Wondering whether it’s really necessary to hire a car locksmith in Miami? Here’s what you need to know.

It happens – you get distracted and your car door or trunk shuts with your keys inside. Even pulling on the handle doesn’t help – it’s not going to budge. Looking through the window, you see your keys on the seat or dangling in the ignition. Do you hire a car locksmith, or do you find a way to get the keys yourself?

Hire a Car Locksmith – Is it Worth it?

The answer to whether or not you need a car locksmith is, it depends.

There are ways to get your keys out of your car yourself, but you could end up causing damage that will cost more to repair than calling a car locksmith.

Many car owners use a flat bar to get back into their vehicles. However, without the right experience with this tool, you will end up causing unnecessary damage. What’s more, newer cars can’t be opened in this way.  

You could try breaking a window, but that’s a safety risk and you would need to take time out of your day to get it repaired later on.

Worth it? Probably not.

When to Call a Car Locksmith?

Here are the situations that warrant a car locksmith:

• You’ve Lost Your Car Keys

Your kids may have lost your keys, you dropped them in a store, or they’re in a safe place, but you just can’t find them. Misplacing your keys is one of the first reasons to call a car locksmith. When you simply don’t have more time to keep searching for your keys, a locksmith can unlock the car and assist you with a copy.

• You’ve Locked Your Keys in the Car

Countless people have locked their keys in the car because they weren’t paying attention. Fortunately, a locksmith can meet you at your location and safely unlock your vehicle. 

• Your Key Broke Off in the Door

This is one key-related dilemma you won’t be able to resolve on your own, especially if part of the key is still in the keyhole. A locksmith not only has the right tools to get the key out, but they can help spare your lock too.

• You Purchased a Second-Hand Car

In most instances, when you purchase a second-hand car in Miami, it only has one set of keys. Having a spare set of keys is a must for emergencies and a locksmith can assist you with a copy. 

• Your Transponder Key Locked You Out

Even electronic keys can be temperamental. If your transponder key has locked you out of your vehicle unexpectedly, you will need the help of a locksmith. A flat battery is something you can fix yourself, but you will need a locksmith for any programming-related issues. 

Choosing the Right Car Locksmith

When you need the help of a car locksmith, you want to make sure they have the skills and experience to get the job done right.

A car locksmith should be:

• Experienced. The last thing you want is to pay for a car locksmith who ends up damaging your vehicle. Unfortunately, there are locksmiths out there who don’t have the right experience but are looking to make some quick money. Do a little reading about their experience before you give them a call.
• Available. To avoid getting stuck without a car key, find a locksmith that’s available during and after business hours. Keep their number on hand in the event of a car lock-related emergency.
• Reputable. Reading what past customers have to say about a locksmith will tell you a lot about what you can expect. When researching car locksmiths, pay attention to reviews and endorsements.  In fact, you can even tell a lot about a locksmith by how they communicate over the phone.

Whether you need a car locksmith right away or simply want to have one on call, spending a little time on research can save you both time and money.

If you find yourself locked out of your vehicle, Quickly Locksmith is available 24/7.

Wondering whether your Miami property really needs high-security locks? Here’s our professional opinion.

No matter where you are in Miami, security should always be a top priority. If you’ve been searching for new ways to secure your residential property or commercial building, you may have stumbled across mentions of high-security locks.

In this blog, we will look at what high-security locks are and decide if they’re worth your money.

High-Security Locks 101

To better understand what a high-security lock is, let’s look at their traits:

• High-Quality Materials

High-quality metals are designed to withstand hard impact, which is why high-security locks are heavier than others. Even if it’s designed to prevent picking and drilling, a traditional lock that’s made with cheap metals and plastics is pointless. 

• Drill-Resistant

Drilling is a common way for criminals to access a home or building and once a lock is drilled, there’s no going back. Drilling takes very little physical effort, which is why it’s a preferred choice for gaining entry. High-security locks have anti-drill plates and steel ball-bearings to prevent criminals from accessing a property using a drill. 

• Superior Bolt Strength

Along with using high-quality metal, these locks have stronger bolts too. The stronger the bolt, the harder it is for criminals to use a hammer or battering ram to enter. These superior bolts are designed to withstand brut strength. In fact, it can even stop criminals from sawing the bolt in half. 

• Patented Keyways

Key copies are necessary, but they’re also one of the most common ways for criminals to easily access a home or building. Every key copy you have increases the chances of criminal activity. High-security locks have patented keyways, which means only specific machines can make key copies.  

Are High-Security Locks Worth It?

