The Residences by Polygon at UBC Nobel Park

The Residences by Polygon at Nobel Park offer convenient everyday living amid an environment of academic excellence. Embedded in the award-winning masterplanned community of Wesbrook Village, this collection of contemporary apartment residences and concrete family townhomes is surrounded by green spaces, large playgrounds and a tree-lined greenway for the enjoyment of residents. Just down the street, the village square is animated by a growing mix of restaurants, boutique shops and services offering everyday conveniences.

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5 Cost-Effective Ways To Secure A Sliding Glass Door Lock

You will be hard-pressed to find a modern residential space that doesn’t take advantage of sliding glass doors. When it comes to choosing door lock types to complement your doors, homeowners have a wide array of options to choose from. Some of the best front door locks are used with solid core doors, which makes it easy to overlook sliding glass door locks. Sliding glass doors are usually paired with sliding glass door locks. It is always important to make sure you don’t use the wrong lock, as this will leave your security vulnerable while simultaneously running up your budget.

A generic sliding glass door lock provides minimal amounts of security to sliding glass doors, which means there are always ways for a sliding glass door lock to be improved. However, seeking to improve your sliding glass door locks does not mean you need to break the bank. After all, who doesn’t like to save money and stay safe? Before we begin to explore some of the cost-effective ways to secure a sliding glass door lock, let us briefly discuss the inherent weaknesses of sliding glass doors and sliding glass door locks.

Weaknesses of a Sliding Glass Door Lock

Keep in mind that the weaknesses of a sliding glass door lock are inextricably linked with that of the sliding glass door. The most prevalent weakness is the construction of the sliding glass door lock itself, followed up by the flaws of the primary material used in constructing sliding glass doors. The weaknesses of a sliding glass door lock stem from the lock itself and the auxiliary elements that surround it.

Sliding glass doors are primarily made of glass. Unfortunately, glass is riddled with its own unique flaws, which affect the security of your sliding glass door lock. It is often the case that sliding glass doors are installed on secondary entry doors, which means they are viable access points for gaining entry to a home. Here are some of the weaknesses that surround the sliding glass door lock:

The Sliding Glass Door Lock Mechanism – The sliding glass door lock is the focal point of this discussion, but it is also one of the weakest elements on the board and the one that is most prone to being targeted by burglars. A sliding glass door lock is used to keep sliding glass doors secure by barring access. Most sliding glass door locks are simple latch locks that provide very minimal security.

This means that they can easily be thwarted by lock picking, lock bumping and other lock bypass methods. Also, many of these simple latch locks are not built to withstand as much force as deadbolt locks. Essentially, this means that burglars can easily break or dismantle your locks by simply applying enough pressure until your sliding glass door lock gives way.

The Presence of Glass – In order to understand the weaknesses of the sliding glass door lock, you have to look beyond the lock itself. As I pointed out earlier, glass presents homeowners with a unique set of flaws. If it is not properly accounted for, glass can be the Achilles’ heel of your sliding glass door lock. The presence of unsecured glass can leave you vulnerable on two fronts. First, it often gives burglars an unencumbered view into your home. In addition to that, glass shatters easily.

This means that burglars will likely make easy work of your sliding glass door in order to gain access to your sliding glass door lock. Installing the world’s most secure lock on your sliding glass door will mean very little if a burglar is able to gain easy access to your lock. If your glass is compromised, your sliding glass door locks will be rendered ineffective.

Sliding Glass Doors are Obscured from View – There is nothing burglars love more than being able to work without being seen. In a sense, you could say this is the reason why they love sliding glass doors. Although sliding glass doors are often used as secondary egress and ingress points to a home, they are not given the same visibility as main entry doors. This means that in the grand scheme of things, they are usually out of sight.

This allows burglars to work on bypassing your sliding glass door locks without being seen. To add insult to injury, there are usually no measures in place to notify a homeowner that their sliding glass door lock is being attacked. When it comes to security, time and visibility are of the essence. This means that the faster you are in catching wind of something going awry, the faster you can rectify it and work to prevent it.

Cost-Effective Ways to Secure a Sliding Glass Door Lock

Like I started out saying, securing your sliding glass door lock does not mean that you have to break the bank. You will not have to invest in an expensive high security lock like the Abloy Protec2 Deadbolt, which is one of the best front door locks. Instead, by making small changes to your sliding glass door lock and building around it, you can make your sliding glass door lock more secure. Here is what you need to do:

1. Install Auxiliary Locking Mechanisms

As mentioned above, sliding glass doors are often equipped with simple latch locks that are not exactly security oriented. The cost of changing door locks is not always a cheap affair, but the final cost is always dependent on the type of service needed and the type of lock installed. You should be aware that a sliding glass door lock is the first line of defense for your sliding glass doors, as such, they need to be up to par. In lieu of simple latch locks, homeowners can contact a residential locksmith and put in a request to change sliding glass door locks or request a new lock installation.

In lieu of this, there are also some unconventional ways to secure sliding glass door locks that can be used. For instance, placing a Schlage high security chain inside the tracks of your sliding glass door frame helps keep the door more secure and bolsters the security of your sliding glass door locks. Another simple method involves using security chains, like the Schlage high security chain, in conjunction with your sliding glass door locks.

If Schlage sounds familiar, it is because they are one of the most trusted door lock brands. The idea here is to make your sliding glass door lock as inaccessible as possible. Implementing a security chain makes it harder for the door lock to be bypassed and makes the sliding door lock resistant to cutting and sawing attacks.

Also, homeowners can opt to keep their simple sliding glass door lock in place, and simply install an additional auxiliary lock. Adding another lock gives homeowners the freedom to choose a more secure lock that doesn’t necessarily put a dent in your budget. Homeowners can decide to install a secure deadbolt on their sliding glass door (if the door frame allows for one), or you can install sliding door loop locks that make it even harder for your sliding glass door lock to be bypassed. It is crucial that you choose an auxiliary lock that complements the one you have in place and that actively makes your sliding glass door lock harder to bypass.

2. Fortify the Glass Around Your Sliding Glass Door Lock

As I pointed out earlier on, there are some indirect methods that are much more cost-effective than tackling the lock head on. As many of our faithful readers know, security is all about layers, and that is the focus of this next cost-effective measure. One of the best ways to implement effective security layers is to occasionally conduct a home security assessment, but I digress. By working to fortify the glass around the sliding glass door lock, you make the lock itself much more secure.

Fortifying the glass on your sliding glass doors is meant to minimize the effect of two things. First, it helps minimize the visibility that people outside your home are afforded. Second, fortifying the glass minimizes the fragility of your sliding glass doors. The most cost-effective way to achieve this is by purchasing and applying sheets of glass security film.

