Lost Your Keys? Quick Tips For Opening Any Locked Door

No matter the type of lost keys, there is a way to get your door back open. For the sake of practicality, we will be focusing on the general information that will help the average person get their door open. Lost keys will mean more than just being locked out, but getting your door open will be the first step to taking care of the issue. Start by being able to enter the car, home, or building, then you can worry about the other access concerns brought about by your lost keys.

Lost Car Keys

When you are trying to open your car door after realizing the ramifications of your lost keys, the main thing that you want to try is to manipulate the manual door locks. Depending on the make and model of the car, the locks will either be a post or switch type. But before those options, be sure to take a gander at the section about locating your spare key. If none of that works, you can investigate how much it costs to unlock your car. And always remember that when it comes to cars, lost keys mean more than locked doors. Even if you get the door open, you will still need new car keys to start your vehicle.

1. Locate Your Spare Key

One of the most important reasons everyone needs a spare car key is for instances of lost keys. This is also one of your best options because once you have the spare key that you lent out, you can also drive away in your own car. It is important that you contact the person who has your spare key and see if they can come to your location and deliver it. But something like this will not be possible if you have lost your car keys and have no spare.

Regardless of whether or not you have placed the spare key in the hands of a competent individual, they could be unavailable when you lost your car keys. Lost keys don’t become lost in at the most ideal times. You might be on a road trip, the person with the spare car keys could be out of town, or a whole host of other problems could prevent your car keys from getting back to you. Try to get your hands on your spare car key, but if you can’t, don’t worry, there are more things you can try.

2. Opening Post Locks

With lost keys, you hope that you are dealing with a post lock. Post locks are the easiest to work with because you just need to loop them and pull them up to unlock your door. You can use shoe laces tied into a slip knot and work the thin rope between the door and the frame. Keep one side of the rope in each hand. Place one hand at the top of the door and the other along the side, and then try to slip the lace around the post. You can also get a wire that can hook the post. Once you have your tool around the post, you pull up and to the side to keep the tool from coming loose.

I would not recommend using something like a slim jim to unlock your door by manipulating the internal components of the door. When you slip one of these kinds of tools into the door between the window glass and weather stripping, you run the risk of dislodging wires and disturbing important connections. Also be aware that widening the gap between the door and the frame can damage the door or break the glass if done improperly. Try to get by with the smallest gap you can.

3. Manipulating Switch Locks

This is similar to opening post locks, but when you’ve lost keys to a car that uses a switch, there are some further difficulties. The placement of the actuator can be difficult to reach, which will add to the general difficulty of moving the switch as desired. Why it is difficult in general is because the switch type of lock needs to be pushed, much like flipping a light switch. However, it does not have the shape of a light switch (which would make things a whole lot easier).

For this door opening method, you will need a stiff and long prodding tool. If you cannot wedge open the door, then this tool will also need to be rather slim. Something like a wire coat hanger is unlikely to be strong enough to interact with the switch without bending. You also have to consider the smoothness of the switch, which may be curved so it is difficult to catch. Just stay patient, and if you can, have someone on the other side of the car to look through the window and guide you.

4. Call A Professional

As long as you call the right locksmith for your needs, you will be able to take advantage every service you could theoretically need. In the case of lost keys, you are going to want the locksmith to make you another set so that you can start your car. They will use unlock your car door with one of their professional auto lockout tools, and then they are at your disposal for additional work.

You will have to factor in the cost of car key duplication, but that would be the case anyways, this just allows you to get the service you need more quickly. This is the best option because it also allows you to take steps to protect your vehicle against thieves who might find your lost keys. A locksmith can invalidate existing car remotes, change your car door locks, and generally protect your vehicle as they get you back on the road.

Potential Problems For Lost Keys

• Even if you open your car door, if the car keys are not inside, you cannot start the vehicle.
• If the person with your spare key is unavailable, your spare key is ultimately meaningless.
• Too large of a gap or leaving the door wedged for an extended amount of time will damage your car door.

Lost House Keys

When you have lost keys, getting back into your home can be a hassle. When I locked myself out of my house back in the day, I tried everything to get back in. But for the sake of simplicity, I will focus on some of the most common and simple ways to get your front door back open. Of course, everyone locks their home differently, so these tips are meant for success for the most general circumstances. If you want to use expert techniques to open your locked door, you should call a locksmith. These methods are accessible to anyone with any skill level, so don’t fret about your lost keys until you get back into your home.

1. Locate Your Spare Key

Home lockouts resulting from lost keys for your house have a better chance of being available. If you are not a homeowner, then your property manager, super, property owner, etc., likely has a key of their own. In the case that you are the sole owner of your property, think back to a vacation that you took, or a work trip that you went on. If someone was house sitting, feeding your animals, watering your plants, collecting your mail, or otherwise stopping by, did they ever return their key?

It is good to have one house key in the hands of a trusted neighbor, but if this is not possible for whatever reason, perhaps a family member has been given a spare key at some point. Did you leave a spare key somewhere for this reason? If you have hidden your house key well, it should still be where you left it. There is no need to dwell on this way to open your door when you are dealing with the fallout of your lost keys. If you have never given anyone a spare key to your home, move on to the next best method of entry.

2. Alternate Entry

There are more ways into a home than just through the front door. Lost keys only matter if every opening to your home is locked. Looking for alternate methods of entry means going around the home and checking windows and other perimeter doors. This is not meant to be confrontational, but having lost keys should indicate that you can be forgetful.

There are things that everyone forgets to secure, but every once in awhile one of those things is a window or back door. Just take a lap around the house. Try the doors and the windows. Be aware that windows and neglected doors can stick, so trying some finesse is always best. Do not force anything as you could break doors and windows, and those will be more expensive as repairs or replacements are the most expensive services relating to lockouts from lost keys.

3. Go Around the Door

It might sound like alternate entry, but going around the door means that you are physically circumventing the door to reach the lock on the other side. It is more similar to some of the methods of getting back into a locked car. You can slip a tool through a gap and manipulate a thumbturn on the other side of the door. If there are any windows, use them to see how you are doing. When there is a double sided deadbolt that has been locked, something like this will not work.

If your front door does not have a large enough gap to fit a tool through or uses a certain type of lock that you cannot manipulate, combine this method with the alternate entry. Go around the perimeter of the home and see if there are any easier doors or windows that you can get open. Something like a coat hanger might have the right size to finesse through an opening, but if it is too flexible, then you will not be able to apply the necessary torque to the thumbturns and other actuators.

4. Call A Professional

Calling a locksmith is a fast and effective way to solve any issues centered around lost keys. To open your doors they can get around almost any level of protection that is keeping you out. Even if you are using all of the best methods to secure your door, a locksmith excels in security penetration.

When you contact a locksmith, they may need to use destructive entry, but having a locksmith drill your lock will be safer than you doing the work yourself. They can also replace anything that needs to be removed or demolished. But they will also have things like bump keys and the necessary lock picks to open the door, so it is not likely that you will need the most severe and expensive method of professional entry.

Potential Problems For Lost Keys

• When trying to open potentially locked doors, applying too much force will damage anything you are interacting with.
• It may be too difficult to find something with the proper rigidity and dimensions to manipulate your interior thumbturns for door locks and the like.
• Trying professional methods of entry yourself untrained increases the risk of incurring unneeded damage and strain on your security.

Lost Office Keys

When your office keys are lost, the ensuing office lockout, this can create a strain on your business. On the positive side, when you have lost keys to your office there is the greatest chance of finding someone with a spare. Because commercial buildings are likely to use higher security than homes and automobiles, you should stick to tracking down available keys and contacting professionals. I will break down the main two ways to get your hands on a replacement set of keys, as well as some tips for hiring a professional who can deal with commercial security.

