, grab a screwdriver and remove the doorknob.IF ALL ELSE FAILS GIVE US A CALL! Thanks for reading our article. Be sure to ask us about our services in your area.
Things you can do when your car ignition lock cylinder won’t turn before calling a locksmith
Things you can do when your car ignition lock cylinder won’t turn before calling a locksmith. Take your car registration as well as your picture ID to the nearest dealership and ask them to make you a new mechanical key (a key with no transponder chip). Next, try turning your ignition lock cylinder using the new key. Often times the ignition lock won’t turn because of a worn out key and not because of a faulty ignition lock cylinder. If the ignition lock cylinder won’t turn with the new key you should try spraying WD40 inside the ignition lock cylinder and jiggling the ignition using the newly made key. If the ignition didn’t turn simply by jiggling the new mechanical key then try bumping the ignition lock cylinder. In order to bump the ignition lock you will need to spray WD40 inside the ignition lock cylinder then insert a new mechanical key part of the way into the ignition lock cylinder and bump the rest of the key into the ignition lock cylinder using the handle of a heavy screwdriver (rubber handle works best). In many cases a jammed ignition lock cylinder is caused by one or two misaligned wafers stuck inside the cylinder preventing the lock from turning. Bumping the ignition lock cylinder a few time will likely release those jammed wafers so ignition lock will turn once again. If you got the ignition lock to turn on don’t turn it back off as it may get stuck again and this time you may not be able to turn it back on again. Most auto ignition lock cylinders can be easily removed and replaced once you have the ignition lock turned to ‘on’ position. At this point if you consider yourself a handy individual, we recommend you watch a few YouTube videos pertaining to your year and model vehicle on how to replace the ignition and get it done yourself. Otherwise, you should call a professional locksmith to have your ignition lock repaired or replaced if needed. How to avoid getting locked out of your own vehicle? There are several things you can do to avoid getting yourself locked out of your car, many of which require some thinking ahead. Have mechanical key (a key without transponder chip) copy made and hide it somewhere on the outside of the vehicle (for example you can remove the back license plate and use duct tape to tape a mechanical key to the back of the plate and install it back on). Leave a spare key with a friend or neighbor. It is usually cheaper to have the extra key delivered to you or for you to go pick it up than it is to hire a locksmith to come out to you. If you have On Star service they can often times unlock your car remotely so it is worth trying. Simply give them a call and they will unlock the car for you. Many after market alarm systems these days (like Viper and Directed) have a phone app that you can download to your phone so you can lock and unlock your car using the phone app. If you do end up locked out of your car we recommend you contact a local locksmith to have your vehicle unlocked. Trying to unlock the car by yourself can cause extreme damage to your door rubber seal and paint. Important things you should know about car keys that will help you understand the process of replacing them in case of a lost or stolen key. Not all car keys can be made by a locksmith (some keys can only be made by a dealer due to dealer restrictions) but the vast majority of them can be made on site by a locksmith. Thanks for reading our article and be sure to check out some of our other articles.
