GARAGE DOOR LOCKS; ADDITIONAL SECURITY

You may be surprised at how many people are completely unaware of garage door locks and how they are used. This is why Wake Forest Locksmith has added this post; to show more of our readers just how useful and easy to implement garage door locks can be.

Our Wake Forest, NC customers often call us for lock installations and upgrades. They are interested in increasing security at their homes and businesses and with good reason. Crime is on the upswing and anything that folks can do to increase their safety and protection is a good thing. Often, they don’t know that there are locks available that can protect their garage doors from unwanted intruders.

What’s the big deal?

It’s a garage already! What’s the big deal? So someone gets in; they still don’t have a key to my car! These are excuses; plain and simple. Your garage is a very important room and well worth protecting. Not only do you store your cars and other motorized vehicles there, but also other items like garden tools, water heater, benches, cabinets, water softener, bicycles, lawn mowers, ATV’s and other items of value. These are your possessions and should be secure from burglars, nosy neighbors, home invaders and anyone else that is not invited inside.

Another little known fact is that your garage is a direct doorway INTO your home itself. Think about it. If your garage is easy to access and re-close, then it hides the robber while he picks open or simply walks into your home. A crook can not only break-in and rob you, he can do it in relative privacy and comfort while being shielded by your now closed again garage door! Even if you always lock your door leading from the garage into your home, it can be picked or bumped open with no one seeing or hearing from outside the home!

The solution; garage door locks!

Sure, you can add fancy alarm systems or video surveillance to your home, but there’s a simpler and more economical option – garage door locks! These handy and easy to access locks are both affordable and easy to install. You can often do the work yourself by following the simple instructions that come with the lock when you purchase it. You can also go online and watch any number of YouTube videos on the subject. Doing this adds the advantage of seeing garage door locks in video presentation as well as being able to observe installation and application methods.

How about a locksmith?

Calling a local Wake Forest, NC lock and key professional is never a bad idea! Not only can you enjoy same day service along with a vast array of garage door lock models and brands, you get the added benefits of affordable pricing and superior quality workmanship that you know was done right.

Slide locks

Garage door slide locks are sometimes called latch locks. These are the most common forms of garage door locks for home and business use. Don’t let their simplicity fool you; these locks work. They use a latch that slides directly from the garage door into a pre-cut opening in the garage door track. When you add the lock into place, it stops the garage door from rising inside the vertical track. Now, wasn’t that simple? Be warned however; if your slide lock is in place and you try to open your garage door with the remote, you can burn out your opener motor in the process. We’ve heard stories about roommates or family members that applied the lock and forgot to tell anyone; woops!

Garage door T handle-lock

You’ve seen these hundreds of times, but you may not have known what you were seeing. These locks are installed on the outside of the garage door and have a special T shape to them. Inside the garage door itself, there are two bolts and a cable apparatus that work together to secure your garage door when locked. The two bolts are secured to the garage door’s vertical track and when the T handle is turned, the door is unlocked via the cables. Like any other lock, you can only turn the T handle with once a key is used so there’s no worries about anyone outside your garage locking or unlocking your door without your permission (or key!).

The J Arm Lock

Your garage door may already have a lock on it. If you have an automatic garage door opener, it has a built-in feature called the J Arm Lock. This lock activates when the garage door is closed as the operator arm on the trolley locks into place. This is why you just can’t manually open the garage door once closed. This is what you unlock when you manually disconnect the garage door from the opener by pulling the red cord.

Decisions; which to get?

That’s up to you, but you can get assistance to help you decide by calling a local Wake Forest, NC locksmith shop that offers full service home and automotive locksmith services on a round the clock basis. Your locksmith shop of choice can offer you a vast selection of garage door locks from leading brands at affordable prices and often with same day installation. Many shops (including ours!) also offer free consultations that can allow you to make the best lock selection decision regarding your home or business garage door.

What else can you do to secure your garage?

Here are some additional garage door security tips that when used, go hand-in-hand with your newly installed garage door locks to enhance your overall security and protection. Start by trimming any outgrown trees, bushes or hedges near your garage door or front door. This not only makes your property more attractive, it helps reduce places where someone can observe you and your comings and goings. You can also install a motion activated security light over either one or both of these doors so that they turn on whenever someone is moving about near them.

WHY YOU SHOULD KEEP A SAFE IN YOUR HOME

You’re Better Safe Than Sorry!

