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 Frequently Asked Questions |
| Questions regarding use of household security products. |
Exactly what is re-keying?
When a lock is re-keyed the "bitting" of the lock is
changed to allow a new key to be used but exclude the old key.
The bitting is set by the internal parts that move when the key
is inserted. The bitting must match the cuts on the key or the
lock will not release. By using your old lock mechanism that is
still in good working order you effectively have a "new"
lock at a greatly reduced price (since the old keys don't work,
as if you had replaced the entire lock). - Updated: September
11, 2003
How secure is my lock?
If your lock was installed by the builder of the house it is probably
"adequate" for the most part, since most home invasions
and burglaries do not involve forcing the lock.
You may still want to consider upgrading the quality of the lock
and the quality of the installation. There is a wide variety of
options depending on what you have and where you want to end up.
Check with your local security professional for suggestion. Many
you can do yourself. - Update: April 22, 2002
Is there a way to hide a key at my house?
While hiding keys is never as secure as keeping personal possession
of them there are a variety of devices that let you store keys
for emergency use.
Realtors use a "key box" to store keys so they don't
have to carry them. These are available at your local locksmith.
There are models that have a loop like a padlock and ones that
mount to the wall. They have a cover with push buttons where you
enter a code to open the door and access the key. - Updated: April
22, 2002
Is there a "master"
key that fits all locks?
No, there isn't. This is one of the urban myths. If that were
true there would be no locksmith trade and all burglars would
be rich and living in the south seas! - Updated: January 11, 2002
Why use a double cylinder deadbolt?
Double cylinder deadbolts are generally used where a window is
within an arm's reach of the lock and could allow unlocking just
by breaking the window.
A double cylinder deadbolt system makes you use a key no matter
which side of the door you are on. Warning: this also applies
to you needing to leave in a hurry. You must keep a key near the
door for emergency exit reasons. (Don't put it where it can be
seen or reached from that broken window!) - Updated: January 11,
2002
What is "keyless entry"?
Even before the "digital age" there were pushbutton
types of locks that allowed you to enter a "combination:.
They are still around and have a great track record. Now, however,
there are newer digital locks that perform functions impossible
for the mechanical types, such as: usage logging, time and data
access control, single use function and invalid code alarm.
A visit to your local security professional will show you what
is available (and be a real eye opener!). - Updated: January 11,
2002
How can I get a pick-proof lock?
There are no totally pickproof locks. There are, however, locks
that are so hard to pick that there is virtually no chance of
compromising them. Price by itself does not guarantee security,
you need to discuss you needs with your local locksmith and decide
from the options he gives you. - Updated: January 11, 2002
Can you make my house work on only one key?
You can usually key locks alike if one key will enter all of the
candidate locks. There are a few exceptions, consult with your
local locksmith. - Updated: January 11, 2002
What does "master-key" mean?
The purpose of master-keying is to reduce the number of keys you
have to carry. Master-keying of a residence usually means that
all the locks will work from one key. - Updated: January 11, 2002
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