Schlage is one of the oldest and most trusted security companies in the United States right now, offering both security systems for your home and for your business. This article will focus specifically on summarizing the Schlage electronic security locks they offer.

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Electronic Keypad Locks

These locks offer a keypad system in addition to a standard key lock, giving you the option to use both. No longer will you have to hide keys under the doormat, since you’ll be able to open the door with a key-code. Enter the code and manually turn the lever handle to enter your home. Schlage also offers a deadbolt addition for extra security.

Nexia Home Intelligence

Using Schlage’s electronic Nexia Home Intelligence security system, you’ll be able to control and monitor your home from wherever you are. Unlocking the door for a visitor, adjusting the temperature and the lights can all be done remotely, securing your home in every way possible.

Business

Access Control & Video Systems

Schlage offers a complete security system that includes hardware, software, temporary passes, badging and more. The system is completely scalable and gives you a great deal of control in order to completely fit your needs.

Biometrics

The biometrics system is a hand reader that can be used where standard fingerprint readers cannot, such as with dirty or wet hands, or in places with low lighting. It also eliminates the need for authorized personnel to carry keys or cards, and reduces the chance that misplaced credentials could be used to gain access.

Readers

Schlage has a variety of smart readers, proximity readers, and multi-technology readers. They also come in different sizes in order to suit an installation in any position. They also offer the standard magnetic stripe readers, barcode slot readers, and more.

Interested in installing a Schlage electronic security lock? Use TalkLocal for free to find a locksmith that will give you more detailed information on what type of Schlage security system is suitable for your needs.

Brinks is a well regarded home security company that manufactures home safes, among other products and services. Safes made by Brinks come in different models, from fire-proof, to combination, or key operated. In the event of a lost key to Brinks Home Security safe, don’t worry, there is a procedure you can use to get a new copy sent to you.  All you need to do is get in to contact with First Alert, a different home security company that handles Brinks safes because Brinks no longer manufactures them.

Replacing Your Key

First Alert will replace the forgotten combination or lost key to brinks home security safes for a fee that is spelled out in the owner’s manual of your safe.  In order to claim the replacement, you will need to write them a letter including the key, model, and serial number for your safe, as well as contact information and your address.  You will need to get this letter notarized by a registered notary public.  Once you do, send the letter with a signed check or money order for the amount listed in your owner’s manual. This process is difficult, but it is worth it if you want to continue using the Brinks safe.

Additional Help

If you have a Brinks/First Alert security safe in your home, contact the manufacturer for any issues with replacing the key or combination. A professional locksmith who is not licensed with Brinks or First Alert will not be able to replace a First Alert key for you. However, a locksmith will be able to break into a safe for you if you cannot get the key replaced. Breaking into a safe would void the warranty and destroy the safe, so you would have to buy a new safe for your items. Only do this in the most extreme cases.

For any general problems with home locks or lost keys, just use TalkLocal.  All you have to do is enter your name, contact info, and a short description of your problem and TalkLocal will automatically connect you to a quality local company within minutes.

There are many different types of window locks, and knowing which one is appropriate can make a huge difference in the security of your home.  Windows are far more difficult to secure than doors, so knowing the function of the window and how to secure those openings are critical.

Keyed Locks

These locks can only be opened if you have the right key.  These locks are usually mounted on the side of double-hung windows.  It’s most likely the easiest if you have all the locks in your home keyed to the same key, so that you don’t have to keep track of many different keys.

Sliding Window Locks

These locks fit on the window to keep it from sliding or mount on the side of the track that can prevent any sliding motion.  They can even be used to keep the sliding window securely locked in the open position.  The benefit of using sliding window locks are that they require no assembly and can be installed very easily (no tools required).  These can even be keyed so that they require a key before opening or moving the window.

Swivel Action Locks

No key is required for these swiveling locks.  They use a self locking nib to prevent the window from fully opening.  These are good for most double hung windows.

Folding Latches

These are installed on the top of double hung windows and only allows the window to be slightly open.  It provides security while allowing a certain degree of air circulation in the room.  These windows can only be fully opened when the lock is folded all the way in.

Lag Screws

These screws offer a simple and cheap way to ensure your double hung windows are safe.  You’ll simply pre-drill a couple of holes on the left and right and insert lag screws with recessed washers.  You’ll then use a special key to tighten or loosen the screws.  You can even lock the windows halfway open if you would like.

Window Latch

These latches are the most common and standard locks in the industry.  It is secured to one window and then attaches to another window when it is closed.  The latch locks or unlocks both windows at the same time when turned.

Knowing the correct window lock for your window is integral for your protection.  If you’re unsure about the lock, or would really like to get a professional opinion, the best way to contact one is using TalkLocal.  TalkLocal will instantly connect you with a local highly-rated professional window installation expert and the best part is that it’s completely free

Have you ever been in such a rush that you locked your car keys in your trunk?  This is something that has probably happened to all of us at some point in time, and it can be pretty annoying, especially if you have somewhere you need to be.  If this has happened to you, continue reading for our tips and tricks on how to get your keys out of your trunk.