Businesses, banks, and billionaires have safes. But why should regular people like us keep a safe? If you live in a comfortable neighborhood, you may view a safe as unnecessary. On the other hand, if you’re in an unpredictable area, you’re probably at least curious about what kind of safe you should have. You might still be wondering: What would I put in my safe, anyway? Actually, there are a number of good reasons to buy a home safe ~ some of which may not have occurred to you.

Just about everybody owns valuable objects of some sort, cherished heirlooms, important documents, and collectibles. Why risk misplacing or losing them? Here are some critical points to consider:

Prevent theft. A safe prevents a thief from stealing your beloved possessions. Guarding your prized items inside a safe will give you peace of mind. What if you often throw parties at your place? Do you have a lot of house guests? When groups of people come to your home, you cannot possibly keep an eye on everyone. Therefore, it’s a comfort to know that your irreplaceable items will remain unscathed inside your safe.

You’ll always know where your stuff is. If you are prone to misplacing your things, keep your important items in a safe, and you’ll never lose them again.

Protect against fire. In case of fire, a high-quality safe will defend whatever is inside from destruction. What would happen if you were to lose these fundamental items to fire?

• your will
• safe deposit box keys or other important keys that you use rarely
• passports
• copies of your driver’s licenses or other identification cards and papers
• mortgage records
• rare coins or stamps
• birth certificates
• insurance papers for filing a possible claim
• documents regarding any properties you own
• tax records
• a list of family doctors with contact information
• emergency cash
• pharmacy and prescription medication information
• outstanding loans and other debt records
• bank account information
• powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, & living wills
• retirement plans
• investment documents
• funeral arrangements
• titles to all your vehicles

A shield against floods. If a flood should come, or any type of water-related disaster, when you have the proper safe, whatever is inside it will stay intact.

A safe is superior to a safety deposit box. You may figure that a safety deposit box kept at your bank is a lot better than a safe you have at your home. However, a home safe really does give you a few advantages:

• You have 24/7 access, rather than just during office hours.
• Believe it or not, at a bank, the contents of a safe deposit box are almost never insured. But your home safe’s items will typically be covered by your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
• Any cash kept inside a safety deposit box is not FDIC-insured.
• With a home safe, you’ll make a one-time investment, rather than paying a monthly charge.
• Your home is fully private, rather than public. Anytime you wish, you can take items out, and put them back in.
• Upon the death of a loved one, if you are the beneficiary, you may assume you can open that person’s safe deposit box; but the truth is, a bank will routinely seal a safety deposit box as soon as it receives a death certificate, which means you won’t be allowed to open it until the estate representatives give the court papers to the bank.

Keep your family out of harm’s way. If you own weapons, it’s imperative that you prevent them from falling into the hands of a child or intruder. Avoid danger and tragedy: Don’t allow anyone but you to gain access to your guns, knives, explosives, axes, or any other harmful items.

Restore computer data. Of course, you must always store backups of everything on your computer. Furthermore, when you keep all the data in your safe as well, if you ever encounter computer glitches of any kind, your files will be totally retrievable. If your computer ever suffers a complete hard-drive crash, you’ll be able to restore everything from your backup in the safe.

Preserve family photographs. You can keep digital copies of all your treasured family photos in your home safe, and also keep any older family photos. Such photographic memories are virtually otherwise irreplaceable.

Do your homework. Conduct in-depth research so you can land upon the best safe for your home. Ask yourself the following:

• Where’s the most secure location in your home to place the safe?
• How big does the safe need to be?
• Look at the industry standards for water-resistance and fire-resistance levels.
• Do you want your safe to be hidden or visible?
• Industry guidelines indicate the security rating for each safe manufacturer. What level of security is right for your situation? Do you want a basic combination lock, or something more sophisticated, such as a retina scan, or any features in between? Do you want a mere metal box? Or something significantly anchored?
• What company will you be able to contact if you face technical problems?
• Which individuals will you trust to know how to open the safe?
• Are there any additional factors to consider for the proper protection of your specific items ~ such as temperature, humidity, light, and so forth?
• What’s your backup plan, should someone misplace the information necessary to open your safe?

For sure, a home safe gives you countless benefits. Safes are available in many different sizes, brands, and types. If you have any concerns regarding which safe you ought to purchase, and you live anywhere in Wake Forest, North Carolina, consider bringing all your questions to the mobile safe experts on staff at Wake Forest Locksmith, where you can request a free consultation before deciding which safe will be the perfect one for you.