Reading Between the Locks
How does someone know what locks or security systems to use in their household? Think about your personal home life… Do you have kids? Talented animals? Are you more of a homebody, or do you go in and out of your home several times a day? These are all relevant questions to ask yourself before deciding on the best protection plan for your home. How is this information influential? If you have children frequenting your home, there are some security systems worth your attention. Kids are smart, but more often than not they lack understanding. As an adult, we can read between the lines and know the significance of home security, and the importance of keeping with the system. Kids (depending on age and experience) might see a lock, know it’s meaningful, and still forget to lock the door on their way to school or a sporting event. Thankfully in this day and age, we have smart phone reminders, iPod alarms, home security alarms accessible via cell phone devices, etc. All of these systems are great but not every person or family is aware of what is available to them. Having a keyless system for security is a great idea for families with children (regardless of age and maturity). However, if you are someone who expects the children in your home to learn the old system and keep with it, deadbolts might be the best option for you. Deadbolts are secure, and more times than not, they are accompanied with a standard door knob lock beneath them. Teaching kids to lock both of these locks is perpetually paramount, but if the importance of the deadbolt is expressed, when one of the locks is missed, it will likely be the door knob lock instead of the deadbolt. A popular expression is: “Door knob locks provide a feeling of security, and deadbolts provide the protection.” Do you have exceptionally talented animals in your home? This might sound like an irrational question, but it’s not! You would be surprised at the number of alarms set off by animals, and the number of doors opened by the paws of a household pet. If you have an electric alarm system make sure it is high enough on the wall that buttons can’t be pressed. Make sure it’s not above a countertop where an animal might rub up against it, to get a good back scratch in on a hot day. Attention homebodies! An electric home security system might be everything you’ve ever dreamed of. Hop online, do some research and find one that fits your household needs and your budget. There are tons of systems to choose from! Here are some reasons to consider a household alarm system: Once an alarm is set, it is only turned off by a private code of numbers, or the unwelcoming success of your door coming open. No need to check windows and doors every morning to ensure you are still alone in your house. Enjoy the peace of sitting anywhere in your house with headphones in or music playing. In most cases, your alarm will be plenty loud enough for you to hear. If for some reason it isn’t loud enough, keep your phone near you, because you’ll be expecting a call. To those who frequently enter and exit their home daily, OR forget items regularly: It might be that an alarm system is good for you if you don’t mind entering through the garage door, running to the front of the house to turn off the alarm before receiving a call from emergency, and then resetting the alarm just to run back out the way you entered. Can you tell this is a common annoyance for some? If you are a forgetful individual and find yourself exiting and re-entering your home frequently, it might be beneficial for you to stick with the basics. Deadbolts are great and less time consuming than some other choices. Considering all of your options though is still the best way to go. Make sure you give yourself and your family a thorough assessment before choosing the perfect system. Do the research, call a locksmith (LPI locksmiths are exceptionally trained and prepared to address all of your questions and concerns), and be sure to read between the locks! And if you ever find yourself in the PNW give our Seattle Locksmiths a call!
My key stopped working suddenly, how and why did this happen?
Broken lock Dull key Jammed lock (Lint, key fragments, etc.) With time, locks can break from wear. They can also break from misuse. When a lock is old, like anything else, it becomes less durable. With instability and misuse, it’s bound to break. Misuse could be conveyed in several different ways. People get frustrated sometimes, and a little frustration can sometimes result in a big dilemma. “My teenage son and I were arguing one morning, trying to come to some kind of common ground on a recurring issue affecting our family. He walked out for a few minutes, slamming the door behind him. When he returned he was frustrated trying to get the door open. In the process, the key got stuck for a moment but was able to be removed. He tried the key a few more times, but the lock didn’t budge. We called a locksmith, and it turns out the spring inside the lock broke.” -Anonymous It’s also possible that something, such as lint or string could become jammed into a lock. This is more common than some would think. Long sleeve clothing or other loose clothing can be twisted into a lock when turning a key. It might even happen without the person realizing it. This can become frustrating, especially in situations when new locks have been purchased recently and installed. Do I need to call a locksmith, or is there something I can try on my own before calling? Broken lock – If the lock is broken, it will likely need to be replaced. If the handle is held together by two screws, you can unscrew the handle and replace it on your own. If you can’t remove the lock, you may want to call a locksmith to come and repair/ or replace it, especially if you need to get into your home fast. Dull Key – If your key is dull enough that you can’t open your doors with it, you’ll need to either find another copy of your key (assuming you have more than one) or you’ll need to have a locksmith come and replace it. If you have the code to your key, make sure you have that when you see a locksmith. It will make expenses less. Jammed lock – If the lock has something jammed up inside of it, you can try WD-40 or powdered graphite. Could be that something sticky was on your key when you tried to open the door, or could be something as simple as lint stuck inside of it. If you aren’t able to ease it open using a lubricant, you should call a locksmith to come and fix it. Chances are it is a bigger issue than you thought. You won’t want to cause any unnecessary damage, because a locksmith may be able to repair your lock, instead of replacing it.If you happen to be in the PNW area call our Seattle Locksmith for all of your Locksmith needs!
