If you’ve got a commercial building, it’s certainly vital to protect the crucial documents, sensitive data, and irreplaceable valuables pertaining to your company. A proper safe is often the correct strategy for most businesses.
With so many types of safes and safe locks available, how do you choose the best one for your needs? It’s important to do your research, asking the right questions:
1 What is the value of the items you’ll be keeping in your safe?
How valuable your items are will obviously affect the level of security required.
The standard categories of safe classes play a role in your insurance coverage and claims. The coverage increases along with the class of the safe. The class of a safe ~ from TL15 (approximately $150,000 of coverage) to TRTL60X6 (approximately $2 million or more of coverage) ~ is determined by:
tool resistance (the level of resistance to a thief’s picking tools, carbide drills, hand tools, and mechanical or electric tools);
torch resistance;
time testing (how long it takes a safe cracker to break in); and
area testing (how easy it is to get in the front door, or all the sides).
A TL15 rating means that the door of the safe can successfully resist entry for a net assault time of 15 minutes by a thief with common hand tools, drills, grinders, picking tools, mechanical or portable electric tools, or pressure devices. Most business owners prefer a safe of class TL30 or higher, which means a safe that’s time-tested to at least 30 minutes or more.
2 What kind of safe do you need?
An office safe is common for restaurants and retailers. Freestanding or bolted to the floor, this kind of safe usually has a fairly high fire rating. This is also a safe that can’t be opened by repeated dropping.
With a depository safe (also called a drop safe), is another popular safe used by many restaurants and retail businesses. You can drop cash, or other small items, such as receipts or keys, into the safe through a small door at the top of your safe, which doesn’t allow access to the main safe compartment. The only way to get the door open is by inputting the correct credentials.
An in-floor safe is hidden in concrete, which adds an extra level of security. One drawback is that fire protection will be minimal, because there’s no fire board to dissipate the heat. Therefore, if you need to protect any cash or crucial papers, you should choose a burglar-fire safe, a free-standing composite-fire safe, or a high-security burglar-fire safe, with a 1- to 2-hour fire rating. Be sure to anchor it into a concrete floor with bolts.
A wall safe is also well concealed. Your safe can be fully hidden (for instance, behind a picture). Nevertheless, a wall safe isn’t the most secure choice, because it’s attached to the studs in the wall, and thus can be easily cut or pried out. Furthermore, the only fire protection provided will be limited to the sheetrock in your wall.
A data or media safe is for effectively protecting your business information. It’s imperative to properly safeguard your electronic devices from fire and theft. Computer disks, drives, and all other digital media are very sensitive to changes in temperature, so you’ll want a safe whose interior won’t exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit or go over 85 percent humidity.
A high-security safe will often include numerous barriers to prevent drilling. They’ll also have additional locking mechanisms that will deploy if a thief attempts to force the safe open. A maximum level of security comes with a higher price, but depending on your circumstances ~ if you own a jewelry store, for example ~ then it makes good sense to keep the heart of your business well secured.
3 How large should your safe be?
How big should your commercial safe be? You could simply pile up everything you plan to put in it, and measure it. However, as a rule, the safe you need is probably much larger than you think. It’s wise to consult with a professional about which of your business items must be stored in a safe. Then, you can determine mathematically how much space will be required.
4 Do you need fire protection?
Besides standard classes for commercial safes, there are also official fire ratings. No safe is completely fireproof; but there are various levels of fire resistance. Safes are tested and certified for the length of time they can guard your valuables inside from destruction by fire. A fire rating of 1 hour or greater is ideal. Safes rated to protect paper documents shouldn’t get any hotter than 350 degrees Fahrenheit on the inside during a fire.
A safe that provides substantially more fire protection along with optimum theft protection will have a steel door, and walls made of steel, housed in a layer of composite material that’s as solid as concrete. Don’t forget a fire seal on the door, which seals out most moisture from entering the safe over time, to minimize rust and corrosion. During a fire, the fire seal will expand, sealing out fire and smoke, and keeping any water from entering the safe (Water could be sprayed on the safe to extinguish a fire).
One last point to keep in mind is that if you have a safe with a low-to-moderate level of fire resistance, it actually won’t provide much theft protection. If you desire both theft protection and fire resistance, then you’ll need a top-quality composite-fire safe, a burglar-fire safe, or a high-security TL-rated fire safe.
5 What kind of safe lock is best?
Safes have different types of locks ~ electronic, combination dial, redundant, biometric, and so on.
