Blogs and Keys

There have been a number of reports in the press and on television recently about a weakness in the locks on UPVC doors. In some areas of the UK, notably West Yorkshire, Police are reporting that this weakness is clearly being exploited by thieves.

This is a growing problem throughout the country. No special tools are needed and a burglar can break these Euro Profile Cylinders in a matter of seconds and although we know the methods used, we will not disclose them in any detail, as a precaution against “copy-cat” burglaries.

This type of lock is commonly known as a Euro Profile Cylinder and is used worldwide on uPVC, PVCu, aluminium and some wooden doors. However secure or elaborate the multi-point locking mechanism is, it is the cylinder that is the vulnerable area. The cylinder is the part which allows key operation. If the cylinder is broken, the multi-point lock can be easily opened in no time at all.

All major Lock Manufacturers are working hard to find solutions to the problem.

At the moment, only two of the major lock manufacturers have come up with a viable a solution. Both Squire and Mul-T-Lock have designed a cylinder that still snaps, but it does so at a predetermined position which leaves the door secure. Mul-T-Lock have called their cylinders ?Break Secure’ and Squire’s range is called ?Snapsafe’

Although these new cylinders are not guaranteed against all methods of attack on uPVC doors, they act as a deterrent by making it much more difficult for burglars to gain access.

Some lock manufacturers, such as Squire and ERA, are approaching the problem by offering cylinder security devices or cylinder enhancers. These metal surrounds are secured to the existing cylinder underneath the door handle. ERA’s solution is particularly beneficial as it sandwiches the door and the cylinder in place, making it almost impossible to remove the broken cylinder.

Using these cylinder enhancers together with a Break Secure or SnapSafe cylinder probably is the most effective solution currently available.

To further reduce the possibility of forced entry, it is also of the utmost importance to ensure that a cylinder is the correct size and properly fitted.

A Euro Profile Cylinder should only protrude 2-3mm beyond the door furniture. Often, when cylinders have been replaced, the wrong size replacement has been used and this makes the door even more vulnerable.

It is a well known fact that burglars will always choose the easiest option!

To avoid becoming a victim of this type of forced entry, check all door cylinders and, if necessary, upgrade to ?Break Secure’ or ?SnapSafe’ ranges.

Always deadlock doors whenever a house is empty, and fit a door chain to the main door to use when you are at home. As an alternative to replacing the cylinders, consider fitting secondary bolts to uPVC doors in other parts of the house.

The most common method of car theft is when burglars break into houses and steal the keys, so make sure that any keys (particularly car keys) are hidden. Other easily removed valuables, such as jewellery, should not be left in exposed areas.

A safe is a useful addition to other methods of security and an ideal place to keep spare keys, passports, jewellery, cameras etc. These items are often not just financially valuable but have a great sentimental value which is irreplaceable.

For advice on all aspects of physical security, contact a reputable locksmith. If a locksmith belongs to the MLA (Master Locksmith Association), he has to have undertaken and passed an independently assessed BLI examination. Every approved Company has to undergo stringent, regular inspections to ensure that these high standards of workmanship and administration are maintained. As well, all MLA members conform to legal requirements and follow a customer charter which means that they are qualified and competent to carry out all aspects of the Locksmith trade.

Do you need to replace your faulty locks? Everything has a life span of its own, and the locks are not an exception. Replacing locks, whether at your home or at your work place, is one of the common house maintenance activities required once in a while. There are several reasons why you would want to replace your locks. The old locks may be failing, they may be broken, you may want to change the keys for several reasons or you may simply want to replace them for your own interests.

Whichever your reasons, you will need the right lock and the right expert to do it for you. It would be foolish to purchase the first lock you identify at the shop, or to get just anyone to do the job for you and even worse to replace it yourself with your little knowledge on locks.

Can?t I do it myself?

With so many ?do it your self? or ?how to? guides on almost every activity there is, either on the internet or in magazines you may wonder why you should get a lock replacement expert to do it for you? The answer to this is simple. Doing it your self may be simple and cheap, but the chances of you doing a shady job will be very high. Besides that, if the lock replacement was wrongly done, you may end up spending more money to replace it with yet a new lock.

