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.

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.

But no matter where you live, there are certain tactics you can employ that will help prevent burglars from entering your home, and that may even make them think twice about even attempting to break in. Consider these three simple things burglars don’t want you to know that will help keep you and your home safe from intruders.

1. Make the House Look Occupied

One of the best ways to deter potential burglars from breaking and entering into your home is by making it look as if it is occupied at all times. In reality, it is unlikely that a burglar would be interested in targeting a home with a family inside; instead, he or she may look for another house that looks uninhabited.

How can you make your home look alive, even when you’re gone? Consider leaving one or two lights on when you leave the house, or utilize an automatic timer that turns on lights when it gets dark. And if you plan on leaving for longer periods of time, have friends or neighbors pick up your mail, and newspapers each day, as well.

2. Ditch the Old Locks – and Install a Deadbolt

If a burglar does decide to target your home, one simple way to stop him or her from getting in is by ensuring that all the doors to the outside can be locked with deadbolts. Many modern burglars are aided by the existence of pushbutton locks on doorknobs; it is much easier to enter a home installed with these, even without a key. By installing a deadbolt on all of your doors, you may, in fact, help the burglar decide that he or she should try elsewhere.

3. Install a Security System

Finally, even the most daring burglars may not turn away from an occupied home with a deadbolt on the door. And in this scenario, it is imperative that you have a security system installed by a skilled locksmith. A number of security systems for your home, including smart home features, video surveillance, and even alarm monitoring, can keep you notified of any illegal entry, and will alert law enforcement as well if your home is being burglarized. This is truly a necessity for those residents who wish to protect the valuables in their house.

By following these few simple tips, you can help ensure that burglars won’t target your home. Contact a professional at A-1 Locksmith today; we are prepared to assist you do everything necessary to protect both your house, and your family within.