6 How do you make a final decision?
No doubt, there are a good number of factors to consider before purchasing a commercial safe ~ more than we’ve covered here. Once you decide, where you choose to put your safe is also important. To avoid being scammed, do your homework first, checking only with reputable sources. If you’re located anywhere in Irving, Texas, then you may want to hire a dependable expert safe technician on staff at Locksmith Irving TX.
Home is a great place to be. Whether you frequently find yourself on the road for work, or enjoy quick trips away from time to time, one thing that you can be certain about is that when you walk through your front door after some time away (even if it is only 8 or 9 hours while you are at work), you will feel relieved and comfortable. At least, this should be the case. Companies such as Locksmith Irving TX work hard to provide customers with security services that will leave their property as safe as possible. Whether you live in Irving, Texas or elsewhere in the country, it is a wise idea to save the phone number of a lock and security provider – especially one that is available to provide 24 hour a day emergency help in the event that an issue such as an unfortunate lockout happens to come up.
There are many forms of security which are relevant when it comes to residential properties all over the country. Whether you feel confident enough just having a front door lock, or tend to worry about all possible negative scenarios and only feel safe with locks on every point of entry, deadbolts and an alarm system, a lock and security provider will be able to provide you with the information that you need, and hopefully the peace of mind as well. Have a look at some of the most popular ways that homeowners are protecting their properties, but remember, there are tons of options available. These are just some solutions that tend to be available for budget-friendly rates.
Some of the most popular options for home protection include…
Garage door locks. A garage door wouldn’t be the most difficult thing to break into. That is why it is a good idea to have locks installed. Another point of entry is the patio, so it is a good idea to have locks there as well.
Intercom systems. An intercom system allows for easy, fast communication. You can speak with the person who is attempting to enter your property. Perhaps it is merely a delivery person bringing that Amazon package that you offered. Or maybe you are expecting a friend to show up late at night, and know that it is good to be aware. Intercom systems can help.
Deadbolts. A deadbolt adds that extra security layer that you might want for your apartment, condo, townhome or single family house. Because it needs to be opened from the inside, a person will have added difficulty breaking into your house through a front door that has a deadbolt installed.
Gun safes. It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially when weapons are involved. Even though there are regular news stories and warnings about weapons such as guns, children still seem to get into them, and of course, they don’t have the skill or experience to use them properly. Keep weapons locked away in a safe that only you know the code to or have the key to. This could potentially prevent someone from getting hurt or killed.
Rekeying locks. There are multiple reasons for why one might want to have their lock rekeyed. Whether you rented a room out to a person who left, or fear that someone might have gained access to a copy of your house key, rekeying locks can be extremely beneficial. This is a service that can be carried out by a locksmith in Irving, TX or anywhere else in the country.
High security locks. These locks might use mechanical or electrical operating systems. Their purpose is to prevent forced entry into your home. You can also generally choose from different styles and materials, so you can trust that your locks will match the look of your home and other hardware.
CCTV systems. These are systems that allow you to keep track of what is going on, on your property. Maybe you have had packages go missing that should be sitting on your front porch when you get home. Or perhaps you are just looking for a deterrent to prevent someone from attempting to break into your house. CCTV systems can make the difference that you are looking for. Monitors, recorders and cameras can often times be set up and maintained by a local locksmith.
These are just some of the ways that homeowners who are savvy about security are protecting their properties in Irving, Texas. If you live in this area, Locksmith Irving is a great local business to reach out to for more ideas and trusted solutions. No matter where you call home, you can be sure that there is a lock and security provider in the area. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to get on the phone with them to at least hear about what they have to offer. You can discuss concerns you have about your safety, and they can provide you with options. It would be great if we could all afford to have a security guard stand outside our homes all of the time, but most people cannot do this. Therefore, we need to rely on locks and security features that fit within our budgets, and that work.
Be sure to keep residential security at the front of your mind. Don’t forget to save the phone number of a local locksmith, whether you are in Irving, TX or anywhere else. You could end up locking yourself out of your property thanks to your very strong and reliable locks. If this happens, you need someone who can help manipulate those locks. Look for businesses that provide 24/7 lock and security solutions to ensure that you always have access to what you need. Remember to keep your home as protected as you possibly can to ensure the safety of your family, loved ones and of course, your beloved belongings.
