What’s also changed? A-1 Locksmith. Our company traces its origins back to when founder Joe East Sr. started providing consumer locksmith services in Dallas, TX, in 1949. Let’s take a look at some of the company’s biggest milestones and how the business has changed the past 70-plus years.

A-1 Locksmith Timeline

The company began when Joe East Sr. began providing consumer services in 1949. But there have been several milestones since then. Let’s take a look at the A-1 Locksmith timeline and some of our important moments over the years:

• 1950s: Joe East Sr. begins providing locksmith services in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of South Dallas.
• 1960s: Joe East Sr. Lock & Key begins servicing the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area.
• 1980s: Joe East Jr. expands the family trade with retail stores, and mobile service. Brands like A-1 Locksmith gain the first position in the Yellow Pages.
• 1990s: The Central Service Center for A-1 Locksmith opens on Highway 75 in North Dallas.
• 2000s: A-1 Locksmith broadens its offerings with electronic security, retail safe centers, and automotive car remote services.
• Present: Joe East Enterprises Inc. is a multi-unit retail, and service company, covering local, and nationwide customers 24-hours per day.

Various locksmith, safe, security, retail, and mobile service companies make up Joe East Enterprises as it is known today. A-1 Locksmith is proud to be one of them.

A-1 Locksmith Today

A-1 Locksmith is the most trusted locksmith in DFW. In addition to having over 10 locations throughout North Texas, we have been voted the #1 Locksmith by CityVoter.com and Dallas residents for three years in a row. We also have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and are members of Safe & Vault Technicians Association, the Texas Locksmiths Association and ALOA Security Professionals Association. Whether you need residential locksmithing services, commercial locksmithing services, automotive locksmithing services or a security product like a safe or camera, we’re here for you.

If you’re in need of a locksmith in Dallas-Fort Worth, trust an established one with a rich history. Give us a call at (972) 284-7500 today!

When it comes to residential locksmith costs, would you rather pay a little now or pay more later? When someone breaks into your home, replacing the broken door, lock or window (as well as any stolen belongings) can be much more costly than preventative security measures.

Reactive Locksmithing Services

Reactive services are when you react to an incident that occurred by hiring, someone to address it. Many of these situations can be avoided with proper preparation and prevention. But once there’s an incident — especially one involving the security of your home — you have no choice but to address it. Burglaries aren’t the only situations that lead to reactively hiring a locksmith, however. Here are six examples of situations that require reactive locksmithing services:

1. Locked out of your home
2. Lost the keys to your home
3. Had a home lock broken or stolen
4. Moved into a new home where you don’t have the locks
5. Had your property vandalized
6. Had valuables or firearms stolen from your home

All these situations have other consequences as well. Many also involve lost time, as you have to deal with getting everything back to the way it was. There can also be a lot of stress involved, in addition to other negative consequences.

Proactive Locksmithing Services

Proactive services, on the other hand, are when you prepare for an incident ahead of time so it doesn’t happen (or you at least minimize the possibility of it happening). Let’s take the six example situations mentioned above, and see how a residential locksmith could have addressed them with proactive locksmithing services:

1. Spare key creation, so you can access your home even if you’ve locked your main keys inside
2. Key duplication (even if you don’t have the key) so you don’t have to worry about lost keys
3. High-security locks that are difficult to break or manipulate
4. New locks, and rekeying so you’re all set once you move in
5. Security system and/or security camera installation to catch criminals in the act
6. Home, and gun safe sales, and installation to protect valuables, and firearms

Invest in proactive locksmithing services now so you can avoid paying more for reactive services later. Give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at 972-284-7500 to schedule a consultation or appointment.

If you are searching for the best Dallas locksmith, it is important that you take some time to consider your options. As such, utilize this short checklist to ensure you are able to find the right service for your needs.

Look to the Internet

When searching for the best Dallas locksmith, one of the best places to begin is the Internet. Here you can find numerous reviews written by satisfied (or unhappy) customers of locksmiths throughout the Metroplex. Websites like Yelp and other similar review sites can be an integral part of your search; these sites are specifically designed for those searching for goods, and services, and often provide useful testimonials from every day individuals.

But Be Cautious, and Validate Reviews

Once you find a Dallas-area locksmith with phenomenal reviews, it may be your first inclination to immediately go with that service. But take note: some nefarious businesses, scammers in particular, may pay others to write positive reviews for them in order to create an appearance of customer satisfaction.

