How Changes In Temperature and Weather Affect Your Locks

By Pop-A-Lock | October 5, 2020 | No Comments

Seasonal changes are often exciting. After a long winter, many look forward to the time spent outdoors in warmer weather brought in by spring. As summer comes to a close, cooler temperatures are appreciated as many prepare for the upcoming holiday seasons. However, as homeowners prepare for the change in seasons themselves, they also must be aware of the potential effects of these changes on external locks and entrances to their home.

Many do not realize that the change of seasons can have a major impact on their home. When the temperature dramatically increases or decreases in a short span of time, there is a higher chance that you will experience issues with your doors and locking mechanisms. A lot of the time, seemingly random problems that arise with your locks can be explained by seasonal changes.

Cold Weather Effects

As the fall and winter seasons arrive, the change in temperature affects your doors and locking mechanisms in a variety of ways. Doors that are made of wood are especially prone to problems during seasonal changes, as lower levels of humidity affect the material. Freezing temperatures and the absence of moisture in the air can cause your door frame to contract, leading to a poor fit between the door and the lock itself. This contraction means the door will begin to warp around your locks, and may lead to your deadbolt suddenly not being able to lock or unlock properly.

Aside from contractions with the door and door frame, if there is existing moisture in the lock, you may experience issues with your key not being able to turn. Moisture in the mechanisms of the lock may freeze over, causing your key to become stuck or much harder than usual to put into the lock.

Hot Weather Effects

Just as colder weather causes your door and door frame to contract, warmer weather can cause these mechanisms to expand. Higher levels of moisture in the air cause wooden doors to warp around the lock and press rigidly against the door frame. This expansion can lead to problems with your locks, as they suddenly start to “jam” more often. This means it becomes more difficult for the key to turn in the lock properly, or that the key can become stuck in the lock itself.

Homeowners must also be aware of the effects of warm temperatures on keys themselves. When left in a hot car for too long, or left in direct sunlight for extended periods of time, the keys can begin to distort. Distorted keys can cause problems with the lock, as they do not properly fit in the mechanism anymore.

How Do I Fix My Lock?

If you have noticed that your locking mechanisms have been affected by a recent change in temperature or weather, the best option is to call a reputable locksmith. These technicians will evaluate your circumstances and advise you on the best plan of action. Depending on the degree that your door or door frame has warped, they may decide to simply fix your lock or rekey it. In some cases, the home may benefit from the installation of a new lock entirely if it has become too incompatible with the door’s changes over time.

If you have found that your wooden door continually becomes warped, it may be time to consider installing a door of an alternative material. Weatherproof materials such as fiberglass, steel or aluminum are good choices, and will withstand changes in temperature and humidity without affecting your locks.

Contact Pop-A-Lock Today!

If you have arrived home to find that your door is jammed, or the key will not turn in the lock, do not panic! Your first step should be to contact a reputable locksmith, such as Pop-A-Lock, to help you gain entry to the home, staying away from online “DIY” methods that may lead to more damage on your system. Pop-A-Lock provides a 24/7 emergency lockout service, that will get you back into your home quickly and efficiently, without damage.

Pop-A-Lock was founded in Lafayette, Louisiana, and has quickly become the largest professional locksmithing franchise in the United States. All of our technicians are certified, experienced, and ready to help you find the best solution for your individual needs. You can call (800) POP-A-LOCK or contact us online for a quote today!

Are Magnetic or Electric Locks Better For Commercial Properties?

By Pop-A-Lock | September 28, 2020 | No Comments

When you own a business or commercial property, there are many options to consider when it comes to security. Taking the time to choose the most effective kind of locks for your specific property is an important practice, as these systems protect not only your building, but the employees, valuables, and sensitive information located inside.

If you’re unsure about whether a magnetic lock system or an electric strike system is right for your business, you’ve come to the right place! The professionals at Pop-A-Lock have created a guide below to discuss the pros and cons of these devices, helping you make a more informed decision about your commercial security.