The answer to this question depends on your needs. If you want extra protection, but would prefer a more affordable solution, high-security locks may not be the right option for you. If you don’t mind paying a bit extra to protect your financial assets, we highly recommend considering high-security locks.

It’s important to keep in mind that high-security locks still need to form part of a comprehensive security plan. Your doors might be more secure, but this won’t stop criminals from using other entry points to gain access to your home. 

When considering changing locks, it helps to get a locksmith to evaluate your home and property. This way, you gain a better understanding of security weaknesses and other solutions you should be considering. 

High-Security Locks for Homes in Miami

High-security locks have the ability to boost your security at home. They’re particularly useful if you have valuables in a specific room that you want to protect.

However, only installing high-security locks is not enough for a residential property. More often than not, criminals gain access via windows and sliding doors too. 

Miami homeowners should also consider deadbolts, security cameras, and outdoor sensors. This way, it will be much harder for criminals to reach your home, let alone get inside. 

High-Security Locks for Commercial Properties in Miami

Commercial property owners can take a slightly different approach in terms of security. Only installing high-security locks makes more sense, mainly because the building already has other measures in place. 

From commercial metal doors to tamper-proof glass, most commercial properties are already relatively secure – high-security locks simply enhance their security. 

Depending on the lock brand you choose and the number of doors you want to secure, the cost of installing high-security locks is manageable. Rekeying is the only other ongoing expense to consider with these locks, especially if there is a high employee turnover rate. 

On the plus side, high-security locks rule out the risk of employees copying keys because of the specific machinery that’s required.

High-Security or Not?

High-security locks are impressive, but whether or not they’re right for you depends on your specific needs and budget. What’s more, installing high-security locks on poor-quality doors also isn’t much use – something else to consider as you make your decision. 

Whether you decide to install high-security locks or make different upgrades to your home or office security, think twice about the locksmiths you use. 

Contact Quickly Locksmith if you need a professional opinion from a reputable team. 

From smartphones to smart cars, technology is rapidly changing our lives and now, our homes. 

Imagine being able to control multiple features in your home without having to be in it. Not only is it convenient, but it enhances your home’s security too. 

If you’ve decided it’s time to make the switch to smart, here are some of the basics you can start with.

Easy Ways to Make Your Home Smart

• Control the Temperature

Smart air conditioners are fast becoming the new norm. Instead of keeping it on and wasting energy and money, you can now program your A/C to keep your home at the perfect temperature for you. Plus, you don’t need to be at home to change the temperature either. Want to come home to a warm and inviting space? Simply program the A/C to turn on 1 hour before you get home. Some systems even let you control your blinds in the event that you want to regulate sunlight or prevent outsiders from seeing in.

• Secure Your Home and Check-In

Access specific areas in your home from wherever you might be. Whether you want to arm your home while you’re away or check your camera system should your alarm be triggered, everything can be done from your phone. All you need is a smartphone and an app. There’s nothing worse than getting a call from a neighbor because your alarm is going off and there’s nothing you can do about it. Being able to remotely arm and disarm your alarm and check your cameras is part of having a smart home. Most of today’s security products can be linked to a smart security app. You just need to speak to your local locksmith or security company to discover what’s possible and necessary. 

• Start Using Voice Commands

Using voice commands to get things done can feel weird at first, but it’s very satisfying. When your home is smart, it’s set up to recognize words and phrases that help you perform tasks. Playing music, searching the internet, and switching on your lights are just a few examples of what systems such as Google Home and Amazon Echo can do. There are even appliances such as the LG refrigerator with SmartThinQ that allow you to control settings and energy usage from your phone. 

• Benefit from Smart Lighting

Smart LED bulbs give you the ability to adjust bulb color, brightness, and turn lights on and off using the sound of your voice. These bulbs do cost slightly more, but if you want the convenience, they’re well worth it. If you wanted to, you could also use an app to control the lights from outside your home – the system simply needs to be connected to your Wi-Fi. 

• Control Your Appliances

Lastly, smart plugs are another easy way to convert your house into a smart home. Using an app, you can easily turn your appliances on and off without having to touch them. You can even automate your appliances if you don’t want to control them yourself. All that’s needed is for the appliance to be plugged into the smart plug in a wall socket. Imagine being able to wake up to freshly brewed coffee without having to get out of bed or being able to switch on lights if your house alarm went off. You could confuse a burglar without having to actually be at home. 

When converting your home, be sure to use a reputable installer. Not only can they advise you on what you do and don’t need, but they can help you get set up securely too. Having a smart home means you need to be aware of potential online security threats, which a reputable installer can assist you with. Not only do smart devices add to the safety and convenience of your home, but they should offer additional peace of mind too.

