Obviously, keeping your home secure is of utmost importance. You
want your place of residence to be a sanctuary where you always feel safe and
comfortable. Accordingly, you ought to keep your home’s locks in tip-top shape.
You’ll want to make sure your front door locks ~ and all your outside locks ~
are always functioning properly, with superior durability. You’ll continuously keep
your family and valuables safe when your locks are solid and reliable.
Sometimes
things do go wrong with locks and keys. Although a good locksmith will be available
even in the middle of the night in Chino, California ~ such as the mobile
professionals here on staff at Chino
Fast Locksmith ~ it’s still better to make the effort to be pro-active
instead. That way, you’ll prevent most mishaps that could occur.
When is it time for lock replacements? Here are the important
points we recommend that you consider:
Normal Wear and Tear
Worn-out or rusted locks are a serious weakness in
your home security. Old or rusted locks are easier to pick and break,
and they simply grow more difficult to open as time goes on. If a lock has bad tarnish,
rust, or is showing additional signs of wear, it may be time to replace it. If
your lock is becoming increasingly difficult to open with the key, especially when
it’s cold, you ought to replace it.
Rusty Locks
You and your family
members go in and out your door countless times every day. Over time, locks can
become worn-out or even rusted, which means they’ll break more easily. If there
are any visible signs of rust, you’ll notice that you’re starting to have trouble
getting the key in the lock mechanism, or getting the key to turn. If so, it’s time
for lock replacement.
Damaged Locks
If the worst
happens, and your locks have been vandalized, tampered with, or otherwise
damaged, it’s time to get new locks. Don’t take any risks! Just replace your
locks right away. You ought not to keep a damaged lock for an extended period
of time, because it will just make you susceptible to further problems and make
it easier for someone to break in.
Break-ins
If you are unfortunate enough to have experienced a
burglary, it is imperative that you replace your locks. The force involved in a
break-in can easily compromise the integrity of a lock mechanism. A damaged
lock will put you at a greater risk of another robbery, and mechanical malfunction could
leave you locked out. You
never know if your keys may have fallen into the wrong hands. Don’t risk it! Replace
all your locks as soon as possible.
Lost Keys
Did you misplace
your keys? It may take awhile to admit it, but if you’ve realized that your
keys are truly lost for good, then your locks should be changed as soon as
possible. You don’t want a stranger to have access to your home without your
knowledge. All your outdoor locks, which would give an intruder access, should
be immediately replaced. After you’re fully secured with your outdoor locks, then
it’s time to replace any inner locks in order of your personal security
priorities.
Combination Locks
Do you often lose your keys? You might want to
consider replacing your regular lock with a combination door lock instead. Combination
door locks can be opened by inputting a code. Most combination locks also have
a keyed lock, in case the combination input ever malfunctions, or for you to
gain entry if you ever lose the code. Remember to change the combination if you
ever feel that its access may have been compromised, just as you would replace a
traditional lock if you lost your keys.
Deadbolts
If you’re feeling particularly
vulnerable at your place of residence for whatever reason, replacing
your locks with deadbolts
can give you a feeling of augmented security.
Stuck Keys
It’s not common, but
it can happen: A key can actually get stuck or even break off in a lock
mechanism. When there is any issue with the internal mechanism, the keys won’t
slide as effortlessly into the lock. Also, if there is any resistance when you
turn the key, this can be a sign that it’s time to replace the lock.
New Roommates or Tenants
Do you rent out space in your home or apartment? Do
you have any rental properties of any sort? You absolutely must replace locks every
single time you change tenants. Even if the last occupants returned their keys,
you cannot be totally sure that they didn't make copies. If a break-in ever
were to happen, you certainly don’t want to have any doubts about former residents.
Keep your property secure and
protected with the
most dependable and reputable locks.
A New
Home
Did you
just move into a new home? The same rules that apply to your rentals apply to
your residence. It’s vital that you get your locks changed. You simply never
know who may still have an old key to your place.
Peace of Mind
Locks don’t
necessarily have to show any visible signs of damage for you to want to replace
your locks. After awhile, you may forget how many friends, family members, and
neighbors have copies of your keys. You may want to replace locks periodically
as a way to regularly maintain your home, enhancing your security. You’ll thus
have much-needed peace of mind when you know you’re keeping your family and
possessions extra safe.
Going Digital
Perhaps you’d prefer
to go high-tech. You can replace your conventional locks with digital door locks
~ an ideal way to secure your home without the need for keys at all. Keyless locks,
some that work with remotes or with smart devices; keypads; alarm systems with remote codes; etc. have opened new horizons in
home security technology. Once you get used to it, they are simple and easy to
use, most including an attractive selection of features that provide additional
convenience and security.