Glass security film, can be bought for cheap, and there are usually no installation costs that have to be accounted for. The benefit of these cost-effective security films is that they tend to absorb the impact of break-in attempts, while simultaneously preventing glass from shattering. Essentially this means that if your locks are able to hold up against burglars, they cannot be accessed by someone breaking through the glass.

In lieu of doing this, homeowners can replace their sliding glass doors with impact resistant sliding glass doors. This is a much more costly process that helps you achieve the same results. The average cost of impact resistant sliding glass doors is upwards of $600, whereas glass security film can be acquired for under $50.

3. Install Security Alarms and Motion Sensor Alarms

Motion sensor alarms tackle the vulnerability of obscurity, and they seek to keep homeowners aware of how their sliding glass door locks are holding up. I know that some readers are questioning the inclusion of motion sensor alarms on this cost-effective list, but I assure you that alarms are not as expensive as they once were. Do not get me wrong, installing a high security alarm system is worth a pretty penny, but you can achieve the same results without emptying out your life savings.

If these alarms are installed in the proper locations, they ensure that there is always a secondary security measure in place to back up your sliding glass door locks. Now, this is a more passive measure so some people might be quick to dismiss it or to say that it does not help secure your sliding glass door lock. However, I beg to differ on that front. If homeowners can be alerted more expediently, I believe that sliding glass door locks will be kept more secure. Furthermore, if you choose a motion sensor alarm that auditory or visual features, you will scare off burglars who do not want to attract attention to themselves.

I believe that monitored alarm systems are cost-effective. After all, we are in 2018 and accessible technology is all around us. Homeowners are no longer obliged to invest in a full on monitored security system to reap the benefits of motion sensor alarms. Instead they can acquire the parts they need, a la carte, without having to pay any hefty subscription or installation fees. These alarms should be placed in close proximity to your sliding glass doors and sliding glass door locks. A perfect example of an affordable security alarm is the Doberman security alarm.

4. Install DIY Surveillance Cameras

Similar to the motion sensor alarms discussed above, DIY surveillance cameras are great tools that can assist homeowners who do not have the benefit of a large budget. Many of these easy to set-up security cameras are affordable and dependable, which means they are a great auxiliary security measure that can be paired with your sliding glass door lock.

Utilising a surveillance system is meant to achieve the same goal as using a monitored security alarm. Essentially it gives you a way to monitor your sliding glass door to see how your locks are holding up. It gives you the advantage of being able to react in a timely manner whenever you see anything out of the ordinary.
As far as security measures go, alarms, sensors and surveillance systems are all rather passive. Simply because they are not actively deterring any crime from being committed, but they are integral at documenting the crime and alerting you to the fact that one is being committed.

Having measures like this in place help increase the security of your sliding glass door lock because there are layers of support behind it. Since sliding glass door locks often lead from the exterior to the interior of a home, it is best to install a surveillance camera that can cope with harsh exterior elements.

5. Install Sliding Glass Door Shades

The beauty of sliding glass doors lies in their aesthetic, and a huge part of this aesthetic is dependent on the glass. This allows natural light to flow into homes and it allows many homeowners to have scenic views of their property whenever they please. However, these benefits also double as disadvantages when they are exploited by burglars to gain the upper hand against homeowners.

The glass that is most often used with sliding doors gives burglars the ability to freely peer into people’s homes and this puts them at risk. This also gives burglars a chance to undermine your sliding glass door locks without having anything standing in their way. The reason behind this is simple, if a burglar is able to clearly see what kind of sliding glass door lock you are using, they can adequately plan to thwart it. Some burglars case homes before they attack, so it’s best to keep everything squared away so that they have no idea what kind of sliding glass door lock they will be up against.

If you are a homeowner, you probably know that privacy has a big impact on your security. As such, you should strive to ensure that your sliding glass doors do not infringe upon your security in any way. This is where shutters and sliding glass door shades come into play and they help secure your sliding glass door lock in a huge way. Although the use of blinds and shades might not discourage burglars from choosing your home as a target, it will make it more difficult for them to see which security measures they have to account for.

Final Thoughts

Sliding glass door locks may be subtle in the grand scheme of home security, but they are not less important. I hope that the active and passive cost-effective security measures discussed above help you build great layers of security around your sliding glass door locks. Increasing the security of your sliding glass door locks will help you actively combat whatever a burglar might throw at it. Keep in mind that being proactive with your sliding door lock maintenance and upkeep will also help keep your locks functioning at optimal levels. Please feel free to leave a comment below, if there are other cost-effective measures you have tried in your home.

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The Georgia by Whitetail Homes at Langley

The Georgia – Langley’s most exquisite new condominium development features two 5 storey buildings situated on the edge of Downtown Langley. These spacious and thoughtfully designed homes are the perfect match of style and function. Featuring 9’ ceilings, open concept living, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, high quality laminate floors and even air conditioning in master bedrooms. The Georgia is just steps away from shopping, restaurants, parks, evening entertainment and schools offering the lifestyle of urban living with the comforts of suburbia.

1 Bedroom starting in low $300’s
2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom starting in low $400’s

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How To Make An Improvised DIY Panic Room

We cannot all afford the protection that we need. The best solution is to get the closest approximation to the protection you want. In the case of being at risk of a home invasion, you need a safe place within your home to retreat to once your perimeter security has been breached and your door security has failed. One solution is making your own improvised DIY panic room.

What is the purpose of a panic room?

A panic room is there to create a formidable barrier between yourself and a threat within the home. If you have ever seen the movie “Panic Room” starring Jodie Foster and Forest Whitaker, you will have seen the most extreme reason for needing a panic room. Essentially, it protects the homeowners from a threat that has already entered the house.

A panic room is a point of secondary retreat that enables residents to safely hide away while the authorities arrive. But something as complicated as a professionally made and installed panic room might be out of your budget. That is why you need to know about making your own improvised panic room.

What is an improvised panic room?

For the sake of this article, an “improvised panic room” is going to refer to a safe room that is made in a less than professional way. This will not be about how to make a professional panic room yourself, and instead be about making an effective DIY safe room with simple upgrades most homeowners could do themselves. This focuses on adding and replacing existing parts of a room’s security and not complicated fabrication and home building/designing.

The basic idea is that you can turn one existing room within your home into a fortified safe room. The room can exist and function as normal while having the potential to hold up under the stress of targeted forced entry. However, if you ever get locked out of this panic room it will be more complicated than getting back into a room you locked yourself out of. And that is just how it should be.

