Preserving Your Locks with Regular Maintenance

Palatine Emergency Locksmith

Maintaining locks may sound silly to you but we assure you that if you want to be certain that your locks will always work when you need them to, regular maintenance is a must. They will not only continue to work efficiently but with regular maintenance, you’re able to avoid the misfortune of having them break. As much as locks are used, they are as equally neglected through maintenance. Even with the best quality locks, you can still experience problems when they are not being properly maintained. In fact, the problem that is experienced with many locks is due to the fact that they are not being properly maintained. You are probably like most people who make the assumption that a lock will last forever. At Locksmith Palatine in Palatine, IL, we predict that the average locks lifespan is around seven years. This, of course, will depend greatly on the amount of use and the maintenance of the door. If you want to be certain that all of your locks continue to work for as long as possible, here are some things to take into consideration.

 

1. Proper Installation Essential

The only way for your locks to work on your doors properly is if the door and lock is installed correctly. If your door is sagging or it binds, this will inevitably have an affect on the bolt or the latch of the door. This is what will cause you a problem with the locking mechanism. If the door is correctly installed you will not see binds. The gap of the doorframe should all be the same across the top and bottom. A qualified locksmith can see to it that the door is correctly installed for proper installation of your locks.

 

2. You’re Lock Might Not Be the Problem

The doorframe can be the problem. There should be a screw at the top of the hinge to secure the doorframe. It should be able to extent to the door and the wall frame situated around the door. In order to avoid sagging, a long screw that is at least three inches should be applied to the hinge. Although most hinge screws are staggered, the screw we are referencing should be in the center of your wall. Strike plates should also be inspected. The deadbolt plate should also be secured to the wall frame. These should also be installed with long screws.

 

3. Insure that the Deadbolt and Dead Latch Work Properly

Make sure the dead latch is not falling into the strike plate. If they are not correctly aligned with the strike plate, the security feature will not function properly. A broken dead latch or a binding dead latch will often cause lock problems. You will also need to make sure that the deadbolt lock is functioning properly. There is never a reason for you to push or pull on the lock in order for it to work correctly. It should fit into the latch with ease. The doorjamb hole should be deep enough so that the bolt of the lock extends in all the way. A deadbolt that isn’t fully extended is of no use to you.

 

4. Clean Your Locks

This is something that can be accomplished quit easily and is very simple to do. All that is required is a mild detergent and damp cloth to wipe down the lock. You wouldn’t want anything that is abrasive or any type of chemical cleaner. The locks finish can be damaged with the use of a petroleum-based product. The protective coating can sustain a lot of use but not a lot of abuse.

 

5. Inspect for Loose Parts

If you notice the slightest problem with a loose screw, tighten it up immediately. When you do not do this, you tend to allow the problem to persist until other screws have become loosened and the problem has escalated. You can tighten up screws on your own before the problem gets to the point that you’ll feel it is necessary to call on a locksmith. This will undoubtedly be more costly than if you had performed the job on your own.

 

6. Lubricating Your Locks

This is another simple job that you can do yourself. We do not advise you to use a petroleum-based product to lubricate your locks. A dry lubricant, such as Teflon, will work best for your needs. They are not only the best for lubricating locks but they are very easy to apply. You’ll just need to spray a little inside the keyhole. Turn the key back and forth and pulling the key out to clean any dirt and dust that comes off. You only need to lubricate your locks one a year. If you are moving into an older home and want to ensure that all of the locks are fully functional, lubrication may consist of completely removing the lock to clean its latch and bolt.

 

7. Duplicating Keys

Maintaining your locks also call for you to properly care for your keys. A key will wear out long before the lock. Whenever you have a new key installed, we suggest that you always keep one of the original keys for duplicating purposes. When you continue to duplicate a duplicate key, it can begin to wear on the locks. The further away from the original cut the more likely you will begin to have problems with your locking mechanism.