Thousands of homes are burgled every year, with many criminals using forced entry to gain access. Your locks are one of the first barriers to entry, but are they good enough to keep criminals out?

Deadbolts have become a popular way for homeowners to improve security. In this blog, we will look at whether a deadbolt could benefit your home and how to choose the right lock. 

How Deadbolts Work

A deadbolt is a type of lock that can’t be moved unless you have a key. A metal bar dives into the door frame in order to keep the door secure and any unwanted visitors out. The only way to manoeuvre the bolt is to use a key. 

While a standard spring bolt lock can be moved once the doorknob is unlocked using a key, a deadbolt requires its own key.

Do You Need a Deadbolt?

A deadbolt and spring bolt lock might seem similar, but there is one main difference in terms of security. Spring bolt locks can be pried open because the spring can be released without a key. In fact, even something as simple as a credit card can be used to open these bolts – they’re also quite susceptible to brute force. 

A deadbolt doesn’t have an extension that’s easy to pry open from the outside of a door – they’re also not angled, which also helps. 

In reality, both deadbolts and spring bolts can be picked, but deadbolts are a lot more resilient. 

If you want an extra layer of security or want better protection against forced entry, deadbolts are the way to go. 

Choosing the Right Deadbolt

A standard deadbolt works with a single cylinder and doesn’t have a doorknob on the outside, so you need a key to work the bolt. On the inside, the single cylinder generally has a thumb turn, which can be operated without a key. 

Single cylinder deadbolts do offer extra security, but there are two other options that tend to be more secure.

• Double cylinder deadbolt locks. This type of deadbolt has a key cylinder on either side of the door. There’s no knob on the exterior or the interior, which means criminals aren’t able to use the thumb turn to gain access. In the event of a fire or any other emergency though, you should know exactly where your keys are as you will need them to get out of the house.
• Vertical deadbolt locks. The bar of this deadbolt ends with a set of rings, which mesh with another set of rings on the door frame. A vertical shaft is what slips through these rings to keep the door secured. It’s incredibly difficult to break open a vertical deadbolt. 

Understanding the Lock Grading System

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has created a door lock grading system that many of today’s manufacturers use. Locks can receive one of three grades: 1, 2, or 3, with Grade 1 locks offering the highest level of security. If you’re unsure about how much security your locks currently offer, you can get a locksmith to assist you with a professional evaluation. In fact, you may even want to use this as an opportunity to perform a full security audit – especially if you’ve recently moved into a new home. A professional locksmith can also recommend deadbolt lock brands for your home.

Once you’ve selected the deadbolts and decided where you want to install them, we can assist you. Many people attempt to install deadbolts on their own, but often end up having to call a professional installer anyway – it’s much better to do it right the first time around. Your security is the last thing you should leave to chance.

Owning or managing a residential building or commercial space that still only uses keys could be increasing your security risks. More and more businesses and commercial property owners are making the switch to keyless entry for a number of valid reasons.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the investment, this is what you need to know.

Good Reasons to Make the Switch to Keyless Entry

• Better Access Control

When a building works on keyless entry, you have the ability to disable a card or code with immediate effect. This way, if a tenant defaults or an employee is terminated or quits, there’s no need to wait around for keys to be returned. Knowing certain people won’t have access to your building gives you greater peace of mind. 

• Less Vulnerability

It’s not difficult to duplicate keys and locks, which leaves you more vulnerable to theft and property damage. What’s more, if any of your keys are lost and stolen, having to replace the locks can be time-consuming. Opting for keyless entry will make your property less vulnerable.

• Track Entries

If you want a better way to track who is entering and leaving your building, keyless entry is the way to go. This way, if a security breach ever occurs, these logs will be available to you and can be used to conduct an investigation. 

• New Keys Issues with Ease

If a key card is ever lost, issuing a new one isn’t as complex as cutting a new key for an employee or resident. You also won’t need to change the locks and issuing new keys to everyone, which can be costly. There’s also no reason to worry about whether or not you locked up. Keyless systems can be accessed from a mobile device, so you can easily check the status of your locks. 

• One Key for Multiple Access Points

Another reason why commercial property and business owners are going keyless is because they only need to issue one key per person. One card can be set up to access multiple doors and areas of a building. 

• Duplication is Difficult

While traditional keys are easy to duplicate at a local hardware store, it’s next to impossible to duplicate a key card – at least without expensive and sophisticated equipment at least. Using keycards instead of traditional keys instantly makes your building more secure.

