A Merry Little Holiday Fun!

 

 Happy Holidays from AA Lock & Key, Inc.

 

On the Twelfth day of Christmas AA Locksmiths had to do:

                           Twelve locks re keyed

                           Eleven electric strikes

                           Ten duplicate keys

                           Nine Combo Changes

                           Eight customer lockouts

                           Seven entry levers

                           Six safe deposit boxes

                           Five panic bars

                           Four master padlocks

                           Three deadbolts

                           Two mailbox locks

                           And a Standard Service call…….

 

Here's what happened in October

 

 

 

The 5 day 36th Yankee Security Convention  was held in Sturbridge, MA.  the week of October 15, 2014. The convention is a year long planning event that many New England locksmiths anticipate. 

Dave Vessels, co-owner of AA Lock &Key, Inc., is a chairperson on the Board of Members, and is designated as the Educational coordinator, who makes this event a success.  Throughout the year Dave attends meetings with the other (7) board members to plan and organize the annual event.

 The job of the Educational Coordinator is to listen to the locksmith community, and develop a curriculum which will educate the industry.  After the topics have been decided upon, Dave sets up the week of classes and arranges qualified instructors, certified in the field of expertise, to teach on the subject matter.

 

This year’s classes ranged from Locksmithing 101 to more advanced classes of Alarm Lock Project LocDown™ School Security Solutions, plus popular classes on lock picking and safe servicing.  All class seats were filled and a few were overbooked, however arrangements were made to get everyone in the class they desired. 

Some students who registered for these classes came from local New England Locksmith businesses as well as far away as Canada and Alabama. Students of the North Bennet Street School Boston  were on hand to assist instructors with logistics in trade for a seat in classes.

This year was the first year that the Board of Directors initiated a time saving on-line registration, which allowed the 1000 plus participants to pre-register, spending less time waiting in line at the door and more time enjoying  in the convention. 

 Members and guests of the trade were greeted by more than expected exhibitors using up all allowed space to show off their goods and new hardware. This year’s event required a waiting list for exhibitors wanting to attend.

Dave was on hand every day to oversee the smooth operation of vendor set up, assist with registration, and even had time to attend an after-hours sponsored event by Arrow Assa Abloy.

 

When Dave was not busy running around the convention he returned to AA Lock & Key to take care of his customers needing security work.

 

Dan had a great time attending this year’s security convention as well. He became certified in Mechanical Safe Lock Servicing, Electronic Safe Lock Servicing, and Electronic Safe Lock Troubleshooting and Defeat.

 His preferred class was the Mechanical Safe Lock Servicing.  Dan’s favorite new security trend was the self-powering electronic lock lever keypad function that stores energy and connects you to your home through your smart phone, and his coolest new hardware find was the Anti-ligature door handles for

 

 

Dave’s favorite new security tool is the new plug and play wire free ABUS 7” Video Surveillance system. See it here!

He has one installed and working at the shop, stop in and see how they work.


There is now a rumor that Dave is being nominated for the position of President of the Board of Directors.  See you next year!!!!!

A Day in the Life of a Locksmith

         

                 A fun little video about the daily grind of my Locksmith Shop
                                                in Ledyard, CT.

                                                           Click here to watch

Don't Get Scammed!!!

Every skilled has a certain amount of folks who try to deceive or take advantage of customers.

The Locksmithing trade is one of those trades that seem to be attracting many of these types of scammers, and boy do they leave a black eye on our trade.

With the internet at their fingertips and the use of a generalized website they offer fabulous services in your area.  A large number of calls to a locksmith whether auto or residential are for lockouts. These jokers will advertise or quote a really inexpensive cost to get your emergency issue resolved. When they arrive on the scene they make a big deal out of your situation and now your bill is much higher than the original cost. Many times the “locksmith” uses unconventional ways to get your lock open and will break your lock or do damage to your auto. A properly trained locksmith will get you open in a matter of minutes.

 

A fellow Connecticut  auto locksmith was in the shop today sharing stories of how his business is taking a hit, because these shady characters are preying on the out of town visitors who lose a key and lock themselves out of their car. The Mystic CT area is a big draw to tourist so  this Summer the scammers are on the rise.

We called a locksmith this week that was online and advertising services in our New London CT area. Once we asked where they were located, they hung up on us and didn’t answer when we called back.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid being scammed:

ü  Look for accreditation such as one from ALOA (http://www.aloa.org/index.html) or a license number.

ü  Then check their website, internet sites and directory listings for customer reviews.

ü  Mine is very informative http://www.aalockkey.com/

ü  When you phone them, ask where they or their technicians are based. End it here if you're not satisfied with the replies or if they give vague answers.

ü  Otherwise, still on the phone, ask what their preliminary estimate of the cost will be. Don't fall for an outrageously low price -- like $10 or $20. It's a sure sign of a scam.

ü  Tell the locksmith dispatcher you will want to see the technician's ID and certification.

ü  When the locksmith arrives, check out their vehicle. Make a note of the license number. Be very dubious if they roll up in an unmarked vehicle or if their behavior seems unprofessional in any way.

ü   Verify and repeat your request for a written estimate. If he declines after inspecting the job, don't let him do any work.

ü    If he says the lock will have to be drilled out, ask him to explain why, and consider finding an alternative.

ü  Don't hand over your credit card or cash until you are happy with the estimate. If they insist on cash, that's another potential scam signal.

ü  Always Always get a receipt!