 

We know that you probably already have enough going on in your life, and the last thing you want to think about are your locks. This is why we make it possible for you to go on doing what you need to do and handing over the responsibility of maintaining your locks to our qualified locksmiths. If you decide to make the time to handle this maintenance on your own, you will be able to save some money in the long run. The question to you is, will you set aside the required time to take care of the maintenance of the locks of your home or car?

ARE YOU HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR IGNITION CYLINDER? HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO!

If you cannot start up your car, there are a good many reasons this is happening. One possibility is that your ignition switch is failing. A worn-out ignition can be a hazard, so don’t ignore it. Carefully examine your automobile. In some cases, you can determine the nature of the problem yourself.

 

Are You Having Problems Starting the Car?

 

Palatine Automotive Locksmith

Whenever you fire the engine, the ignition coil gets its power from the battery, and sends it to the sparkplugs, which ignites the fuel so that your vehicle will run. If you’ve turned the engine over too many times, then you’ve likely drained the battery. If so, there’s no power left to start it again.

 

Watch for These Warning Signs:

 

• you cannot get the key in the ignition at all
• while idling, you’re prone to stalling
• you may observe higher auto emissions
• the key comes out, even while your car is still running
• at times, the steering wheel sticks, or becomes immovable
• you might see increased fuel consumption
• you may notice car battery problems

 

 

Causes of Ignition Problems

 

The ignition has been faulty from the beginning. Consult the manufacturer. If your car is still under warranty, your dealership ought to replace your ignition cylinder for free. If it’s no longer under warranty, it’s time to hire an automotive locksmith.

 

Did you accidentally put the wrong key in the ignition switch? If you stuck the incorrect key into the ignition by mistake, don’t attempt to pull it out! You could easily cause irreparable damage. Call an automotive locksmith instead.

 

The transponder key isn’t properly communicating. This probably means its computer chip lost its programming. You can reprogram your existing key; or, you can hire a professional locksmith to duplicate the existing cuts and program a completely new one. An exceptional professional automotive locksmith technician will know how to do the exacting work needed to carry out this precise service.

 

Your car key has simply endured too much wear and tear. As time goes by, your car key will become less and less effective, and eventually stop working. If so, it needs to be remade, applying the factory key cutting codes so that it will be cut accurately and completely functional.

 

Your ignition’s set of wafers, which index with corresponding cuts on the key, are worn-out, or jammed up with grime, which will cause the ignition switch to fail. A thorough cleaning, or individual wafer replacement, will make a total replacement unnecessary.

 

Is the switch overheating? If your ignition switch is hot when you touch it, then there might be a short, which means the issue is in the electrical system. Since the ignition switch is connected to high-resistance wires, any of the terminals where the wires are connected could overheat, and may even melt the insulating base. If this occurs, your car will jerk violently and won’t start.

 

Is a broken-off key or other tiny object lodged inside the lock mechanism? Don’t try repairing this yourself, because unless you know what you’re doing, you might cause irreparable damage. The broken key, or whatever the obstacle is, can be removed properly by an automotive locksmith technician, so you will not need to replace the whole ignition switch.

 

Did a car thief attempt to steal your automobile? A bungled car theft can wreck havoc on your ignition switch and the steering column. If you’ve been unlucky enough to have this happen to you, the entire ignition assembly will require replacement.

 

 

Investigate the Ignition’s Status

 

Palatine Transponder key

One sure sign of a faulty ignition switch is that the instrument panel will not illuminate with your car key in the second position. When you insert your key into the ignition switch and turn it, there are three regular status positions:

 

1. The “off” status position: No power is being transmitted to the system.

 

2. The “on” status position: The dashboard lights come on, but the engine’s still off.

 

3. The “start” position: You place full pressure on the key, and the engine fires up.

 

Monitor the dashboard lights. Normal wear and tear will eventually lead to ignition switch failure, especially on an older car. If your ignition switch begins to fail, you might not hear clicks from the main relay. If you stall out, check the dashboard lights. When you turn the car key to the “on” status position, if the oil light, brake light, charge light, and other warning lights don’t come on, then something’s wrong.

