Locksmiths are often called in moments of distress, but there might be more reasons to call one than you think. Professional locksmiths can handle a wide spectrum of lock and key issues, from simple lockouts to high-tech smart lock installations.
They can find creative ways to prevent your home or business from break-ins and vandalism. If you have any lock emergencies in the Bradford area, companies like Lock & Key can provide fast and effective solutions, but how and when exactly should they be called out? In this approved guide, we'll discuss common reasons to call out a locksmith Bradford, as well as unique ways that they can improve your overall home security.
Lockouts are aggravating no matter the circumstances. There's nothing more frustrating than returning to your home late at night just to find that you've been locked out. Luckily, you can quickly get help from a local locksmith. Many local locksmith agencies, such as Lock & Key, operate 24/7 and can send a professional to your door within roughly an hour of your call.
Did you know that 38% of adults in the UK get locked out of their homes at least once per year? Lockouts are the most common reason to call a locksmith, and they can often be fixed in just a few minutes, depending on the complexity of the lock.
Burglaries affect thousands of homes every year in the UK. Not only can break-ins result in a loss of possessions, but they can leave you feeling insecure and powerless. Should you be the unfortunate victim of a burglary, professional locksmiths can be there when you need them. Locksmiths can work with local authorities and charities to provide burglary repairs, sometimes free of cost. They can assist with boarding up broken windows and doors and can replace damaged locks with new, high-security models.
There are other times when you cannot enter your home, like in the instance of a key break. Most door keys are durable and can withstand years of use, but they can get worn down and break inside the lock. Certain factors can impact the longevity of keys, such as temperature, the type of metal the key or lock consists of, and the amount of force used. Removing a stuck key can be difficult because of the pin-locking system within the mechanism, but a locksmith can remove it using special key extraction tools.
In the event that your key has been stolen, locksmiths can provide easy lockout assistance, but they can also create a key profile for your lock. This allows the locksmith to cut a blank key to match your lock, immediately providing you with a replacement key.
If you’ve just moved to a new location, it’s highly recommended that you change the locks on your doors. Spare keys are often given out to friends and families by homeowners and tenants, often with good intentions. It’s a good idea to change your locks shortly after moving in to prevent those with a spare key from dropping by unannounced.
Not only can replacing your locks protect your home, but you can also see some insurance benefits. Insurance companies require you to describe the locks on your doors, and certain insurance-approved locks can reduce your monthly insurance premiums. Similarly, a lack of adequate home security can increase your premiums. In some cases, insurance companies can deny pay-outs in claims where a home with poor front locks is burgled.
If you plan to replace your locks, consider reaching out to local locksmith agencies. These companies can send a locksmith who can identify the type of lock necessary to protect your home. Replacing your locks on your own is doable with certain locks, but you risk improperly fitting the lock, potentially invalidating your insurance policy in the process. For this reason, it’s a good idea to reach out to a professional for all installations.
Similar to key breaks, locks are susceptible to breaking. It’s not uncommon for a pin to break, a door component to fail, or a key to get eroded past the point of working. These issues are annoying when they happen, and they leave your home vulnerable to break-ins.
Repairing a lock can be extremely difficult to perform on your own, which is why it’s advisable to call a professional locksmith to handle all lock issues. Locksmiths are aware of nearly every style and model of lock, and they typically have new locks on hand if a replacement is needed.
When it comes to home security technology, the market has never been more diverse. With advanced home security products available, you can customise your home security to meet your exact needs. Rather than settling for a standard cylinder lock, you can upgrade to digital locks for an added layer of safety. Smart locks can be installed and operated using Bluetooth technology, even giving you the option to use biometric data to lock and unlock it!
There are also many options for CCTV and home security systems. You can retrofit your property with motion sensors, alarms, and even security cameras that can be operated from your phone.
Selecting the right lock or security system can be overwhelming, which is why we recommend reaching out to a qualified locksmith for assistance. Locksmiths aren’t just lock experts; they have a robust working knowledge of all types of security systems. They can come out to your home to provide a comprehensive survey, inspecting your home’s layout to identify security vulnerabilities. From there, they can make informed recommendations for security enhancements to protect you, your loved ones, and your possessions.
You might be surprised to see so many uses for a locksmith. It’s important to remember that they can assist with far more than simple lockouts. The type of lock you have makes a great bit of difference when it comes to your home security, and locksmiths can be your best friend for lock upgrades. When it’s time to change or install a lock, locksmiths can provide fast, effective installations that simplify the process. They can also assist with key extractions, key replacements, and even key profiling to create new keys from scratch. In the event of emergencies, locksmiths can be called out to assist with burglary repairs and vandalism. Therefore, remember the full scope of locksmith services the next time you have a lock or key-related issue. You might be surprised by what your friendly neighbourhood locksmith can accomplish!