Where should you build your DIY panic room?

You want to plan your panic room around your lifestyle and your concerns. You need your panic room to be quickly accessible from the point in your home that you spend the most time. You want the number of doors leading into the room to be kept to one, and to limit the number of windows (hopefully no windows). A bedroom, or a bathroom within a bedroom, might be a good place to consider.

Securing Your Door

A door is pivotal to an escape room. It is your way to gain access to safety. But the very nature of a door is that it is meant to be opened. You are looking for them to only be opened by certain people with the required level of access. In the case of interior doors, they are not intended for security, but rather privacy. When you are making a DIY panic room, you need to address the vulnerabilities inherent to any interior doors.

1. High-Security Locks

When you are looking into the locks for your DIY panic room, you want to investigate some of the best front door locks available on the market today. The most important thing to look for in the locks for your improvised panic room is strong metal content. All locks can be picked, so it is not all that pressing for you to seek some form of unpickable lock. With that being said, you also do not want to install a lock that just about anyone can bypass.

You can create unnecessary vulnerabilities if you are using the wrong lock for your particular door. The best lock to pair with a door intended for a DIY Panic Room is a double sided deadbolt. We talk about gaps in your door in the “Security Doors” section below, but essentially, you want to avoid thumbturns for deadbolts. You can leave your key inside the deadbolt on the interior side of the door, but you should remove it after you have engaged the lock.

2. Security Doors

There is only so much force that your deadbolt can withstand, but before your interior door lock is likely to be attacked, the door itself will need to hold up under pressure. You want a nice solid core door or a door that utilizes an iron or steel core. This will be different than a standard hollow core door, which is the go to for all interior doors. You need hard material in your DIY panic room door so that it will not be destroyed by battering rams or kicking attacks. And it should be tight against the door frame so tools cannot be inserted into any gaps.

Also be aware of the holes that are cut in your door, as different lock types require a door to be cut a certain way. If the security door you buy is built for a standard deadbolt, but you want to use a mortise lock, then you need to factor in having the door changed into your cost of changing locks. And in the same vein, using a standard deadbolt on a door built for a mortise lock body will leave too much empty space in the door and weaken it.

3. Security Add Ons

There are certain things that you can add to a door that increases the security. And when you are looking to make an improvised DIY panic room, these additions are sure up some likely weaknesses in your door. There are many ways to secure a door, but when it comes to a DIY panic room door, there are three places you want to secure. These are your hinges, your strike plate, and your hardware. As I have talked about many times, hinges and strike plates can be improved by using longer set screws (3-inches), but for a DIY panic room, you should use hardier strike and hinge protection for your door.

To protect the parts of the door that have had material removed to install your locks, you can use metal slipcover for locks. Even if you have multiple locks, you can use larger door hardware reinforcers. From there, you can use barricades that secure the door from the inside. These could be metal bars that secure along the center of the door, under the door handle props or just simple door stops. These should be used after the door has been locked, but stored in the room to increase its security once the panic room is shut.

Protecting Windows

Ideally, a panic room, especially an improvised DIY panic room, should not have windows. If you can convert a windowless bathroom (that uses a good ventilation system) into a panic room, it would be more ideal than a bedroom with bay window. However, when it comes to a DIY panic room, you have to work with what you have. If you have a window on one of the walls of your planned improvised panic room, there are still a few solutions for you. None of these things will be as good as a wall, but they better than nothing.

1. Security Film

If you want to keep your improvised panic room low profile, you will not go straight to barring your windows. Something like window security film is a great option for this. It does not so much keep your window from being damaged as it prevents the glass from being fully compromised. Depending on the quality of the film, criminals might give up before fully breaking this boundary.

You can install this type of film on any type of existing window. These come in sheets the adhere to the glass. You will need to fit the sheets to your existing pane, but this can be done by individuals with fairly limited DIY skills. But even with window film, the glass is likely to be penetrated. After penetration, say from a bullet, the glass will not shatter entirely, but there will be a perforation.

2. Bars

When you are looking to secure your windows, the most obvious solution is to use metal bars. Metal bars are certainly better than nothing, but they give themselves away. If you are being targeted, someone is likely going to bring an angle grinder to get through your barred windows. If you bar the windows on a single room (such as your DIY panic room), then it telegraphs the importance of that room. When you have more obvious security on one certain part of your house, criminals are likely to believe that is where the valuables are stored.

That being said, metal slats, bars, etc., will keep people from simply striking the window and coming in through the opening. You can also keep your windows open on hot days without having to worry about someone easily overcoming this part of your security. You can even use bars over security film to restrict the severity of impacts. Bars will limit how much of surface area can be impacted while trying to strike the glass.

3. Window Locks

No matter what type of opening is made in the glass, whether it is a small puncture or a complete removal of the glass, someone will be able to get at your window locks. First of all, you should be sure that your window locks are fully functional. Then you have to check that your window lock cannot be bypassed from the outside because then the protections on the glass will not matter.

For When You’re Waiting

Any panic room is only a temporary measure. Eventually, someone can overcome the security and get inside. All security can be overcome given enough time, and an improvised panic room will, of course, not give you much of a buffer as a professionally made panic room. That is why an improvised escape room needs to have certain things that make waiting more bearable.

1. Phones

Once you are safe inside your improvised panic room, you need to call for help. This is best done with a phone. Cell phones in the United States can make emergency calls without having an active account or plan for that number. All that you need is a phone that is charged and has a signal. You should choose a room in your home for a DIY panic room that has a strong signal.

A land line is not always the best option, especially if you are looking to have security during a power outage. You might be concerned about the phone lines being cut or someone trying to prevent you from calling for assistance, for those reasons, having a cell phone gives you some better peace of mind. You can have your phone constantly charging/plugged in, and it should never leave the improvised panic room. You need to be able to rely on that phone.

2. Alarms

Emergency response can take a while, so if you can have a way of making a lot of noise, you can attract the attention of bystanders. This does not need to be a monitored security system, necessarily. The alarm should be alarming, and you should have to manually flip the switch when you are in your panic room. For your own protection, at least have some ear plugs inside the improvised panic room if you cannot soundproof the room.

The louder the alarm, the better. Such a sound will not only make the criminals outside of your panic room worried about discovery and intervention, it will also make it generally difficult to stay inside the home. You want whoever is inside the home to leave. Fortifications can only last so long, so one of the most important things you can do with an improvised escape room is incentivize criminals to abandon their pursuit.

3. Personal Protection

It is important that you are able to defend yourself in case some part of the improvised panic room fails. Even if someone cannot get inside entirely, fighting back always discourages attackers. When you fight back from with protection (even from a position of semi-protection), you are in a better position to defend yourself with reciprocal force.

