Why are Deadbolt Locks so Common?

Deadbolt locks are the most common locks used by homeowners everywhere – and for many good reasons. It is likely that you have deadbolt locks installed on your front door, as well as on any other entrances to your home. Thanks to the functionality and convenience of deadbolt locks, these locks are the number one type of lock homeowners trust and use to secure their properties. In the following article, you will learn about the kinds of deadbolts available to homeowners today, as well as how to go about receiving professional deadbolt lock installations that will secure and protect your home. 

Two Different Kinds of Deadbolt Locks 

Did you know there are actually two different types of deadbolt locks? The first type is the one you are most familiar with. Single-cylinder deadbolt locks are the deadbolt locks you are likely to see and use the vast majority of the time. These locks have a turn knob on one side and a key slot on the other. With the key slot on the exterior side of the door, one can use a key to securely lock their home on their way out. When they return, they can unlock the exterior side of the door, enter their home, and use the turn knob on the interior side to lock their home once more. 

The second type of deadbolt lock is a type you may not be as familiar with. Double cylinder deadbolt locks are similar to single-cylinder deadbolts, except instead of a turn knob on the interior side of the lock, there is another key slot. Having a key slot on both sides of a deadbolt lock may seem odd since it means you need a key to lock or unlock either side of the deadbolt, even if you are on the inside of the lock.  

These deadbolts are not used nearly as often compared to single-cylinder deadbolts because they are not as convenient. The turn knob on the interior side of a single-cylinder deadbolt is one of its best features. Double-cylinder deadbolts, without this feature, are not as easy or quick to use. However, double-cylinder deadbolt locks are more secure than single-cylinder ones. If you are concerned about your security or need to lock a particular space with a stronger deadbolt lock, than you may want to consider installing a double-cylinder deadbolt lock.  

Affordable Security 

One of the primary reasons that deadbolts are so popular for homeowners is because they are an affordable way to protect and secure one’s home. Without having to place a lot of heavy hardware on your doors, using a deadbolt is a sleek and secure way to lock up your home. Deadbolts typically do not cost much money at all, especially considering the fact that deadbolt locks can last up to 7 years or so with proper care and maintenance.  

Convenience 

Deadbolt locks are also very convenient. It is quick and easy to lock up one’s home without much thought. The turn knob makes it possible for anyone on the inside of your home to quickly latch the deadbolt lock into place and ensure that your home is locked immediately. Once children are old enough to learn how to operate and handle a deadbolt lock, they can also easily lock the home from the inside if necessary. 

Upgrading to Electronic Deadbolts 

There is no denying that advances in technology have completely changed our day-to-day lives. Even our deadbolt locks are no exception to these changes. Now, you can purchase electronic deadbolt locks instead of sticking to traditional ones. Electronic deadbolt locks are also sometimes referred to as smart locks or electronic locks. 

Electronic deadbolt locks work through the use of a combination of keypad device. Instead of using a traditional key, one can simply punch in a digit code and be granted access inside. Other models use smartphone applications to allow homeowners to lock or unlock their doors using their smartphones.  

Request Professional Installation Assistance 

Although deadbolt locks can be purchased and installed by homeowners themselves, this may not be the best course of action. Not every deadbolt lock installation is the same. There are issues that can arise with home locks that may be unseen until an old lock is removed. It may be more difficult in some instances to replace a lock than one initially thought or planned. Since you do not want to be left with a door that either has no deadbolt or an installation that has only been partially completed, you should call a locksmith to help with your lock changes from the start. 

If you are planning on installing smart locks or electronic deadbolts of any kind, it will be necessary to call for expert assistance. Traditional deadbolt locks can sometimes be successfully installed, but it is highly unlikely that the majority of homeowners will know how to set-up and program electronic locks. These installations require specialized skills and knowledge in order to get the locks functioning as they are intended.  

Trying to install electronic locks on your own could result in unnecessary damages to your locks or door and may ultimately leave you frustrated in the end. Certified locksmiths are trained to work with traditional and electronic locks, so you should not have a problem getting connected with a locksmith that can help you with advanced installations. 

Call a Local Locksmith Today! 

If you live in Maricopa, Arizona and need a trusted locksmith to help you with deadbolt installations, repairs, or other locksmithing tasks around your home, call Pro Locksmith Maricopa! We service lock and key requests for your home, vehicle, and business. Our emergency locksmithing services and repairs are offered 24-hours a day seven days a week. You can trust our locksmiths to offer superior services that will leave your property security and your personal safety enhanced. Any locksmithing needs you have can be taken care of immediately and for an affordable price, as long as you work with our locksmiths at Pro Locksmith Maricopa! 