ü  If you run into trouble and encounter threats and other unreasonable behavior, call the police.

Here are some links to check out.

http://lifehacker.com/know-the-warning-signs-of-a-locksmith-scamming-you-1589984896

http://www.bbb.org/blog/2011/08/locksmith-scam-180-for-five-minutes/

http://helpmehoward.pix11.com/2013/11/19/picking-your-pocket-on-the-trail-of-locksmith-scammers/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-siciliano/12-ways-to-avoid-locksmit_b_4532019.html

Sticky Doors?

Most people don’t know that Locksmiths are access control specialists which mean they are

door specialists!

They know the life, safety, and fire regulations pertaining to doors and locking systems.

                  It can become a safety issue when the door sticks and does not easily open.

                   Imagine a senior or child trying to open a sticking door during an emergency.

                   Plus, it’s downright annoying when your door doesn’t work correctly.

                                          Here are a few tips to keep you door in tip top shape!

 

 

Building Settling-

Buildings that were built in earlier to mid-1900s rarely have flat flooring. As a house ages the foundation can settle causing floors to become uneven, depending on the type of ground the house is built on can bring on settling. 

 

Humidity-

During the humid months, wood doors and frames expand and somehow rarely return to proper alignment. You can help prevent humidity damage by opening and closing your doors more frequently to prevent sticking and keep the doors free swinging.

 

Hinges-

Probably the most common culprit in door and locking issues. The hinges are what hold the door in place, and  stress from the door weight and other weight put on the door, such as purses, backpacks, and even little kids swinging from the handle, can add to that strain.

 

  The top hinges takes the most stress which can cause the hinge to bend and the door to sag.

            

If you have any questions about your safety doors, you can call or email me for an inspection.

                                            Visit my website at AALOCK & KEY, INC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keyless Locks You Gotta Love Them

Ever think about all those pesky keys in your pocket or lost on the bottom of your purse?

Keyless electronic (battery powered) locks are something worth thinking about.

They are easy to install and these are my positive plugs for having one installed on one of your doors:

ü No keys to lose, break, hide under the flower pot, or have cut.

ü No large or bulky key rings to stick in your pocket when your take the dog for a walk or run out to the car to retrieve a forgotten item.

ü If you find yourself coming home or leaving in the dark, there are keypads that light up and show you what key you pressed, avoiding fumbling for your key ring.

ü You can choose your own code or pin number, and change it as often as you like. Most come with a lock out feature, where after numerous attempts the lock must be reprogrammed using the set up features.  

ü If you choose a system that has a battery backup in addition to electrical power, you will seldom be locked out due to a power outage. There are many locks available with a key override should you feel the need to keep a traditional key as backup.

ü People with disabilities or that are wheelchair bound can effectively use a keyless system to enter and exit their homes safely. Those that are sight impaired can use a system that allows them to use a smart card for entry.

ü Keyless locks are aesthetically pleasing, available in many designs and finishes, lever, knobs and deadbolt.

ü Keyless locks are just as sound as traditional locks and deadbolts.

 

                               

 

 

 

   click here to Check out my Pinterest page for options!

Rekey Your Locks

 

Dave and Chica

 As  a Security Solutions specialist since 1986, and I have seen some stuff, I would like to address the importance of rekeying locks. 

 According to survey results published in The Locksmith Ledger, approximately 74% of new renters or new homeowners do not rekey the existing locks on their new place of residence. They go about unsuspecting about who might have access to their new home.

While a home is on the market, unlimited access to the home is available through the use of a key box, for the use of multiple agents, service companies, and contractors. There is a high probability that someone has duplicated the key, whether to bypass the constant use of the lock box or for other intentions. The previous owner/ resident may have given a key to a neighbor, or if the home was ever on the rental market, prior tenants may have a copy of the key.

This becomes a security issue for the new owner, therefore after a commercial or residential sale;  I recommend having the locks rekeyed by a reputable, state licensed locksmith (like me). I extend this recommendation to include having deadbolts installed as well!!

So what is rekeying? Rekeying is the process of eliminating the opportunity of any existing key to unlock the lock.

This is accomplished by changing the pins inside the cylinder or locking mechanism, blah, blah, blah, ....here just watch.... 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB0HHo0iRzc


If you still want more visit my website at www.lockkey.com, where I proudly display our security tips and testimonials, as well as information about AA Lock & Key, Inc.

Help! I need a locksmith.

So you need a locksmith. You whip out your smartphone or log on to your computer (some folks are still looking in the book too) and do a search.

Hmmm… many come up in your search, how do you know who to pick? Gone are the days when we could just look for the local number closest to us. Here are some tips to help you pick the right locksmith for your needs:

1.       Look for those that say they are licensed or list the number, many states now require licensing just like a contractor. If in doubt ask!

2.       How close are they, use the map setting on your search engine and locate one that is near you for prompt service.

3.       Do they list the service you need; some locksmiths only service automobiles where others, like us, service commercial, municipal or residential building only and some service both.

4.       Do they have a working phone number with a dispatcher or are you asked to leave a message and wait for a call back?

5.       Do they list referrals or have positive comments? Referrals are KEY to good business.

6.       Lastly, get a quote for the work you need performed and make sure the locksmith sticks to that barring any changes you might make.

 Visit our website at http://www.aalockkey.com/
 

 If you suspect that you have been a victim of a fraudulent unlicensed locksmith contact the Federal Trade Commission or your state Attorney General.