Magnetic Locks

Magnetic Locks, or “mag locks,” are devices that use an electromagnet to secure doors. The magnet is attached to the door frame and a metal armature plate. These systems use low-voltage power to keep the lock closed and unlock with a card swipe, key fob or access code.

Mag locks can connect to a variety of access control systems, which can sometimes even be accessed using smartphone applications. If you’re interested in learning more about access control systems, check out our previous blog on the topic, “What is Key Control and Why Should My Business Care?”

If you’re thinking about implementing mag locks into your access control system, consider the pros and cons of these devices, listed below.

Advantages of Mag Locks

There are many benefits to using a mag lock system for your commercial property:

Mag Locks can be extremely strong and durable, lasting a long time
Mag Locks be mounted on a wide variety of doors, even glass doors
These locks often require less cutting of the door frame during installation
Mag Locks eliminate the risk of lost keys/fobs, minimizing security threats
These locks are quick to operate after installation
Decreased costs over time as you don’t need to cut new keys

Disadvantages of Mag Locks

Just as there are advantages to implementing magnetic locks, there are a few downsides to consider when evaluating the decision to install these locks in your commercial property.

Mag Locks are frowned upon by most fire and code officials, due to their completely electronic nature. In the event of an emergency, it’s harder for individuals without a key card, code or fob to exit the building.
Doors may become more difficult to open if the maglock is continuously locked
Mag Locks need a constant source of power- the door will open if power is lost without a battery backup or if the battery backup goes down
Cards or fobs may be misplaced or stolen, allowing unauthorized individuals access to the property
Mag Locks can be pricey depending upon the quality and strength of the lock

Electric Locks or “Electric Strikes”

Another kind of system that should be considered for increasing your commercial property’s security is an electric strike. These devices can also be implemented into your access control system, giving you more jurisdiction over which employees can access specific areas of the building.

Electric strikes are electromechanical devices that provide increased security to the building when used alongside other devices, such as a lock set or panic bar. When electrical power is supplied to the strike, the latch or lock bolt is held in place, keeping the door locked until a release system is activated.

Release systems vary depending on the type of electric strike you install. Generally, when the mechanical part of the lock is activated through an electronic key card, code, release button or fob, the strike releases, opening the door from the outside.

Advantages of Electric Strikes

There are multiple advantages to implementing electric strikes in your commercial property:

Electric strikes are favorable to fire and building officials, due to the fact they can still operate with a mechanical release such as a push bar from the inside
Electric strikes are available in both fail-safe and fail-secure configurations
With electric strikes, the door can remain secure even with a loss of power, if properly configured
Decreased costs over time as you don’t need to cut new keys

Disadvantages of Electric Strikes

Although electric strikes have many advantages, there are certainly disadvantages to these systems that are important to consider:

Door is susceptible to normal mechanical bypass methods
Cards or fobs may be misplaced or stolen, allowing unauthorized individuals access to the property
Electric strikes can be difficult to install on door frames made out of materials such as aluminum, as they need thicker door spaces
Depending on the quality, they can be more prone to failure because they are more mechanically complex in nature than a magnetic locks

Choosing Your System

The best way to choose which system is better for your business is to have a security professional evaluate your commercial property. Technicians at companies such as Pop-A-Lock have the expertise and training to recommend which systems are most beneficial for your unique situation and can install both electric strikes and magnetic locks efficiently.

We recommend using a combination of both locks, as having both magnetic locks and electronic strikes on exterior doors reduces your risk for a security issue in the future. Although there are strengths and weaknesses to both systems, installing either option (or a combination of both) will increase your property’s overall security. If you prefer not to have two systems in place, we will recommend one or the other based on the door being guarded. This varies place by place.

Contact Your Local Pop-A-Lock Today!

Need help with installing locks on your commercial property? Contact your local Pop-A-Lock today! All of our technicians are certified, experienced, and ready to help you find the best solution for your individual needs. We install, replace, and rekey locks with advanced techniques that will ensure your property is secure as possible.

Founded in Lafayette, Louisiana, Pop-A-Lock has quickly become the largest professional locksmithing franchise in the United States. You can call (800) POP-A-LOCK or contact us online for a quote today!