Wake Forest Locksmith: What To Do When Dealing With Ignition Cylinder Problems

Wake Forest Locksmith in Wake Forest, NC has dealt with so many problematic ignition cylinders before that they have put together information for those dealing with issues who want advice. This information can help you no matter where you are located. If you’re in this part of North Carolina, be sure to call our team for assistance with your vehicle and its locks and keys. If you’re located anywhere else throughout the United States, a search on the Internet for the best locksmith in your city should reveal plenty of good results. Now, here is the information you need on problematic ignition cylinders and what you should do if you start to experience issues. This information can help you to prevent having to have your entire ignition cylinder replaced, so long as you pay attention to your vehicle and have any maintenance carried out as needed.

What is the Ignition Cylinder?

This is the key and the cylindrical tumbler that one uses to start their car. Some cars nowadays utilize keyless power and push button starting systems, but if you haven’t purchased in a vehicle in the last couple of years, you likely have a traditional ignition cylinder. Normally, you can find the lock cylinder directly to the right of the steering wheel. Occasionally, it is situated elsewhere. The cylinder works by using four positions. When you first put the key in and move it up a notch, you are unlocking the steering wheel. When you lift it another notch, you are turning on the accessories of the car, such as the radio and dashboard lights. When you turn it up to the third position, you are turning on the fuel system and last, when you turn the key and hold it all of the way, you are powering the engine. Normally, this is a very convenient system but occasionally, people end up having problems with their vehicle’s ignition cylinder. Read on for information about indications of issues.

Signs of Problems

Does your key get stuck in your car’s ignition at times? Have you had to loosen it by wiggling it around in order to get it out? Does your car sometimes not start? Does your key sometimes not go into the ignition at all? These are all signs that something is wrong. If you’re having problems powering on the car, it could be the result of wear and tear inside the ignition cylinder. Why? Because when you turn a key inside of the cylinder so many times, it will eventually begin to show signs of wear and tear, just like anything else will. If it is worn out at all, then it might not work the way that it was designed to when a key is placed inside. If you notice that your key works and does its job when it is in certain positions inside of the ignition cylinder, then it is very likely an indication of wear and tear.

Does your vehicle just not start at all? If you have determined that this has nothing to do with a dead or dying battery, then it could be the ignition cylinder itself. This is because the ignition lock cylinder is hooked up to an electronic ignition switch, and they together are used to start the vehicle. You should have an expert check to figure out why you are dealing with a “no start condition” because there are numerous reasons as to why this might occur. Sometimes, however, it is because of a problematic ignition cylinder.

If you are having problems removing or inserting your key, then there might be something wrong with your ignition cylinder. This could be because of wear and tear, as previously mentioned. When the key is placed inside, the cylinder might get jammed because of excessive wear. This can also happen when you are trying to remove the key.

Now that you know of common problems that can come up, what are you supposed to do? Before getting on the phone with your dealership, a mechanic or a local locksmith in your area, check to see if there is any debris inside of the ignition lock cylinder. Make sure that if the car isn’t starting, the problem isn’t actually just a dead battery. Once you have determined that the problem is definitely the ignition lock cylinder, you should call an expert. If your key is stuck right now, you can try wiggling it around gently to loosen it, but do not yank it as you will likely end up causing further damage. It is understandable that if you are in your driveway with your key stuck in the ignition, you will want to get it out, because it is likely on the same key ring as your house key. Just be cautious and be sure to avoid yanking the key. Moving the steering wheel slowly from side to side might also help to loosen and release the key. A locksmith such as Wake Forest Locksmith in Wake Forest, North Carolina is able to provide services such as broken key extraction as well as ignition cylinder replacement. There is sure to be a lock and security professional in your area that is willing to come to your location to remove the key for you, or to replace the ignition cylinder with something new.

Look Up A Locksmith

This is a problem which will likely eventually become eliminated completely as more and more vehicles are equipped with keyless access. But until then, it is a good idea to keep the contact information of a locksmith saved in your area. Many lock and security providers offer an abundance of automotive security solutions, and many of them offer better prices than mechanics and dealerships, depending on the issue. Do your research and make sure to hire someone reputable, licensed and insured in your area. Best of luck if you are dealing with a problematic ignition lock cylinder!