Some of us can’t stand the idea of losing our transponder key. Since it offers the convenience of opening and starting our car without the key in the ignition, it offers the level of convenience that makes life easy. It also gives us peace-of-mind in knowing that our car can’t be stolen. If you lose your transponder key, it may cause you to go into panic mode. However, be assured that a locksmith, such as, Locksmith Irving TX, would be happy to assist you in getting another transponder key. In Irving, TX, there are locksmiths who have the experience needed to handle the job of getting you exactly what you need to get you back on the road again.
When You Have Lost Your Transponder Key
Sometimes when we are accustomed to the convenience of things, we stop thinking of the most practical ways to handle a situation. What did we use before transponder keys were ever an option? We used a standard key to gain access to our cars. Since most people only have one transponder key per vehicle, it isn’t always possible use a spare key. This is because transponder keys are a lot more expensive than a standard key. The most logical thing to do, in order to make sure you always have access to your car, is to have a standard car key made to act as your spare key. Although this is a bit of an inconvenience, it is a quick solution when you have lost your entire transponder key inside your car. You don’t have to continue using it, but it will certainly come in handy until you can find locate your transponder key. Although this key will not start your car, it will at least give you access back into your car to either see if the transponder key is inside or wait for an Irving, TX locksmith to arrive to program another transponder key for you.
Missing Transponder Chip
The transponder chip can fall out of the actual key if it hits the ground or any hard surface too hard. You might not even notice that the chip is missing until you head back to your car and it won’t work. In this case, you’ll have to depend on a mobile locksmith service to assist you in reprogramming a new chip. They can also let you know if it is, in fact, the chip that is missing and not the battery. Some people mistake a missing battery for a missing chip. Although dealerships can also provide you with a new transponder chip and program it for you, it is generally far less expensive to rely on the services of a local Irving TX, locksmith. They now have the same equipment that the dealership has, to program your new chip.
Always Be Prepared
It isn’t unheard of for someone to lose a car key. It is common, especially since people are so busy these days. You can drop you key without ever knowing it. This is why it is always best if you have a spare key, somewhere. You could give a spare key to a trusted neighbor, family member or work colleague. If you can’t get it into the hands of someone you trust, at least have another transponder key in your home for someone to bring to you in the event that you should happen to lose or misplace yours. This enables you to avoid the added expense of having a new transponder key made. Why spend more money than you have too? In some cases, a dealership might offer you another transponder key in an effort to earn your business. Take them up on their offer.
You might think that it would be best to purchase some sort of insurance policy to protect you in case you lose our transponder key. The reality is that it would be more practical for you to simply buy another key. Lost key insurance just isn’t worth it. If you are prone to losing your key, the best thing for you to do is make sure you have another key made and safely placed in the hands of someone who can bring it to you when you need it. Just remember that if you never find your initial transponder key and you are using your spare, at some point, you’ll need to replace your spare key.
Buying a Transponder Key & other Key Accessories
If you have lost your transponder key on several occasions and realize that this can become a costly item for you to replace every time you lose it, why not purchase your next one online. There are some reliable resources online that sell transponder keys, such as, eBay. However, just make sure that the key comes from a reputable manufacturer and that there is some type of return policy if the key is not compatible with your vehicle.
Another thing that might come in handy for someone who is prone to losing things is a key locator. This is something that is really only useful if you often misplace things in your home. It will be able to determine where the item is so that you can at least find out sooner than later whether or not the key is in your house or not. You save valuable time with a key locator. This can also be purchased online. The advantage to buying these items online is that they are cheaper. The only downside to buying something like this online is that you’re not sure that when you get it home, it will work. We advise you to make sure you are able to return the item for a full refund if you are not able to use it for the purpose intended.
Remember it is often less expensive to rely on the services of a professional Irving, TX, locksmith than it is to turn to a local car dealership when you lose your transponder key.
As a local Irving, TX business owner or operator you want what’s best for your firm. This includes your staff, your customers and your goods. Panic bars can play a vital role in protecting your commercial property so it’s a good idea to know about them and start using them at your business.
A LITTLE HISTORY
Panic bars were invented back in the early 1900’s. Fires were becoming more prevalent and panic bars were designed to allow people to exit a building quickly and safely and not become trapped inside. Modern panic bars are also known as push bars, crash bars or exit devices. If you are not familiar with these terms you’ll have that “ah ha!” moment when you see your next one and recognize it as a panic bar.
Panic bars are almost always found in commercial properties. They are horizontal bars of made of metal that are also spring loaded and allow the exit door to open easily from the inside. These doors will always open outward as opposed to inward since they are not entrance doors. During an emergency, the panic bar allows the locked door to open and staff, visitors and patrons can now freely exit. Once the horizontal bar is pushed the exit door unlatches allowing for safe and fast exit from the building, store or room.