This is not to say that you need to use a firearm for personal protection, but you should have a weapon that you are trained with. If you are not competent and comfortable with your personal protection device, then it is not likely to be used effectively. Even if you have pepper spray, it is better than nothing. While waiting for assistance you do not want to be helpless.

Going the Extra Mile

There are some additions to your DIY panic room that go beyond simple and absolutely necessary, but they might be a good idea depending on your level of risk. In terms of setting up some of these security measures, you might need to put a little more thought into whether or not you should be the one upgrading your own home security.

1. Strengthening Walls

If you are really looking to be able to stay in the improvised panic room for a long time, you need to make sure more than just your doors and windows are secured. When a door won’t break open and the window is not smashing in, an industrious attacker will try to break clean through the wall. This is an important reason why you should use double sided deadbolts because even if a person can reach through the hole in the wall, they will not be able to open the lock. But by strengthening your walls you might affect your ability to call out, link with the internet modems, etc.

You can use metal inserts or concrete to strengthen walls, but it is tricky. Compare this to when you are looking at bulletproofing a car the cheap way, you sacrifice the functionality of the doors that you fill with a harder material. If you are going to try and utilize concrete walls, understand that with an improvised DIY panic room, you are likely to want the walls to have pipes and electrical. The reason for this complexity is that you are now messing with foundational elements of your home. You might need building permits for something like this.

2. Hidden Entryways

Obscurity is good for security. If you have a room that is out of the way, you can try obscuring the entryway to the room. This makes it so you are not likely to be discovered. However, you should not rely on a panic room as a hiding space. At the end of the day, a panic room, DIY or not, needs to be able to stand up to abuse when you are discovered. If all you are doing is making a good hiding spot, this is not a panic room.

Just like there are certain places to never hide your house keys, there are locations within your house that someone is going to think to look for a hiding place. Do not make your panic room location obvious no matter what. As I have already mentioned in the section about window security, people should not be alerted from outside that there is an abnormality in your security. Be careful about hidden entry ways that require you to move things out of the way or use codes to open, as this will make it so you need more time to find safety during an emergency.

3. Surveillance Cameras

A great addition to a panic room is having some way to view what the people outside your panic room are up to. When you lock yourself inside any type of panic room, the safety you are attaining comes from shutting yourself off from anything happening outside of that room. But in doing so, you cannot anticipate the dangers that are regrouping outside. If you look into getting some of the best security cameras that work with smartphones, you will be able to better anticipate the outside threats as they attempt to break in.

When you get a camera that can link to a smartphone, then you do not need a monitor set up in your panic room already. In the case of improvised panic rooms, you are going to be using this room for things other than a panic room, so having it look the Bat Cave might not be an option. It is cheaper and more efficient to have a simple camera set up for this purpose. If you can see what people are doing to get inside, you can coordinate with the authorities who you have on the phone or better use your personal protection devices.

Conclusion

The thing to remember is to keep your expectations as reasonable as your budget. You might not be able to do everything on this list, but the more you do, the better protected you can be. Replace and add to what you already have and you will keep the required skill and investment level low for your DIY panic room. Always try your best to stay safe.

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10 Car Security Tips To Prevent Your Car From Being Stolen

Cars are investments, and every investment deserves the best in terms of security. Security should be a priority for drivers even if cars were not at risk of theft. Not every car is built to the security standards of a Tesla, or with the schematics of a bulletproof car, so drivers have to realize that their vehicles have some inherent flaws that criminals can take advantage of.

Some of these flaws are compounded by the bad habits of car owners and also by the wiles of criminals. With so much at stake and so many factors influencing the safety of cars, I would like to help car owners tip the scales in their favor. So, today we will take an in depth look at some car security tips you can use to prevent your car from being stolen.

Notable Car Theft Statistics

There is no shortage of statistics to show you the way car theft has evolved over the years, and to also show its current trajectory. According to data collected by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, the estimated number of motor vehicle thefts increased by 3.1% (2015). In terms of monetary value, motor vehicle theft accounted for the loss of more than $4.9 billion, and 74.7% of motor vehicles stolen were automobiles.

This data clarifies a few things. First, it shows that automobiles are a favorite among motor vehicle thieves. Essentially, this means that drivers have to do all that they can to minimize their exposure to car thieves. Cars are not the only motor vehicles that are threatened, a guide to motorcycle security would be handy as well. However, cars are the highest number of motor vehicles stolen, so for today’s article that will be our focal point. Ideally, these car security tips should help you practice better automotive security, regardless of whether you want to keep your car safe at home, or keep your car safe abroad.

Car Theft Practices

Before we dive into the car security tips that will help you prevent your car from being stolen, let’s take a look at some of the threats your vehicle faces. I do believe that understanding these threats makes it immensely easier for you to implement the necessary solutions.

Car thieves usually target vehicles in two unique ways. The first method requires opportunity as a precedent and the second requires immaculate planning. Knowing this helps keep drivers aware of how they can be targeted which, in turn, helps them fight back. A crime of opportunity means that in a specific moment, a car thief singles you out because they can tell that you are vulnerable in some way.

This is usually how most carjackings come about. A planned heist requires much more thought and is hardly ever done in the spur of the moment. Here are some handy car security tips that will help prevent your car from being stolen, and keep you and your investment safe in the process:

1. Keep Your Car Doors Locked At All Times

Learning to lock your car doors at all times is probably the most crucial security tip that you need to know. When I say at all times, I mean at all times, even while you are driving and the car is in motion. Unfortunately, most drivers believe in the common misconception that their cars can only be targeted while the vehicle is at rest. However, car thieves have a plethora of skills that they can use to compromise vehicles that are in motion. This is a unique danger that is ever present, which is why you have to make sure that your car is locked at all times.

In comparison to residential and commercial door locks, car door locks cannot be overcome with all of the same methods. For instance, a burglar might be able to bump a residential door lock, but luckily for drivers, bump keys don’t work on cars. This does not mean that there aren’t other methods that car thieves might use to get into your vehicle. Many car thieves prey on an opportunity, and there is no better opportunity to them than stumbling across a car that is not locked.

Stealing the car becomes much easier for them if the vehicle is at rest, but they are not above carjacking. Carjacking is defined as the action of violently stealing an occupied car. Many car thieves utilize this method to steal cars that are occupied or in motion. Constantly locking your doors is the first safeguard against thieves that would seek to steal your vehicle.