Public Awareness: Buying Car Keys Online

By Pop-A-Lock | September 21, 2020 | No Comments

Are you considering purchasing a key from an internet seller and then looking for a locksmith or professional to program that key? Just like many other items, the internet can seem like a promising place to save money on the purchase of keys, fobs, and prox keys. But, be wary – while this isn’t a scam, it also isn’t always the smartest way to go about getting a new key.

There are a few reasons to be cautious when considering purchasing a new key or fob online, instead of from a professional or the dealership. They include:

Many people don’t realize that with modern vehicles, the majority of a new key’s cost comes not from the key itself, but in the decoding, cutting, and programming of the electronic components of that key to match to your vehicle so that it actually works.
If you purchase a key from online, and then seek out a skilled tradesperson to match that key to your vehicle, it likely won’t be warrantied, which can hurt you in the long run.
Internet keys are often from aftermarket sources that use the lowest quality materials, construction methods and electronic components available.
Lastly, most online resellers do not charge significantly less than professional locksmiths or automotive security professionals who provide the same part- likely with a warranty on the part and labor included.

Need a Key or Remote For Your Vehicle?

If you need a key or remote for your vehicle, there are three words we recommend keeping in mind while searching – Avoid, Ask, Know.

1. Avoid using Google or Bing to locate a professional locksmith or automotive security professional when possible Instead use:
a. Findalocksmith.com
b. Keypro.com
c. popalock.com

These are three of the most professional and vetted associations and membership groups for locksmiths in North America. They are a reliable source to help you find a trusted technician and avoid locksmith scams.

2. Ask what the total price for the entire job will be up front. Unless something is wrong with the vehicle or it’s not in original factory condition, most reputable locksmiths should be able to give you a very precise cost.

3. Know specifics if possible. If you’re internet-savvy or good at conducting your own research, you can likely find out exactly what OEM key part number your vehicle takes. This is the exact button configuration such as lock, unlock, panic, remote start, automatic rear doors, power liftgate, or power tailgate. Providing this useful information to your locksmith may help save time, effort, energy and potentially reduce your total cost.

If You’ve Already Purchased a Key Online

If you have already purchased an online key, it’s not the end of the world. If you’re seeking someone to cut and program the key or remote for you, here are four important things to remember:

1. Communicate: Whoever you end up requesting service from, make sure you clearly state if you have a working key for the vehicle or if all keys are lost or broken . This factor can cause a significant difference in pricing and procedures depending upon your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

a. Be prepared to show identification and proof of ownership. This would include registration, title, bill of sale or proof of insurance coverage naming you on the document. Having your documentation in order, and letting the key professional know that you have this documentation readily available for them, can save you time, effort and energy, and could potentially lower your final cost.

2. Be transparent with your locksmith. When you contact a key professional, let them know that you purchased a key online. If you can identify the reseller to your locksmith, it can help clarify the quality of the key.

3. Consider purchasing keys from your locksmith anyway. A good alternative for you – as well as the key professional – is to purchase another key directly from the locksmith. This professional can service and program it much more effectively. Then ask if they can cut and program your online key as a backup for a reasonable rate while they are already on-site. Or, if you do not want or simply can’t afford to have the additional key programmed, most online resellers will accept an uncut returned key back in order to maintain their positive seller statistics.

The Bottom Line

We’ve given you a lot of information here. The bottom line, though, is that buying online keys is typically a waste of time and money versus simply calling a key professional to do the job in the first place!

Pop-A-Lock is the largest supplier of keys, fobs, and automotive key programming services to the public in North America. We use high-quality products, offer warranties on our parts and labor, and can typically offer the best value because of our purchasing discounts through our partnered vendors. If we provide service in your area, please consider reaching out to us for a free estimate to replace or create a duplicate key, fob or proximity key for your vehicle!

Pop-A-Lock Locksmith Technicians in Uniform

To talk with a Pop-A-Lock Professional about your best key options, call 1-800-POP-A-LOCK today.

What Are Transponder Keys and How Do They Work?