Furthermore, there is a truly staggering variety of different locking mechanisms currently in circulation, and if you don?t know much about locks, you are likely to end up with the wrong lock. You may also find out that your lock may be one of those designed to be virtually impossible to take apart, except with the help of a locksmith. To avoid such disappointments, get an expert to replace the lock for you.

Get the right expert

Identifying a locksmith is the same as getting the job done already. However, be ware that locksmiths are in business to make money. Identify not just any locksmith, but a qualified and experienced one at least. You will have saved yourself the trouble of buying the tools required, like special screw drivers, pins and others that may be difficult or impossible to purchase at your local hardware.

The locksmith will probably be able to identify the right replacement lock and the mechanism to apply for you, besides doing the job right. It may cost you your time and money, but trust me; you will have no regrets or disappointments. As a handyman in your own right, you will find it worth while to get acquainted with your locksmith, especially if their services will get you out of a tight spot, and if you can always depend on them if you need a lock replacement.

Have you ever lost your keys? Have you ever been locked out? Have you ever been burgled? If you have not been party to these misfortunes then you are undoubtedly the lucky few in the UK but that does not mean that the terms ?Lock fitting? and or ?Lock replacement? are strange to you. It is obvious that every house has a door and it also follows that every door must have a fitting lock. What matters are the type of lock that is fitted to your door, the level of security you wish to guarantee to yourself and your family and most importantly who provides and fits or replaces the locks.

What Should a Good Quality Lock Offer?

When choosing locks a number of factors come into play. Most people often assume that their residences will do with a minimum level of lock quality and security. In fact, others don?t even see the necessity of having a good security lock on their exterior doors until disaster strikes. On the other hand most contractors chose locks for replacement on the basis of price.

However, to guarantee that your doors offer you the maximum security you need for your home and your property, it is better to chose locks with an understanding of a burglars? perspective in mind.

Therefore, a good quality lock should offer maximum deterrence. Usually burglars access your house when;

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The evolution of technology has not only caused an upgrade of car mechanisms and features but has also improved the safety and security controls of a vehicle. If you have a new generation car, chances are it uses an extra ordinary electronic code same as that of the automobile?s engine management system. Hiring an auto locksmith to fabricate a new set of keys will be utterly useless because if it does not send the precise code to the engine, it will fail to ignite. In this circumstance, you will have to replace both keys and ignition in order to get your car back on the road again.

Contacting the agent whom you bought the car from or getting in touch with the car company is generally the first best thing to do. If you are sure that the warranty has not yet expired, this will not be so much of a problem. Otherwise, you will be spending heaps on the key and ignition replacement when you decide to have it serviced by your dealer without a warranty on hand. These car dealership companies usually employ highly skilled auto locksmiths who can guarantee a professional job. But of course, if you have a meagre budget, you will have to look for other ways to replace your car keys and ignition. The next available option is to hire an independent auto locksmith.

Well equipped auto locksmiths have an automotive locksmith transponder device which can fabricate new car keys and match the code used by your engine. Hiring private auto locksmiths will be significantly less expensive than having the task done by your car dealer. Working with an emergency locksmith will also be quicker because you will not have to go through many document processing. Emergency auto locksmiths provide immediate help just when you are on the verge of frustration.

Legitimate auto locksmiths are generally knowledgeable on the different types of vehicle lock systems. Before they get a locksmith certification, they have to undergo a special training course plus comprehensive classroom sessions. Of course, they do not get a license when they fail the exam or the on-the-job training expectations. From the simplest car keys to the most complicated gadgets, licensed auto locksmiths are necessarily skilled to replace car keys and ignition. Aside from merely replacing these two components, auto locksmiths can also recommend new devices to further prevent another similar incident or to upgrade the quality of your locks.

In essence, the smartest thing to do when purchasing a new car is to have the original factory keys stored in a safe place while getting duplicates on them. Ideally, the original car keys should not be the one used every day. Instead, the spare keys (or duplicates) should be the one you use. When the unfortunate event of a lock out occurs, you know that you have an instant solution by retrieving the original keys that you have stashed away safely.

Although getting a car key and ignition replacement along with a general lock system upgrade may be costly, your investment may very well be worth the effort. This move will thwart any attempt of burglary and theft, and will also provide you greater personal security. A good locksmith can do many things for your car ? be it outdated or brand new. Auto locksmiths can easily pick simple locks on old vehicle models and can install a new and better safety lock. In the same manner, auto locksmiths can also replace stolen car keys and set up advanced lock systems for modern cars.