2. Do Not Leave Your Vehicle Unattended

Leaving your vehicle unattended, especially when it is unlocked, is an efficient way to get your car stolen. Remember how I pointed out that car theft is often a crime of opportunity? An unlocked car that is left unattended is the perfect opportunity for any car thief. I completely understand that it is rather difficult to always keep an eye on your vehicle, after all, you are probably a very busy person. However, there are some tricks that you can utilize to make sure that your vehicle is always within someone’s field of vision.

First, try to avoid parking in isolated areas that are not well lit. Parking in locations like this reduces the visibility that you afford your vehicle, and doing so increases the likelihood of a criminal successfully stealing your car. Most criminals abhor visibility because it leaves them exposed, use this to your advantage. You do not always have to be physically present to keep an eye on your vehicle. There are several auxiliary measures that make it easier for you to keep an eye on your car, directly or indirectly.

3. Do Not Leave Your Car Running

Another handy tip that helps many drivers out, is learning not to leave their car running, even if they step away from their vehicle for a few seconds. People often take the influence that time has on a crime for granted. The truth is, given even a sliver of time, a criminal will do the best they can to make the most out of it. I am tempted to say car thieves are inspirational, but they are not.

It is important for drivers to develop the habit of turning their vehicles off and ensuring that everything is securely stowed away, even if they are moving away for a brief moment. Turning your car off and taking your keys with you, is simply another way of keeping your car secured. As the old adage goes, it is better to be safe than sorry. Practicing this will reduce the likelihood that your vehicle becomes another statistic that the FBI UCR references.

4. Always Roll Up Your Windows And Completely Seal Your Vehicle Off

Rolling up your windows is the perfect complementary action to constantly locking your doors. It is simply another measure that helps keep your car sealed away and protected. Windows are one of the primary access points that car thieves use to compromise vehicles, therefore reinforcing them and keeping them rolled all the way up makes your vehicle more impenetrable.

I know that there are some car owners who believe in humanity so much so that they choose to leave their windows rolled down, especially in the summer. I am not sure if this is done because of the faith they have in humanity, or the faith they have in the security of their vehicle. The truth is, vehicles are very similar to locks. If a car thief is given enough time, they can break into a car and steal it, the same way all locks can be picked given enough time. For this reason, you should strive to avoid giving criminals any kind of access to your vehicle.

5. Install Car Alarm Systems

Car alarms are the face of modern automobile security, and they actively help increase the security of your vehicle. A car alarm is the perfect solution for an extra layer of protection that will stay active even if you are not in close proximity to your vehicle. The alarm serves to notify you of any danger, and can also help notify individuals within the general vicinity that something might be amiss. This is the easiest way to call a good samaritan to your aid when you are in need of help.

A common security mistake that people make with their classic cars is that they never have a car alarm installed. This ends up making their vehicles more vulnerable and susceptible to car theft. In this day and age, car alarm systems are commonly paired with keyless entry remotes that enhance automotive security. Car alarm systems can also be paired with anti-theft mechanisms like cruciform locks used to guard steering wheels. These are simple methods that can be used to layer your security measures, and ensure that there is a backup in place should one measure fail to prevent your car from being broken into during an attempted theft.

 

6. Plan Your Route Whenever You Are Driving

Before you take up arms against me, you should know that I am not advocating against spontaneous trips because I love them just as much as the next guy. However, I do believe that taking the time to plan your route, whenever you are driving will help prevent your car from being stolen. Planning your route out allows you to be better prepared for any eventuality and it negates the possibility of a car thief being able to take advantage of you, by catching your off guard.

Realistically speaking, you will not always have the luxury to plan your route because unexpected things happen every now and then. However, you should attempt to do this whenever you get the chance. Planning your route will inform your actions and it will help you know what to avoid and how to navigate certain areas. For instance, if you are aware that you will be traveling through a specific area that is considered dangerous or prone to carjackings, it will inform you to keep your doors locked and your windows rolled at all times.

7. Practice Proper Automotive Maintenance

Maintenance is a key car security tip that is often never implemented. In this instance, there are several different automotive components that need to be maintained. Many of the mechanisms that are used to protect your vehicle are prone to damage and wear over time. Practicing proper maintenance is one of the simplest ways of keeping your car security measures in prime condition.

Some of the components that you have to keep well maintained include your car door locks and their corresponding lock cylinders, car alarm systems, transponders and key fobs, windows, etc. If any of these components are not properly maintained, there is is a chance that they will be taken advantage of. The simplest way to plan for the maintenance of any of these features, is to pay attention to them while they are in use. Doing so will help you learn how they function, so that you can spot any wear or damage that has to be taken care of. For instance, if you notice any physical wear on your car keys, you should work to have a duplicate car key made to avoid the scenario where your key breaks off in your lock.

8. Stay Aware Of Your Surroundings At All Times

Situational awareness is an invaluable tool, and one that can be utilized to increase the security of your automobile in any given situation. One of the best ways to practice situational awareness is to constantly study your surroundings and understand the direct impact that your environment has on your automotive safety. In many ways, situational awareness is a key factor in any type of safety plan, and it is one of the best ways to enhance your personal protection. Assessing your surroundings will influence the way you treat your car and it will directly impact the level of security that you choose to leave it with.

9. Do Not Store Important Personal Documents In Your Vehicle

Many drivers store personal information in their vehicles, both knowingly and unknowingly. Some of these documents include the car title, driver’s license and other forms of documentation that can be abused by car thieves. There are some documents that should always be in your vehicle whenever you are driving, like your license and your proof of registration. However, when you are not in the vehicle, these documents should be removed and stored in a separate location. These documents will not draw a car thief to take your vehicle, but they might help facilitate their escape if they steal your car.

I know that this sounds rather tedious, but please hear me out. For instance, if a car thief is stopped by a police officer and asked to show proof of ownership, proof of insurance, etc., they will easily be able to produce the required information if it is stored in the vehicle. I am sure that some of you are thinking that if the crime has been reported, then these documents will be of little use to the car thief. Once again, you are underestimating the importance of time. There is no guarantee that you will be able to report a crime fast enough for a car thief not to utilize the information they are given. This is not a direct method that prevents car theft, but one that looks to makes the crime harder to execute successfully.

10. Do Not Keep Valuables Stored In Your Vehicle

Storing valuables in your vehicle is a sure fire way to attract car thieves and burglars. There are some car thieves who will simply settle for breaking into the vehicle and picking out an individual item, whereas others will want to take the whole vehicle. It is criminals like these that you have to be wary of because they will attempt to steal your vehicle rather than just settling for the expensive purse or sneakers you left out in the open.