How to get your keys out of your trunk

If your lock is inside the interior door handle, you will need to call a professional.  If you have an old fashioned lock with little buttons, you are in luck; all you need is a wire coat hanger.  Take the coat hanger and make most of the hanger straight with a small hook at the end.  Insert the hanger between the rubber and the side of the window.  Carefully hook the hanger around door lock and pull it up.  Once you have the door unlocked, check the area near the driver’s left knee for the latch to open the trunk.  If there is no latch, going through the cushion of the back seat is another option.

If you have a newer car

Many new cars use electrical security systems.  If this is the case with your car, you can save a lot of money by opening the door yourself, or with assistance, and then get into the trunk.  In order to get into the trunk, look for the fuse panel that is along the driver’s door, near to the dashboard.  The door usually closes on this panel.  Locate the 4 fuses (the 7.5 and 5 amps) on the left and wait a minute.  Replace them into their original places and then test to see if the door unlocks.  If the door does unlock, the system is deactivated and you are good to go!  If your car does not unlock, pull 4 fuses at a time until you get the correct combination.

If you’ve tried these methods and have had no success, hire a professional to help.  Use TalkLocal today to get in contact with multiple highly rated locksmiths in your area for free.  Simply enter a brief description of your service needs along with your location and availability, and TalkLocal will do the rest.  Stop searching for the right service professional and use TalkLocal.

The front door is one of the most important entry points in your house, especially if you live in an apartment where it’s the only entry point.  Learn how to make the front door more secure with the tips we’ve provided below.

Add a strike box

Most times, flimsy strike plates (the metal plate that surrounds the hole where the deadbolt enters) are only secured by short screws that can be removed.  A strike box with a structure that has a metal pocket and secures directly into the wall stud beside the door, making it far more secure.

Get quality doors

Not all doors are made equal.  If you knock on the door and you hear a hollow sound, you’ll immediately need to replace those doors.  Hollow doors are a major security liability since they may easily be knocked down or destroyed.  Exterior doors should instead be made our of solid wood, fiberglass, or metal.

Install wide-angle peepholes

Peepholes will allow you to see how who is on the other side of the door without opening it.  Wide-angle peepholes with covers would be best as they prevent people from using tools such as reverse peephole users.

Add a heavy duty dead bolt

Dead bolts are low-cost and effective additions to your security system.  Make sure your door has a dead bolt which is either double-cylindered (which is keyed on both sides) or single-cylinder (keyed only on the outside).  Also make sure that the dead bolt has a grade 1 security rating as well.

Secure exposed hinges

The hinges should always be on the inside of the door, or else your door pins risk being taken out and your door being removed.  If your hinges are on the outside, you will need to rehang the door and replace the original pins with non-removable hinge pins.  Each hinge needs to be secured to the frame with 3-inch screws as well, regardless of whether the hinge is exposed or not.

These tips will help you ensure your front door is both sturdy and secure against all unwanted intruders and burglars.  Most of these tips can be done on your own, but if you’re looking to make more extensive renovations or are really concerned about security, it’s highly recommended that you talk with a locksmith about further improvements. TalkLocal can put you in contact with a local high-quality locksmith in just minutes.

Sliding doors can be the most vulnerable places in a house for a burglar to break in.  Because of this, it is important to ensure that the locking system for your sliding glass doors is efficient.  There are several different types of locks for sliding glass doors.  Read on for more information on each type and how it works.

Clasp Lock

A clasp lock hooks itself on the frame’s opening.  Clasp locks can be easily broken with enough force because they are generally flimsy when installed.  You should always have an additional locking mechanism on your sliding glass door in addition to a clasp lock.

Security Bar

A security bar locks by blocking the path of the door to slide open.  Most sliding glass doors come with a security bar installed already.  It is usually a metal rod with rubber stoppers on the ends that is the same length as the part of the glass door that does not open.  These can usually withstand up to 1,000 pounds of pressure.  If your sliding glass door does not have a security bar built in, you can use a strong wooden rod or piece or piping to block the path of the door.

Cylinder Locks

Cylinder locks are regular door locks that can be locked and unlocked by a key.  When locked, a lever is hooked into a stationary bar in the door frame.  These have higher security than other locks, but can be opened by hammering, wrenching or prying.  Install cylinder guards around the lock cylinder to prevent this.

Foot Bolt

Foot bolts are small devices that can be put into the upper or lower corner of the door.  When locked, the spring in inside of the lock uncoils and extends a bolt into the door frame.   A foot bolt can be used to compensate for the other locks above.

For lock installation or advice on how to better secure your home, use TalkLocal to find a locksmith in your area.  Within minutes, you will be on the phone with up to three highly rated professionals willing to help.

Loose or shaky doorknobs can be annoying to deal with. Fortunately, learning how to repair a loose doorknob is easy. Identify the type of doorknob you have and follow these simple steps to repair it:

Cylindrical Doorknobs 

Look for the slot on the side of the post, right behind the doorknob. Take a small screwdriver and push it into the slot to free the knob. Next, remove the decorative plate that covers the lockset by pushing the spring clip, which is usually located at the edge of the plate. You should see two small screws on a mounting plate. Tighten these screws, and reassemble the doorknob.

