Locksmiths have all the techniques and tools to get into your home when necessary, but this information is becoming more and more accessible with the use of the internet. The problem with traditional, outdated, or inexpensive outer-door hardware is that they can be easily compromised. This means your family, home, and possessions are vulnerable. How long can it actually take someone to compromise your residential door locks? These techniques have been around for decades, and are still some of the easiest and most obtainable ways for people to break into your home. What Are Bump Keys For years, professional locksmiths have used bump keys to gain entry into homes for legal reasons. Now, with the use of the internet, anyone can find, create, or obtain a bump key and use them illegally to gain access to your home. A bump key, also known as a 999 key, is a specialty key that can bypass security mechanisms in traditional pin and tumbler locks. These keys are cut to the maximum ...

Ignition systems in cars have been evolving over the past two decades and have gone through three significant changes to get to a more reliable and faster system that has been adopted across models for years. While the concept of producing a spark for ignition has not altered, the method of creating the spark has vastly improved. Distributor-Based, Distributor-Less, & Coil-On-Plug Car Ignition Systems: From Solid-State to Computer-Controlled Very early ignition systems used a method, which included a fully mechanical system, that used distributors to deliver a spark at the right moment. After this, the system was tweaked and the distributor-based ignition system was created. This car ignition system was equipped with solid-state switches and ignition control models. This ignition evolved into the distributor-less system, which was more efficient and used an electronics. Today, the most advanced, electrical ignition used is the coil-on-plug. This is a...

Traveling is one of the most exciting, yet stressful, things people decide to do. Feel comfortable and confident on your next road trip by taking into account some of these tips from Cheap Lock & Key. These tips will help you feel prepared to hit the road morning, day, or night! 1. Travel Essentials for Roadside Emergencies Is your care equipped with all the necessary travel essentials? Whether you are traveling alone, with a significant other, or your entire family, being prepared with the essentials will relieve you of any roadside emergency issues. Some of the most essential items everyone should travel with on a road trip include: First Aid Kit Flares/Flashlights Blankets Extra Water Motion Sickness Tablets Nutrition Bars Spare Tire Small Set of Tools Bringing local maps of where you are traveling, an extra can of gas, spare set of keys, and back up phone batteries are helpful as well. 2. Schedule a Tune-Up When was the last time you had an...

Being proactive in the search for any services, whether it is a locksmith or not, is a smart choice. You can easily avoid being overcharged by a locksmith if you take time to research your options before an emergency comes your way. You will find that most locksmiths charge specific rates based on the lock type, time of the service, and the time it takes to resolve your particular situation. Since each situation is different, it is good to get a solid estimate prior to any work being done. Take these three tips to find out how you can avoid a locksmith, who may charge you more than you should be charged! Read Reviews The easiest way to narrow down your locksmith choices is to read reviews of companies. Reviews, testimonials, and references all play a part in helping clients choose an affordable service. Gathering information on the company helps potential customers understand the value of their services. Your comparison should NOT be solely to find the least expensive...

Before enjoying some R&R away from home with your family, insure peace of mind by making your home less susceptible to being invaded by burglars. Whether you reside in a metro area like Tampa or a suburban enclave, there are useful measures you can undertake to discourage potential thieves during your absence. 1. Lock up your home. To state the obvious: even though you might be using a monitored or unmonitored security system, it won’t be very effective if you don’t remember to lock every door and window. Whether your home features traditional deadbolts and locksets or electronic keypads, physically securing your entrances and exits is naturally of paramount importance. Also, be discriminating about who you’ve entrusted with copies of your keys – closest friends and family only. After all, nearly 50% of home invasions involve the use of a key. And don’t even think about keeping a spare key in a secret hiding spot outside your house, because no...