Take hiding a spare key at your residence, for example. 

Many people hide a spare key under a mat or in a fake rock at their homes. But is this a good idea in today’s technology-enriched world? Was it ever a good idea? As a professional locksmith company, we have our opinion the matter.

A Tradition of Convenience

First, let’s briefly discuss why someone would hide a spare key at their residence. Homeowners have been doing this for years, hiding them under doormats, inside fake rocks, and even beneath flower pots. This was a convenient practice in the event of getting locked out of the house, as an extra key was always close by. But this comes with risks as well. 

The Security Risks

While many people have hidden a spare key without any consequences, there are more than a couple of problems here when it comes to your home’s security:

• Predictability: Burglars these days are well aware of the classic hiding spots. In fact, one of the first places they’ll check is under the doormat or in any obviously fake decor. 
• Lack of innovation: There are more advanced solutions to the spare key, so not using today’s technology keeps your security in the past. This makes it easier for intruders to gain access to your home.
• Increased vulnerability: When you have a spare key close to an entry point, it makes your home a target. It’s difficult to have peace of mind when you know that unrestricted access to your home is just a found key away. This is even worse if you don’t have an alarm system.

Better Options

There are a few modern alternatives to the hidden spare key these days. Whether it’s a small or big change, however, upgrading the security of your home is always a wise strategy if you can budget for it. Here are some modern solutions to consider:

• Smart locks: These let you enter your home with a code, fingerprint or smartphone app instead of a physical key.
• Key safes: These are secure, combination-locked boxes that can be mounted outside your home, offering similar benefits as spare keys but without the risks.
• Home security systems: Modern systems include features like remote access, meaning you can unlock your doors using a smartphone app, even when you’re not home.

If you have any other questions about home security, don’t hesitate to call A-1 Locksmith or visit one of our Dallas-Fort Worth-area locations today.

Option #1: Thaw the Lock

If the weather is cold, it’s possible the lock is frozen. If you have access to a hair dryer (ask the neighbor?), you can attempt to thaw the ice in, and around the lock, then pull the key out like normal. If you experience this issue often, there might be a ventilation issue. If the weather is warm, though, go ahead, and move on to other options.

Option #2: Add Lubricant

It’s also possible the key has sharp edges or there’s a loose component in the lock. Both situations can cause the key to stick. If you have access to WD-40 or another type of lubricant, you can spray it directly in the keyhole, and wiggle the key gently up, and down to try, and get it out. (Don’t wiggle side-to-side, as that’s a bigger risk for the key breaking.)

Option#3: Push and Pull

This is also risky for a key breaking off, but you can attempt to push the key in further and turn it so it’s in the same position it was when you put it in the lock. Then pull it out. If that doesn’t work, push and align like before, but push firmly on the face of the lock with your other hand, and try again. The goal here is to align the tumblers inside the lock so the key will come out.

Option #4: Call a Professional Locksmith

If you want to save yourself time, hassle, and possible further expense, consider calling a professional locksmith to handle it right away. A locksmith has the experience, and tools necessary to make it a quick job. Locksmiths handle hundreds of stuck keys a year and can also help repair your lock if needed.

Whether your key is stuck in the lock of your home or you have another residential security issue, you can trust the team at A-1 Locksmith. Give us a call at (972) 284-7500 today.

1. Duplicate Your Keys

It’s easy to forget your keys (or, heaven forbid, lose them) when you’re in the midst of a busy summer schedule. Before that happens, make sure you get your house keys duplicated and give a copy to a trusted outside friend or family member. Or, you can keep them in a secure spot that only you know about. Either way, make sure you have some backups.

2. Check Your Smoke Detectors

More of a safety issue than a security issue, but it is still worth mentioning. Make sure you check your smoke detectors, and their battery life. Batteries should be replaced every year and the detectors should be replaced every 10 years. Check them monthly to be safe.

3. Secure Any Valuable Tools

If you have a lawnmower, power drill or, some other valuable tool or piece of equipment, make sure it’s stored properly, and out of sight. They’re not only appealing to would-be thieves, but they can be a danger to children or pets. Leaving them out in the backyard is a bad idea.

4. Keep Windows Closed

If you’re trying to save money, you might be tempted to keep the windows open at night to better withstand the summer heat and get some ventilation going. But this presents a prime opportunity for burglars. Not only should you keep windows closed, especially while you sleep, but you should also consider adding a window-blocking device.