 

Confirm the ignition switch’s integrity. Put the car key in the “start” status position, and the second you know it’s starting up, let go of the key, allowing it to snap back to the “on” status position. If the warning lights go out when the switch snaps back, then the switch is broken. You need to contact an automotive locksmith.

 

 

Do It Yourself

 

If you possess some automotive expertise, then you may be able to service the ignition switch yourself. Make sure you understand exactly what you’re up against, because replacing an ignition switch is no cakewalk, particularly on newer cars, because they generally have anti-theft devices. You’ll render your vehicle inoperable if you replace your ignition switch without using the proper tools, and without taking the recommended precautions! The electrical current running through your vehicle’s system can actually cause bodily harm, so keep all metallic objects away from all the electrical wires. Prior to installing a new ignition switch, the process involves disconnecting the battery cable from the battery terminal, removing the steering column, detaching the wiring harness connected to the ignition switch, and so forth. If you still have any doubts, contact an automotive locksmith.

 

 

Hire an Automotive Locksmith

 

Nine times out of ten, it is better to hire a reputable professional. If you’re located any place in Palatine, Illinois, hire a dependable automotive locksmith mobile specialist on staff at Locksmith Service Palatine, where, 24/7, free consultations are available.

EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT LOCKSMITHS*

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ABOUT LOCKSMITHS*

 

 

 

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Palatine Emergency Locksmith

We typically think about calling a locksmith only if we’ve just suddenly realized that we’re locked out. The fact is, a good locksmith is a lot more than a person who can come to your rescue when you’re stuck somewhere without your keys. A topnotch locksmith is a consummate professional you can rely on, eminently qualified to expertly handle not only problems with keys and locks, but also with safes, security systems, access control, and just about anything else you can imagine regarding the security of your property. Locksmiths adjust, repair, and install locks for cars, homes, and commercial buildings. Let’s look at the many services a locksmith offers.

24-hour lockout service. There are some locksmith companies that are available around the clock, to respond immediately anytime you need assistance. If you happen to be in a tight spot without your keys any place in Palatine, Illinois, you’ll be happy to know that Locksmith Service Palatine is open 24 hours, and staffed with mobile emergency locksmith specialists perpetually at the ready to assist you.

Automotive locksmiths are automotive locksmith specialists capable of getting you back into your vehicle right away if you’re stranded any place without your car keys. Not only that, they can also replace and program your transponder key, repair or replace your ignition cylinder, and so forth.

Residential locksmiths are residential locksmith experts who will offer you advice on security issues you may not have thought about before. The specialized services they bring will enhance your home’s security. They’ll evaluate the quality and condition of your doors and locks, the safety level of your points of entry, windows, garage, and the whole perimeter. A dependable professional residential locksmith will advise you on how best to safeguard your jewelry and other valuables, your essential documents, emergency cash, weapons, and anything else you want well protected. Trustworthy residential locksmiths are knowledgeable on the strategies burglars often employ to avoid detection and gain access, which means they’ll help you take logical measures to thwart vandalism, break-ins, or theft. If you’re planning to be away for a long time, an exceptional residential locksmith specialist can recommend optimal lighting, timers, and even security systems capable of being monitored with your smart phone.

Commercial locksmiths are commercial locksmith specialists who address key and lock issues at business properties. Anytime a security issue occurs at your commercial facility, it’s time to hire an accomplished professional commercial locksmith. You want to be able to depend on a person of utmost integrity who will become familiar with your building’s particulars ~ not just the doors and locks, but also the emergency exits, the high-security areas, and so on. Some commercial locksmiths may have master key sets, if you request them. They can also keep complete records of every kind of lock you have, and assist you with all your property’s security measures, such as identification passcodes, fire and panic devices, video surveillance systems, and more.

Access control. A prime locksmith is highly qualified to advise you on the most effective ways to control access to your business or home ~ such as gate entry, intercom systems, alarm systems, magnetic locks, keypads, key cards, and remote locks. Nowadays, there are even biometric locks (that is, high-security locks which can be opened only with a fingerprint or handprint; cutting-edge technology includes eye scan, facial recognition, voice recognition, ear scan, even DNA sampling).