By Pop-A-Lock | September 14, 2020 | No Comments

Over the last 20 years, we’ve witnessed the rapid adoption of the transponder key. Most car manufacturers today use some type of transponder key for their vehicles. The core purpose of transponder keys is to eliminate auto theft, and they have become a central part of many modern cars’ anti-theft systems. Transponder keys have continuously evolved over time to better serve that purpose.

How Transponder Keys Work

A transponder (a blend of the words “transmitter” and “responder”) is programmed to start a particular vehicle, which is key in reducing the possibility of auto-theft. Transponder keys contain a small computer chip that transmits a low-level radio signal. The microchip has a unique digital serial number, which authenticates the original car key and the duplicate car key. The signals activate the chip only when the key is near the dashboard or when it is inserted into the ignition.

When you plug a transponder key into the ignition, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) will send a coded message to the key. The original key will receive the coded message and respond back to the ECU. Once the messages are authenticated by the car, the car will start. The range of a transponder key is limited to about seven inches, and they do not require batteries.

Transponder keys are an incredibly effective means of preventing cars from being hot-wired. A vehicle with a transponder key will not start if the device at the switch does not detect the signal from the key. The car will not start if a copied key is used without the proper signal. If someone attempts to hot wire a vehicle that uses a transponder key, it won’t start because there is no signal from the key.

Since vehicles with transponder keys require them in order to start, many people believe that the dealerships for their particular vehicles are the only places they can go for copies. Getting a copy of a transponder key at a dealership is often expensive and inconvenient. Professional locksmiths are a great cost-effective alternative. A professional locksmith will have the expertise necessary to replace, copy, and program new transponder keys.

Contact Pop-A-Lock

If you’ve lost your transponder key, or just want to make a copy for your peace of mind, Pop-A-Lock is here to help. Pop-A-Lock technicians are trained to program all types of transponder keys, for any model or make of vehicle. We guarantee the work we do for you will be top quality.

Replacing a transponder is more complicated than getting a key cut to fit your ignition. This process has to be carried out by a trained specialist to make sure the transponder will function properly and start your car. Not only are Pop-A-Lock’s car key and transponder replacement services cost-effective, but we can get the job done much quicker than the dealership and our competitors. Call the location nearest you today to have a Pop-A-Lock specialist help with all your transponder key needs.

Why You Should Re-Key Your New House

By Pop-A-Lock | September 7, 2020 | No Comments

There’s no question that every homeowner wants to keep their home (and family) safe and secure. However, you may be especially concerned if you are in a home that recently changed ownership. To feel 100% safe, you will want to have all of the existing locks rekeyed so you can ensure you are the only person with working keys to your locks.

Rekeying your locks is one of the best ways to improve home security. By making this simple upgrade, you will instantly solve the problem of not knowing how many “extra” keys are out there, ensuring that you are the only one with access to your home. Plus, you can save money by having them rekeyed to a single key, which is cheaper than replacing all the locks individually.

New Builds Follow the Same Rules

Even a newly built home should be rekeyed. When a house is under construction, the locks often use a master-key system. Many don’t realize that while the new owner receives unique keys, sometimes master pins have been left in the lock. If this happens, the lock can still be opened with double the number of keys for each master pin that remains in the lock. But rekeying allows the locksmith to remove those master pins so that only a single key will unlock it.

Current Residents Can Still Benefit

Rekeying makes sense for new homeowners, but it also can benefit people who have lived in the same residence for years. Over time, just about every homeowner has loaned a spare key or two to family and friends, neighbors, or even workers. However, keys you lent temporarily to someone can be easily copied, meaning they can remain in the hands of people you don’t want in your home. If you are unsure if any spare keys to your home are floating around, rekeying all the exterior doors to a single new key solves this problem instantly. Once you rekey your home, you can control your key inventory and better control who has access to your home.

Trust Pop-A-Lock

Pop-A-Lock is a professional locksmith franchise with over 8,500 locations in the United States and Canada. We train all our technicians in the latest locksmith technologies to ensure you get the best service possible. All of our technicians wear easily identifiable uniforms and drive marked vehicles, so you can be sure you are getting locksmith services from a professional.