PANIC BARS ARE EVERYWHERE!
Like we said earlier; you’ll recognize one the next time you see it. Panic bars are commonly found in any public building that has one or more exit doors. These can include schools, restaurants, movie theaters, mall shops, warehouses, government offices, storage facilities, gyms, community centers, fast food outlets and hundreds more. Some panic bars allow exit into yet another part of the building like in the case of mall shops whose back door opens onto an interior hallway.
SHOULD YOU GET PANIC BARS?
There are many reasons why you might want to have panic bars installed at your location. Here are a few:
They may be required – Check with your building codes department. Each locale varies and you’ll want maximum safety for your property and location while not opening yourself up to legal problems, lawsuits or fines if you are not up to code.
They are not expensive – Do your due diligence and shop around. Get free price quotes and written estimates from builders, construction firms and from local Irving, TX locksmith shops that offer commercial lock and key services. Many times you may qualify for a discount if you have more than one door that needs a panic bar installed. Be sure to ask about warranties and labor costs too. See if they are included in the price that was quoted to you. Never assume; ask questions and keep track of the answers that you get. Here at Locksmith Irving TX we offer free, no obligation consultations as well affordable rates on panic bars and their installation.
Enjoy increased safety– If you have a fire, burglary attempt or flood situation your building occupants will want to exit in a safe and fast manner. They will NOT want to be turning a door knob or attempting to unlock anything during times like these. Seeing that you have workable and well-lit exit doors with usable panic bars adds peace of mind and increased order and exit flow to any evacuation.
Panic bars are effective – This is one invention that has proven itself worthy time after time. Public safety has been enhanced by having panic bars installed on exit doors and the numbers are so impressive that in many places OSHA requires their installation, maintenance and use! (See “they may be required” above).
Panic bars offer enhanced security – Exit doors using panic bars are still locked on the outside. People are free to exit your premises when pressing on the horizontally installed metal panic bar but others cannot enter from the outside as the door is still locked for them.
Panic bars give you options – When you check with your local commercial Irving, TX locksmith shops you will be offered a variety of panic bar options and upgrades. Be sure to ask questions and get answers as to how each one can benefit your establishment or not. Some of these include alarms, crossbars, vertical exit devices, outside door key handles, glass exit door options and many more. Even silent panic bars are available using motorized latch retraction for quieter operation. Hospitals, nursing homes, offices, libraries and hotels often use this option for maximum noise reduction when in use. Locksmith Irving TX offers all of these options along with others that may be suited for your particular building or location. Our mobile commercial locksmiths will cheerfully answer any of your questions and present you with free price quotes, convenient service appointments, free consultations and further information on service, labor and warranties.
Panic bars can even lower your insurance costs– Every business owner pays for insurance. Most major insurance companies offer a reduction in premiums if you have panic bars installed on your exit doors. They realize that the increased safety afforded by these safety bars cuts down on injury, death and the lawsuits that can result from them. Not having panic bars opens up commercial operators to untold risks if a panic situation or disaster was to occur. One of the first items that an injury attorney will look for is if all safety precautions and measures were in place at the time of the injury or death.
Panic bars work on most surfaces – We are often asked if a metal exit door must be in place in order to add a proper panic bar. The answer is no. Panic bars are now available for aluminum doors, wood doors, glass doors and of course your standard steel door.
FINAL TIPS
Be sure to use a licensed, bonded and insured commercial locksmith or builder to purchase and install your panic bar ensemble. Locksmith Irving TX offers fast, professional service that is always convenient, expertly done and affordable.
Nowadays, if you’d rather not fumble for your keys to get into your car, your home, or your work, there are high-tech cutting-edge keyless entry systems available to you that are easy to use. Overall, they give you more security and peace of mind than what you get with traditional keys. If you’re prone to losing your keys a lot, a keyless entry setup is ideal.
With a keyless entry system, you’ll usually have some kind of keypad. You’ll simply need to remember a string of numbers, and push the corresponding buttons to unlock the door. (Some systems allow you to use a key for locking the door as you leave.)
For your automobile, you might have a fob rather than a key, which sends a signal to your vehicle. Some even work remotely through your smart phone.
When all you have to do is know how to use a code to get into your home, then you won’t have to make duplicate keys for family members or trusted neighbors and friends. All you have to do is tell them the code and show them how to use the keypad. But of course, you can’t tell just anyone. Remember that any individual you tell could theoretically pass along that information to someone else, or heaven forbid, even turn against you and enter your home at a later time when you’re out. Therefore, it’s wise to change your code every month or two.