1. Call Your Building Manager

One of the most sure fire ways to get back into your office when your issue is lost keys is to call your building manager. If you have the number of your property management company, give them a call and see if they can have someone swing by with a spare key. Often they will have someone on call for these types of emergency situations. You might know better than to bother your property management company if they have a history of inattentive service, but it is a good place to start.

Your property manager might also send a locksmith over that they subcontract to if they cannot locate a set of keys and have them to you within an acceptable time frame. But if servicing is required for a lock, they are going to want to be kept in the loop. If the lock has to be drilled or otherwise replaced, that is something that your building manager will want to be made aware of, so they might opt to be in control of the whole process.

2. Conduct Key Inventory

If you work with several other employees, there are likely to be other keys besides your lost keys. In the instances where nothing comes from reaching out to your building manager, you can conduct a quick key inventory to see who in your workforce has a key. This might mean that you need to call someone to come back from lunch early, or even stop by on their day off. Be sure to compensate those employees who you are inconveniencing.

It is never advantageous to take an employee for granted, but it is a worse idea to make someone who has a key to the office feel slighted. Because your lost keys are the reason for inconveniencing people, you might feel a little defensive and even refrain from reaching out to anyone out of fear of being chastised for your mistake. Be sure to apologize and don’t feel too guilty to the point where you choose not to solve the problem rather than taking responsibility for your mistake.

3. Call A Professional

If the responsibility falls on you to contact a service professional, you might be put in an unfamiliar position. When you need a locksmith for commercial security help, be sure that you invest in the proper company. The key that needs to be replaced could be high-security or you might be having to contend with a variety of commercial door lock types. These lost keys have the potential to cost quite a bit to replace, but getting the door open is probably going to take a bit of skill to get open.

Depending on the hours of operation that you building keeps you will have to consider the typical costs of a 24-hour emergency locksmith. In the case of stores and restaurants that need to be opened early in the morning, a locksmith might be the only one available to help you in your lost keys predicament.

Potential Problems For Lost Keys

• Security for commercial buildings is likely to be more difficult to work around than residential or automotive security.
• A building management company might have a track record of not responding or solving issues efficiently.
• A locksmith needs to be trained with commercial door locks in order to give you the service that you need.

Closing Thoughts On Lost Keys

Always start by trying to solve an issue with lost keys by trying to get your hands on a spare. Stick to the simple lockout solutions when you are dealing with lost keys. No matter what you end up doing to open your door, have a way of replacing your lost keys so that you don’t have this problem in the immediate future. Calling a locksmith is always an option. And in many cases, it is the best option.

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Mahogany at Mill Lake

Mahogany at Mill Lake is a new condo development By Quantum Properties
currently under construction at 2180 Gladwin Road, Abbotsford. The development is scheduled for completion in 2018. Mahogany at Mill Lake has a total of 152 units.

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Why Your Security Cameras Are Not Protecting Your Property

Many security camera companies market their products under the guise of providing protection to consumers, and I can’t really blame them. After all, they have a sales quota to reach. However, I do believe saying a security camera helps deter crime and protect your property, is a rather misleading statement.

Now, I am sure that there are benefits to using a security camera, but how many of these benefits are actually security related, and how many of them will keep your property safe or stop a crime from happening? I want to emphasize that I am not disparaging security cameras. I am simply stating that just like picket alarm signs, they are not all that effective at protecting your property.

The main purpose of a security camera is to observe and document a particular area that falls under its visual radius. For some cameras, this radius might stretch far, and for others, it will be nothing more than a few feet. The keyword I would like you to pay attention to here is ‘observe’. Observation is a passive activity that does not indicate that any action will follow. This is the key facet of security cameras that people tend to overlook.

Do security cameras protect your property?

Observation alone is not enough to protect your property. Relying solely on a passive security measure like security cameras will leave your property vulnerable. As I pointed out earlier, there are benefits to using security cameras, but not many of these benefits will actively protect your property.

The unfortunate thing is that many people who have security cameras installed in their homes or offices believe that these devices keep them secure. That is until something goes awry and then they are stuck wondering why their security cameras were not enough to protect their property. Join me for this wild ride as we take a look at the reason why your security cameras are not protecting your property.

Why Your Security Cameras Are Not Protecting Your Property

1. Criminals Do Not Care About Security Cameras

People often cite the deterrence of crime as their reason for utilizing security cameras. I completely empathize with people that foster this notion, but I can’t say that I agree with them. I believe that the perspective which sees security cameras as a feasible stand-alone security solution is somewhat flawed.

By saying that you hope that a security camera deters a criminal from approaching your property, you are assuming a stance of dependence rather than actively working to prevent them from approaching your property. In this instance, the first thing you are depending on is your security camera. The second element that you are placing your trust in is the nature of the criminal compromising the security of your property. Let’s get one thing straight, criminals do not care, but you should care about your own security measures.

I would imagine that they care a great deal about some of the things that go on in their personal lives, but they do not care about your property or the presence of your security camera. One thing you have to understand is that criminals, burglars, and thieves do not care enough about the aforementioned elements to not try breaking into your home. To them, the presence of a surveillance camera is a mere suggestion that they should find a different path for their lives. There are countless minutes of surveillance footage from multiple sources that show criminals ignoring the surveillance cameras that are meant to keep them at bay.

An argument could be made that if burglars notice the security cameras that are in place, they will refrain from committing a crime, but I consider this to be wishful thinking. Regardless of whether a burglar sees a surveillance camera or not, the outcome will likely be the same. If they do not notice the camera, they will commit the crime or attempt to do so. Burglars are usually more frightened by alarms than they are by security cameras.

If they do notice the surveillance camera, there is a very high chance that they will ignore it because they know very little will come out of the resulting footage. For reference, consider this absurd crime that occurred in Las Vegas, where a burglar blatantly ignored the presence of surveillance cameras and made off with an air conditioning unit. Does it sound like he cared about the presence of surveillance cameras?

2. Security Cameras Do Not Stop a Crime From Being Committed

The truth is having a security camera around does not guarantee that criminals will not commit a crime. In discussing this, we will touch on the nature of passive security once again. If a criminal wants to damage or steal your property, there is very little that a security camera can do to stop them. This holds true even if they do spot the surveillance camera or a warning sign that tells them they’re being recorded. Ideally, you want to have security measures in place that are actively working to prevent and deter any crime that might make your property and its inhabitants vulnerable.

At best, a security camera will only be able to incite some action while the crime is underway. Imagine you receive a notification from your surveillance camera (equipped with remote access features) alerting you to a crime being committed. You will be prompted to take action to prevent the crime from being carried out successfully.

However, if the crime goes unnoticed, but still observed by your security camera, nothing has been accomplished and the crime has still been carried out successfully. Let’s take another look at the example that was used in the above section. The only way the culprit would not have known that there were surveillance cameras installed is if they were illiterate because the homeowner had placed several warning signs up. This simply goes to show that having a security camera installed, and keeping it easily visible, does not stop the crime from being carried out.

3. Security Cameras Can Be Removed and Stolen

If I had to take the time to describe how the mind of a thief works, I would not know where to begin. I will admit that in re-reading the above headline made me laugh. Surely you see the irony in this as well? Let’s place irony aside for just a second, and point out the fact that many people do not consider the fact that security cameras can be stolen. It might sound surprising, but it makes sense.

Most surveillance and security cameras are given minimal security, which makes them fairly easy to access. There are additional parts of security cameras that are vital to its operation, like the security DVR, CCTV cables, power supply, etc. Most people think that because the cameras are placed separately from their accessories that each part is kept safe.

However, if a burglar is ready to steal your security camera while it hangs on the side of your building, or in a hallway in your home, you should rest assured that they will have no qualms about breaking in and grabbing additional necessary parts. Security cameras are valuable and can easily be resold as a unit or as individual parts.