To rekey a lock, we remove the pins and springs in the lock cylinder and replace them with pins and springs that work only with a specific new key. This means you do not need to replace the locks themselves, but instead you can be assured all your locks work with a single key that you control. Additionally, the professional locksmiths at Pop-a-Lock will also carefully examine all your locks to check their condition and replace any worn parts. We will lubricate your rekeyed lock to help it function smoothly and replace any locks that are too worn to be rekeyed.

Just like cleaning your furnace or replacing your air filters, periodic rekeying is an essential part of home maintenance. But since rekeying protects the security of your family and possessions, the team at Pop-A-Lock recommends doing this every few years. We will send our professional locksmith to your home to make sure every lock works with a single key, so you know that your family is safe in your home.

What is an Accessibility Audit?

By Pop-A-Lock | August 24, 2020 | No Comments

Unfortunately, those with disabilities face challenges every day that able-bodied individuals do not always consider. As a society, we are working towards making life more accessible to those who need accommodations, and part of this includes making buildings easier to enter, exit or to get around in.

When looking to ensure your facility is inclusive, a great method is conducting an accessibility audit. These audits show how well the space is meeting requirements for those with disabilities. Accessibility audits are a formal and methodological way for a professional to check your current compliance, and will allow the professional to make recommendations specifically for your property.

Recently, there has been a strong push in areas such as Canada for more equality, as nationally set standards for Accessibility have risen in a variety of sectors. Currently categories being addressed for those with disabilities include:

Information and Communication
Employment
Transportation
Design of Public Spaces
Customer Service

Locksmithing Companies And Accessibility

In terms of locksmithing companies, accessibility concerns can be addressed in the design of public spaces. By working to identify gaps in the requirements of businesses and public spaces, we can help make these areas more accessible for those with disabilities. Areas that locksmithing companies such as Pop-A-Lock can help with include the installation and maintenance of:

Levers
Latches
Electric strikes
Door operators and closers
Thresholds
Locks
Exit hardware

Conducting An Accessibility Audit

When public spaces and companies implement tools and hardware like those mentioned above, their buildings become more accessible to those with disabilities. Companies such as Pop-A-Lock provide accessibility audits (in select locations) designed to help businesses and public spaces know where their facility is lacking or could improve. These audits are very important, as they closely examine the property and provide valuable insight on aspects the organization may have missed. Missing certain things from the audit may be a crucial mistake, leading to fines and human rights violations on behalf of the organization.

When it comes to conducting an accessibility audit, it’s best to have an experienced professional inspect the property. If you try and do it yourself, you may miss something that you’re unaware of, which will affect your organization and those with disabilities trying to enter the facility.

Contact Pop-A-Lock Today!

Interested in having an accessibility audit done on your facility? Contact your local Pop-A-Lock today to see if they offer a free accessibility audit. The professionals at Pop-A-Lock have the experience and knowledge needed to complete these audits, and will thoroughly inspect your facility to make sure it meets all requirements. Call (800) POP-A-LOCK or contact us online to discuss your audit today!

Garage Door Safety Tips

By Pop-A-Lock | August 17, 2020 | No Comments

Nine Tips to Increase The Security of Your Garage

In terms of residential security, the garage is an area that is often overlooked. While securing your doors and windows should be a priority, the garage should never be neglected in the process. This part of your home serves as a major entry and exit point and is often used to store expensive items such as vehicles, tools and exercise equipment.

Many people don’t realize that the garage is one of the most vulnerable areas of a residence. Homeowners typically do not take appropriate measures to secure the garage, frequently leaving the door unlocked or open while they are home. This is a mistake, as after trying other major points of entry (front door, back door and first-floor windows), criminals are likely to break in using the garage door.

However, don’t fear! There are many steps you can take to protect your residence from a garage break-in. Check out Pop-A-Lock’s tips below for securing your garage, as these practices will make your home a safer place to live.

