Blogs and Keys

Do you or some one in your household misplace your keys? Don’t worry any longer; with the new technologies that are available there are great options for you and your loves.

Some of the technologies available are Fingerprint door locks (Biometrics), Keyless keypad door locks and smart card readers.

Fingerprint door lock technology isn’t something you only see on TV. It’s real and available for everyone and to any homeowner. The convenience of a fingerprint door lock is the ability to just touch and enter your home instead of digging into your handbag and trying to find you keys or sorting through several keys on a key ring. These types of locks are generally powered by batteries; the locks have LCD lights which gives you a low voltage indicator so you will be prepared to replace the battery. It can be amazing the piece of mind a fingerprint door lock can provide. When you think how you would feel if you lost your keys and a criminal minded person was able to access your home.

How about a Fingerprint garage door opener? The Fingerprint garage door opener is an excellent way to give children, family or friends access without keys. This isn’t a portable garage door opener like the one you have in your car: rather it gets installed on the side of the house by the garage. Instead of giving your kids a pin code to a home security system that they have to remember or a house key that could be lost, you can add their print to the device. Keep in mind if this allows access into the home it can be the only access anyone will need.

The first keyless entry system was developed for the hotel industry the early 1980′s. The keyless locks such as a digital keypad, smart card readers and remote control deadbolt locks have become very popular for homeowners.

The advantages of keyless entry is allowing you to give different codes to different individuals and when they no long need access to your home you can just remove the code. For homeowners who want keyless convenience that’s not so unobtrusive, a hardwired keypad can be an option. Most hardwired keyless keypads are installed on wall or somewhere near the door and connect to a DC transformer power source. This will allow the homeowner to have any latch door handle they wish or suits your personal style.

With certain keyless door locks you can integrate into your current home security system. The benefit is if someone tries to enter a wrong code several times the alarms will activate and shut down the keyless key pad.

Wireless remote deadbolt locks are very similar to a wireless key you may have to lock and unlock your car door. Most remote deadbolt locks can be installed in a conventional home owner’s door. The wireless remote deadbolt lock works very similar to that of wireless car door opener, you have a transmitter and you can push the button and your deadbolt is opened. The radio frequency varies by the brand and price, it will be up to you decide the length of the frequency you desire and choose according.

Smart card reader locks have been installed and used by businesses for several years; these locks work by waving a card in front of the reader and it senses the chip and will unlock the door. This lock has the greatest advantages for the visually or physically handicapped. Just remember a card is very similar to a key and can be misplaced.

I am sure that many of you feel quite safe in your homes until you hear about the various robberies that are committed daily. You then start to wonder just how safe your home really is. Now if you are like most people you will have an ordinary type of front and back door. To keep your home safe you could see about buying and installing security door locks.

In general the locks for our doors are normal safety measures that are adequate, however they are not a deterrent for intruders or burglars. To prevent these people from entering your home you might want to see the various types of security door locks that you can now buy. These security door locks come in many different forms, styles and sizes. You will need to look into the various facts about these locks before you come to a decision.

One of the best ways to see what sort of security door locks are available in your budget area is for you to go to your local security store. Here you will find many different types of security door locks. There will be a few ones that we all know of. These are generally the dead bolt locking ones. There are also the ones where you slide the security chain on and off the door.

Now in addition to these you will find other types of security door locks. Some of these door locks will have some type of technological mechanism fitted in. For instance you can use security door locks that have fingerprint matching abilities to lock and unlock your doors. This is one of the newer measures that we can find. You can also see about buying a digital security door lock where you will need to punch a combination into the keypad to open the door.

These are just a few of the many varieties of security door locks that you can buy from the internet and your local security store. To know what type of security door lock is best for the life style that you lead, you may want to talk with the trained personnel in security centers. As there are many people who have a variety of security concerns these individuals will be able to inform you of the security door locks that you could install.

As you look at these security door locks you should try and find out what sort of security that you can expect from them. You will also need to know how to install the security door locks so that they will be good to prevent any burglar from forcing their way into your home. All that really remains is for you to decide what type of security door lock that you want for your home.

For many consumers, a filing cabinet doubles as a convenient and accessible form of vault. Filing cabinets may lack the inch-thick steel and complex security locks of a storage safe, but for the casual user, a good filing cabinet should have all the security and protective features you?ll need in the day-to-day workings of your office.