• Save on Costs

It’s not always cheap to have to issue multiple keys to every employee. Switching to a keyless entry system will be a lot less expensive, especially in the long run. You can easily change key codes as and when you need to, so no need to worry about changing locks. 

• Installation is Simple

Keyless entry systems do not require complex installation equipment. An attachment is added to your existing doors, which is what will work with the key card. You could also get employees to punch in a code if you prefer not to use card. Since the system operates remotely, you won’t require additional equipment to keep it running. 

• No Need for Additional Identification

If your employees already need to carry or wear identification, there’s no need to provide them with an additional card to carry. Employee identification card can be combined with their keyless entry cards, which minimizes changes and keeps your property protected. They always need to have their IDs and their keycards with them anyway, so this makes perfect sense.

• Security Integration

If you have surveillance equipment or an existing security system in place, this can be integrated with your keyless entry system. This way, if anyone enters a specific area or building when they shouldn’t be there, an alarm will be sounded. There’s also the option of automatically having your security system switch off should authorized personnel enter the room or building. This is an ideal time to reevaluate your surveillance and security system if you haven’t done so in a while. 

If you do decide to go the keyless entry route, make sure that you find a reputable locksmith to assist you. Doing so will help maintain the security of your building or place of business and ensure everything is working as it should.

Locksmiths should be professionals you can trust. Unfortunately, not all locksmiths are the same, not in terms of service, price, and quality anyway.

While we at Quickly Locksmiths have spent years building a sound reputation in the Miami area, other locksmiths are known to take advantage of their customers.

Because we want to make sure that you are protected and feel safe, we’ve outlined some of the most common locksmith scams, so that you know what to avoid.

Avoiding Common Locksmith Scams

Here are a few things to be wary of when searching for a locksmith for your home or business. 

• Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices

Being locked out of your house is a terrible feeling. It’s also a situation that some locksmiths take advantage of. When you’re searching for a locksmith to help you get back into your home, look out for low prices that seem too good to be true. All too often, a locksmith will list services at a very low price on their website, only to leave you with a bill worth a few hundred dollars. Keep in mind that these low prices are usually just the consultation fee, not the fee for the work that needs to be done. Before you get a locksmith to come through to your home, ask for a full quote. If they can’t quote you without seeing what needs to be done, don’t let them start any work without giving you a quote first. Obviously, you do want to get back into your home, but this doesn’t mean you need to pay an exorbitant price to do so.

• Vague Quotations

When you start getting quotations from locksmiths for work that’s required at your home or place of business, be sure to take a closer look. Some locksmiths tend to leave out all the costs associated with a job so that the client will accept the initial quotation. Before you tell a locksmith to go ahead, find out whether the quotation includes all the necessary costs. In fact, find out exactly what the quotation includes if the descriptions are very vague. 

• Unnecessary Costs

When it comes to installing a new lock or rekeying a lock, locksmiths tend to charge per keyhole/cylinder. This can range anywhere from $15 to $30 per keyhole but some locksmiths have a flat service fee, which could change the price. Make sure that a locksmith isn’t charging you to replace the existing pins when rekeying a lock – this is unnecessary. There have also been many instances of locksmiths claiming a lock is broken, so they can’t rekey it without replacing the entire lock. If your current key is able to lock and unlock the door, there’s no need to replace everything just to rekey. 

• Misleading Proximities

Some locksmiths will base their call-out fee on their proximity to you. Before you accept a quotation that includes this fee, find out exactly where they’re located and what they charge per mile so that you can calculate these travel costs yourself.

• Questionable Reputations

Most people will turn to a search engine when looking for a locksmith near them. This highlights the importance of building a strong online reputation. The more reviews a locksmith has and the more positive they are, the more likely it is that you will hire them to assist you. Unfortunately, a number of locksmiths aren’t building their online reputations in an ethical way. Before you contact a locksmith, have a browse through their reviews. If there are several glowing reviews in between very negative reviews, something might be off. It’s easy to get friends and family members to post reviews instead of waiting for customers to leave their own. Along with checking reviews on Google, take a look at their reviews on Facebook too. Another way that you can make sure you’re dealing with a reputable brand is to call them up and see how helpful and friendly they are over the phone – does their demeanor match their reviews? 

Outlining these scams is not meant to make you suspicious of every locksmith in Brickell Miami, it just helps to know what red flags to look out for. 

If you want assistance from a reputable locksmith with a sound reputation in the Miami area, contact Quickly Locksmiths today.