How can you tell whether the reviews of a certain business are legitimate? One of the best ways to dig deeper is by reaching out to individual posters for more information, or by posting questions on any forums you may find about these services. Doing, so may help provide you with more information about the businesses, and validate the reviews; or, you may discover that the reviews were written to mislead you.

Visit the Location Nearest You

Finally, if you want to find a reputable locksmith and you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you should not hesitate to pick a few businesses, and visit the locations nearest you. While you may find valuable information the internet, by stopping by a brick-and-mortar location you can get a better feel for the company, and decide whether it is the right fit for you.

Ultimately, at A-1 Locksmith, we believe it is in your best interests to reach out to us today for help. We already fit all the criteria: we have numerous online reviews from satisfied customers, and we take care to rectify any issues that may arise. We also have a staff of smiling professionals waiting for you at all of our physical locations throughout the Metroplex.

Don’t forget to perform a thorough search if you need a skilled Dallas locksmith. But make sure to consider A-1 Locksmith, as we are already prepared to help you today.

Unfortunately, if a car owner misplaces his or her key fob, or wants to make an extra copy, the dealership may claim that they have proprietary rights over the device, and, as such, only they can make a copy, and program it, which comes with an absurd fee. In reality, however, while creating a new key fob, as well as programming it to work with your car, may require the assistance of a professional, a skilled locksmith can aid you with this effort without requiring you to head back to the dealership for help.

But Wait – is it Against the Law to Make a New Key Fob without the Dealer’s Permission?

Some dealers may even assert that creating a new key fob is against the law if this task is not performed by a licensed operator. But while this may be the case with a leased or rented car, it is likely within your rights to make as many copies as you would like with the help of a professional.

And getting a key fob programmed to operate with your car is certainly not an extensive task, either. While you should not attempt to make a copy yourself, with the help of a professional locksmith you can have a new key fob in relatively short order.

Contact A-1 Locksmith Today – We Can Help You with Your Key Fob

If you have lost the key fob to your new car, or you would like a new one made to give to a friend or a family member, don’t head back to the dealership. Instead, reach out to the professionals at A-1 Locksmith today in Dallas. We have experience programming key fobs, and we have been offering our expertise to residents of the DFW for over 65 years. Call us today, and learn how we can be of assistance.

Fortunately, by understanding why it is that your door may not be latching, and by providing this information to a reputable locksmith, you should be able to have the problem fixed in short order. Consider these basic issues that may be affecting your front door, and reach out to a locksmith for help.

Shifting Foundation

If the door isn’t latching correctly, it is ultimately due to the latch being misaligned with the matching hole. And one of the most common reasons for this happening is the shifting of the house’s foundation over time, or even due to weather-related events. If the foundation of the home shifts, which includes the frame of the door, eventually the latch will no longer be in line with the opposing door jam; this, in turn, may cause difficulties when shutting the door, or even prevent the lock from latching altogether.

Sinking Hinges

On the other hand, if the house is structurally sound, and the foundation hasn’t shifted, then the faulty latch may be a result of the door pulling down the hinges. The door may, in fact, be too heavy for the specific hinges; or the hinges may have been installed incorrectly when the door was installed. Regardless of the reason, this will lead to the door pulling downwards at an angle, causing the latch to be misaligned with the door jam.

How a Locksmith Can Help You Fix These Issues

In general, a door that doesn’t latch is often a nagging issue, and one that won’t go away without direct action. So instead of letting this problem continue, contact a locksmith, who will be able to provide you with an immediate solution.

For example, your locksmith can assist you with replacing or relocating the latch itself or the opposing door jam, to ensure that the door latches correctly when properly closed. This is a relatively simple fix that won’t require any structural modifications to your home. And it will also ensure that your home is properly locked again so that you can leave with peace of mind.

Don’t let a faulty latch bother you any longer. Call the skilled locksmiths at A-1 Locksmith in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and let us help you today.

Like any other home appliance, a door and its related hardware requires routine inspection and maintenance to make sure that everything works correctly. The following guide is meant to help you understand the hardware of your door, as well as what you can do if it needs repair or replacement.