When it comes to guarding the security and safety of your possessions and property, there are almost countless services a locksmith can do:

• keyless entry
• peepholes
• removing broken & stuck keys
• smart keys
• garage, pool, & fence locks
• intercom systems
• install and repair electronic security hardware
• window bars
• sliding glass door locks
• deadbolts
• replace or repair damaged door & window locks, hinges, & electric-locking release mechanisms
• smart-phone controlled surveillance systems
• security systems
• video surveillance systems
• master keys for business facilities & apartment complexes
• change combination locks on all types of safes & vault doors
• program transponder “chip” keys

An excellent locksmith is a competent professional who works with a great deal of skill, finesse, and discretion in any location or circumstance, and, ideally, at anytime, day or night.

Duplicating and making keys. A locksmith is able to expertly cut keys for virtually any sort of lock ~ keys for automobiles, businesses, and residences ~ such as filing cabinet locks, lockers, deadbolts, bump-proof locks, safes, padlocks, desk locks, transponder keys, dropboxes, mailboxes, cabinets, and really any other type of key mechanism you may come across.

Palatine Broken key extraction

Rekeying and lock changes. Whenever you move into a new place of residence, you must rekey or change the locks as soon as possible. There are also other reasons, such as preventing entrance by your ex-spouse, ex-roommate, or (if you own a business) former employee. Perhaps you require access for the disabled, or you want to alter the style of your locks. Or, if you’ve been burglarized, or even experienced an attempted theft, it’s wise to change out your locks ~ whether basic (with new locks and keys) or electronic (with new codes). Your building’s former tenants might still possess an old key, or recall an old password. Don’t take any risks!

Safes for business and home. If you’ve lost the combination to your safe, a legitimate professional will be prepared and possess the knowhow to open it without damaging it. A premium professional locksmith will repair or install any safe ~ for your business or your home ~ including specialized safes such as gun safes, anchored safes, fireproof and waterproof safes, and concealed safes (hidden in the wall or floor).

Would you like to be a locksmith? If you want to be a locksmith yourself, first you’ll have to be an apprentice for awhile. If you’re good at problem-solving, and you enjoy working outside normal hours, you’re probably well-suited to become a locksmith. You’ll have a big advantage over other locksmiths if you’re talented and experienced regarding electronics, metal fabricating, and/or construction. It’s important that you be an individual of the highest uprightness, comport yourself professionally, and be discreet, since you’ll routinely be privy to confidential information. Being a locksmith requires significant training, as well as a license, and you also must be a solid and patient person.

Avoiding a Burglary

Since a burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the U.S. it means that a burglary is taking place right now. Over a dozen homes are currently being burglarized. This is staggering but true. The key to avoiding a burglary from occurring is to make your home appear unappealing to potential thieves. It doesn’t mean that your home should look like a dump or a shack; it should just appear very difficult for them to gain access. Since they need time and opportunity, the more security you have the less time they have to figure it all out. They will just move on to the next property with less complicated procedures to go through in order to gain access inside.

 

You may think that if someone wants to get in, they will. This isn’t always true. If you take the job of securing your home seriously and adhere to some of these practical ways to avoid a burglary, you can actually stop anyone who thinks their getting in from actually being able to.

 

Visible Locks on Doors and Windows

In most cases, burglars get in through doors or windows. They don’t walk through walls. This is why it is a good idea to have locks that are visible on all your windows and doors that they can gain access through from the outside. Invest in reliable, sturdy locks. Remember, you don’t want to make things easy for them. Having durable loc

ks means it would be a lot more time consuming for them to break. There are some brands that make more durable locks than others. Consult with a Palatine, IL locksmith at Locksmith Service Palatine where they can advise you of the most reliable brands.