The first and foremost security feature of a filing cabinet is the lock. The vast majority of filing cabinets feature pin tumbler locks, either in standard or tubular form. Standard pin tumblers are the locks you see every day in doors and cabinets. Tubular locks, with their small stubby keys, are more common on bike locks, smaller cabinets and, yes, filing cabinets.

These two types work much the same, without much difference in security, though the specifics vary by manufacturer. No filing cabinet lock is one hundred percent secure from a dedicated lockpick, but to keep the casual snooper out of your business, a functioning lock is a vital component. Most filing cabinets these days are lockable with one of the two systems mentioned above, but some brands are available either with or without locks, so you should always double-check before purchasing.

As well, many office filing cabinets feature a single-lock system that locks all drawers or just one, depending on how the locking bolt is turned. Some systems lock one drawer only, so it?s always a good idea to ask your supplier about these details before you buy.

You may also want to inquire about filing cabinets set in old-fashioned furniture styles, such as those of the Victorian era. These cabinets may feature classic-style escutcheons and keyholes. In the old days, these keyholes were made for warded locks, commonly seen in historical films with the accompanying skeleton keys. Nowadays they?re obsolete and very rare. On modern furniture, these keyholes are merely decorative, without any security function at all. Buying a Victorian-style cabinet may get you stuck with a good-looking yet vulnerable piece of furniture, so if you?re not sure, ask!

The locks described here aren?t the only options ? they?re just the most common. Many cabinets feature systems such as combination locks and even various kinds of electronic lock, all with varying features and security functions. Many filing cabinet retailers have different types of lock options available, enabling you to choose the lock that?s right for your needs and have it installed on a specific model of cabinet.

For more information and a great variety of lockable and/or lockless filing cabinets, check out More Filing Cabinets.Com, a proud part of the Cymax Stores Inc. network of online furniture retailers.

Magnetic locks use electromagnetism to control the entire locking mechanism. Much like your TV, refrigerator or any other appliance, these locks rely on electric power. This can be a good thing and a bad thing. But regardless, they tend to be fairly reliable and can keep your most valuable items safe.

Because they rely on electric power, they do run the risk of falling due to a power failure. But typically you can get your power up and running fairly quickly in the case of an emergency. Regardless of this, there is no key needed with your magnetic locks. You will never be locked out again because you lost your key and even better, the locks are impossible to pick.

The key component to a magnetic lock control system is the electromagnet that is made out of advanced metal alloys. As the electric power activates it, the bolt will slide up and down or in and out to lock the door. You will find that some have timing mechanisms, which allow you to set a specific time that you want this function to work.

Magnetic locks work only with a DC current of 12 to 24 volts. Most systems do use batteries to get its power, but some of the high-tech models are wired into the AC current and converted into DC by an internal transformer. This is crucial because if the power fails, any system running on batteries will fail as well. However, locks using AC power will remain locked when the power goes out.

Magnetic locks can pick up a number of different coding mechanisms. Some that you may encounter include smart cards, proximity readers and keypads. This kind of versatility makes them convenient for both home and business use. If you lose your card or forget the number for the keypad, you can quickly deactivate them for the safety of your home. Then, only the new code will be given to those authorized.

The last thing to keep in mind is that you are dealing with security and your safety. Because of this, it is recommended that you have your magnetic locks installed by a professional. The last thing you want is for your locks to break down on you allowing intruders an open house. Make sure it is installed properly and hire a professional to get it right.

Magnetic locks have a number of advantages over other styles of locks. It is impossible to pick because it runs on electricity, it is versatile and reliable, and it has a number of different coding mechanisms. Having a magnetic lock can keep you, your valuables, and

DATELINE – N. ATTLEBORO, MASS. AND LAS VEGAS, NV

OnGuard Locks, well known in power sports and bicycling communities, have

greatly expanded its lock line to include a wide range of everyday use locks

and will unveil them at the upcoming National Hardware Show in the Las Vegas

Convention Center, Las Vegas, May 6-8.

OnGuard’s new and expanded lock line include specific locks for luggage,

guns, marine and boating, lawn and garden, school and athletic facility

lockers and ladders.

High-level security features that have become the signature for OnGuard

locks, including:

* Dual Lock Down deadbolt locking system

* OnGuard’s unique M cylinder for optimum resistance against physical

attacks and picking

* 14 mm Ultra Hardened Steel rotor pin

* Carrying Pouch

* Disc reminder – 5 laser cut keys

OnGuard locks, whether key or combination lock, are tested, approved and

certified by the most important European test organizations (including

Classe SRA, SBSC, ART, Sold Secure, and Thatcham) to guard your treasured

items. OnGuard locks come with a lifetime warranty, five laser-cut keys

(including one with a microlight) key (with all M-key locks), key

registration, free key replacement service, and “Keyed Alike” capability.