Garage Security Tips

Keep Your PIN a Secret: Many garage doors are equipped with an electronic keypad that serves to open and close the door when a specific code is entered. In terms of home security, it’s very important to keep this PIN a secret, only giving it to residents or those who you trust. Minimizing the number of people who know the PIN code reduces your risk of having an untrusted individual use the code to get inside. If children know this code, be sure to communicate the importance of not sharing this information with friends or strangers.
Check Locks on Exterior Doors: Some garages have side entrances, with doors that lead to outdoor yard areas. When evaluating your garage’s security, be sure to check the functionality of these door locks. Do the doors close and lock with ease? If not, it may be time to have a new lock installed.
Consider a Garage Door Alarm Sensor: Garage door alarm sensors can be integrated into your home’s security system. These sensors monitor when the garage is opened or closed and can be a valuable tool in making sure the door has not accidentally been left open.
Invest In a Garage Door Lock: Overhead garage door locks can be used to increase the security of your home. These locks prevent the door from being lifted with brute force and are a great idea if you store expensive vehicles or other valuables in the space. These locks can be placed on the interior or exterior of the garage door, and are unlocked using a key.
Keep The Exterior Of Your Home Well Lit: Entrances to your home, including the garage, should always be well-lit. Thieves and other criminals avoid brightly lit areas of the home, as it makes their actions visible from the street. If your home does not have lighting in these areas, consider having new lights installed for your safety.
Be Mindful About Garage Door Openers: A newer method used by criminals to gain entry into your home is breaking into your car (or stealing your car) and taking the garage door opener. Although it may seem inconvenient, it’s recommended not to leave your garage door opener in the car. If you leave your car with a parking attendant or valet service, be sure to take the opener with you.
Double-Check that the Door Closed, Every Time: When you leave your home, always double-check that the garage door actually closed behind you. Occasionally, garage doors are left open when the sensor malfunctions, causing the system to reverse. The last thing you want is to have this area open and exposed while no one is home.
Always Lock Doors Leading to the Interior of the Home: If your garage contains an entrance to your home, always lock this door before you leave. Having the garage door closed may create a sense of security that justifies leaving the door unlocked, but for your safety, the door should always be secured. This practice creates another deterrent, should an individual with bad intentions gain access inside the garage.
Educate Children on Garage Door Safety: According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), hospital emergency departments treat more than 15,000 injuries from garage doors per year in the United States. If you have small children, talk with them about the importance of garage door safety. Consider creating a list of rules relating to garage door use, such as no riding on the door and staying away from panels while the door opens or closes.

Pop-A-Lock Can Help!

Trusted locksmiths at companies such as Pop-A-Lock can help you with concerns regarding garage security. Our locksmithing professionals can open malfunctioning garage door locks, helping you gain access back inside. We can also rekey or replace these locks efficiently, and with no damage. Our technicians do not mind helping out with programming garage door openers and are always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about this feature of your home.

Contact Your Local Pop-A-Lock Today!

Pop-A-Lock prides itself on providing high-quality professional locksmithing services across the country. All of our locksmiths are certified, highly trained, and ready to help you find the best possible solution for your security concerns. You can call (800) POP-A-LOCK or contact us online for a quote today!

Pop-A-Lock’s Free Emergency Car Unlocking Service

By Pop-A-Lock | August 3, 2020 | No Comments

PAL Saves Kids is a free service from Pop-A-Lock. Our ultimate goal is to decrease the number of children injured or killed in hot vehicles through education and awareness. We know that life happens and that even a slight change in one’s daily routine can result in forgetfulness. We want to be there for you if that happens.

Our professional technicians are available 24/7 to rescue children locked in vehicles, and with Pal Saves Kids, we aim to educate instead of judge.

A parent’s goal is to keep their children safe at all costs, but accidents happen, that’s just life. According to the National Safety Council’s Injury Facts page on hot car deaths, an average of 38 children die in hot cars each year, and nine have died in hot cars already in 2019. Of the total number of children that have died in hot vehicles since 1998, it is estimated that over half were forgotten by a parent or caregiver in the vehicle.