I cannot say that I comprehend the motives that drive anyone to steal a security camera, but I believe it is usually done to either gain something of additional value or to get rid of evidence. There is the possibility that some burglars will want to steal a surveillance camera simply because they believe it caught them in the act, and they want to make sure there are no breadcrumbs leading back to them.

In the past, this was likely to be a logical solution, but in this modern age, most security cameras, especially DIY cameras that are easy to install, back their footage up to the cloud. Not many cameras store footage locally anymore, so walking away with a camera in a bid to cover one’s tracks is rather pointless, and it seems like a lot of work is being done for no reason. If a burglar were to steal a Nest Cam, or a Logi Circle, it would amount to nothing.

4. Security Camera Footage Does Not Guarantee That a Criminal Will Be Caught

The battle cry for anyone who has a security camera installed as a means of protection seems to be the aspect of documentation. I think that documentation is important, only as long as the documented footage serves a purpose. Although security cameras offer security footage, they do not guarantee that your property will be protected. At the very least, they offer closure about how your property was compromised and this could help you figure out what you have lost, but it still offers no protection. Also, it doesn’t help you get your belongings back or repair any damage.

The need for documentation exists, I don’t dispute that, but it is way too passive of a measure to seriously be considered as a way to protect your property. The truth is if you review your camera footage and find something odd, your next course of action would be to report it to the appropriate authorities or to try and solve the problem yourself. Unfortunately for you, burglaries generally have a very low probability of being solved, so law enforcement usually doesn’t commit a great deal of time and resources to solving these kinds of cases. If you opt to not report this occurrence, and choose instead to go into vigilante mode, there is still slim chance that you will be able to catch the perpetrator in the act.

Many homeowners have footage of crimes going down around their homes, but this footage has yielded little to nothing. For instance, take a look at this Rio Rancho neighborhood that was plagued by a peeping tom. This weird man was spotted on multiple surveillance cameras (in different homes), but there was not much that could be done to reprimand him or stop him from committing the sordid act again. At this point, the harm had already been done, and there is very little chance that he will be caught and held accountable. Take a second to comprehend the fact that he was able to freely walk up to people’s homes and peep into the windows of young teenage boys and girls.

5. Security Cameras Do Not Guarantee That Criminals Will Stop

I do not want to sound like I am praising thieves or criminals for breaking the law, but I do have to point out their uncanny resilience. There are quite a few articles that go into the art of repeat burglary and repeat crimes in general. The thing about burglars and thieves is that they want to hastily move through whatever location they are taking advantage of. Often times, in their haste, they do not get everything they need so they will decide to come back for more. The same goes for criminals like peeping toms. They often believe that if they can get away with it once, they can get away with it again.

If someone approaches your home, or your office, and is not met with any active security measures that are meant to stop them, they will think the coast is clear and they will continue to show up. Would you want to have security footage of a criminal committing a crime again and again, or would you rather implement a way to stop them?

Security cameras offer no guarantees that a criminal will stop committing a crime, especially if there are no measures in place that can stop them. Similar to the first point I made, if you think the presence of your security camera will stop a criminal, you are banking your property security on the goodwill of someone who feels like they have a right to take something away from you. This could be your valuables or your sense of safety and privacy.

6. Security Cameras Do Not Restrict Access

A security camera does not restrict the access that a criminal has to your property, which is something everyone forgets to tell you when they say security cameras protect your property. Remember how I said that security cameras were merely suggestions to criminals not to do anything? The same can be said for almost every type of security measure, but there are some key differences.

Essentially, every security measure can be considered a suggestion, until it is put to the test. The fact that you might have the world’s most secure lock installed on your door does not mean that it will stop a burglar from attempting to break in. If you have window blinds and security shades installed on all the windows in your house, there is no guarantee that it will prevent someone from trying to peek through to see something they shouldn’t. However, unlike security cameras, active security measures restrict the access that a criminal might have to your property. How does a security camera restrict access? It doesn’t, instead it observes and stands guard while someone potentially gains access to your property.

It would make much more sense to have a security measure that was capable of restricting access in place. Many common commercial door locks are geared towards increasing access control methods. Always keep in mind that you should strive to work on the things that you know you can change. Spending time on the unknown will increase the likelihood that you leave a stone unturned and your property vulnerable. In this scenario, the mind and intent of the criminal is what should be considered the unknown factor. The thing that you probably know better than anyone else is the layout of your building (home, office etc) and you want to use this information to your advantage. By this I mean that you should ensure that there are adequate security measures installed that actively work to restrict unauthorized access.

Key Takeaways

• I know I threw a lot of information right at your face in the paragraphs above, so I just want to take a moment and highlight the key factors that I think require the most of your attention.
• Most criminals are not phased by the presence of a security camera because they know that there is a slim chance of the security camera spurring on any action. Also, they simply don’t care.
• The presence of a security camera will not actively stop a crime from being committed. Remember, having one present is merely a suggestion that the crime should not be carried out. Suggestions do not keep your property safe and protected.
• Security cameras are vulnerable themselves and they can easily be stolen. Do not forget that the equipment is valuable and some criminals will opt to gain from this value, or simply rob you of the footage that implicates them in a crime.
• A security camera does not guarantee that a criminal who destroyed or compromised your property is going to be caught. On occasion, the footage helps, but it is not the most definitive way of bringing a criminal to justice.
• Be mindful of the fact that security cameras do not restrict access. They are a passive security measures that are meant to observe and document situations. They are not responsible for, or capable of, restricting access in any way or form.

Active Security Measures To Utilize

Here are some active security measures that you can utilize to ensure that your property is better protected. If you choose to integrate your security cameras with the measures listed below, all the better. That will ensure that you are actively securing your property while simultaneously documenting activities that occur around your property.

1. Actively work to restrict the access of unauthorized individuals. This should be done for your home, office, and any other property you want to protect. Assess the ways in which your property can be accessed. Secure all ingress and egress points with the appropriate locks and security alarms. Utilize window shades and window locks on all your windows. Remember that no access point is too small to be used by a criminal, so leave nothing to chance. Perimeter security has a huge role to play in restricting access, so do not overlook security gates, motion sensor lights, etc.

2. Take the time to layer your security measures. Having layers in place ensures that if one security measure fails, there will be another active measure to back it up. For example, if you have installed a monitored security system in your home, make sure that there are more traditional security measures in place propping it up. These can range from reinforced deadbolt locks to stand alone motion sensor alarms placed at vantage points within your home or office. Striking a perfect balance between modern and traditional security methods is usually best. For example, understanding whether smart locks or traditional locks are more secure is something you will have to consider.

3. Secure all important valuables. This means that you should have air conditioner brackets guarding your external AC units, and use padlocks and security chains to guard your security camera equipment. If there are valuables within your home or office that need to be secured, consider using a safe or a lockbox to store things. Research the different types of security safes to figure out which is best suited for your needs.

4. Do not neglect to maintain these security measures. Installing them is only one part of the solution. Maintenance will keep all facets of your security in tip top shape and prevent anything from breaking down and causing a vulnerability. Assess your doors and windows and their respective locks to see if they are up to par. Also, assess the way your alarms work as well as the parts of your perimeter security. If you notice any damage (or structural wear and tear) in your door locks and window locks, consult a locksmith so they can assist you by installing new locks or repairing any damaged locks you have.

Final Thoughts

Property is an investment, regardless of how you look at it. For this reason, protecting it is important, so you have to do your best to accomplish this. Like I said earlier, I am not advocating against the use of security cameras. I simply pointing out that they have to be used in a smart fashion, so that they complement other security measures that are protecting your property.

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How To Escape From A Kidnapping

Being kidnapped is often a life or death situation. When you are taken, you are at the mercy of your attacker. That is unless you escape. What I am about to share with you can be extremely dangerous. It is best not to try these methods of escape outside of the watchful eye of a trained professional.