How do I know a scam artist from a professional locksmith?
How to identify a scammer vs. the real deal without your pocketbook. As a professional and trusted locksmith, we believe it’s important to help our community in every way that we can. Part of helping our community is by communicating. There are dangers in the “locksmithing” world that should be avoided. There are countless scammers in the US waiting for an opportunity to make a quick buck. The problem with this is that the people who assist with your locksmithing needs, if they aren’t licensed and certified, then they don’t have proper training. It also means that your property is not protected under any kind of law. It’s crucial that you know how to tell the difference between a professional locksmith, and scammer. What to look for: Do research. With modern day technology it’s easy to gather information quickly. Read online reviews, check for reports and referrals. When you call, ask for a quote. If they can’t give you an exact price, in most cases they are not legit. Check for affiliations. Find out if they are registered with ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America. This is recommended. Check their certification. A real locksmith will proudly give this information. If they get defensive, or question your motive, you should be questioning theirs. Pay attention to the small details. Did they arrive in a company vehicle? This is more important than you would think. If they took the time, and paid the money for printed vehicles, they are likely licensed. Is the locksmith in uniform? They should be. How does the scamming work? In many cases, the locksmith scams participate in a mass industry, usually operated from another country. When you search google for a local locksmith, several numbers and websites will pop up. You might notice good reviews, but be aware that reviews are not always legit. These scammers will pay people to create fake reviews. When you call, it will forward to a dispatcher, and they’ll say something along the lines of “Locksmith” or “Service”, but will leave out the name of the business you are trying to reach. When you ask for a quote, they will reply with a low price and make sure it’s open for change. They trap people with the low price, but when they show up to do the job, they will do it and up the price based on “the difficulty of the job.” These kinds of scams are becoming more popular and are circulating all over the internet. It’s important to be aware. Utilizing false locksmithing services will breed disaster. Why isn’t Google doing anything about the problem? Out of frustration, it’s easy to point the finger. Google is trying to counteract the problem, and they have many security measures actively working in order to tear at the roots of the issue. It’s more complex than it seems. It’s best to be educated, and aware of the possibilities so that you don’t fall victim to the scamming while it’s still happening. In a locksmith emergency, give us a call.
Securing Firearms: Who Should Not Be Given Access and How To Prevent Them From Gaining Access
The extremity of firearm security should not be taken lightly. With ownership of a gun comes great responsibility. Many people don’t understand the amount of responsibility for them when they make the purchase. They think “I’ll keep it locked up during the day, and make sure I have it hidden when kids are in the house.” Those who have had their guns stolen brush it off saying “I’ll secure it better next time.” They write it off and think they can buy a better box for their next one. I’d like to challenge that perspective, because these kinds of mindsets are why proper precautions aren’t taken to begin with. Too many individuals do not put enough thought into security before making the decision to become a gun owner. If you own a gun you must know every reason why securing your gun properly is important. Ponder this idea; even if the person who steals your gun only intends to make a pretty penny, there is cycle that has won a spin as soon as it makes the market. If your gun is sold, eventually it could make it into the hands of someone whose intentions are less than humane. Keep in mind as well that the gun is registered to you. You don’t want your purchase to be the reason a neighbor was shot or a kid took their life. The burden in that sentence is heavy because it needs to be. Who should not have access? Children, first and foremost. A child is not able to understand the danger of a weapon and should have no access to a firearm. I understand taking your children out to learn gun safety and how to shoot a gun (under supervision). Under no condition though should a child be trusted to handle a gun in any other circumstance. There are too many accidents that happen through the curiosity of a child. Teens and young adults should not have access either. There are far too many hormones and emotions running through that age group, and not enough stability to give their lives into their own hands. There are suicides every year because parents “trusted” their child enough to keep their firearms unsecured. Mentally ill people should also be without access. Anyone who is not able to understand gun safety and all that it means should not be given a chance with your guns. Your firearms should stay out of sight and locked up where access is extremely hard to obtain. How do I secure my gun properly? Keeping your firearms locked up is the first step. Some tend to think a small or medium size lock box is enough. It’s not. Here’s why: Lockboxes are not too heavy to carry, so someone can remove it from your home and take the time necessary to open it. They give a false presentation of security, but are more for looks than anything else. Most of them are easy to break into with a hammer or screwdriver. Cheap boxes are usually made from a hard plastic, which does virtually nothing when greeted by a hammer or heavy rock. The two most important things to consider when purchasing a gun safe: First, your safe should have either a combination lock or a smart lock. Do not purchase a safe that is mainly accessed using a key. A safe that can alternatively be accessed with a key is fine, as long as the key is left with someone you trust and is not inside your home (at least not where it can be found). Second, your safe should be secured to something sturdy. Don’t have it secured to wooden panels, boards or plywood flooring. If you are unsure how to do this, have a professional come to your house and do it for you. This will keep you safe from being removed. “If you were able to get your safe inside the house on your own, someone else can get it out. Make sure it can’t be picked up or wheeled out.” -Locksmith Plus, Inc. Additional concerns to address: Do not keep a gun on by your bedside. Not only have people shot themselves while they were dreaming, but they’ve also shot others when being jolted awake. Also, if someone breaks into your home and they see your gun first, they will have an upper hand they never needed. Keep your guns out of sight. Firearm safes should not be hard to access by those who have the ability to unlock them. Safes are not meant to be a hindrance in keeping individuals and families secure from harm. A fingerprint or hand detection safe is a great option if timing is a concern for you. Some safes have key code access which is another effective option. There are plenty of choices out there that will provide simple access, and stern security at the same time. Do the research and find the safe that is best for your needs. There are two different types of safes to keep in mind when making a purchase. First, is a safe that is for long storage, and the second is for short storage. If you need ready access to your gun or guns, make sure you by a short term storage safe. If you ever need firearm security consultation, give one of our professional locksmiths a call.
Securing Firearms in a Vehicle – What makes it so important and what can be done?
“You want your handgun to be secure, readily available, out of sight and out of mind.” – Locksmith Plus Inc. Ways to secure your handgun inside of your vehicle: The most efficient way to secure your handgun is by keeping it inside of a locked box. This can be a locked safe or a locked bag (depending on your personal preference). There are many options available through a simple google search. Make sure you are aware of the laws in your state, and be attentive to those laws. How can I keep my gun readily accessible? Many car-safe gun cases are locked using a key. For obvious reasons, this is the most secure option. However, it is not the most convenient. Those who carry a licensed gun on them are usually carrying it in case of an emergency. We all know that emergencies are high tension and high-stress situations. If you’ve read any of the other blogs I’ve written, you will remember the severity of shaping security around stressful possibilities. I wrote a blog called_ , and it does a great job at reminding people (including myself) of the tragedies that unfold when we are inconsiderate of danger. If you are carrying a weapon, you want to make sure it is quickly available to you. Ditch the safe that requires a key, and go with a key code lock or a hand detection lock instead. Where can I put a gun in my vehicle that will keep it out of sight, but still easily accessible? The answer to that question varies depending on the type and size of your vehicle. It would be best for you to examine your own vehicle and discern the best places for your car. Your gun should be out of sight to passengers in the car, and should not be visible if pulled over by a police officer. Examples of places to keep firearms inside of vehicles: For quick access: Under the driver’s seat. In the glove box (only while driving or occupying the vehicle) Stored in or underneath the dashboard. For long term storage (quick access not needed): The trunk of your vehicle. In a lock box that’s been installed somewhere secure in your car. Want consultation on a custom storage compartment for your car? Give our locksmiths a call.