Door Hardware Specifics

Nearly all doors are installed with the same (or similar) hardware. To be sure, in order to latch shut, the door must contain a latch on the door, as well as a latch strike on the door frame. And, if the door utilizes a deadbolt, opposite this will be a deadbolt strike in the door frame, as well. Finally, the door will possess a mortise plate that surrounds the latch, as well as a lever or knob to open the door itself. This is not an exhaustive list of the hardware you may see on your door; however, issues often arise with these specifically, so understanding their placement and purpose can help in the pursuit of a remedy.

Inspecting and Maintaining Door Hardware

In general, as a homeowner or business owner, it is imperative that you take action immediately if you notice an issue with one of your doors. And, one of the most common issues to arise with door hardware involves the door not latching easily when shut, or not latching at all. This can be an inconvenience, at best; or a safety hazard, if the door cannot be locked.

Ultimately, if the door is unable to latch, it means either the latch or the deadbolt (or both) is missing the strike on the door foundation; this could be due to the house foundation shifting over time, or the door pulling the hinges downwards.

Check Your Hardware Routinely, and Call a Locksmith for Help

While there is no exact amount of time after which you must check your door hardware, doing, so on a routine basis, especially if you notice wear and tear, can help you catch problems before they arise.

Of course, if you do notice a problem with your door hardware, it is imperative that you contact a locksmith. A skilled locksmith can identify the source of the issue, and find a quick solution to help you protect your home.

Do you need a locksmith in the Dallas area? Reach out to us today at A-1 Locksmith for assistance. We have been helping Dallas residents for over 65 years, and we would like to put our experience to work for you immediately.

There are, however, a number of situations in which all business or homeowners should immediately call a locksmith to have their locks rekeyed or replaced. If you find yourself facing any of these issues, we invite you to contact the professionals at A-1 Locksmith today for immediate help.

1. Lost Keys

Perhaps the most obvious reason to replace or rekey locks is if you or another key-holder lost their set of keys. Losing a set of keys means that the finder could eventually have unfettered access to your home or business day or night; this is certainly a valid reason to change the locks.

2. Divorce

While rekeying or replacing locks may be far from your mind during or after a divorce, it should, in reality, be a top consideration. While you may trust and even occasionally rely on your ex-spouse in the aftermath, allowing him or her to continually have access to your home or business could be problematic if he or she chooses to enter.

3. Moving into a New Home or Business

After moving into a new home or business location, there are so many issues to keep track of. However, before letting too much time elapse, make sure to have the locks replaced or rekeyed. This will ensure that any former tenants or owners no longer are able to visit the house or commercial building without your permission.

4. After Roommates or Employees Leave

Many business owners will give a set of keys to their employees; and all landlords will give keys to their tenants. As such, it is always smart to rekey or replace the locks when either roommates/tenants or employees leave. While they may give back the set you provided them, it’s virtually impossible for you to know if they made copies at some point in time in the past.

5. If You Don’t Get Them Back from Neighbors, Repairmen, or Others

In order to get access to our homes or buildings, many repair workers or other maintenance personnel may ask for keys to have access to the building whenever they need. And, often, as homeowners, we may give a set of keys to our neighbors to check on our plants when we leave.

In this situation, if you don’t receive all these keys back, you should immediately rekey or replace the locks. While you may trust your neighbors, and the visiting maintenance personnel, allowing extra keys to exist without your control only puts you at risk.

Contact Our Locksmiths for Assistance

If you need to replace or rekey your locks in DFW, don’t hesitate to reach out to our professionals for help. The locksmiths at A-1 Locksmith in the Metroplex are experienced, and capable, and we will utilize our expertise to assist you today.

Of course, like anything else, each type of system has various benefits, and drawbacks, all of which should be considered before purchase, and installation. If you are interested in adding extra safety to your home or business, make sure to understand the specifics of these three most popular types of security access control systems before you make the final decision.

Card Access Systems

Perhaps one of the most commonly utilized security access control system involves the use of security cards that can be swiped to open the door. Once the access card is placed in front of the scanner, access is provided to the user and the door is then unlocked.

Naturally, this is a convenient way to eliminate the need for keys, and one that makes it significantly more difficult to overcome by burglars than a traditional lock. And keycard access can be granted or revoked remotely; as such, if you lose your card, there’s no need to worry about it ending up in the wrong hands. There is one drawback, however; if the scanner malfunctions or breaks altogether, access will be permanently denied to everyone until it is fixed.

Keypad Systems

In addition to card readers, keypads are also commonly seen adjacent to locks on homes, and businesses. And, in general, these are extremely reliable; the door will only be unlocked once the correct sequence of numbers or letters is pressed.