No matter if you have been taken captive in your own home or stolen off the street, the information below will help you to escape unlawful detainment. It is important to remind readers that this information is only intended to be used to escape from unlawful acts of kidnapping and not from lawful custody.

Why Are You Being Kidnapped?

This is not about blaming the victim, but rather a question that is meant to have you think a little bit about your risk of harm. If you can figure out why you have been targeted, you will have a better idea as to the general motivation and mindset of your assailant.

You never want to be taken, but depending on why you are being targeted, there might be reason enough to never stop fighting. Your risk of bodily harm or successful release will determine certain key considerations for how you should act.

1. Financial Ransom Demands

If you are very financially well off, appear to be wealthy, or associate yourself with wealthy entities, there is a good chance that you are only being held until such time as your ransom can be delivered.

You may find that your captors do not have an interest in merely turning you over after getting the money, but there are many professional kidnappers (mainly in countries outside of the USA) who run kidnapping as a business. They have a vested interest in letting you go unharmed once the money is paid, as to incentivize the next person to pay.

Being kidnapped for money is the safest that you can be, however, you will still need to worry about your rescue. Being rescued can be extremely dangerous if you resist or do not follow directions.

2. Political Prisoner

There is an upside and a downside to being a political prisoner. The upside is that you have a better chance of a concerted effort being made to find you and save you. If the government cares about you (even if their only worry is how it would make them look if you died), they may mobilize a military force to retrieve you.

The downside to being a political prisoner is that you are unlikely to be held for a monetary ransom. More often your captors will have political demands, perhaps even wanting detained members of their organization set free in exchange for your freedom.

Political requests have a significantly lower acquiescence rate than financial ransoms. Plus the United States has a policy of not negotiating with terrorists. That means that even if someone like a journalist is taken as a political prisoner, their family will be prevented from paying the ransom.

Besides all of this, political prisoners are the most likely to die while taken hostage. This is because political prisoners have political capital in the way of publicity. A public death for prisoners of politically motivated groups is very common in the era of terrorism.

3. Human Trafficking

People being taken to be sold at a later date is still a concern across the world. In fact, not even developed nations are exempt from this type of kidnapping. Recently, a high profile case involving a British model held captive for days in Italy showed how the internet has set up a demand and supply chain for human trafficking.

This is still a concern in the modern world. In fact, we now know that underground organizations target individuals specifically for this purpose. Though it is claimed that Chloe Ayling (the UK model) was released due to the moral guidelines of the human trafficking ring, that is not something that can be relied upon.

When you are dealing with human traffickers you have to use extreme caution, and do all you can not be caught. Your future, based on this type of kidnapping, is very bleak. There is no use that you have if you cannot be sold. The best you can hope for is that you are ransomed to your family if you are not sold as a slave. Death is more likely for people that operate in this world.

Escaping Restraints

During home invasions when your home security has failed you, or after a kidnapper has grabbed you off the street, they are going to try to subdue you. The go to methods of restraining a kidnap victim are listed below, along with the ways to escape.

It is important to use extreme caution while practicing these methods of escape. Throughout the history of handcuffs and restraints, issues with neuropathy have plagued those whose bindings were too tight. You may also want to protect your wrists, as these methods can create a lot of pressure and friction.

1. Handcuffs

Handcuffs are by far the most difficult type of restraints to get out of, which is not to say they are all that formidable. Mainly your concern is having access to the proper materials. You can buy handcuff keys or even invest in handcuff key aglets (shoelace caps).

You can also buy handcuff shims or use rings that conceal shims. The use of a shim is a little less explanatory than using actual handcuff keys, but it is not all that difficult. All you need to do is slip the thin metal shim between the teeth of the single strand and the locking pawl. The metal barrier between these two part of the cuffs will allow the handcuffs to be pulled open.

Without either a shim or a pre-made key, you can still pick the lock. You will need a thick piece of metal that can be bent to a 90-degree angle, and that will fit in the keyway. Turn the bent piece of metal in the keyway, and if it is strong enough, you will depress the locking pawl and release the teeth of the handcuffs. But be sure that the double lock is disengaged first.

If the handcuffs have a double locking mechanism, be sure to insert a pin shaped length of metal into the double locking hole. With this double lock depressed, the locking pawl can now move when you pick the keyway of the lock.

In case none of that made any sense to you be sure to take a look at the history of handcuffs article I wrote, linked to above.

2. Ropes

The best part of a kidnapper using ropes is that very few people are proficient with knot tying and rope work. Their lack of knowledge is your advantage. The first thing you need to do to escape rope restraints is present your hand properly.

The appearance of compliance is your best weapon. Act like you are not resisting as you present your hands to be tied. Make two fists. Point your knuckles toward the kidnapper. Press your fingers together. Make sure to point your knuckles up toward your kidnapper’s eyes to conceal the gap you have made between your arms.

The closer you can keep your fists to your stomach, the wider you can keep your gap. When you are alone, twist your wrists back and forth (one away and one toward your chest). This will widen the gap further. Then slip lengths of the rope off your hands. Repeat until you can remove the ropes entirely.

3. Duct Tape

Opposite of how you want your elbows as far as possible with rope, with duct tape you are looking to keep your elbows close together (As close as you can without raising suspicion). This makes sure that the duct tape is nice and tight. That tightness will be your means of escape.

Once the duct tape is on, raise your hands over your head and slam them down, bringing your elbows to your ribs. You really need to swing hard, but that pressure will be enough to overwhelm the duct tape.

To escape from duct tape wrapped around your legs, place your palms together (like you would in prayer). Then shove your fingers between the duct tape as hard and fast as you can. This forces your legs to widen and will break the tape.

If your wrists are taped to the arms of a chair, you want to pull your fists toward your chest. Remember to use strong and fast movements, but it is really that easy to get out of duct tape. Though it might demoralize you to be tied up in this way, escape is not that difficult.

4. Zip Ties

You can escape zip ties similar to how you would escape duct tape. However, you can tighten your zip ties, and should to increase success. But to add a little bit of flavor to this section, I will describe how to escape when you are zip tied behind your back.

Make sure that the zip ties are as tight as possible. Lift your arms up away from your torso. Bring your hips back like you are bending over. Thrust your hips as you pull your wrists back toward your torso, and the zip ties will break.

For something like Flexicuffs or more formidable zip ties that are intended to be used as restraints, you might need to use something like parachute cord. This can be tied on your person at all times (accessible but hidden), or even used to replace your shoelaces (which you might not have if you are detained in your home or your shoes are taken).

Loop the parachute cord through the plastic. Make slip knots on both ends of the cord and place them around your toes. Then move your legs as if pedaling an imaginary bicycle. This will create a sawing action with the hardy cord, and slice through the plastic restraints.

General Advice: Kidnapping Escape and Best Practices

The best time to escape from your assailants is before you are fully restrained or taken to another location. You have the most control and the best chance of a safe and successful escape when you are not restrained or confined.

Most of this information is pertaining to being taken while in public. If you are kidnapped within your own home, all you need to do is escape your restraints and you will know the best way to escape the home and call for help.

But here are some tips for the times where you are targeted out in the world at large:

1. Raise Alarm

If you cannot get away because the criminals are too powerful, or for some other reason, verbal resistance is still extremely helpful. You can get the attention of bystanders who may intervene and give you the force, distraction, etc., needed to escape.

One of the first things they teach you in self-defense courses is to shout, “fire”. This is widely believed to attract more helpful attention than shouting “help” or other such words. The idea is that people are more willing to help if there is a fire, and more likely to ignore requests for help. Often thought to be due to the overuse of cries for help (ala the boy who cried wolf), where as it is illegal to yell fire, so the cry is likely to be authentic.

Even if none of this resistance ends in you successfully evading the next step in the kidnapping, it is good for others to potentially know you were taken against your will. If you are living alone, it might be some time before anyone makes a report.