Securing Your Greenhouse: Tips and Tools Used to Secure Yourself and Your Property
For some, a greenhouse could mean food for the winter, or maybe it is just part of the business. For others, it is a treasured hobby. No matter the reason, it is an expensive hobby. It’s easy to get caught up trimming, planting and preparing during the heat of the day, and too many times the security of property is overlooked. There is more to securing a greenhouse than simply locking it up behind you at the end of the day. What about your tools? Your pots? Your machinery? How well are these items secured upon your departure? It would be nice to assume it wouldn’t happen to you, but the chances are higher than you would think. Plant theft is an increasing issue worldwide. Greenhouses have become a more prized item of theft in the recent years, and as a local locksmith concerned for your overall security it is our duty and privilege to provide you with tools in preventing this kind of crime. Anchor your greenhouse – Make sure that the anchor pulls enough weight, that it’s made from sturdy and trusted materials. Also, make sure it is driven far enough into the ground. A concrete foundation is highly recommended. Be careful what is planted around your greenhouse – If there are tall trees or wide bushes planted around it, you will provide potential thieves a covering. If a thief thinks they can get away with your things easily you will become a larger target. Keep your greenhouse visible. Plant holly bushes or rose bushes – No one (not even a thief) will want to get into a fight with thorns. This is a natural deterrent, and it works. Secure your containers / tool boxes – Use land anchors, i.e: a heavy rock, or a tree. Chain your bins – If your bins are chained down they cannot be used as stepping stools. Don’t give a thief a hand up. Lay gravel – In most cases thieves come with vehicles. If you lay gravel out in your driveway you will hear them coming. They are also less likely to take the chance, assuming you might be home. Mark your belongings – This is a way to prevent your items from being sold. If your name and information is on your possessions, someone will have a much harder time selling your items. They may move on from your house altogether. You can use a sharpy, but professional thieves may try to write over your address with their own. An effective way to prevent this is by using a chemical called SmartWater. This is a clear liquid that is applied to your property. If these items are sold, and any reminisce of the SmartWater is found, they will be able to match the chemical and return the property to its rightful owner. In some high-risk areas police hand this chemical out for free. And if you ever need advice from one of our locksmiths, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Hotel Safety (Part 1 of 2)
Preparing for the worst, and securing your door. Family vacations are fun, business trips are exhausting, and overnights to clear your head are sometimes needed. There is no doubt that hotels are the best remedy for these adventures. You get a comfy bed, perfect lighting, a clean space and sometimes there is even a fantastic view! Who has your keys though? How many individuals have access to your room? Is your room safe? Are you being followed? These are not questions you want to ask when you are planning a getaway, but they are valid concerns to consider. The world can be a dangerous place, and even more so when you are in an unfamiliar place. When traveling, you want to be sure that you, and/ or your loved ones are protected. There are a few ways to ensure the security of your hotel room, and I will be listing those things in this post. First though, it’s important to be aware of the present dangers while traveling, or staying in a hotel. It’s even more important to be aware that these situations can be avoided. Here’s how: Since 2007 there have been 1,434 reported cases of human trafficking in hotel rooms (in the US alone). Theft is more common than it should be, especially in hotels. Assault is more common that it should be, especially in hotels. Women and children are unfortunately common targets in all the crimes listed above. Hotel fires happen. So what can you do to protect yourself against these crimes? When possible, travel in pairs or in groups. If there is a public restroom within the hotel, try not to go alone. Pretend you are on your phone when walking to your room. Be aware of those around you. If someone is watching you or you feel uncomfortable, trust your gut and report your concern. Two sets of eyes are better than one. Use the main doors for access, especially at night. If you are using a key card for access, make sure there is no one behind you able to follow you in. If your room has a lock, keep the deadbolt locked, and the door guard locked (if the door has one). Even if you are inside grabbing a few things to walk back out the door, lock it behind you. Have the hotel clerk write your hotel number on paper, or on the sleeve of your key instead of saying the number out loud. Store your valuables in your car, or keep them on you when you leave the room. Hang your “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door when you leave. Hotel Fires: Make sure you know where all of the fire exits are. Hotels are required to provide you the location of all of these for a reason, don’t just glance over it. Fire safety instructions should be written on the back of your hotel room door. Read it. If you smell smoke, report it to staff and exit the building as quickly and as safely as possible. DO NOT use the elevator. Use the stairs. And if you ever need a locksmith in the Salem OR area, give us a call!