 

Secure All Doors

You would think that this is common sense 101 but for some people, it isn’t quit that simple. Some people think that just because their garage door is closed that no one can gain access into their home through their garage and thus they fail to lock the door from the garage into their home. Even when you are at home and you have the door open. Lock the screen door. When you’re not looking someone could jam something in between your door without your even knowing it. Perhaps they innocently walk up to your home acting as though they were looking for someone, simply to gain access to your door. Your doors should all have deadbolts on them. This serves as another layer of protection. They are the most durable types of brands on the market. If you like to leave your screen doors unlocked, just make sure you have a anti-entry device installed on all of your screen doors so that they are not able to remove the frame of the door.

 

Security Checks

Since many locksmith services also install numerous security features, they are a good way to find out if you have all of the security features that you’ll need to avoid a burglary. They usually know what works and what doesn’t sense they have seen it all before. They are also able to offer you practical solutions for your security concerns. They inspect the interior and exterior of your home to make a determination about the level of security you require in order to avoid a burglary.

 

Security Cameras

Surveillance cameras are no longer just for businesses. In recent years they have become more affordable to homeowners. It is a great idea to have the cameras installed because the last thing a thief wants is to be taped while committing a crime. There are basic surveillance cameras and there are more high-tech cameras that enable you to monitor them from any PC. Some can even alert the proper authorities if non-authorized people are on your property.

 

Home Alarm Systems

It may sound silly but when someone has an alarm services signage in front of your home, this can sometimes be enough to stop a burglar dead in their tracks. You can have a standard alarm system installed that will alert you when someone is in your home or you can have a system that monitors your homes activity and notifies the police for you. Home alarm systems offer you the best degree of security possible.

 

Lights

Make sure you can illuminate as much of the exterior of your home as possible. Don’t allow anyone to come on your property without shinning a spot light on them. If they step foot on your property, the light should be activated and scare the off. These are known as floodlights. They cover a wide spread area.

 

Durable Doors

Have you ever heard of someone’s door being kicked in? This is common in some areas and this is why you should make sure you invest in durable doors. The door is as important as the looks that you place on them. If you’re unable to get the doors that you need all at once, get one and then just continue to add them as money becomes available. Don’t put it off, start preparing for the worst today by getting your first durable door now.

 

Safes

If you are dealing with a very cleaver burglar, who may have worked in the industry and know how to maneuver through all of the things you’ve had installed to avoid a burglary, do yourself a favor by investing in a good safe. So even if they make it inside, they will only be able to get what they can quickly get to. They won’t usually take a safe, especially if you have it bolted to the floor. It isn’t worth the time and effort needed to get inside.

 

There is no sure fire way to completely avoid a burglary because you could have guest over and they could walk away with something. You might have workers in side your home that could also walk away with something. However, you can do minimize the chance of a burglary by taking into consideration some of the suggestions we’ve provided.

Why deadbolts are for homeowners

Here at Locksmith Service Palatine we care about your home security and protection. That’s why we emphasize proper deadbolt protection to all of our local Palatine, IL customers. You might be wondering why our licensed, bonded and insured residential locksmiths emphasize deadbolts and not something much more expensive or complicated. Simple; deadbolts are effective, affordable and easily installed. Our family owned lock and key shop always provides value in our recommendations; even if we don’t make as much profit as we could be by recommending something bigger!

A solid, properly installed home deadbolt adds value to your home, money savings to your wallet and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Contact any established Palatine, IL locksmith shop to get one installed, do it yourself or call our friendly Locksmith Service Palatine crew for fast and convenient deadbolt installation, service or replacement.

Do I need a deadbolt at my home?

We think so, yes! Will adding a deadbolt to your residence bring health, wealth and prosperity? Maybe not all that but it WILL bring peace of mind and added protection. Put yourself in the shoes of a “would be burglar” who is trying to pick your door lock. He or she is now faced with TWO locks to get past. Your main door lock and now a solidly installed deadbolt lock. In most cases, the crook will just give up and move on to easier “pickings” and why not? The longer a burglary takes, the greater the chance of getting caught. Can you see now why we recommend these amazing lock marvels?

Isn’t my home lock good enough?