Though there is no official wait time such as 24, 48, or 72 hours to wait before filing a missing person’s report with the police, there is a need for someone to file the report. Strangers are great to raise the type of awareness of your abduction as they can alert the relevant parties as soon as possible.

2. Fight Back

Raising alarm might not be enough to discourage a kidnapper, especially if you are in a remote enough location where the assailant does not believe there is a probable chance of third party intervention. In this case, the best course of action is to fight back. If you are taken into a car, your chances of living through this ordeal decrease exponentially. So fight like your life depends on it. Because it likely does.

Eyes, genital, and throat are the go-to targets for untrained victims of assault. They are the most likely places to be able to hit with no skill and still deal a considerable amount of damage to your attacker. However, elbowing someone repeatedly in the stomach, and delivering mule kicks (kicks aimed behind you from as standing position) to their legs, can be effective as well.

If alternating between your methods of offensive fighting are not slowing your attacker (and slowing should indicate that you need to fight harder as the criminal weakens), you can still fight back. Going limp makes the task of getting you into a vehicle much more difficult, as it is significantly harder to drag or carry dead weight.

Even physically smaller victims have a chance of wearing out their attacker by going limp. Attempting to exhaust your attacker is a perfect way to not only discourage them from seeing the kidnapping through. But this is also a way to tire them so that you can begin physically fighting with them again (which may be more effective now that they have expended more energy).

3. Running Away

No matter how you escape, getting away clean is going to require you to do a bit of running. And there are some tips that make running away a more effective means of escaping a kidnapping.

Chances the kidnapper is initially looking to try to move you into a vehicle of some kind. The first step during an escape is to try and figure out which car is theirs. It may be obvious, or it may not be. If there are many cars around, and you cannot tell which belongs to your aggressor, continuing to raise alarm is likely to get the attention of some of the car owners.

When you know the kidnapper’s vehicle, it is best to make an effort to run in the opposite way that it is facing. That way, if the kidnapper attempts to pursue you in their vehicle, they will be forced to lose time turning around. If you are escaping from the initial attempt or from being held captive, it is still best to run toward signs of people.

You want to get to somewhere that will allow you to contact the authorities. If you have access to a cell phone, you can call the police, but it is best to find immediate help that can protect you in the event that the kidnapper comes after you. Just being around people will discourage the kidnapper from trying anything else.

4. Escaping in Transit

As soon as you get into the car, your chances of survival drop dramatically, but that does not mean you should resign yourself to thinking it is over. Instead, think of this as motivation. You do not want to get to the secondary location, so you may need to do some desperate things.

There is a good chance you will be thrown into the trunk of a car. (If you are a larger person, while someone is attempting to move you into the trunk, this is another great time to resist). Once you are in the trunk, you could be restrained (take a look at the Escaping Restraints section). But even if you cannot get out of your bindings, you should still be able to try and escape the trunk.

Most trunks have a release lever for this exact reason. In newer cars, it will even glow so that you can see it in the dark. If you cannot use the emergency handle to open the trunk, kick at the right back or left back side the trunk. You are attempting to kick out the tail lights so that you can fit an appendage through the opening. Damaging the tail light or reaching through it will alert other drivers and police to the issue.

When you are in the car with your kidnapper, and not in the trunk, it is much harder to move around unnoticed. You will have to act more desperately. You can attempt to jam the ignition (using some material that will crowd the keyway so the proper key cannot be inserted) or attempt to pull the keys out (which will lock the steering wheel while the car is moving, and likely cause a crash). But if you can, jumping out and trying to roll is worth the risk.

It is important to roll when you leave the car. You do not want your momentum to be exerted into a single thud. Continued movement after leaving a moving car will dispel the more dangerous force of simply landing on concrete. Try to avoid other cars, as you will still be in danger of getting hit while on the road. Look for an opening when there is not a car whose path you are jumping into.

5. Leave a Trail

There will be several times while being transported that it is ideal to leave something behind. Jewelry, pieces of clothing, or anything that would raise suspicion or be identifiable as yours should be left for people to find. The hope is that investigators are tipped off as to your route.

Public places like gas stations, parks, residential neighborhoods, etc., are a great place to leave your clues. Just dropping something on the road might be helpful, if it is large enough to be seen, but it will need to be remarkable.

The most important part about leaving a trail is being smart with your placement and selection of clues. Don’t be like Hansel and Gretel leaving bread crumbs behind, which were eaten by birds so the trail was lost. Be noticeable and recognizable with your trail.

If an item is noticeable, it still needs to be recognizable in order for anyone to associate it with you. And if it can be associated with you, people need to be able to find it. Do what you can, and try your best.

6. Keep a Mental Record

If you have a great memory, you might be able to remember the turns the car takes and plan a way to get back. If you know the area you are in, you might even be able to get some idea of your location. All of which will help you to escape or give information to authorities.

There are all types of information that you kidnapper could unwittingly be giving you. They might mention things about phones or making calls. This could tell you about the means of calling for help.

Where new resources come from also gives away a lot. Does the fast food have a recognizable logo? How long it takes for meals to be prepared? What does the water tastes like? If bottled water says Kirkland or Safeway, this might give you an indication of the store chains nearest your location.

Beyond indications of your location, a mental record is good for finding patterns with the routines of your captors. You need to know when your openings are. When you are most able to work without being interrupted or escape without being stopped. For that, you need to make note of the kidnapper’s schedule.

7. Submit Smartly

Without developing Stockholm Syndrome it is important to relate to one or more of your captors. The more they see you as a human being, the less willing they will be to harm you. Of course, there might be no way to win the hearts and minds of psychopaths, but despite what you might think, not every kidnapper is beyond emotional appeals.

But if such appeals to a kidnapper’s better nature are fruitless, you may be able to appeal they’re their laziness. Being accommodating to routines and unimportant requests can make you appear as submissive and controllable. Such behavior can lull your captor into a false sense of security. When they let their guard down, that is when you can strike.

8. Keep Your Wits About You

Though things may seem hopeless, people make mistakes. They get careless or sometimes you just get lucky. The best way to capitalize on an error is to have your mind right. You do not want to identify with your captor, lose your sanity, or lose your will to fight.

Opportunities for escape are only useful if you are capable of capitalizing on them. That means that you need to keep your spirits up and your mind focused. Tasks, such as keeping a mental record should sharpen the mind. Finding a way to exercise in your enclosure will benefit your body, which will then, in turn, help your mental state.

Do not give in to your situation. Do not let yourself become hopeless. Sanity may be hard to keep hold of if you are isolated or kept in conditions that speed up mental deterioration. Try to stave off fear and mental lethargy with determination towards your successful escape.

All of this will come in handy if you cannot escape your kidnappers, but your other efforts have led to your discovery. When the police arrive at the location, perhaps even due to an unrelated investigation, you will need your sanity in order to comply. And compliance is necessary, as you are likely to be treated as a suspect by the intervening authorities. Do not become aggravated at this insinuation. Stay calm and comply. The truth will come out eventually, but while the police are making arrests, all you can do is survive.

Conclusion

Though there may be a lot of kidnappings and missing persons, statistically speaking, not all are done under duress. Kidnappings are commonly the result of a biological parent absconding with their child. And missing persons cases can be as simple as someone not wanting to be found. Still, kidnappings can have real consequences.

Be sure you have some idea as to why you were targeted. Understanding why you were taken can give you a lot of insight as to how you will be treated, and how desperately you might need to escape. Knowing how to get out of restraints is important to escape any type of unlawful detainment or kidnapping. From there, just follow some basic advice.

It will not be easy, but don’t give up. Keep fighting. Keep trying to escape. Keep living.

The post How To Escape From A Kidnapping appeared first on United Locksmith.