This practice is even more important when it comes to a keyless entry system at your place of business. Some companies may change the entry code once a month, once a week, or even multiple times per day. In some commercial buildings, there are various keyless entry points that control access not only to the people going in and out of the facility, but also access to particular areas of the building. For example, for higher-security clearance, a keycard and password may be required.
When you think about it, in the long run a keyless entry system is cheaper than having to do rekeying, change locks, or make new keys when you’re talking about typical situations that may arise, such as moving to a new residence; welcoming a new tenant or roommate; keeping out your ex-spouse; blocking access from a fired employee; and so forth.
Keep in mind that with an electronic keyless entry system, you must make sure your battery stays charged. Usually there will be an indicator light or message to remind you when the battery charge is low, so pay attention. If you are going away for a long time, such as an extended vacation, make sure your battery will last until you arrive home. Your system’s battery backup is absolutely vital, as it will keep the door closed and locked even in a power failure.
Because we need to keep private information and data confidential, both at home and in the workplace, there’s growing universal concern over the possibility of hacking, identity theft, fraud, and so on. Therefore, keyless entry systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, including such technology as locks that require biometrics, i.e., a fingerprint, a handprint, or a retina scan.
If you have children who come home from school often forgetting their keys, a keyless remote entry system is ideal, because you don’t have to worry about them being locked out if you haven’t arrived home yet. The child simply has to remember to enter the code, or use the fingerprint recognition pad to get inside.
If you decide you’d like to include biometrics as part of your keyless entry system, you’ll be absolutely sure that only the people you give acceptable clearance to will gain access to your property. A biometric reader is made to fully confirm a person’s identity by scanning that individual’s unique features. The common methods of verification already mentioned may be usurped by even more futuristic methods of identification before you know it ~ including voice print recognition and ear scanning, and even heartbeat identification and DNA sampling!
How many times do you misplace your keys? With a keyless remote system in place, you’ll never have to let absentmindedness stop you again. You could go out for a nice stroll around the block, walk the dog, or go for a run, and not have to take along those jangly keys with you.
In addition to the possibility of adding biometrics for entry to your business or home, there are many other innovative ways to augment your security without keys, such as installing an intercom system, adding an alarm system, using video surveillance, or putting in an electronic gate. To discourage criminal activity overall, consider adding extra security measures around the building, too, such as special lighting that is activated by motion detectors so that no potential intruder can lurk in the shadows. It’s a good thing to keep trees, bushes, and any other vegetation trimmed so there won’t be any good hiding places for a possible prowler. You can even be more creative, such as putting up alarm company signs in some of the windows and very visibly at the front of your home, indicating that you are protected by a reputable alarm company ~ even if it’s not true. You could put up a few obviously placed surveillance cameras, even if they’re not hooked up. A potential burglar will think twice upon seeing the evidence of alarms and surveillance, give you the benefit of the doubt, and move on. Be inventive. Even a recording of a loudly barking dog, along with a “Beware of Dog!” sign could work wonders. Deterrents to intruders and thieves can be as simple or as elaborate and you want them to be.
If your home or business is located anywhere in Irving, Texas, and you’d like to find out more about the benefits of installing a keyless entry system, there are many possibilities. It’s a good idea to schedule some time to discuss all your questions with a professional such as a staff mobile locksmith technician at Locksmith Irving TX.
Losing a transponder key can be daunting, no matter where you are. If you happen to lose your car key, your first thought might be to panic, because who knows if it ended up in a criminal’s hands, and how are you supposed to gain access to your vehicle? These are common concerns as we come to rely on convenient items in our lives like keys. Whether you have a Mazda or a Lexus, or any other type of vehicle, a locksmith should be able to help you when you misplace a transponder key. Irving, Texas has some very reputable businesses, to include Locksmith Irving TX. They have been known to help with transponder key programming and duplication, and various other services. This is just an example of one business that might be helpful. No matter where you are in the country, just do a quick Google search for a local locksmith, and you are sure to find plenty of results.