Um, no! There’s a little known secret about home door locks. 90% of them are good enough to pass building code regulations and not much else. Builders and contractors know that they have to add a door lock; that’s a given. No one said it had to be good one, though! If you want a better grade residential door lock, they will offer you an upgrade (usually) and you can get it that way.

Most residential locks are easy to bump open. It can be done in mere seconds by just about anyone that knows about it. All you need is a bump key that is easily purchase online or through Craigslist for a few dollars. Inset this key into any door lock and lightly tap it until the internal pins are bumped into place and the lock opens! Thousands of homes a year are illegally entered and burglarized because of this flaw in home lock security. The crooks are not even career thieves or hardened criminals but gang members, teenagers and pranksters! Worse still, lock bumping leaves no trace of forced entry! Try filing a police report or insurance claim when there’s simply no proof or even evidence that anyone broke in!

Will a deadbolt help?

You bet it will! A strong, properly installed deadbolt lock added to your front or back door will add that needed second layer of protection. They are harder to bump open and they buy you valuable extra time that does 3 things:

• It discourages the intruder as it’s one more hurdle to cross before they get inside
• It buys you time to arm yourself or to call for help!
• Burglars often skip your home altogether when they notice a deadbolt installed on your door.

Deadbolt types

You are not limited to one kind of deadbolt. You can choose from 1) Single cylinder deadbolt that has a key hole on one side and a knob on the other side so that you can twist it open.

2) Double cylinder deadbolts that have key slots on both sides and no knobs to twist open. These are harder to bypass as you can’t break a window and reach inside and twist the knob open.

There are other variations of deadbolt locks but these are the two most popular ones. Be sure to check with your building codes authority or fire department if you are considering these double cylinder deadbolt locks as they are often banned due to the fact that you need a key to access them since they have no twist knobs. During an emergency you could find yourself locked inside until they deadbolt keys are located and used.

Where do I find them?

You can purchase quality deadbolts anywhere including local stores like Ace Hardware, Target, Sears, Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Lowe’s. Often, these stores have help that can recommend certain models that might be effective for you. You can also order online at E-bay, Amazon, Craigslist, Best Buy and other national sites as they sell a vast array of deadbolt locks for every size and type of door imaginable.

Who installs?

If you feel competent; you do! Bear in mind that a poorly installed deadbolt lock will not provide the needed protection you want for your Palatine, IL home. You can use a local handyman, or locksmith if you have better things to do with your time than tinker with new lock additions. There are many residential locksmith shops in town and you can always call Locksmith Service Palatine for convenient and affordable deadbolt installation done right.

Should I go with a brand name?

Yes and no. Get some free, professional advice from a local residential locksmith before you make your new deadbolt purchase. Ask questions about price, installation costs, warranty coverage and maintenance needed (if any). Here at Locksmith Service Palatine, we are not only affordable, we offer mobile service that can install your new deadbolt at a time that works best for you.

We also offer free, no obligation consultations for our customers. You can ask us about brands, guarantees, customer satisfaction and anything else that comes to mind. Do your homework and check deadbolt reviews from other customers. Amazon, E-Bay, Home Depot and Best Buy often rate deadbolts according to their customer satisfaction. Be sure to note why they liked or didn’t like their hardware and take all that into consideration when it comes time to make your own selection.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT COMMERCIAL SAFE

When you have a commercial building, it’s absolutely critical that you protect the important documents, irreplaceable valuables, and crucial data belonging to your business. A top-quality commercial safe is often an effective strategy for most companies.

When there are so many kinds of safes and safe locks, how can you know what’s best for you? It’s vital that you do your homework, and ask the right questions.

1       How big should your safe be?

You could just pile up everything you want to put into it, and measure it. The problem is, in general, the safe you need is probably much larger than you think. Consult with a professional about which items ought to be stored in your safe. Then you’ll be able to figure out mathematically how much space is required.

2       What’s the value of the items you’ll store in your safe?

The value of your items will obviously affect the level of security you need.