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Transportation on last day of school

On Friday, December 15, students will be dismissed at 11:30 am, and there will be only one bus departure from school, at 11:40 am. Taxis will run according to the following schedule:

5 taxis: 9:00am - 3:00pm

5 taxis: 10:30am - 2:00pm

Student buses and taxis will be canceled over Winter Break (December 18 to January 5). Our normal bus schedule will resume on our first day back after the winter holiday on Monday, January 8.

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Futures Public Radio (FPR) Service Learning Network

The FPR Service Learning Network focuses on the stories behind the issues, people, and projects on campus and around the world.

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FTC Hours - Winter Break

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New Family Resources

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ISB Students Raise Money for Children with Congenital Heart Disease

Last school year, the International School of Beijing's (ISB's) high school Nightingale Charity Club (NCC) raised a total of RMB 60,000 through fundraisers and other events.

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Holland Park By Townline in the heart of Surrey

Holland Park By Townline is a 25-storey residential high-rise tower offering 248 well-finished city homes, consisting of condominium suites and three-level townhomes. Located in the heart of Surrey’s emerging City Centre and overlooking Holland Park. This high-rise tower boasts close proximity to the King George SkyTrain Station, SFU’s Surrey Campus, and the Central City Shopping Centre.

Opening 2018

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Bordeaux Living – Brentwood

After the sucessful launch of Milano, Solerra is bringing Bordeaux to the Brentwood area. Further expanding what is becoming the hottest real estate market in Great Vancouver.

Bordeaux Living will be located on the corner of Juneau Street and Willingdon Avenue, 1 block south of Lougheed Highway.

Bordeaux will consist of 141 concrete apartment residences, including a limited collection of 3 bedroom townhouses.  Bordeaux will include luxurious Italian kitchens, premium appliances, air conditioning, oversized outdoor spaces and a plethora of building amenities.

To be kept up to date on Bordeaux, and many other like it in Brentwood, register with us to be kept in the loop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is not an offering for sale. No such offering can be made without a disclosure statement. E.&O.E.

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Meridian by Townline in the centre of Burquitlam

Meridian by Townline in the centre of Burquitlam, an upcoming luxurious 32-storey residential high-rise tower compromised of 198 carefully crafted intelligently designed 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom homes, along with a limited collection of only a few exclusive two-level 3-bedroom townhomes. Conveniently located at Cottonwood Avenue and Clarke Road; in the centre of Burquitlam’s burgeoning community, adjacent to the Evergreen SkyTrain line and just steps from a plethora of urban amenities.

Opening 2018

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Dec 15, Friday

Transportation on last day of school

On Friday, December 15, students will be dismissed at 11:30 am, and there will be only one bus departure from school, at 11:40 am. Taxis will run according to the following schedule:

5 taxis: 9:00am - 3:00pm

5 taxis: 10:30am - 2:00pm

Student buses and taxis will be canceled over Winter Break (December 18 to January 5). Our normal bus schedule will resume on our first day back after the winter holiday on Monday, January 8.

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Fraser Commons by Serracan on South Vancouver

Fraser Commons by Serracan is a new mixed-use development with 4 building from 5-22 storeys, located at the conrner of Fraser Street and Marine Drive. Fraser Commons offers 368 condominiums 1-3 bedroom units and 10 townhomes. Fraser Commons by Serracan successfully rezoned the property into a new project with a central park and roof garden flanked by four residential buildings. Serviced by neighbourhood retail amenities, an on-site daycare, and neighbourhood house, the project will stand as a key anchor on the revitalized, new Fraser Street. The project received unanimous urban design panel approval, unanimous council approval, and remarkable community support. Sales begin in Spring 2018.

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Dec 14, Thursday

8 Amazing Power Tools That Every Locksmith Should Own

Locksmiths use more than just lock picks and key cutters. This is because there is so much that a locksmith is called on to do. But even with lockouts and key cutting, these practices can benefit from power tools. Power tools are just devices that use electricity, motors, engines, etc., to allow locksmiths to reduce the amount of time needed to accomplish tasks that involve manual labor. These are the tools that you need when you have the characteristics of a great locksmith and are looking to take your business to the next level.

Top Considerations

Something that most people do not cover in an introduction to locksmithing, let alone lists of the types of tools certain industry professionals use, is the insight into choosing the best tools for your needs. Here is what you need to look for in the power tools that you purchase.

Heat – You want to reduce the amount of heat that the motors for your power tools create. Heat can damage your tools and make them uncomfortable to hold, but the creation of heat also means the loss of energy. Look for brushless motors because they will be more efficient with their use of power. Less energy will be lost as heat when you invest in tools with brushless motors.

Cost – When it comes to cost, you have to think about what you would tell customers about buying Home Depot locks. These tools are an investment. They are also intended to make your job easier. Do not skimp on quality based on sticker shock. But also do your research so you are not spending money for products whose cost is tied to factors other than their performance.

Wearing Out – As a working professional, a locksmith needs tools that are going to stand the test of time. Whether they are tools for opening locked cars or the power tools on this list, you want to replace your locksmith tools as infrequently as possible. Understand how you are going to treat your tools, as in throwing them in the back of a van or taking the time to put them in a case. That transportation wear and usage wear must be considered when you make your purchase.

Battery Life – When you are out in the field as a mobile locksmith or even in your shop, you want to be able to keep taking on work. Because of the amount of energy and the duration of certain jobs, you need to know what your battery life is. If you cannot get the batteries you require to see your most taxing jobs through to the end, you will need multiple battery packs.

Power – As a locksmith, you are going to have to interact with materials that are meant to hold up against severe torque, pressure, sharpness, etc. This means that you want power tools that have the requisite amount of strength to penetrate and/overwhelm the security devices you are working with. This will also depend on the bit, blades, and other accessories that you use along with the initial power tool.

Legality – Unlike most other lock picking tools, these power tools do not have any type of definite illegality. Go ahead and consult your lock picking laws, but as long as you are a locksmith, no one should care too much about your ownership of these tools. If you are investigated for a crime, the tools you own can always be used as evidence, but there is nothing illegal about these tools because they are not specifically for the locksmith industry.

Protection – Power tools are more likely to be targeted by average thieves than traditional locksmithing tools, so it is important to know how to protect your locksmith business. Be sure that you have taken the steps to protect these tools. They may be taken by employees or strangers, and they are easier to resell than most other locksmith tools.

1. Cordless Drill

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One of the most commonly used tools in a locksmith’s power tool kit is the cordless drill. It is important for a multitude of tasks including safe work, lockout scenarios, installation, maintenance, etc. It is necessary to have a drill for the purpose of being able to open a door in all the available ways an expert can open a door. Of course, there are certain steps to take before drilling a lock, but when you use your drill, you want it to open the lock.

Besides drilling locks open, you can use certain bits to bore the holes necessary to perform new lock installations. Using other bits you can also remove screws very quickly and insert them very quickly. If you have to take the lock off the door, this is extremely helpful. But this is also important when you need to remove the door itself. This is the basic power tool of a locksmith. It is the most used, and the most likely to be used for many different purposes out of all the tools on this list.

Drills can also be paired with drill rigs that make it simpler and less strenuous to drill into a safe. The most important thing to remember with your cordless drill is to invest in power and have the relevant drill bits. And just so you don’t feel as if you wasted your time reading this sections, I (and most other locksmiths) would recommend the Milwaukee hammer drill.

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2. Portable Wet Dry Vacuum

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The nature of drilling is that there is a build up of small bits of the material you are drilling. Whether you are drilling a safe at your shop or drilling a lock at a client’s home, a wet dry vacuum (aka outdoor vacuum) is ideal for cleaning up your mess. Anytime you are removing material from a lock or a door in order to service someone’s security, there will be a mess that needs to be cleaned up.

These kinds of vacuums are all you need to pick up after yourself. You can use them in any environment to remove almost any type of solid material. Rather than sweeping up after yourself and trying to find a place to put the residue, a portable wet dry vacuum allows for quick clean up and a storage vessel for the flotsam and jetsam. And with it being portable, you can take it with you anywhere. Even in your own shop or in your van after using a key cutter, the metal shavings can easily be cleaned up with this type of vacuum.

