High-Security and Sidewinder Cut Keys
High-security keys are standard on nearly all cars made in the past decade or more. They can be standard-cut keys with a transponder chip in the handle or laser-cut “sidewinder keys” that represent the next layer of vehicle security. Laser-cut sidewinder keys are thicker, have smooth outside edges, and have the unlocking code cut into […]
How to Buy the Right Commercial Automatic Door Closer the 1st Time
Open doors are an invitation, and that can be good or bad…sometimes very bad. Relying on customers or employees to keep important doors closed ranges from annoying to risky. That’s where door closers come in. Whether you want a door closed to keep in heat and air conditioning or keep out wind, fumes, varmints or […]
Reset Your Safe Combination for Security
If you own a safe and have shared the combination with multiple people, you’ve lost total control. When one of them leaves your employment or your association, when relations with that individual go south, it’s a good idea to change the combo. How to Reset Digital and Mechanical Locks Depending on the circumstances, resetting a […]
Be the Keymaster: Commercial Master Key Systems
It was “Ghostbusters” that first debuted the title “Keymaster.” Whether you’re a fan of the iconic movie or not, master key systems are something everyone should know about, at least a little. Building owners, managers or occupants are at an advantage when they understand master key systems, how they work, and how to manage them […]
Parking Lot Protection: Be Safer By Being Smart
Whether it’s at home or at work, parked cars are tempting targets for thieves, vandals and violent criminals. By using a few commonsense precautions, you can go a long way to keeping yourself and your valuables safer. Visibility Most criminals are opportunists, so the first line of defense is removing temptation. Park in places where […]
Protect Your Business Office Building Better
Each office building is different, as are its security needs. To a large extent, the measures needed depend on what’s inside and who is using the building for what and when. Simple mechanical measures like good locks and break-in prevention may be all that’s needed in some situations, while more elaborate measures such as alarms, […]
Is “Bonded” anything like James Bond?
When you hire someone to install, open or repair your locks, you want them to be trustworthy and reliable. You are, after all, literally handing them the keys to the vault or home or office or car. Who can you trust? Since Colorado doesn’t license locksmiths, a good place to start is choosing one who […]
Mortise vs. Cylindrical Locks
Whether you live in an old or new home, spend your time in a modern office or historic building, the doors will have locks installed. The type of lock installed not only depends on the preference of the builder, but also the age of the structure. It’s important to know and understand which type of […]
Locked Out? Break In!
Have you ever found yourself standing outside your locked door only to realize you left your keys on the kitchen counter? No? Don’t worry, sooner or later you will. And then what do you do? Well, you can go around your house looking for an unlocked window or door—which we hope you don’t find (not […]
Panic Bar Basics
Also known as panic devices or crash bars, panic bars are built and intended for emergency scenarios requiring quick and unhindered exit of a building. Commonly confused with exit bars, these devices are required in certain building classifications and must meet specific safety standards. If you own or operate a commercial facility or multi-unit building, […]