This is something that many mobile locksmiths have to contend with on a daily basis. If someone were to steal an auto locksmiths van, their business and their livelihood will be compromised. A mobile locksmith usually stores their tools and equipment in their van, and some of these items are very expensive and lucrative to a criminal. Leaving things out in the open is bound to attract criminals and car thieves, so you want to do your best to prevent this from happening.

Take the time to look through your car before you step away from it to verify that nothing of value has been left out. In the instance where you absolutely need to keep something stored in the vehicle, try to stow it in your trunk or underneath your car seats. This will help keep the visibility limited.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your car can be a challenging task, especially because there are so many bases that you have to cover. The points outlined will help you get started and they will help you foster better car security which helps prevent your car from being stolen. Take the time to know your vehicle and know what your flaws are so that you are better equipped to combat them effectively.

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5 Best Shed Locks: Finding the Best Shed Door Locks For Your Structure

Get ready to have the safest shed in the neighborhood. Send criminals of any caliber packing when they see your shed locks. There are just a few things to know before you start selecting the best shed locks for your needs. You need to know the type of shed locks that will and will not work for your structure. The things to consider about each style of shed lock. And after you see the best options for shed security locks, there is still more to learn. But don’t get too overwhelmed. We will start slow.

What Type of Shed Locks are You Looking For?

There is more than one option for the best shed locks than just looking for the best padlock for a shed. A shed padlock is good in most instances of shed security, but I want to discuss other options you can take advantage of for your shed door locks. And with the different types of best shed locks, you need to know what to consider about each of them. When do they work? When do you need to consider another option?

Considerations for Padlocks

Generally shed locks are padlocks. A padlock is often the go to for shed security locks because any door can be fitted with a hasp. And once a shed door has a hasp, all you need is the right shed padlock. However, it is important to make sure the hasps for the best shed locks are secure themselves.

The easiest thing to take note of with your lock hasp is to look at the device when the door is secured. While secure, the hasp should not display any of the set screws it is using. If set screws are displayed, make sure that the heads of the screws are non-standard.

If the hasp can be taken off the shed door, it will not matter how many of the best shed locks you have. The hasp being vulnerable undercuts the security of any locks for sheds. Because the shed is outside, you will also want a lock and hasp that can withstand weathering.

A rusting bolt or lock can cause insecurity in a shed, and also prevent you from gaining access as efficiently. Every lock on this list is going to handle the elements well, so make sure you can say the same for the hasp of your shed locks.

Considerations for Deadbolts

Deadbolts are not always an option for shed locks. In fact, it is very rare that you will have the appropriate type of door or door jamb to properly install a deadbolt. However, sometimes something like a garden shed will have a standard home door on the front of it.

When this is the case, you could look for garden shed locks in the deadbolt classification. But you will need a thick door that closes in a thick door frame so that a strike plate can be used to secure the bolt when the deadbolt is locked.

If you cannot cross bore into the door of your shed, you should not consider a deadbolt as one of your possible shed locks. Do not try to use deadbolts as shed door locks if they don’t work with your type of door. Yes, deadbolts can withstand quite a bit of force, but that is only if they can be installed properly.

A good litmus test for the success of a deadbolt as a lock for a shed if to ask yourself, could you use your shed door as your front door. If you could not use it as your front door, then chances are deadbolts would not be the right choice for your shed locks.

Considerations for Rim Latches

Many shed doors are too thin for traditional deadbolts, which you would find on the exterior doors of homes. This will mean you cannot use a deadbolt, but you might be able to change up the lock hardware. Rim locks (aka rim latches, and sometimes referred to as a shed door latch) are extremely popular for shed door locks.

This is because the hardware can be left outside of the door on the interior side of the shed. Even with a rim lock, you are likely to need to secure the shed door locks to the crossbeam on the framework so the shed locks have enough material to be fitted properly.

More important than the issue of the door thickness, the thickness of the door jamb is what a rim latch is addressing. But you will only need this thickness at the point where the shed locks are installed. Of course, with a thin door, you are undermining any shed door locks you might choose. Blunt force to the door might break the door itself no matter how strong a shed door latch is.

5. Stanley Padlock

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If there is a list that mentions great padlocks, the Stanley Hardened Steel Security padlock has to be on it. It is a padlock with a low price to entry and a good foundational level of security. The security you get from using this lock straight out of the package is a hardened steel shackle, which is going to give a good amount of fight to a pair of bolt cutters.

The shackle is shrouded with the same hardened material used to make the lock body. It is a solid and heavy duty lock. It also has an interchangeable core, so if you have the desire to increase the security of your shed padlock, you can get a higher security core.

The lock core that comes standard in the Stanley padlock is pretty good compared to what most people use for shed locks, but that is not the same as being high-security. There are a couple security pins in the standard core, and it will be harder to pick than most Master Locks or some of the other locks that provide terrible security.

But if you do not change out the core, you will still have an anti-drill plate for some additional protection. It depends on how at risk your shed is of being broken into and how much you care about protecting what is inside, but as far as shed locks go, this is the lowest security I would recommend.

Buy Stanley High Security Padlock on Amazon

4. Mul-T-Lock Hercular MT5+ Deadbolt

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When you need a deadbolt, the Mul-T-Lock Hercular with MT5+ core deadbolt is a great lock to invest in for your shed locks. This is the only deadbolt included on the list for two reasons. The first is that I mentioned the Abloy Protec2 two times (for what I think are good reasons). And the second is that the Mul-T-Lock Hercular gives you everything you need from a deadbolt and a few additional things to set it apart from any other shed lock.

Not only are you getting a lock with a great core that will prevent many forms of covert and surreptitious entry, you also getting remarkable anti-drill protection and a hardy bolt that is going to resist some of the most serious forms of cutting. But wait… there’s more!

The Hercular also comes with its own strike plate housing, which pairs with the ball bearing infused bolt. As a result of this security measure the bolt grips into the housing so that it cannot be pried free, even with a considerable amount of force.

Buy Mul-t-lock Hercular Deadbolt on Amazon

3. Abloy Protec2 PL 362

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Back to padlocks again, what we have with the Abloy Protec2 model PL 362 is a shrouded hardened steel padlock, with what is likely the best disk detainer lock core in existence. The reason I have pointed to this model is because it is the largest Abloy Protec2 padlock currently being made.

That means you are getting thicker metal throughout the lock’s composition. More metal means more resistance to forced entry attacks. You will need a relatively large hasp if you are intending to consider this as one of your shed locks, but it would be worth it to place this lock on your shed.

This lock is an improvement on the Stanley padlock by leaps and bounds. Placing the two best shed locks next to one another, you can see the difference in specs. However, the 362 might be too much security for your shed.