Though we may assume that heatstroke deaths are only possible in the sweltering temperatures in the southern and western states, heatstroke in vehicles can happen anywhere. The National Safety Council reports that hot car deaths are a danger in every state, in every month, not just the summer months. Research has shown that vehicles can heat up much quicker than you might think, even when the outside temperature is what we would consider comfortable. At an outside temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, for example, the temperature inside a vehicle can increase to 117 degrees Fahrenheit within an hour.

When the temperature inside a vehicle can increase this rapidly, children left in hot cars do not have much time before they overheat. We never think this will happen to us, but we are only human and we’ll inevitably make mistakes sometimes. The last thing a mistake should cost is a child’s life, so it is important to be aware of these statistics and what your options are to avoid this scary situation.

Here are a few tips to avoid leaving your child locked your vehicle:

Keep your focus on driving and avoid distractions (talking on the phone, eating or drinking, daydreaming, etc.) that can cause you to forget what you were doing.
Open your child’s door as soon as you arrive at your destination
Put an important item (such as your phone, purse, briefcase, backpack, etc.) under your child’s seat so you will remember to retrieve it
Have your daycare call your office if your child doesn’t arrive
Write down schedule changes in a planner so that they’re fresh in your mind.

Accidents happen all the time, even when you take every possible precaution. Fortunately, Pop-A-Lock’s PAL Saves Kids Program exists to help you if you ever encounter an emergency lock-in situation.

Contact Your Local Pop-A-Lock

Visit Pop-A-Lock’s PAL Saves Kids page for more tips and for more information on what to do if your child is accidentally locked in the car. We’ll be here to help you and make sure your little ones are safe and secure, no matter where you are!

Do You Need A Deadbolt Lock?

By Pop-A-Lock | July 20, 2020 | No Comments

Do I Need A Deadbolt Lock?

If you are concerned about your home’s security, you may be wondering if you need a deadbolt lock. The short answer is: yes! This article will discuss the key advantages of having one installed in your home. If you need help installing a deadbolt, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Pop-A-Lock today. The experienced locksmiths at Pop-A-Lock can install a deadbolt quickly and affordably.

Deadbolts offer specific advantages that standard locks do not have. A deadbolt, with its solid steel bar, makes it more difficult for a burglar to break into your home. There are three main types of deadbolt locks: single cylinder, dual cylinder, and keyless cylinder. The most common used is the single-cylinder deadbolt, which is operated by a twist knob on the inside and a key on the outside of the door. The double-cylinder deadbolt requires a key on both the inside and outside for operation. Keyless cylinder deadbolt locks use a password or fingerprint scan to open the door.

Keep in mind that a single cylinder door can still be breached if you have glass panels or windows, as a burglar could break through the glass, reach in, and turn the knob. A double cylinder protects against this type of break-in, because a key has to be used on the inside to unlock.

When installing the lock, the deadbolt must extend fully into the hole on the door jamb for it to function properly. It’s essential that the hole is reinforced with a metal strike plate. If the deadbolt does not extend all the way into the hole, or if a metal strike plate is not used, the lock and door frame can be compromised during a break-in.

Standard locks can be pried open with objects such as a knife because of the spring mechanism. They can also be broken open by crowbars. Because a hardened steel deadbolt is stronger, forcing or sliding them open is nearly impossible. Deadbolts take longer than standard locks to break open, meaning a burglar is less able to get in and out promptly and, therefore, is more likely to be caught.

Often, when a burglar kicks in a door, it’s the door frame, rather than the door, that breaks. Some locksmiths recommend using a 3-inch screw to reinforce the strike plate and make sure it’s securely attached to the studs of the frame of your home or apartment.

Another advantage of deadbolts is that their simple mechanisms make them extremely affordable. Expect to pay between $30 and $50 for a deadbolt – a cost much less than installing a home alarm system. You may not even need a sophisticated alarm system once you install a deadbolt. While no lock is 100% guaranteed to keep out intruders, installing a deadbolt, as opposed to just having a standard lock, will significantly increase the security of your home.

Contact Us

Having a deadbolt installed by the trained home and residential lock installation professionals at Pop-A-Lock will ensure it’s proper and secure performance. If you’re interested in learning more about deadbolts, or you would like a professional locksmith to come to your home to install one, call Pop-A-Lock today. We will make sure you have the right lock for your home that will keep you, your family, and your belongings safe from harm.