 

Is Having a Key Replaced Better Than Having It Rekeyed

If you’ve ever had to have a lock re-keyed or replaced, you likely couldn’t determine which was best if you didn’t quite know what they entailed. Let us first start by saying that whether you’re having locks re-keyed or replaced, you’ll need the help of a reputable and trustworthy locksmith service in Wake Forest, NC, like Wake Forest Locksmith. The reason for this are obvious, you want the job to be performed correctly and you want to know that they are not going to leave the job half done so that they can break-in later. It is possible for you to save money on the services that you require from a locksmith service. If you’re trying to determine if you should have some locks re-keyed or replaced; here are a few things to consider when making a final decision.

Having Locks Re-Keyed

In order to rekey a lock, the cylinder and springs inside the lock are removed and replaced with new ones. If you have a door that will lock that will not turn, having the lock rekeyed usually works. In some cases, the lock will work better once it has been rekeyed.

Why Rekey a Lock 

If you have a specific key that is supposed to open a specific lock and it doesn’t you can have the lock rekeyed and it should work. It is necessary to do this even when your changing ownership of a home. If you have given others access to your home, such as a previous tenant, make sure to have the locks rekeyed. In some instances, there is a master construction key. This has master pins that enable multiple locks to be opened.  There can be at least 16 keys that will open a single home lock if it has master pins left in the lock. Having a lock rekeyed eliminates the possibility of duplicating the key with master pins in them.

Having a lock rekeyed allows a locksmith to assess the lock and its locking capability. This means they are able to let you know whether or not the lock can be rekeyed or if it has to be replaced. There are often things that can be done to avoid having a lock replaced. You may only need to lubricate the lock in order for them to begin working again. If this doesn’t work and the problem appears more serious, it might just be in your best interest to have the lock completely replaced.

Most people would contact a professional locksmith service to rekey their lock but quite honestly; this is something that you can do yourself. Many manufacturers are designing locks that you can rekey on your own. The easiest type of lock to rekey is generally those that do not have to be completely taken apart. If you have a lock that has to be disassembled, it will have lots of tiny pieces that could easily be lost or complicated to figure out. The manufacturers that make it easy offer locks without a lot of parts that you have to reassemble.

Having a Lock Replaced

When you have a key that you have had rekeyed and it is still problematic, it is time to have the lock replaced rather than having it rekeyed again. If it will not perform efficiently, let it go and move on to the next best thing. Having a lock replaced can be at your advantage in more ways than one. Not only does it offer you the security you need but you are forced to do something that needs to be done regularly anyway. If you are one to put off doing things like this, now you have no choice. When investing in new locks, just make sure you find one that is a high-grade lock that is solid and offers durability.

Some homeowners just want to replace their locks for a new look. Some buy lever handle locks because they are not just attractive but they are easy to use. This is one of the most commonly installed types of locks used today. You may already know that a deadbolt lock is a great investment considering its level of durability. It can be installed with an interior thumb turn lock and work for added protection. Electronic locks are also a very good option considering that these high-tech locks are now more affordable than ever. They also offer a superior range of convenience.

If you contact a reputable and trustworthy locksmith service in Wake Forest, NC, they will be able to make an evaluation of the locks in question and help you determine the best course of action. Although rekeying locks can be inexpensive, this is not always what is suggested, based on their findings. However, if you are told that you should have locks replaced, it would certainly be in your best interest to do so if you wish to remain safe within your home. Don’t waste your hard earned money on inefficient service providers, instead, contact the services of a locksmith who has a good reputation for providing its customers with good, solid workmanship. The quality of work that is offered by a professional locksmith services is usually better than just your old run-of-the-mill locksmith with no certifications or qualifications. While we would never tell you not to hire a handyman, we would just suggest that when it comes to your safety and security, you hire someone who has received professional locksmith training. This ensures you of the job being performed correctly. Never take chances when it comes to your safety and security.

When you depend on the services of a professional locksmith to rekey your locks, they will usually be able to offer you the best quality of hardware available. They are known for being able to give their customers the hardware that not even a local hardware store would be able to offer. This is a good reason to rely on a locksmith for your rekeying needs.

Wake Forest Locksmith – Live Stream

Watch on YouTube here: Wake Forest Locksmith – Live Stream
Via https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEMA0VoN2RI2LzROY2OITXg/videos

Symptoms of Car Ignition Problems

Symptoms of Car Ignition Problems

“Start your engines!” What an exciting command! We have our car ignition systems to thank for that; without a working ignition, our vehicles are staying put! Wake Forest Locksmith offers easy and simple tips to deal with ignition problems so keep reading to see how best to deal with yours!