And by too much security I mean, it has a cost that prevents most people from a comfortable purchase. But if your garden shed has thousands of dollars worth of equipment and valuables, there is not a whole lot better you could choose in terms of garden shed locks.

Buy Abloy PL 362 Padlock on Amazon

2. Abloy Protec2 Rim Latch

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If you need, want, or even just considering a shed door latch for one of your shed locks, look no further than Abloy’s Protec2 Rim Latch. This is on the list because you need to know about the best shed locks, and locks don’t get a lot better than Abloy, but rarely is a rim latch going to make it onto any type of best lock list. They are a lock that is only necessary for specific circumstances but shed locks happen to be one of those circumstances.

What you are getting with this investment is a no nonsense lock providing you the highest level of security of any other model of a similar style. If you are already using this style of shed door latch, and you want the best security possible, it is relatively easy to replace what you have with this Abloy.

You can install this product on either side of your shed, so there is no need to worry about the shed locks not having the right orientation. The lock comes with the hardest hardware, and you don’t have to worry about what type of rim cylinder you are going to install inside the lock body of the shed door latch.

Buy Abloy Protec2 Rim Latch on Amazon

1. Ingersoll 10 Lever Padlock

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Because you are likely to be choosing between the best padlock for a shed, I thought I would add the final level of security you could possibly need for your shed. Ingersoll has made a 10 lever padlock that is best described as a solid chunk of security.

It is the perfect level of obscurity and physical security. The result is something that is going to confuse any burglar looking to open it. When this lock is on your shed, you are going to need some other forms of security, because a criminal won’t even bother with this lock.

Is this the best padlock of all time? It is close. But you don’t need the best padlocks. You need the best shed locks. A better question is, “is this the best padlock for shed?” And the answer to that is, yes.

A shed can only be so secure, so this is as secure of a lock as I would recommend. If you need something better than this, you should put whatever you are securing inside a vault or the sturdiest safe you can find. Between the solid metal construction that is going to resist almost any type of violent entry someone is going to throw at it, the lock core is unbelievably secure. But with anything this good, you really do have to increase your general security.

Buy Ingersoll CS700 Padlock on Amazon

Greater Shed Security- Beyond Shed Locks

Exterior Hinges – Hinges for most sheds are on the outside of the structure. This means that the doors will open toward you when you are entering the shed. If the hinges are secured with Philips head or flat head screws, then they can be easily be removed by a criminal.

It is best to use bolts, secured on the inside with nuts and washers, or use specialty screws that cannot be uninstalled. You need hinges with end caps on both sides so that the securing bolt cannot be knocked out and the door cannot be taken off. If the securing bolt can be knocked loose, it will not matter how the hinges themselves are screwed in.

Locking Bars – Because shed doors are so inherently flawed, it is incredibly beneficial to add some strength. Locking bars add reinforcement to the material of the door, and a hardier securing point for a padlock than most heavy duty hasps. It is a great way to give your shed locks something more substantial to lock onto.

But besides helping the shed locks, you can use multiple bar holders to add a secondary method of securing a door, besides the exposed hinges. If the hinges are removed, bar holders on both sides of the door and the door itself will keep the door from falling in. If you have secured your exterior hinges, helping the shed padlock should suffice.

Conclusion

With this knowledge, you will not only be able to choose from the list of best shed locks, but you will be able to get the best shed security possible. Shed door locks are not the only that matters if you are looking to get the best possible protection from your shed padlock or any other type of shed locks. Make sure that you are using the right shed locks before you make your purpose.

Know what you need, then get what you need. Don’t put the cart before the horse. And make sure you get both the cart and the horse. (The metaphor being that you don’t focus on the shed locks to the exclusion of your other security measures). Then you can protect anything you are storing in your shed.

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Can A Locksmith Make A Key From A Lock?

Can a locksmith make a key from a lock? That’s a very good question, and one that most people do not stop to consider. That is until they need a locksmith and they’re left wondering what they have to do to find one. The simple answer to the question, can a locksmith make a key from a lock, is yes. However, the steps involved in doing this are slightly more complicated, but still feasible if handled by a locksmith. Essentially, they involve understanding why a locksmith would need to make a key from a lock and also understanding the ways in which this can be done.

Why Would a Locksmith Make a Key From a Lock?

This question usually arises when someone is in need of an additional key. In most cases, a locksmith will not have to make a key from a lock when they are asked to make a duplicate key, because it is more likely that the original key is still functional and intact. However, when a key is broken or extremely worn down, you will find it hard to make a new key unless you ask a locksmith to make a key from a lock.

Understanding the things that will prompt you to ask ‘can a locksmith make a key from a lock’ are important for several reasons. The main reason is that it will help you avoid placing yourself in a similar predicament once again. Imagine if you were locked out of your home because you didn’t have your key. Would you want to go through that again?

Some people will need to know if a locksmith can make a key from a lock because they have lost their original keys, or broken them in locks. Each of these scenarios will likely leave you asking the question, can a locksmith make a key from a lock? Once you have a grasp on the ways these scenarios can arise, you will know how to successfully navigate them.

I want to take the time to answer the question that was posed above – can a locksmith make a key from a lock? Before we dive into it, I want to outline the way in which I will approach answering this question. Since there are different keys and different types of locks, there are multiple processes used by a locksmith to make a key from a lock. I will begin by walking through these methods and giving you an overview of what a locksmith needs to carry out each process successfully. Shall we begin?

How Can a Locksmith Make a Key From a Lock?

1. Cut the Key to Code

Cutting the key to code might be the easiest way for a locksmith to make a key from a lock. However, the fact that it is relatively easy does not mean that it’s a feasible solution for every lock type. A key code is a set of characters that is used to make a key for a specific lock. There are primarily two types of key codes that are utilized in fashioning keys. These are the blind code and the bitting code. The one that a locksmith will pay the most attention too, in this scenario, is the bitting code. This is because these are the codes that are used to fashion the actual keys from a key blank.

This process does not always work because a locksmith will not always have access to the key code that they need, especially in the absence of the original key. In most cases, the key code is stamped onto the original key, or in the case of high-security locks, users are given key code cards. With access to the key code, a locksmith can very easily cut you a new lock.

You will often find that the bitting code is not written on the lock, but access to the lock still provides you with a feasible way of tracking the bitting code down. You can use the specific model of the lock to locate the corresponding bitting code. This can be done by reaching out to the retailer or the manufacturer to see if they have any information pertaining to the bitting code. This can only be carried out by licensed locksmiths because most manufacturers will not divulge the bitting codes or related information to anyone else.