Naturally, one downside to this is relatively evident; if the keypad number becomes common knowledge, it entirely defeats the purpose of the access system.

Biometric Scanners

Finally, with the recent popularization of biometric scanners, a number of companies have utilized this technology to work in conjunction with locks. And this type of system can be highly beneficial, as access is only given to those with a certain fingerprint, for example, the replication of which is nearly impossible.

But while fingerprint scanning can be highly accurate most often, difficulties may arise if the person’s finger has a substantial injury, or if the scanner or the finger is dirty.

Contact a Locksmith with Questions

Are you considering installing a security access control system in your home or business? The best way to make the right choice is by enlisting in the help of a locksmith. At A-1 Locksmith in Dallas, we have experience installing and maintaining security access systems, and are happy to work with you today.

But before you pick up the phone, and dial, we suggest that you first verify that the locksmith you choose has a physical location nearby, somewhere you could visit in-person, if need be. Taking this small precaution, in fact, could help ensure that you aren’t the victim of one of the many locksmith scams in operation today.

Why a Physical Location Matters

Really, what does it matter if a locksmith has a physical location in the area? If your locksmith promises quick and professional service on the website, is it important that he or she possesses a brick-and-mortar business somewhere nearby?

In reality, having a physical location should be one of your primary deciding factors when searching for a locksmith, as this can help prevent you falling victim to a scam. To elaborate, in order for a scam to operate well, it must be able to rebrand itself quickly, and without difficulty. Once a customer realizes he or she has been scammed by a locksmith, he or she may encourage an investigation, at which point in time this business may be shut down. But a skilled scammer can always close down, register a new name, and begin operating with a new face.

And, of course, this is even simpler if the scammer isn’t bound to a single physical location. If the locksmith has no lease to break or building to sell, he or she is virtually uninhibited from remaining agile, and continuing the illicit business.

At A-1 Locksmith, You Can Stop By Anytime

On the contrary, while a physical address doesn’t automatically guarantee the best locksmith in the business, it is a sure sign that you are dealing with a company that shows commitment to the profession. And at A-1 Locksmith in Dallas-Fort Worth, we recognize the importance of building trust between ourselves, and our clients, which is why we have offices all throughout the Metroplex that you can visit on any day that you please. Come see one of our smiling staff members who will help you with any issues you have. Or, if you can’t stop by, you can always call or contact us online for more information. We have been assisting Dallas residents for the past 65 years, and we would be more than happy to help you today.

Uninsured Locksmith Businesses are Often Scams

When a locksmith isn’t insured (as well as licensed, and bonded), it’s often because the locksmith business is a scam. Scammers will often make promises of quick service at cheap prices, only to wind up charging you way more than you were expecting. Immediately upon having a locksmith arrive at your home or business, ask to see his or her credentials. If the locksmith doesn’t have insurance, refrain from continuing with the locksmith any further to protect yourself from a scam.

If Uninsured, You’ll Have to Pay for Any Damages

While most locksmith jobs go according to plan with no damages caused to the home or business, some—especially those locksmith jobs performed by non-licensed frauds—do lead to structural destruction. This is especially true if the locksmith insists upon installing a new lock or using a drill to enter your home or business (which may also be a sign of a scam).

Unfortunately, if the locksmith doesn’t have insurance, and any damage is caused, the locksmith may not be held liable for the damages; rather, you will be. This means that you’ll most likely have to pay for any damages to your property out of your own pocket, which can get pricey. When a locksmith is insured, then the locksmith’s insurance is responsible for paying for any damages that occur as a direct result of the locksmith professional’s work.

Resisting the Urge to Hire an Uninsured Locksmith

When you’re locked out of your home or office, the only thing that’s on your mind is getting back in. This is especially true when you have a project that demands instant attention, are in a rush, or it’s late at night. When you’re in a situation like this, it can be tempting to hire the first locksmith that pops up on a search engine’s search results page. While this may get your door unlocked, it could end up costing you hundreds of dollars in service fees, technician’s fees, and damages, and repair costs.

To avoid a costly mistake such as a hiring an insured locksmith, don’t take chances; instead, always call the team at A-1 Locksmiths. Our team has over 60 years of experience in the Dallas area, and we are fully bonded, licensed, and insured. If you have a commercial or residential locksmith emergency, we’re ready to help you!