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3. Angle Grinder

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Throughout the history of padlocks, security manufacturers have looked for metals hard enough to resist cutting, prying, and drilling attacks. This has resulted in the creation of some of the world’s best padlocks. For that reason, something like an angle grinder is unbelievably important to have among your tools.

Nothing really stands up to an angle grinder. Whether it is the lock, a chain, or a hasp, the angle grinder will get through it. This is a quick solution when bolt cutters do not work, and you have already tried to pick the lock. If you have to cut through a lot of locks, even the most serious bolt cutters on the market can fail to get the job done. An angle grinder will get through everything eventually and with less effort than most other tools.

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4. Reciprocating Saw

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A locksmith can use a reciprocating saw to accomplish the same types of tasks they would use an angle grinder for. But on top of cutting through padlocks, chains, etc., the proportions of the blade allow the tool to reach the bolts of deadbolts. When a locksmith has to fix a door that is jammed, you might need this type of cutting to get the door open, and then you can use the saw to adjust the door, strike, etc.

When a door becomes misaligned, a locksmith can use a reciprocating saw to widen the wooden housing notch that is surrounded by the strike plate. If the adjustment is incremental and the client does not want to purchase new materials, you might need to cut some of the metal of the strike plate along with the housing notch.

The reciprocating saw is a great in-between tool. If you need more than a rotary tool, less than a circular saw, but need a different shape blade than an angle grinder. It can also make plunge cuts if you are looking to fit new doors for mortise locks. And rather than get a jigsaw, you can just get this type of power tool and do the same type of work. It is a good cutting tool to have because its versatility fills in for the gaps in the usage of other tools. With the variety of blades, you can also increase the tasks you can accomplish with your saw.

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5. Circular Saw

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Not every locksmith wants to work on doors that may need to be adjusted, but if you hope to be able to solve any issues with a troublesome door lock, a circular saw is a necessity. The circular saw is the best power tool for undoing the large mistakes of a customer’s past low-quality service professionals. Also if doors are expanding, so no matter what you do to the lock, the door is not going to secure properly.

Something like a circular saw gives you the type of cutting ability that you would have on a table saw, but with more versatility. And while you are in the field at job sites, versatility is the name of the game. You need to be able to position doors than require cutting in a whatever way best suits the location and the task at hand.

You never want to leave a customer with a problem that you could fix, and a circular saw is the power tool that will enable you as a locksmith to take on the larger jobs without feeling as though you are unprepared. There are certain instances of material removal where longer cuts mean you need different tools. A circular saw gives you consistency with your longer cuts.

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6. Borescope

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Many locksmiths would wonder why every locksmith should own a borescope, but I believe that the question is, why would you want to limit yourself? A borescope (aka endoscope) allows a locksmith to put their eyes where their experience cannot see. In the field, you cannot always do the research you need to take on issues with safes and locks that you are otherwise unfamiliar with.

A borescope can give you a deep understanding of a locking system very quickly. And with the flexibility of the camera, and real-time viewing you are likely to be able to evaluate the parts of the device that you do not know the specifics of. As long as you know enough to place the camera inside without harming either device, this tool will be invaluable.

If you are not a safe technician, you might be able to convince yourself that you don’t need a borescope, but these devices are still useful for completing electrical work required for working on electronic locks. It is good for examining a wiring setup without taking a wall apart and finding out about issues with fraying and disconnects. But in general, these cameras are too cheap to not invest in. If you can’t think of a use for it yet, you can still pick up a $15 borescope that works with your smartphone or laptop.

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7. Electric Hand Sander

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Any time you cut something, you will need to sand it smooth after making the adjustments. An electric sander makes the sanding take less time and effort, especially with larger cuts. With small cuts and minor adjustments, you just need the sandpaper itself, but there is a good chance that you are going to be working with larger surface area. And the less time you spend on the monotonous process of sanding, the better.

You can also use an electric sander to remove material more sparingly than you would by cutting. This can be preferable as compared to taking the more extreme steps of fully removing the door in order to make severe adjustments. But even for sanding, the door may need to come off if the bottom of the assembly needs slight alteration.

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8. Rotary Tool

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Whether you are looking for cutting things precisely or removing small bits of material, a rotary tool allows a locksmith to do both of these things with a more finely tuned instrument. Dremel is a brand name, but “rotary tool” seemed to lack specificity, so for our purposes, Dremel will suffice. A Dremel is a perfect tool for those small areas that need minor/major adjustments. The Dremel is an extremely adaptable tool because of its size and variety of heads.

Many locksmiths find that a Dremel is helpful while installing electric strike locks. The Dremel is sometimes overlooked, but once you have played around with this tool, you might find yourself using it more than anything else. The size and shape of the Dremel allow you to cut away rather deftly.

You can hold the Dremel rather like a pencil and expertly carve out smaller portions of the door, frame, etc. It is a precision tool for finer detail work. Where other cutting tools on this list are for making quick work of large tasks, a Dremel makes smaller technical shaping/shaving faster and cleaner than other non-power tools. If you are a locksmith, you should absolutely have a Dremel.

Shop For Rotary Tools On Amazon

Conclusion

If you want to improve your locksmithing skills, you need the tools that allow you to do more. With these power tools, you can accomplish jobs you would have referred to a different service professional. You can maximize the profit of your abilities by simply owning these tools and knowing how you can use them. Being the one stop locksmith for any type of security issue will also do wonders for your reputation. People love to tell you to find your niche. They tell you that you need to specialize. But being able to do more work makes it easier to get more work. These are the power tools that every locksmith should own.

The post 8 Amazing Power Tools That Every Locksmith Should Own appeared first on United Locksmith.

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Dec 13, Wednesday

Futures Public Radio (FPR) Service Learning Network

The FPR Service Learning Network focuses on the stories behind the issues, people, and projects on campus and around the world.

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FTC Hours - Winter Break

Click here to find out our daily hours

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New Family Resources

Please click here to find out all the information related to New Family Orientation. We look forward to meeting you all in August!!

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Jasmine at The Gardens in Richmond

Introducing the final phase at The Gardens, Jasmine is a limited collection of 23 luxurious air-conditioned parkside townhomes that feature efficient layouts, stunning interior finishes and spacious outdoor living areas. Oversized rooftop decks overlooking a natural 12-acre park and double balconies on select homes are only a few of the features that make Jasmine the most sought-after collection of townhomes in Richmond.

The post Jasmine at The Gardens in Richmond appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.

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ISB Students Raise Money for Children with Congenital Heart Disease

Last school year, the International School of Beijing's (ISB's) high school Nightingale Charity Club (NCC) raised a total of RMB 60,000 through fundraisers and other events.

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Dec 12, Tuesday

10 Tips For First Time Safe Buyers

Buying a safe is not as straightforward as going into the store and asking, “what’s good”? There are some tips you need to be made aware of. Certain things may come as inconvenient truths, but getting the right type of safe for your needs relies on you being open to realizing you need more than you thought. Approach safe buying with an open mind, and the knowledge that a safe is always an investment. Once you are prepared to do that, these tips will guide you through the safe buying process.

1. Follow the 10% Rule

It is a good general rule to spend 10% of the cost of what you are protecting on the safe itself. Just for the mathematically challenged, if you were protecting $40,000 worth of valuables, you would want to spend (at least) somewhere around $4,000. Essentially remove a zero from the cost of what you are protecting, and keep your lowest budget around that number. This keeps you honest about the amount of money that is necessary to protect your valuables.