The OnGuard logo and slogan (One Mean Lock) are protected by Registered

Trademarks.

“The National Hardware Show is a great venue for us to unveil our sturdy,

new locks and high impact packaging that should do well in a retail hardware

setting,” said Neal Todrys of OnGuard.

The 2008 National Hardware Show includes an expanded international retailer

program, new exhibitor assistance programs, and brand new exhibitor areas.

Todson, located at 73 N. Washington Street, N. Attleboro, MA is the

exclusive distributor of OnGuard locks. For more visit www.onguardlock.com

or call (800) 213-4561.

Though the actual history of safes may not be very long, the main component and perhaps one of the most important parts of a safe has been, and that is the lock. It is hard to say when locks were first invented because there is not always a written history, and because of the materials used when locks were made, there are not very many still around today. However, there is evidence that many different civilizations developed locks independently of each other, among them being the Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese and Romans. But one neat thing about old locks, is that they are the building blocks upon which today’s technology has been built. The locks have evolved, but many of the principles are the same on a modern day safe.

The oldest known lock is credited to the ancient Egyptians and is about 4000 years old. It was discovered in Persia in 1842. This first lock uses the same pin tumbler system that is still used on many safe models today. The Egyptian lock had a wood crossbeam that was partially hollowed out, and a vertical beam with metal tumblers that locked the two pieces together. It was unlocked using a large wooden spoon shaped key that was about 14″ – 24″ long with pegs sticking out of one end. There was actually a hole in the door which you had to stick your arm through with the key to access the tumblers. If the key was inserted correctly, the pegs on the key would line up with the tumblers allowing you to move the crossbeam and open the door. These locks were used on full size doors to protect strong rooms which were used for storing valuables, food or whatever needed safe guarding. So the same basic reasons you may have a safe today, just on a much larger scale.

We know that the Greeks had early locks because of a description by Homer in “The Odysseus” from around 800 B.C. It refers to someone getting a brass key to open a store room, it describes the the lock as follows: “She loosed the strap from the handle of the door, put in the key, and drove it straight home to shoot back the bolts that held the doors.” Doors is plural because most Greek doors were two doors that opened from the center. These doors were typically tied together with a rope using intricate knots, and then the door was bolted from the inside. This type of lock was not very secure because after removing the rope, a few attempts with a couple of different key designs often opened the door.

The Romans started with a similar design but improved it by using an iron case around the bolt work, making the bolt spring loaded and the use of wards. A ward lock uses a set of obstructions that stopped the lock from opening without the correct key, which would have corresponding notches to slide past the obstructions – this concept is still used today for many household doors. If you look at a skeleton key, you can tell from the notches the size and number of obstructions inside the lock. The Chinese are also credited with inventing the ward lock, so it is one of those types of things with dual development in two different parts of the world. The ward lock also lent itself well to the first portable safe, often called strong boxes in mediaeval Europe.

Other than more complicated ward locks, there was not a huge development in security until the eighteenth century in England when incentives were offered to anyone who could develop an unpickable lock. We have seen huge improvement in locks, security and the development of the modern safe since then, but even these improvements were founded upon the same basic principles as used in ancient times.

Door is probably the most important part of the house as all of us already aware of. This is because door provides privacy and security for all members in family, as doors is the part that easily access. And of course only door itself could not provide enough security without having good quality door lock, if you can not provide the good quality door locks and make sure that it functions properly, so you and your family may in danger. In the next article, we are going to learn some basic type of door locks and a bit of tips how to choose the right ones for your house.

You may hear of information that these days, most of buildings and houses has no locks for its external doors. This may take the residence in high risk if there is an intruder want to access to the building. As the building requires no standard of door locks, so it is depends on your consideration whether you want to have a door lock for external door, if so, do not wait for too long. Let’s upgrade the door to make sure that you receive maximum security for yourself and for all members of the family. It is very essential for you to know some basic types of door locks so you will be able to choose the right one. Basic types of door locks could be described as follow;

Type1: Chain door lock
This type is very popular and widely used. There is a short small chain attached between door panel and door frame. Chain attached to both side by screw. This kind of lock is generally used in houses and the people who are inside the house can see who the outside of the door is. The main point that you have to consider when choosing chain lock is the size of chain, which you have to make sure that provide enough security. However, there is a strong advice that this type of lock should not be used as main method of security.