Old-Fashioned & Decorative Doorknobs

If your lockset is older and more decorative than a normal doorknob, look for a setscrew that will usually be on the side of the knob that secures it to the spindle. Loosen this screw enough so that when you turn the knob, it no longer works the latch. Twist the knob clockwise until it tightens, but make sure it is not too tight against the door, and tighten the screw. Make sure the screw is tight against the spindle.

If you’re still experiencing trouble or cannot figure out how to fix your loose doorknob, try using TalkLocal. Simply enter a brief description of your service needs along with your location and availability, and TalkLocal will do the rest. Within minutes you will be connected to multiple highly rated locksmiths in your area that can help.

Most modern cars come with electronic door locks that can be activated from a distance using a small signaling device called a “key fob.”  Like any car part, normal wear and tear can cause this to malfunction. If your electronic door lock is not responding, there are several things that could be going wrong.  Fortunately, many of the possible issues are minor and can be easily dealt with by yourself or a qualified auto mechanic.  Read on for some tips on troubleshooting for your non-functioning electronic door lock.

The most common issue with electronic car doors is the batteries in the key fob dying.  If you get no response at all from your car when you press the unlock/lock button, you should replace the batteries in your key fob; they tend to last for around three years.  Sometimes a key fob will only work when you are standing right next to your car door.  Distance issues like this are also a sign of a dying battery that needs to be replaced.  You may need to take your keys into a same-make dealership to be reprogrammed if they continue not to function after replacing the batteries.

If the issue is not with the key fob, there may be something wrong with the door lock motors or your car’s electrical wiring.  Try locking and unlocking your doors while listening carefully for a whirring or vibration sound.  If you hear the sound, that means that the small motors that operate the electronic locks are burned out and will need to be replaced.  If you don’t hear anything, that means that electricity is not getting to the motors so there may be an issue with a fuse, circuit, or wire inside your car.  First check for any burnt out fuses, if you don’t know how to do this there is a great instructional video available here.

Still having issues after checking for and replacing any burnt out fuses?  There is likely some damage to your car’s internal electrical wiring like a short circuit or broken wire.  Wiring issues can be very hard to detect and fix, so you might want to bring in an auto mechanic to solve your problem.  You can use TalkLocal to automatically connect you to a high quality local professional in minutes.  All you need to do is enter your name, contact info, and a short description of your problem and TalkLocal will take care of the rest.

Frustrated by a doorknob that keeps falling off? This could be happening for a couple reasons. First, the locking mechanism on the door handle might be malfunctioning and failing to properly open and latch the door. The second reason the handle might fall off could be a result of loose or missing screw in the doorplate. Whatever the reason, this is a simple problem that can be fixed on your own at home, saving you time and money. Read on for tips on how to fix a doorknob that keeps falling off.

Steps:

1.      Remove the door handle. Either unscrew the external screws to loosen the handle, or hold one side of the handle still while untwisting the other side.

2.      Remove the doorplate, and fill the screw holes with putty, which can be purchased at your local hardware store. Let the putty dry for a few hours. The putty will create a tighter fit for the screws when you reassemble the doorknob. Use a power screwdriver to replace the screws when you’ve finished.

3.      Reassemble the doorknob working in reverse order.

4.      Use a screw locker fluid on the external screw of your doorknob, and screw clockwise until it no longer turns. Let dry completely for a full 10-12 hours.

If you’ve successfully completed these steps and your doorknob is still loose and/or falling off, consider hiring a professional to help you fix your problem. TalkLocal can connect you to a highly rated local professional within minutes.

Just like anything made of metal, door locks can get rusted over time, especially if they are on the outside of your home and get exposed to moisture. If you let enough rust build up, it can start to impede the lock mechanism from turning, block up the keyhole, or even completely freeze the lock. Once it is in this state, it may seem like your lock is completely unrecoverable, but there are some tricks you can use to get it functioning again. Keep in mind that some locks really will be rusted beyond hope of salvation, so if you are still having issues after reading these tips on how to fix a rusted door lock you might need to replace yours with a new one.

Outright replacement is our last resort, however. First, try applying some WD-40 to your rusted lock.  WD-40 is a lubricating oil that has a wide variety of uses and is available in any grocery, convenience, or hardware store. Try to find some that comes in a spray bottle; this will be easier to work on your locks with. Once you get the WD-40, spray it liberally into the keyhole of the lock and around the bolting mechanism. Your goal should be to get as much of the oil into the inside of the lock as possible. After applying the oil, let the lock sit for about thirty minutes to dry and then wipe away any excess. Then, insert the key and gently turn it side to side to knock away the rust that has been loosened by the oil. If there is a large amount of rust build up you may need to use a small cotton swap to wipe it out from the inside of the keyhole.

Depending on conditions, you may need to repeat this process several times to get all of the rust out and your lock back to working order. Once you have gone through four iterations without any success, it is probably time to give up on the lock. Luckily, you can use TalkLocal to find a locksmith in your area and have someone on their way to replace your busted lock in just a few minutes. All you need to do is enter your location, availability, and a description of your problem and TalkLocal will connect you automatically to someone who can help.