The standard categories of safe classes will play a major role in your insurance coverage and any claims. The coverage increases according to the class of the safe. The class of a safe ~ from TL15 (about $150,000 of coverage) to TRTL60X6 (approximately $2 million or more of coverage) ~ is determined by:

• area testing (the level of how easy it is to get in the front door, or all the sides);
• torch resistance;
• tool resistance (the level of resistance to a thief’s carbide drills, picking tools, hand tools, and electric or mechanical tools); and
• time testing (how long it takes a safe cracker to break in).

A TL15 rating means that the door of the safe can successfully resist entry for a net assault time of 15 minutes by a burglar with common hand tools, picking tools, drills, grinders, mechanical or electric portable tools, or pressure devices. Most business owners prefer to have a safe that’s class TL30 or higher, which means a safe that’s time-tested to at least 30 minutes or higher.

3       Do you want fire protection?

Besides standard classes for commercial safes, there are also formal fire ratings. No safe is totally fireproof; but there are numerous levels of fire resistance. Safes are tested and certified according to how much time they can guard your valuables inside from fire. A fire rating of 1 hour or more is the ideal. During a fire, safes rated to protect paper documents cannot get any hotter than 350 degrees Fahrenheit on the inside.

A safe that provides you with optimal fire protection along with substantial theft protection will have a door and walls made of steel, housed in a layer of composite material that’s as tough as concrete. There must be a fire seal on the door, which blocks out most moisture from getting in the safe over time, to minimize corrosion and rust. If a fire occurs, the fire seal will expand, sealing out smoke and flames, and also keeping water from entering the safe (Water might be sprayed on the safe to extinguish a fire).

A point to remember is that if you have a safe with a low-to-moderate level of fire resistance, it essentially won’t provide very much theft protection. If you desire both theft protection and fire resistance, then you’ll need a premium-quality composite-fire safe, a burglar-fire safe, or a high-security TL-rated fire safe.

4       What type of safe do you need?

• A depository safe (also known as a drop safe), is a popular safe often used by restaurants and retail businesses. You can drop cash, or other small items, such as keys or receipts, into the safe through a little door at the top of the safe, which doesn’t allow access to the main safe compartment. The only way to open the door is by entering the correct credentials.
• An office safe is also common for restaurants and retailers. Freestanding, or bolted to the floor, this safe typically has a rather high fire rating. This is a good safe that can’t be opened by repeated dropping.
• An in-floor safe is hidden in concrete, adding an extra level of security. One drawback is that it provides minimal fire protection, because there isn’t a fire board to dissipate the heat. Therefore, if you need to protect any papers or cash, you should choose a burglar-fire safe, a free-standing composite-fire safe, or a high-security burglar-fire safe, which has a 1- to 2-hour fire rating. Anchor it into a concrete floor with bolts.
• A wall safe is also very well concealed. You can easily hide your safe behind a picture. Nevertheless, a wall safe in not your most secure choice, since it’s attached to the studs in the wall, so it could be cut or pried out by an experienced crook. This safe’s only fire protection is limited to the sheetrock in your wall.
• A data or media safe is for efficiently protecting your business information. It’s obviously imperative to safeguard your electronic devices from fire and theft. Computer disks, drives, and all other digital media are sensitive to temperature changes, so you’ll want a safe whose interior won’t exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit or go over 85% humidity.
• A high-security safe will include a good number of barriers to prevent drilling. They’ll also have additional locking mechanisms that will deploy if a robber tries to force the safe open. A maximum level of security comes with a hefty price, but depending on your circumstances ~ if you have a jewelry store, for instance ~ then it’s definitely wise to keep the heart of your business well secured.

5       What kind of safe lock is right for you?

Safes have different sorts of locks ~ combination dial, redundant, electronic, biometric, and so forth.

6       How do you make your final choice?

There are a lot of factors to consider before you buy your commercial safe ~ actually even more than we’ve discussed here. Once you choose, where you place your safe is also important. To avoid being scammed, do your research first, consulting only with reputable sources. If you’re anywhere in Palatine, Illinois, then you may want to hire a reliable mobile professional safe technician on staff at Locksmith Service Palatine.