5. Have a Plan If Things Go Wrong

What happens if there’s a fire? Or an intruder? Or a natural disaster like a tornado? Make sure your family has a designated meeting spot and a plan down on paper in case anything unexpected happens this summer.

6. Upgrade Your Security System

Finally, the summer is the perfect time to upgrade your home security system. Burglars know that most people take trips during the summer, so homes are more susceptible. If you upgrade your home security system with one you can monitor when you’re on the go, that will give you extra peace of mind, and better protect your home, your belongings, and your family.

If you’re interested in more home security tips for the summer, give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at (972) 284-7500.

While we’re on the topic, you might be surprised to know that the colder months come with their own set of security-related problems for your home. House locks can freeze. Keys can snap. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can avoid these situations from happening. Let’s take a look at three of them.

Problem #1: Frozen Locks

This happens when either the door or lock is stuck in ice. If you don’t handle it correctly, you can permanently damage the door or lock. One way to get the lock working again is to use a hair dryer to melt the ice around the door opening. To prevent this from happening in the first place, however, you may want to ensure your house doesn’t have any ventilation issues or gaps in the door opening. It may also be time to install new locks.

Problem #2: Broken Keys

This problem can particularly catch you off-guard. You insert your key into the lock (usually the front door), turn and it snaps. The cold weather can make keys more brittle, especially for keys that are older. This is problematic for both the key (which you now have to replace) and the lock (if the key is stuck inside). You can remove broken keys from locks by either using a small pair of tweezers or by taking out the locks.

If the key is stubborn or you don’t feel confident trying to remove it, it might be time to call a professional locksmith. He or she will have the tools necessary to easily remove the key. They can also help with key duplication, even if the broken key was your only set. Either way, ensuring you have new keys (and a duplicate set of them) can help prevent this problem in the future.

Problem #3: Locked Out of the Home

Winter is one of the worst times to be locked out of your house, due to the harsh temperatures. Installing a new lock, such as a smart lock, can help you avoid situations like this. You can also give your neighbor, friend or family member a duplicate set of keys. Finally, a locksmith can help you get back into your home or suggest preventive measures.

If you’d like to winter-proof your home’s security, give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at 972-284-7500.

1. Keep your exterior lights on: This helps you see visitors, and helps them see you as well. Consider buying, some brighter bulbs for even more visibility. Your lights are also an indication to potential trick-or-treaters that you are participating in the holiday.
2. Avoid using real candles: They have LED lights that look and act like candles. Consider using them instead of candles, as that can be a potential fire hazard.
3. Test your smoke alarms: Speaking of fire hazards, it’s also a good time to test your smoke alarms, and ensure they’re working properly.
4. Invest in a video doorbell or security camera: Don’t be a victim of the “trick” part of trick-or-treat by installing a video-capturing device. The more visible it is, the better.
5. Keep pets inside: Just like the Fourth of July, pets can become easily scared during Halloween. So try to keep them inside (preferably in a closed room) and away from other trick-or-treaters.
6. Clear the walkway: Try to avoid putting anything that could cause an injury to a pedestrian in walkways, sidewalks or stairs. It’s also a good idea to consider adding reflective strips for one night.
7. Clean the walkway: In addition to removing obstacles, try to get rid of any dirt or leaves, as they can be a slipping hazard.
8. Add friction tape or carpet to stairs: If it happens to be damp or wet on Halloween, stairs can especially be a hazard. Ensure they aren’t slippery by putting down some friction tape or carpet.
9. Park your car in the garage: This will not only help inadvertent scratches from trick-or-treaters, but will eliminate the risk of it being vandalized. 
10. Hand out store-bought treats: While homemade treats are a nice gesture, many parents won’t let their children eat them due to allergies or other worries.
11. Ensure you have a spare key on hand: The last thing you need on Halloween is to get locked out of your home. Fortunately, a locksmith can help with key duplication.
12. Tone down the overly scary decorations: Avoid unwanted damage to your home or decorations by ensuring they aren’t overly scary or will catch people off guard. 
13. Turn your alarm on before going to bed: Hopefully you turned your alarm off before the night began, but be sure to turn it back on again before turning in for the night. Don’t have an alarm? Learn more about buying one here.

If you’re interested in other ways to improve your home’s security, give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at 972-284-7500.