If you are storing a million dollars worth of gold, you need to go to one of the best safe companies for a vault. You might not spend 100,000 dollars on a safe or vault, but that will be because after a certain point safes can’t get that much better. But this rule is more to illustrate when there is no way you should be buying a safe from any of the worst security companies around. Using a safe that cost you a couple hundred dollars to protect tens of thousands of dollars is not smart. Stay honest with you budget.

2. Invest In Something Heavy

Weight is an important factor in a safe for two main reasons. The first reason is just that a heavy safe is hard to move. It is physically more difficult to relocate the safe or even reposition it. The first way someone is going to attack your safe is just to take it and open it somewhere else. If they cannot take it, they will try to get it on its back so there is greater leverage to try and pry open the door.

The second reason is that the heft of a safe does denote a certain amount of security. A light safe means that there is less metal content used in the safe’s construction. This is a big concern when you are looking at the differences between safes vs lockboxes. The thickness of the metal (also known as the gauge of the steel) is a determining factor between something even being categorized as a safe. The thickness prevents the success of cutting and prying, as thicker metal is stronger. Strength means more security against burglary.

3. Mind The Gap

The gap between the door and the lock body is going to be the leveraging point that criminals will use to open your safe. It may also be the opening used to attack the bolts on the door directly (depending on the size of the gap). The tighter the door is to the body of the safe, while locked, the less chance there is for someone getting into the safe with brute force.

If you are looking at fire safes, the gap is also a problem, as fire damage is not only about heat but can also be the accumulation of soot and ash. If you have any flooding risks or are worried about water damage, large gaps increase these risks dramatically. When there is a gap that allows particulates into the safe, there is a chance your valuables can sustain damage. While you are looking at the different types of safes, be sure that you pay special attention to how tight the door seals against the safe body.

4. Anchor Your Safe

Some people are against the idea of bolting their safe to the floor, let alone putting the safe in the floor or inside a wall. But as was already mentioned, a criminal is likely to begin their assault on your safe by just trying to steal the entire safe. That is why you should consider some form of anchoring for the device. Much like the considerations for motorcycle security you need to think about the best way to mount the safe securely.

This type of work is best to do at the moment of installation so that you will have all the tools needed to move the safe. But if you are planning to wait, make sure that you have everything you need, and that the safe does not need to be moved in order to anchor it. You might need to drill into the bottom of the safe for mounting holes or add cement to an area. Holes in the bottom of the safe should not be left without securing bolts for long, as these gaps can be exploited when empty. You also do not want holes at the bottom of a safe as animals, insects, and water can get into the safe’s interior.

5. Consider Humidity

Where you have your safe installed may subject the interior of the safe to greater levels of humidity. But most every safe will have moisture concerns. And this will lead to issues with stored metal rusting. Make sure that you buy a product along with your safe that will regulate or at least measure the humidity. You can get a dehumidifier that does not need a power supply, but be sure that you stay on top of replacements and moisture measurements.

This is not an issue for everything that you might need to store, and some climates might not have humidity as a primary concern. However, certain rooms might be vulnerable to this type of threat, even if the overall climate of the area does not have humidity concerns. Also, this type of weather can damage electronics and some paper documents. It is mostly thought of as a concern for gun owners, but humidity affects most things.

6. Ask About the Lock Options

Often a safe manufacturer will have several different lock options that you can use to equip your safe door with. The main consideration is whether you should choose the manual dial or the electronic lock. Things like key overrides should also be considered, but it is important to remember that every option you have of how to open a safe gives a thief more choices for how they can get inside. If you are worried about theft, be sure that you limit the number of ways to open your safe.

With electronic locks, you can open the safe faster, but you will need to be aware of the battery life on the device. And if it is not EMP proof or it shorts out, you will have to deal with the fact that your safe won’t open. There are many more things that can go wrong with an electronic lock, but a manual lock takes longer to open. If you want to use a key, be aware that all locks can be picked. Everything has a downside, so know what you are buying and find out about the available options.

7. Know the Differences Between Safes

When you are looking to invest in a safe, you need to already be aware of the different types of safes. Mainly you need to be thinking about why you are getting a safe. What is the type of threat that you are trying to mitigate by putting whatever you find valuable inside the safe? This will do most of the deciding for you as to what kind of safe you should invest in. Burglary rated safes do not take the same things into consideration as fire rated safes, and vice versa. And you are unlikely to get both types of protection without seeking to purchase such a product.

No matter what you want, be sure that you see how the safe was tested. Knowing the methodology is extremely important, as testing can get a bit deceptive. Look for the type of stress and how long the safe was subjected to that stress. For fire rated safes they mess with the variables so that a safe is kept at a cooler temperature, but for a shorter amount of time. When it comes to burglary ratings, many companies do not test the safes against the most common methods of forced entry.

8. Record Your Safe Combination

When you first buy your safe, it is important to ask for some key information. First and foremost, you want to know how to open your safe. Not just the combination, but how to input the combination and even how to change the combination. Make sure that you document all of this type of information so that you can keep it on hand. This allows you to better trouble shoot the safe if you ever have an issue.

This also takes care of the looming concern that you might have forgot your safe combination. The more you know about your safe and how to open it, the less chance there is that you will need a locksmith to open your safe. Documentation is key. And it might help the generations to come because a quality safe can outlast its users. Many inherited safes encounter issues with this type of thing because there is no detailed information about the safe or its combination.

9. Know What You Are Storing

There are different security, accessibility, and damage concerns for different items you might put in your safe. The type of safe you buy and where/how you install it depends a lot on what will go inside. And beyond what you are putting inside, you have to factor in your relationship to those items. The biggest relationship question, is how often do you need to access the contents? And will this opening be done in times of distress or set times of the day?

If what you are storing might need to be accessed at all times of the day, or it is going to be installed in a dark room, you will need to install a light inside the safe. Something like the lights made for gun safes are great, as they are meant to allow you to see well enough to interact with a firearm while in darkness. But the most important part of knowing what you are storing is that you do not start remembering everything you value only after you get the safe. Think about the things most people forget to secure before you invest in a safe.

10. Don’t Rely On Just Your Safe

Security is about layers. It is not enough to just have a great safe. Even if you learn the things you didn’t know about safes, there is no way to make any one security device foolproof. Think of your protection as an intricate web. All of the strands come together to form a structure that your safe will rest on. At the risk of mixing metaphors, the safe is just the cherry on top of the security Sunday. There need to be security measures criminals encounter before they ever even have a chance of viewing your safe.

You still want to use the best front door locks on your home. And you certainly do not want to leave your windows vulnerable to criminals. Just because you have a safe, it does not mean that you are going to avoid being targeted by thieves. Even if the safe is left alone during a break-in, you cannot put everything you own inside the safe. You cannot even put everything that you value inside a safe. There are plenty of expensive items that you use on a regular basis or must be kept out because their only purpose is decoration. So you need more security than just a safe.

Conclusion

When you follow these ten tips for buying and installing a safe, you can be sure that you are getting a safe that is going to protect you better than anything else on the market. Just reading these tips is not enough. You need to put these words into action. Get on top of your security and follow these tips to be better protected. It takes a lot to buy the proper safe and install it effectively, but the more you know, the better.

The post 10 Tips For First Time Safe Buyers appeared first on United Locksmith.

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Even the Score

Thanks to everyone that has supported the Love and Hope Center so far – whether it be by participating in Even the Score, buying a square on our game board or purchasing a bubble tea at the Charity Night game. We had a great start, raising over 3000 rmb. It all goes to a good cause and is definitely a significant gesture to those Love and Hope students that will benefit.

 

Congratulations to our winners from the Guess the Score and Highest Shooter contests:

 

• The Monroe Family
• The Tebo Family
• Ian Walker (Senior)
• Gavin Yen (Grade 4)

 

If you missed your chance this time around, have no worries! We are going to do it all again for APAC Basketball in January. Keep an eye out!

 

Happy Holidays,

 

Miss Angela and the Roots and Shoots Team

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