What to do if it is merely the transponder chip missing
Whether you actually lost the transponder piece of the key, or lost the entire key, help is out there. The transponder chip can in fact come out of the key, for instance, if they key dropped and opened up upon hitting the ground. If you didn’t realize the transponder chip was missing until you left the parking lot you were in, then you are going to need to call an expert because obviously you won’t be able to salvage the old chip if you cannot find it. If you are unsure of whether or not the transponder chip is gone, try replacing the battery. Often times, people confuse a dead battery with a missing transponder chip. If you are sure the chip is gone, call a local locksmith so that they can program a new chip into the key. A professional will make things look simple, but it is a good idea to have an expert handle this type of task. Of course, your car’s dealership should have the equipment to program a key on hand, but it might be a cheaper option to go with a local locksmith.
What to do if the entire transponder key has disappeared
Often times, people have back-ups of their keys. But let’s face it – sometimes this just isn’t the case, but it shouldn’t mean you lose access to your belongings, especially your vehicle. In lieu of purchasing a new transponder key, you could purchase a basic key that doesn’t come with a transmitter. While this isn’t the most convenient option, it will end up being very affordable. Of course, the key will not start your car’s engine, but if your transponder key happened to get lost inside your vehicle, you will be able to recover it if you opt to go this route rather than calling a professional for lockout help.
You can go to your dealership for a transponder key replacement, but be forewarned that you will likely have to pay anywhere up to $200 for this replacement, and that doesn’t necessarily include labor costs. The better best is to use a local locksmith. Locksmiths in Irving, Texas tend to charge very competitive rates for services in order to gain business.
Steps to take to avoid getting stuck without a key
Car owners, home owners and commercial property owners should pay attention to the security of their property. Anyone can misplace a key at any given time, so it is always a great idea to have a back-up. Whether a trusted neighbor has a spare key, a family member or a colleague, you should always have a copy of your key created and left in the hands of someone you trust. Think about it – if you lose your transponder key, you will want someone to have a copy. Or, you could have a copy kept in your own home, perhaps in a safe. There are definitely steps that can be taken to avoid having to rush out to have someone create a new key for you. You can talk to your dealership when you purchase a new car about having spare transponder keys created. They are likely to cut you a better deal while they are trying to gain your business in buying a vehicle.
Did You Know…
You might actually be able to find a replacement transponder key, fob or smart key on eBay? So many items can be found on the internet, and these keys are no exception. The only thing you might have to worry about is the fact that you risk the key not working, or not being compatible with your vehicle. The device should be guaranteed to be from a reputable, original manufacturer – this can be difficult to realize when purchasing something online.
Other Tips
You might be talked into buying lost key insurance if you go to purchase a replacement transponder key. Realistically, the cost of buying lost key insurance is comparable to what you would just pay for a spare key. So if you are worried about losing the key again, it is best to just keep a spare handy. Key insurance tends to be overpriced.
Think about buying a key locator device if you tend to misplace keys frequently. You can get something like this on a site such as Amazon, and the cost will usually be less than $50. Say you lose your keys frequently around your own house. This device would be helpful. It might not provide a wide enough range, though, if you lose your key somewhere larger, such as in a shopping mall.
Keep your transponder keys safe, and remember that if you need transponder key replacement in Irving, TX, there are locksmiths in the area that would be happy to help you out.
Consumer Reports recently surveyed nearly two dozen popular locks on the market. A trio of reasonably priced locks got the “recommended buy” mark from the magazine. (However, none was stellar enough to be recommended as a “best buy.”) But the locks Consumer Reports liked include the Kwikset 980 ($30), the Baldwin Prestige 380 ($40) and the Falcon D241 ($55).
So while it’s entirely possible to pay in the triple digits for a lock — especially in the electronic lock category — the good news is you don’t have to!
Just one word of caution: You still may want to say away from really cheap locks. Among the lowest ranked door locks was the Master Lock 5261D ($13), the Gatehouse DLX71 ($12) and Kwikset 660 ($17). Yet the two lowest-ranked locks of all were both mid-market: Prime-Line Segal SE 15361 ($50) and the Weslock 671 ($30).
We’ve all seen the movies where a lock is poked around with a hairpin and the door miraculously opens. But how realistic is this? This tutorial video by NightHawkInLight shows how you can simply open a conventional key lock with nothing more than two hairpins. The guide uses a transparent lock in this video to demonstrate the mechanism of the lock pins and how to work around them. The video makes the task look deceptively, if not worryingly, easy. But remember: without the see-through lock, you'll essentially be doing it blindfolded, instead relying on just your ears and sense of touch.
With a keyless entry system, you’ll usually have some kind of keypad. You’ll simply need to remember a string of numbers, and push the corresponding buttons to unlock the door. (Some systems allow you to use a key for locking the door as you leave.)