Car ignitions used to simply supply the electrical current to the ignition system while the engine was being cranked. This of course, started the car. Ignitions still do that however nowadays they also supply electricity through an accessory switch so that other car components like your windshield wipers, radio, power windows, GPS system, power seats, air conditioning, headlights and other items can operate. It all “boils down” to this; your car’s ignition system is a very complicated electronic device which allows you to activate the starting system as well as the dozen or so power components of your modern day car.

The more systems to operate, the more parts to manufacture, install and repair when they break down! One of our Wake Forest Locksmith customers even has windshield wipers on his headlights! All of these luxuries and conveniences are great, as long as your ignition works. It’s when it doesn’t that problems can arise.

Indicators That You Have Ignition Problems

So how do you know if your ignition is acting up? Today’s cars have so many parts, wires, motors and accessories that sometimes it’s hard to tell just what needs service, repair or replacement! See if any of these indicators sound like your car’s situation.

The engine won’t turn over – this is hands down the most obvious sign that your ignition is having a problem. If you inserted your ignition key, turned the switch to START and it wouldn’t turn, or nothing happened, then you most likely have ignition problems.

No Radio Signal – this is often considered a sign that the battery is dead or run down. First of all, check to see if your volume is turned down. Many a Wake Forest NC repair shop has been called for battery replacement when all that was needed was to turn the volume up. Do your lights and radio still work but the car won’t start? It’s not the battery!

Engine Keeps Turning Over – if your vehicle’s engine turns over and over in a desperate attempt to start then your ignition system is in trouble. There may be shorts in the electrical system that is causing the problem. This is easy to determine by testing with a multimeter unit.

Car Idles Then Dies Out – If your car is running but not moving, like at a stop sign, and then dies out, the problem is most likely your ignition. Get service for it as soon as possible as a faulty ignition is NOT safe and can cause serious accidents if it chokes out on the freeway or in heavy traffic.

Key Is Stuck – is your ignition key stuck and the car won’t start? Before you call for a mechanic or a locksmith, check to see if your steering wheel is just locked! Try jiggling the wheel back and forth while gently trying to remove the key or start the car. Notice we said “gently” – the last thing you need now is a broken off key in addition to your ignition problems.

One More Test – do this and see if any warning signs turn on; turn your ignition to the ON position but don’t start the car. Now, what do you see? Did the oil and brake lights turn on as well as the dashboard lights? Keep track of what are seeing. If you wind up calling Wake Forest Locksmith or any full service Wake Forest NC lock and key shop, the more symptoms you can describe the better. Do you hear a rapid clicking sound when trying to start the engine? This means that your starter motor is trying to engage with your battery and it’s not working due to a low charge. In addition to the clicking sounds, your dashboard lights will be very dim if they come on at all. It’s very important that your ignition be set to PARK and nothing else! Your car simply won’t start if the gear is in any other position. Check to make sure before you call for professional help!

Be Extra Careful!

All of these automotive components deal in one way or another with electricity, so please take extra care when working with wires, battery charges, starter switches and metal tools. If you have experience in dealing with automotive mechanics, you are probably fine, but if not; be sure to call someone who does like an automotive locksmith in Wake Forest.

Get Qualified Help

This doesn’t mean your 13 year old cousin that is trying to learn auto mechanics. When you’re sick; you call a doctor. When the plumbing goes out; you call a plumber. There’s NO reason to deviate from using a professional now! If you think auto repair is expensive, well, it CAN be! Just because you turn to the experts doesn’t mean that you have to pay huge repair bills!

Auto repair shops and car dealer service departments are known to be expensive and often, they “just so happen” to find a damaged wire or crack in the engine (wink, wink).  Compound this with the fact that since your ignition switch is out, your car doesn’t run; and these guys don’t make house calls! That translates into tow fees for you in addition to your repair charges.

Wake Forest Locksmith offers a better way. Our rates are affordable and our service is completely mobile; saving you tow charges and service area waits that last seemingly FOREVER! Our insured, licensed and bonded technicians are experienced, friendly and available to you all day, and all night long! You need your car and you need it to run reliably and safely. Using the right Wake Forest, NC ignition cylinder specialists will make sure that you still can!