Tips to Prevent Accidentally Locking A Child in A Car

By Pop-A-Lock | July 13, 2020 | No Comments

Pop-A-Lock Technician Opening Door for Child in Car

Did you know that according to KidsandCars.org, an average of 38 children die heat-related deaths each year after being trapped inside a vehicle?

As a parent, your days are understandably hectic. With all of the responsibilities and distractions that come with everyday life, even the best parents could discover that they’ve accidentally locked their child in the car. While most of us assume that this will never happen to us, it’s always wise to consider how to avoid a mental blunder like this, and what to do if it accidentally happens to you.

That’s why we’ve provided the following tips that will help you avoid accidentally locking your child in the car.

Always take your kids with you.

Even if you’re making a brief stop, bring your kids with you into the store. In some states, it’s even illegal to leave your child unattended in a vehicle. Make a habit of bringing your child with you, no matter how busy you are or how short you expect the stop to be.

Don’t leave your keys within an arm’s reach of your child.

No matter where you are, your keys need to be kept away from your child. The auto lock on your keyless entry remote allows a child to lock themselves in the car. It’s a good idea to carry a spare key with you at all times. Typically, a locksmith service can duplicate your key for less than what an auto dealership will charge. If your keys are locked in the vehicle with your child, Pop-A-Lock’s Pal Saves Kid’s program can help you get into your vehicle immediately to retrieve your child and your keys.

Communicate with your child’s caregiver.

Stay in contact with your child’s caregiver so that the caregiver will call you if your child doesn’t show up at daycare. It’s not unheard of for parents to be in such a rush that they accidentally forget that their children are still in the car and head to work. Use a smartphone app that requires you to check-in so you will receive an alert on your phone if your child is not dropped off at daycare.

Always check the car seat.

Every time you exit your vehicle, check the backseat for your child. Place a reminder on your dashboard, or put one of your child’s belongings, such as a toy, in the front seat to serve as a visual reminder. Or, put something you’ll need when you get out of the car -like a phone, wallet or purse – in the backseat with your child.

Situate your child’s car seat so that they are visible to you.

Position your child’s car seat to the right or in the middle of the backseat, so it is easier to see them in your rearview mirror than if they were directly behind you.

Limit talking on the phone.

Try to avoid talking on the phone during your drive. Carrying on a conversation, particularly one that is deep or involving, could be distracting and divert your attention from your child.

Be careful if your daily routine changes.

The risk of accidentally leaving your child in the car increases with a change in routine. If you decide to run an errand before work or if you need to adjust your daily schedule for any reason, be sure to put your child’s new drop off time on your calendar in advance, and try to set phone reminders to alert you that they need to be taken to school or daycare. If your child will be with you all day, make a mental note to always take them with you on whatever special errands you need to run.

Save a locksmith’s number in your phone.

Be prepared in the event the unthinkable happens and you accidentally lock your child in the car. If it’s a warm summer day or a cold winter day, and your child is in the car, take immediate action to get them out. Call 911 and attempt to break a window to gain entry into the vehicle.

However, if the weather is mild, calling 911 and breaking a window might not be necessary. Just be sure to call a locksmith or utilize Pop-A-Lock’s PAL Saves Kids program to get your child out of the vehicle immediately. Locksmiths are available 24/7 and will be able to pop the lock as soon as they arrive. Always be careful in this consideration, though, because inside of cars can heat up or cool off quickly, even if the temperature outside is mild. When in doubt, always call 911.

Pop-A-Lock is Committed to Saving Kids

Pop-A-Lock developed the PAL Saves Kids program, which rescues children in locked vehicles 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Since law enforcement officers introduced the program in 1991, thousands of kids have been rescued throughout the United States at no charge to parents or caregivers. If your child is locked in your vehicle or you see someone else’s child locked in another vehicle, take advantage of this free program right away.

We hope you found these tips to be helpful, and if you need assistance with a locked vehicle, contact your local Pop-A-Lock professionals today.

Remember, always look before you lock!