Type2: Deadbolts lock
Deadbolt lock is known as the lock that provide maximum security in the market. So it is mostly used where requires extreme security such as exterior doors. You may find that many of houses use this type of locks because it is very convenient. Generally, there are two types of deadbolt lock, one is the single cylinder and two is double cylinder. The single cylinder one is the type that we can see in many of houses, a person have to use a key to release the lock from outside meanwhile the person inside can turn a door knob to secure the lock. The two- cylinder type requires key to release the lock from both side.

Type3: Wedges lock
Wedges is classified as an extended lock for door. While you are using deadbolt lock as a main lock, you may have wedges lock installed to increase security. Wedges lock is a kind of rubber triangle can be wedged under the door in order to protect the door to open too wide. This type of lock is widely used with interior doors that require less security such as bathroom or bedroom.

From reading through the detail so now you may have learnt the information of type of door locks. However, it is necessary to find more information and learn from it to make sure that you have enough knowledge to buy suitable ones.

With the high cost of living, many families now consist of both parents working outside the home. The children and parents are usually each given a set of keys. Keys that are lost or stolen can leave a family member unable to access the home safely. Entrusting the most responsible person with a key can still lead to accidental loss. A fingerprint door lock will give you the reassurance of knowing that all family members will have access to the home.

Convenience and safety are the two major benefits of owning a fingerprint door lock unit. Most of the units are battery powered and come with low-battery indicators to alert you when it is time to change them. The most important safety advantage of fingerprint door locks is that you can easily add and remove users that require temporary admission to your home. This may include guests, electricians, cable service people, plumbers, and a neighbor while you are on vacation… etc. By not giving out keys, this means you will not have to deal with lost, stolen, copied keys.

How Fingerprint Door Locks Work

Biometric authentication technology evaluates physical traits for recognition purposes. The technology permits or denies access to a home, building, or business. For home security locks, fingerprint recognition is the safest way to permit or reject access. Fingerprint door locks are easy to set up. Your fingerprint is scanned and saved in the unit. Your fingerprint is scanned again time that you attempt entry and compared with the saved print data stored in the system. If the prints match, you are immediately given access to the home. To allow others access, just add their prints to the system. When you no longer require their entry, you can simply remove their print from the system.

The lock is very easy to install and easy to program and extremely user friendly. Developed for do it yourself installations, the finger print door lock system can easily replace existing door devices. Stainless steel backing plates placed on both sides of the door give a professional and well-designed look to your installation while adding enhanced security reinforcement to the door. In most situations, the existing hole for the old lock will meet your requirements for the finger print door lock. It is essential to understand that finger print technology provides the verification, but it is the lock that provides the security. If you want the finger print unit to be installed outside, the fingerprint lock must be weatherproof and fitted to a good quality external solid door. For use on outside doors that are exposed to moisture, you can use a weather guard kit which includes a weatherproof gasket and a rain cover. Fingerprint door locks systems can store many prints at one time. Generally you can store 10, 20, 30 even 50 fingerprints at one time. There are more advanced systems that allow you hold more fingerprints and let you know who has used the lock and at what time.

Quality Features

Not only will fingerprint door locks ensure that you are never locked outside you home again, children and people in wheelchairs will find it an easy to use. The unit’s high-resolution fingerprint scanner ensures an elevated level of security. The door can be opened using your fingerprint, entering a code on the keypad, or by using laser cut backup keys. Its high security features make it ideal for the work place and home. All units come with operating and easy to follow installation instructions and drilling templates. No external power source is needed as they are powered by 4 x AA batteries. With normal use, batteries usually have a life of about one year. Battery replacement is a very easy to do.

Finger Print Door Locks are easy to install and no more difficult than fitting a traditional lock. Designed to provide quick access without any keys or codes to remember, fingerprint door locks respond in less than one second. It is one of the fastest entry systems on the market ensuring your children will be able to enter and exit quickly and safely. As well, although this highly secure and unique fingerprint identification is the main method of entry, this door lock can also be opened using a personal identification number, or a high security mechanical key lock.

An Essential Security System

Finger print door locks are ideal for residential homes, apartments, condominiums, cottages, offices, and storage rooms. At home, the fingerprint door lock ensures that your door is always locked and secured. It will give you and your family that added security and peace of mind.