WHEN YOU FACE PROBLEMS WITH LOCKS AND KEYS, HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO

We may not think about them much, but actually, keys and locks ~ residential, automotive, and commercial ~ play a big role in our personal and business lives, throughout the day and all through the night. We truly don’t give locks and keys a second thought…until that one time…when an emergency arises! A lockout emergency, or any other challenge you encounter with keys and locks, is always exasperating, and certainly never convenient. But there’s no reason to despair. There are many things you can do to avoid most of the hassles that could occur with locks and keys, and to keep yourself secure.

How to Handle Broken & Stuck Keys

Slow down. Don’t hurry with your keys! If you rush, you may find yourself stalled in your tracks, because your key has broken off in the lock! Take a few extra seconds with your key, and you’ll save yourself grief in the future.

If you’re unlucky enough to have your key break inside the lock before you shut the door, you won’t be able to lock it, which will leave your home, place of business, or vehicle vulnerable to burglary. If you break a key off in the lock mechanism after you’ve closed the door, you will probably be unable to open the door again. Obviously, a broken key can also cause damage to the lock itself.

• If you can see part of the key is stuck inside of the lock, it might be possible to get it out. If there’s enough of the key visible, you may be able to pull it out with your fingers, or with a pair of needle-nose pliers. However, if there’s any damage, then it’s time to call a professional locksmith.

• If you cannot see any part of the key sticking out of the lock, it’s risky, because you may cause damage, but it may still be worth it to try pulling out the broken key. Get a flathead screwdriver that’s small enough to fit into the keyhole. Pry the key inside to the point where it slightly comes out of the lock. Then you may just be able to remove it with pliers or your fingers.

Preventive Maintenance for Your Locks

If you keep your locks well maintained, you will rarely need to call a locksmith. Keep an eye out for:

• any difficulty turning the key in the lock
• rust
• wear and tear
• any trouble sticking the key into the lock mechanism

Here’s what you can do to prolong the life of your locks:

• General lubrication. Twice annually, apply a silicone-based lubricant spray to the keyholes. Or, lubricate anytime you notice any grinding or excess friction in the lock.

• If your key doesn’t turn, don’t fret. Sometimes the pins get jammed. You may not need a locksmith at all, if you try spraying the lock mechanism with WD-40 or silicone spray. Often this will solve the problem, so it’s worth a shot.

• Replace your keys periodically. Our keys take quite a beating, as we jam them in and out of lock mechanisms many times per day, throw them around a lot, and keep them who knows where. So if you notice that your keys are starting to wear down, it’s time to make a new key. Be sure to toss out old ones.

Take Extra Security Measures

Depending on your location and living circumstances, if you’re feeling vulnerable at your place of residence or at your business, there are many ways to give yourself more peace of mind.

Professional locksmiths recommend you install deadbolts. When you replace your locks with deadbolts, consider the various types, and choose the one that’s right for you. For instance, if you have a window on or near your door, a thumbturn deadbolt isn’t going to do you much good, because a thief can knock out the glass, reach a hand in, and turn. To prevent a break-in, get a double-cylinder deadbolt lock, which requires a key on the inside. Whatever deadbolt you choose, be sure they’re correctly installed. A deadbolt should have at least a 1” throw. On the strike side, there should be a security plate with screws at least 3” long, which goes all the way into the door’s wooden frame. To understand all your options, consult with a locksmith professional who’s glad to answer all your questions.

Here are some more ways to provide additional safety and security:

• use only reputable prime-quality brands, at least a grade 2

• install an alarm system

• keep your valuables and important papers in a safe

• hire only a local, trusty expert locksmith ~ bonded, background-checked, insured,

• certified, and licensed
• use magnetic locks
• install and keypad system or use keyless remotes

When Is It Time to Change the Locks?

• A new home. If you’ve just moved into a new place of residence, then change the locks as soon as possible. You never know who could still have their old keys.

• New roommates or tenants. The same rules that apply to your home apply to rentals. If you rent out space in your home or your apartment, or if you have rental properties of any sort, you must replace locks every single time you change occupants. Even if the last tenants returned their keys, you can’t be totally certain that there aren’t extra copies floating around out there.

• After a break-in. All outdoor locks, which would allow access to an intruder, must be replaced immediately. You may prefer to replace any inside locks too, according to your personal security priorities.

• Lost keys. If you have lost your keys beyond a doubt, then change your locks right away. You simply don’t want the possibility of a stranger gaining access to your home.Despite our best efforts, an occasion may arise when a professional locksmith is required. If you reside anywhere in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and you have any trouble with locks and keys, the good news is, Wake Forest Locksmith is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week to respond in an instant.