There are some locks that do not require any legwork on the part of the locksmith. Like cabinet locks for instance. These locks usually have their key codes stamped into the lock body, so all the locksmith has to do is locate the key code and make the key based on said code. In order for a locksmith to make a key from a lock by means of the key code, they will need to use a code cutter. A code cutter is something that most locksmiths are frequently found using, aside from their lock picks that is.

This tool sometimes makes it possible to make a key from a lock, that is of course once you have the key code available and ready to use. There are multiple code cutters that can be used, but each of them works in way that allows keys to be cut to the general standards of key specifications that are used within the locksmith industry.

The important part of the process involves properly inserting the key blank into the cutter, and also ensuring that the correct code cutter blade is being used. In order to determine which blade to use, locksmiths measure the cut-to-cut dimensions necessary for the lock.

2. Impression the Lock

In comparison to cutting a key to code, impressioning a lock is much more direct. In short, impressioning a lock allows a locksmith to make a key from a lock without having to disassemble the entire lock cylinder or rely on decoding the lock. This is often the go-to process for most locksmiths because of how efficient and expedient it can be. Although impressioning might be an efficient process for locksmiths, it is not easy to learn or execute. It requires a lot of practice and fine tuning, similar to practicing lock picking.

On the surface, impressioning a lock appears to be rather simple. The locksmith will insert the appropriate key blank into the lock and then turn the blank key, so as to bind the pins within the lock cylinder. It is crucial that the pins are binding because this will help you mark out the sections that need to be filed down on your key blank. Since there are multiple pins within a lock, there will have to be multiple cuts made on the key blank. Therefore, the locksmith will generally repeat the cycle moving the key blank in, and out, of the lock several times. Once all the necessary marks have been made, the locksmith will file the key blank down to fashion a working key.

As I said, this process will need to be repeated several times for the best results. It requires multiple trial runs to ensure that the markings are accurately made, and that the filing is done in such a way that enables the new key to raise the pins to the shear line and work the lock. The most commonly used methods to derive the necessary markings on a key blank are pulling, tapping, and wiggling.

Once you begin to dive deeper into impressioning, things begin to get a little complicated, which is why many locksmiths say that practice is key to fine tuning this skill. The locksmith will have to ensure that they have assembled the necessary tools to properly execute the job and impression the lock. These tools mainly consist of the appropriate key blank, a file, and a vice grip.

The key blank is probably the most important tool in this process, and choosing the right one is a major determining factor in whether you successfully impression the lock or not. Locksmiths usually have an array of key blanks to choose from. These include steel blanks, aluminum blanks, and brass blanks. However, not all of these blanks are suited to the process of impressioning. The reason is that, at its core, impressioning requires the application of force. Which means that you should choose a key blank that is resilient, but not too strong to be filed down.

Aluminum key blanks are prone to wear and crack easily under pressure, whereas steel blanks are extremely tough and durable which makes them harder to file down. Also, steel blanks are not exactly easy to come by. Ideally, a brass key blank should be used when a locksmith wants to make a key from a lock. With a brass, a locksmith will easily spot the marks that are made on the key blank when the keys are binding, and they will be able to file these marks down much easier. Essentially, choosing a brass key blank makes it easier for locksmiths to make keys from a lock.

To a locksmith, the file is just important as the key blank in this process, because it makes it far easier for a locksmith to make a key from a lock. Typically, a locksmith will choose from (or use both) a 6 inch Swiss #4 cut round file or a pippin file. Swiss pattern files connote files that are used to make precision cuts, which is the ideal file for the process of making a key from a lock.

Some locksmiths might opt to use other files than the ones specified here, but these are probably the most ideal because their features make impressioning a breeze. For instance, the Pippin file is best used to shape the cuts in the key blank because it has a rounded section as well as a flat section that can be utilized.

As I pointed out, tension has a huge role to play when a locksmith is attempting to make a key from a lock. As with most of the procedures that a locksmith has to carry out, impressioning requires a fine balance, so it is important to make sure that just the right amount of pressure is applied. Too little will not yield effective results, and too much will potentially damage the key blank and the lock that is being impressioned.

The worst case scenario will leave the key blank broken off in the lock. The use of a small vice grip makes this much easier to accomplish. Ideally, it should be used to hold the key blank in place, and also used as a mechanism for applying the necessary amount of tension.

3. Disassemble the Lock

Disassembling the lock is usually carried out when you cannot cut the key to code, or if you are unsuccessful in your attempt to impression the lock. Locksmiths will usually disassemble the entire lock cylinder to try and reverse engineer the bitting for the key from the alignment and height of the pins within the lock cylinder.

Disassembling the lock is a much harder process for locksmiths to carry out as compared to impressioning the key. However, as I pointed out above, it is not always possible to successfully impression a key and have it work the way it is supposed to, which is why some locksmiths often have to resort to disassembling the lock.

It is important for the lock to be disassembled in a non-destructive way, to ensure that none of the internal mechanisms within the lock cylinder are damaged or thrown out of alignment. Non-destructive entry methods are often used by forensic locksmiths to analyze locks. When dealing with a pin-tumbler lock, locksmiths have to remove the lock from the door it is fitted to in order properly disassemble it.

Due to the absence of an original working key, locksmiths will most likely have to pick the lock in order to properly disassemble it. The purpose of disassembling the lock is to gain access to the pins housed within the cylinder. This will allow a locksmith to take direct measurements of the internal components and pins within the lock cylinder, which allows the locksmith to make a working key from the lock.

Key Takeaways

• For a locksmith to make a key from a lock, they can either attempt to cut a new key to code, impression the lock, or disassemble the lock cylinder to measure its internal components.
• A locksmith will require the use of additional tools to accomplish some of the processes that were discussed above. For instance, a code cutter will be needed to cut a key to code, and files and key blanks will be needed to impression a lock.
• Non-destructive entry methods are ideal when a locksmith is disassembling a lock because you do not to destroy any of the internal components of the lock.
• Keep in mind that a locksmith cannot make a key from a lock for every type of lock that exists.
• Some locks have specific features that deter using a lock to make a key, and it is nearly impossible to have a key made without having access to the original key.
• In some instances, it is much more affordable and expedient to have a locksmith replace your locks, rather than attempting to have a new key made from a lock.

Conclusion

Can a locksmith make a key from a lock? Yes, they can! I hope that the article above has shown you the ways in which this question can be answered, while also exploring some of the limitations that might be faced in a scenario like this. I should point out that you should avoid trying to carry out any these solutions on your own, so that you do not inflict any unwanted damage on your lock. Try not to scratch the DIY itch and allow a locksmith to help you make a key from a lock instead.

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