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.

While fake rocks were once a foolproof way to trick burglars, and hide spare keys around your residence, criminals are getting smarter these days. Your home security strategy should be revisited to see if it’s up to 2021 standards. Here are some smarter ways to keep that spare key accessible, yet out of sight.

1. Disguised Key Holder

The problem with fake rocks is that criminals know to look for them and will keep an eye out for any stone that seems unnatural. Some have better designs than others, but you might want to consider an innovative or non-traditional disguised key holder instead. Examples include drain caps, fake electrical outlets, pots with hidden compartments, lockboxes, and more. There are more options available today than you might think.

2. With a Friend, Family Member or Neighbor

If you don’t trust these key holders (or you have particularly clever thieves in your area), a friend, family member or neighbor might be a better option for your spare key. As long as you trust the individual (and that they’ll store it properly), you can have peace of mind knowing, someone close by has access to your home should you or your family ever need it.

3. In An Unexpected Location

If you don’t have anyone you trust and don’t want to spend money on a disguised key holder, finding a strategic on-property hiding spot is another option. There are lots of nooks, crannies, and little-known hiding places if you look hard enough. Examples include the backyard tree, a flower garden, buried in a bottle, and in your car’s license plate. As long as you’re the only one who knows where it is, no one else will find it easily.

4. Don’t Use One!

Finally, you may want to consider keyless entry to your home. With this option, you don’t even have to have a spare key if you don’t want to (though key overrides are available). Additional features of keyless locks include smartphone/Bluetooth compatibility, the ability to lock or unlock remotely, and the option to give temporary access to someone, and change your codes. 

If you’re interested in more home security-related advice, give us a call today or stop by any of our area A-1 Locksmith Security, and Safes locations.

Whether you’re heading out for a vacation or hosting a Fourth of July party, here are some ways to avoid an unexpected residential lockout this summer.

1. Maintain Existing Locks

Hundreds of homeowners in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex alone need to have their locks repaired (or new locks installed) every week. Why? Like many depreciable items in your home, locks can break. If this happens while you’re out in the hot summer heat, you may not be able to get inside. Whether it’s your deadbolt, lock cylinder, strike plate or a broken key inside your lock, a reputable locksmith company can make sure your locks, and its components are in tip-top shape.

2. Safely Store Spare Keys

If you have an extra set of keys, you can store it in a safe place by your home. The mailbox and under the mat are NOT safe places. Instead, try to think of a place where burglars wouldn’t typically look, such as a fake rock. Or, better yet, give an extra set of keys to a neighbor, friend or family member you trust. Then they’ll be able to help if you get locked out of your home.

3. Have Extra Keys Made

So what happens if you don’t have an extra set of keys? Well, get some made, of course! The best locksmiths can create, and duplicate house keys of any type. Whether it’s for your front door, mailbox, side door, car, garage or anything else with a lock, an extra set of keys can come in handy. Then, you can stash it safely or give it to a trusted person, as mentioned in the previous tip.

4. Invest In a Smart Lock

If you already have an extra set of keys hidden safely, and all your locks are maintained, maybe it’s time for an upgrade? By installing a smart lock that can only be accessed via a combination, Bluetooth device or multi-tool, you’re not only adding convenience — you’re giving yourself peace of mind as well. You can even choose the level of security you’d like with your new lock, so it really is a smart decision.

If you’re in need of residential lockout services in Dallas-Fort Worth, give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at 972-284-7500.

Spare Keys

If you’re anything like me you will have lost your keys, wallet, shoes, and anything else you were needing before you left for work this morning. We all know common sense don’t only have one key.. why? Because the second you loose it  besides the fact that you can’t get back in, the cost to get a new one is SO much more expensive then if you had just listened, and gotten that spare key.

Why Do I Need Spare Keys?

Not only should you make sure to have more than one key always, but make sure its not inside your house, on your key chain, or in your car…why? Well because if it’s inside your house, and you get locked out then what? Or if the keys are on your key chain or inside your car then what happens when you forget to grab your keys, and now your standing on the outside looking down at both your keys, and you spare key.

Now there are many ways of holding a spare key. If the keys are of the house, one might have a trusted neighbor hold on to them. This is in fact the approach applied by the large majority usually as location-wise this is ideal. Other places may include hiding it under a flower pot or in the patio. Make sure where ever you choose to hide your keys that it is not an obvious place or out in the open. Imagine someone coming into your home, invading your privacy, and going through your belongings all because you used a conventional method of hiding keys that has been seen and heard of by the majority.

There are various services that also offer to store your spare key, and deliver it to you. Since losing keys is a common occurrence, these services are gaining popularity especially in places like Europe, and America. Various online companies offer yearly memberships where they will deliver the spare keys anytime the individual loses the original one, regardless of the location. Services like such are safe, and secure. They’re more convenient than storing keys with friends, and cheaper than having a locksmith make new ones.

What Should I Do?

The problem boils down to the fact that a spare key is necessary to avoid inconvenience. But having a spare key is a big responsibility. Many times when the owner is absent minded enough to leave it lying around or entrust it to the wrong people, it leads to home invasion and car theft. Spare keys must be dealt with great care, and only be given to close family, friends, or kept on yourself. Stop into any trusted, licensed locksmith for a copy of your key! Don’t wait until it’s too late.