When it comes to keeping your home secure, there are many options available on the market. With the ever-growing Internet of Things, people are turning to smart appliances, smart TVs, smart watches, and in some cases, smart locks. Being able to control everything from your phone is definitely convenient, but is a smart lock as secure as possible? Here are our views on smart locks vs. traditional locks for your residence in Tampa Bay areas such as Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and Brandon. How Smart Locks Function to Protect Your Home Smart locks are designed to connect to your smartphone via WiFI or Bluetooth technology. These do not use a traditional key but rather communicate with a special key fob or a smartphone. They are also designed to integrate with other smart features of a home. Some brands also give the homeowner the ability to lock and unlock their homes from a different location, which seems convenient if they forgot to lock the door or need to...

Nothing is more frustrating than heading home from a long day—possibly with kids in tow—then pulling into your driveway to face a garage door that won’t budge. You push the magic button repeatedly, and nothing happens. Whether it’s due to power loss, malfunction, or damage to your system, there are solutions available to people who are locked out of their garage. Keep in mind, many of these solutions WILL take time. If time isn't something you have a lot of, then the best course of recommendation is to call in a locksmith like Cheap Lock & Key to help you get into your garage. Attempt to Gain Access From a Side Door or From Your Home If a power outage or other issue is preventing your garage door from opening AND you do not have an emergency release kit installed, you will need to gain access to the garage from another door. Hopefully, you have access to the keys for the side door to your garage or to the inside door that connects it to your home. ...

Property management companies should be among the first in line for a long-term, valuable, locksmith company to have on speed dial. When it comes to the safety and security of your complexes, quality lock systems should be at the top of the list. Some of the most important tasks that the property managers typically undertake include: Securing the premises that your buildings are on Protecting against vandalism Ensuring the safety of tenants These can be accomplished easily with a professional, reliable locksmith on hand. For example, you can call Cheap Lock & Key! Cheap Lock & Key is licensed, insured, and trained in all areas of the field, including security audits.  Lock Changes, Master Keys, & Other Services Your Go-To Locksmith Can Provide An on-call locksmith can become one of the most powerful tools for property management companies. Your go-to locksmith will be familiar with all of the locks on your buildings. Furthermore, they will be able to...

Your residential door locks are one of the only barriers between your family, your possessions, and an intruder. As it so happens, your residential door locks are also one of the most vulnerable and easiest ways for an intruder to enter your home. The cornerstone of good home security is to have layered protection, and your doors are actually just one of those layers. Statistics Behind Unlawful Entry Approximately 6-7% of unlawful entry is committed by someone who has a key to your home. In addition, 36% of unlawful entry happens because your door has been left open or unlocked. Taking the time to change and replace your home's locks is imperative to the security of your home. If you have experienced one of these following scenarios, it is time to replace your residential door locks. A relationship change can leave your home vulnerable. Did you go through a divorce? Did your significant other move out? Maybe you had a friendship end or a roommate move out? Whatever ...

Master key systems are popping up everywhere and for good reason. They protect your business and increase security measures with just a few small changes to your existing locks. Master key systems are beneficial for businesses with different access needs and multiple employee tiers. A master key system allocates the Grand Master Key to the owner or Senior Management and all other employees are customized to be able to access their specific entry points and inner doorways. How Does the Master Key System Work One key will grant access to all of the areas and buildings on the property. This is the Grand Master Key. After this key, the system allows changes for individuals or groups of people to be key holders, which makes access control more efficient. These key holders are given access to specific areas of the building. Switching From Your Current Locks to a Master Key System Setting your system up is a breeze for a professional locksmith! Cheap Lock & Key can switch your...