What You Need to Know About Commercial Safes

A commercial safe can be an extremely valuable security tool that allows you to keep your most important business assets and documents safe from prying eyes and unintended hands. There are a wide variety of commercial safes available on the market to suit the needs of various businesses. A professional locksmith, such as Pro Locksmith Maricopa, can help you choose the right safe for your business, and deliver and install it affordably. Read on to learn valuable information to help you determine which type or types of commercial safe might be beneficial for your business. For many businesses, purchasing one or multiple safes is one of the most effective investments they can make in regards to their security.  

Benefits of Commercial Safes 

While basic security like high-quality locks or a keyless entry system are a crucial part of a successful business, some assets need greater protection. A commercial safe has security features that make it hard to top in terms of protection. Nearly all businesses, no matter the industry, from retail outlets to medical facilities, could benefit from at least one safe on their property in Maricopa, AZ. While some safes are expensive, depending on the features and level of security of each particular model, most business owners find this cost to be more than worth it when it comes to protecting their most valuable assets, cash on hand, and documents. For situations where low security just won’t do, a commercial safe is an irreplaceable installation.  

Types of Commercial Safes 

As previously stated, there are many types of commercial safes on the market, available to meet the demands of businesses in various industries. Each type has various models that all have their own features and price points. It’s crucial to learn as much as you can about different forms of safes in order to make the best decision for your commercial property.  

• Burglary Safes: You may be thinking, aren’t all safes burglary safes? Technically, specific burglary safes have additional features that offer added protection against an attack. Burglary safes feature strong construction that is built to withstand typical methods that criminals use to get inside, such as cutting torches and power tools. Burglary safes are an effective deterrent in most cases.  
• Cash Depository Safes: Cash depository safes are very useful if your store is one that works with a lot of cash on hand daily, such as a retail establishment. It allows you to deposit cash to hold securely until you’re able to take it to the bank. Cash depository safes are a type of deterrent safe.  
• Under Counter Safes: Under counter safes are a type of cash safe that allows you to quickly and discreetly stow away volumes of cash to keep front-end cash levels low. Under counter safes can be installed easily near registers, without being able to be seen by customers on the front end.  

• Data Safes: Data safes protect crucial files from destruction and theft, including those on hard drives and other technology. They typically have a high fire-rating, which you can read more about below. Many companies use data safes to secure their past records.  
• High Security Safes: As their name suggests, high security safes provide high-level protection for your most crucial assets. If your company deals in expensive items or has a great deal of cash, such as those in the financial industry, a high security safe may be a wise investment. The best high security safes provide excellent protection against any form of theft or unauthorized access, while also allowing the owner and other authorized parties to easily access the safe. High security safes are constructed out of strong material that is resistant to torches and other threats.  

You also have options when it comes to the opening mechanism your safe has. Lock and key and combination locks, while still available, have fallen out of popularity in favor of more technologically advanced opening methods, such as electronic locks, keypads, and even fingerprint locks.  

Fire Ratings  

One of the most crucial considerations when determining which safe to have installed at your business is its fire rating. While you might be tempted to purchase a safe that is not fire rated for whatever reason, security professionals strongly discourage this course of action. That’s because your commercial property is more likely to suffer fire damage than theft. So purchasing a safe that is specifically rated as fire-resistant is the smart choice to protect your assets, documents, and cash now and in the future.  

So what does it mean for a safe to be fire-rated? A fire-rated safe has been tested in a laboratory and shown to resistant the heat of a fire for a set amount of time. There are different classes of fire-rated safes, depending on the amount of heat the safe has been shown to withstand and for how long. The exterior of the safe is built to absorb and repel the heat so that the interior stays below a certain temperature. The most commonly chosen fire-rated safes are class 350 safes, which are shown to withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees.   A professional locksmith with experience in safe installation can give you more information on the fire ratings of safes and help you choose which one is appropriate for what you need to store inside.  

Commercial Safe Installation 

A professional locksmith is the perfect choice when it comes to choosing the right safe in terms of options and size, choosing the right place for it, and installing it so that the safe is integrated conveniently with the way your business operates. The locksmith will go over your options with you, taking into consideration your security goals and what you want to keep in the safe. When you’re searching for the right safe, it’s important to evaluate what it is specifically that you want to protect, where you want the safe to be placed, and who can access it. Answering these crucial questions can help guide you into making the appropriate choice.