About Biometric Electronic Access Control

Biometrics, or the recognition of the identity of someone based on a biological aspect of a person, is actually a very old technology. We use biometrics everyday when we use the ?computer? that we call the human mind: for example, when we recognize someone by looking at his or her face, or when we check a written signature against what we trust to be a bona-fide copy of a signature. The futuristic feel of biometric technology comes about when we match the traditional biometric approach with the new capabilities that we have in electronics. Now we can use electronic devices to make biometric judgements about the authenticity of a person?that is, ?is person x who they say they are?? Since the information and digital age is upon us, the technology has come about that makes authentication exceptionally accurate, and potentially a much more reliable means of authenticating a person than traditional, human-judgement based biometrics.

Experts in authentication technologies usually classify the criteria that are used to verify someone?s identity based upon a few different categories. ?What you know?, or W-Y-K, is one form of authentication: a common version of this occurs when you give an electronic bank terminal your PIN (or Personal identification number). ?What you have?, or W-Y-H, is another criterion, and this refers to the possession of some identifying object such as an identification card or passport: but you could even consider a simple door key as a kind of W-Y-H proof of identity for allowing access into a private or controlled access property. Biometrics, according to this scheme of classification, would generally be termed ?What you are? or W-Y-A. It is the presentation of a physical aspect of yourself that is quite uniquely and individually you, in order to obtain authentication.

Electronic access control (EAC) over properties based upon biometrics is not a new technology, having been around for decades?and it has taken on many forms. Hollywood movies have long depicted high security installations that use finger and handprints, eye (iris and retina) scans, facial and voice recognition and so on, in order to verify identity. Of course, media typically depicts the technology as being used by spies, high-tech corporate installations, the ultra-rich and other elites of society: possibly to protect priceless assets and information, or to prevent espionage and treason. Only recently has it become an exciting time for the rest of us, technologically speaking, as ?the digital age? has brought electronic biometric technology to a quality standard and a price that is within the reach of the average consumer.

Locks picking can be quite tricky. Not everyone has the skill to pick locks. It takes experience and the skilful locksmith can open a lock in a jiffy. This skill can be learned and self taught. It is acquired and if your interests are locks picking, then perhaps you can find a living from it.

Locks picking shouldn’t be done by yourself because you can spoil the lock in the process of struggling to pick the lock with a wire of some master key. Worse still, the wire gets snapped inside making inserting the master key impossible. So, it is advised to steer clear of jobs you’re not expert at.

It can be quite scary to be locked out alone

It can be quite a scary experience to find that you got locked in or locked out or lost your keys in the process. Opening locks should be done by the professional locksmith who may have a set of master keys or just s simple hooked wire to pick a lock. In the unfortunate event if you find that you got yourself locked in and cannot get out from your room, and there is no one else around the house because you happen to stay alone, then you desperately need a hand phone to call for help. For a start, you can call the telephone operator for the number to any professional locksmith in Canada and that is the critical time when an emergency locksmith can help you out.

Calling for locksmith help

After making the first call to the telephone operator for the locksmith’s number around your area, you need to just dial the number and inform the locksmith of your address and how to get there. The difficult part of summoning for help is done. Next, just sit and wait for a while before you are redeemed from your helpless situation. When the locksmith has arrived, you will hear your outside door lock being picked to be opened. Once the locksmith is inside your house and you are locked in your room, simply wait for him to pick a lock to your door and voila, you are freed.

Relief from being locked in

It would be a great relief to be freed finally from your temporary imprisonment. Situations like this do happen but you will be lucky to carry your cell phone around to call for help anytime. It would be worse if they person who is locked in has no access to the phone or any form of help. Because people may be careless in leaving their keys around or lose their keys, they need to call the locksmith to pick their locks in order to get into their house. There are some locksmiths offering 24-hour service so that you can summon them any time in case of emergency for opening locks. Not many would be so dedicated to operate round the clock for their clients.

Years of Skill to Pick a Lock

It takes years of skill to learn locks picking. If you are quick, you can learn it in a few months time. That’s something eerie and can be quite tricky as well. Of course, you’re not supposed to be a locksmith at first place. That’s why there are not many locksmiths around and fewer would offer their services on a 24 hour basis. But it comes in handy to know their contact numbers; should you one day need a locksmith for opening locks. To sum up, you should never pick a lock yourself to invite more trouble to an already troubled situation. It is sensible to get a locksmith to do it for you.