Replacement car keys from www.omegalocksmith.com are available 24/7 – 365 days a year. So if you need to regain access to your car for any reason let us know and we will be there to help you get running again as quickly as possible.

We also specialize in Ford Focus Ignition Issues especially the 2000-2003 models.

The majority of Ford Focus owners have complaints against the vehicle that either the key sticks in the ignition or it doesn’t turn. It was not a cost issue until the cars were under warranty but after the warranty expired, the value of the cars steadily depreciated in the used car market. This turns out to be an out of pocket expense for owners at the end of the day.

The time period while the ignition works well depends but whether it is two months or 5 years, the absolute truth is that it will get jammed. You may have issues with the car key getting stuck in the ignition and only jiggling the ignition will allow you to start which is a sure sign that you need to call in a professional to get the ignition repaired or changed. But if you own a Ford Focus, you just cannot get away with this problem.

Many believe that the reason for the jamming and ignition switch issue is related to poor design and cheap quality manufacturing by Ford. The 1990s made Ford ignition switches were known to catch fire, thus it is best to keep in mind that any malfunction could leave you stranded anywhere.

The connection between the Ford ignition and the car’s computer is through the Transponder microchip inbuilt within the car key. Changing the ignition switch, which is a professional and complex operation, needs an expert auto locksmith to do the installation. You can’t just take it to the dealership for getting this done due to high costs.

So why does this problem arise?

Well, the basic reason is that the ignition assembly is not of the quality that is desired and thus gets worn out very fast, leaving you with numerous glitches. Other experts believe that there is a design issue that adds to the problem. Generally this kind of a situation arises when the wafers jam the ignition and the cylinder bends, leaving then latched in a position which does not allow them to move.

Check if you are having any of these issues with your Ford Focus car:

Producing a new set of keys for a modern car will not solve safety problems. Modern autos have improved lock features and security. Many cars that were built in the last five years are coded with engine immobilizer systems. The keys for such cars have a unique electronic code that matches a code held in the engine management system, and the system checks to make sure it’s the appropriate key each time the car is started.

If the code in your key for the car is incorrect, the car ignition will not start. Therefore, if you lose the keys you’re in a bad situation that’s likely to require you get a new key produced and have the ignition replaced as well.

Until recently you’d be required to take the care back to the dealership for such work to occur. That’s not an issue if you still have a warrenty on the vehicle – you’ll only have to deal with the time of taking it there and picking it up later. It’s basically invonvenient. Without a warranty, getting a car key recoded or car ignition replaced is going to be expensive at a dealership.

A better thing to do when getting a new car with factory original keys is to store those keys in a safe place. Get spares made, and put the originals in a safe or safety deposit box at the bank for easy recovery.

The reason for this is that it’s better to have a later copy made from the originals rather than a copy of a copy. It common for people to have an issue when dealing with spare parts that don’t work with the current car series. This is yet another reason to safely store the original car keys.

But let’s say it’s too late and you need to have car keys made for your modern car. What do you do?

The affordable, fast answer is to call a locksmith. A locksmith can copy and repair car keys for modern vehicles for you at a lower cost than if you were to take the vehicle to the dealership. It’s faster to work with a locksmith, rather than taking it to the distributor or manufacturer.

An automotive locksmith transponder device can make a new set of car keys for you. This device has an electronic management system computer that’s able to match the technology built in your car immobiliser.

Locksmiths are familiar with all styles and forms of vehicle lock systems. This goes for simple car keys to biometric keys and locks. Calling a licensed and quality locksmith is the true solution to any car blocking scenario.

A locksmith will be able to replace your outdated car locks. They can remake ignition keys and vat keys. A locksmith business can provide you with advanced safety features for any modern vehicle while replacing your lost or stolen car keys.

Note that getting a new ignition system and upgrading your keys can be a costly investment, but it comes with additional safety, and the security that your car is safe and not being stolen.

It’s also cheaper to have a locksmith work for you than to take the car back to the dealership for the same amount of work – not to mention the time saved.

Auto locksmiths come equipped with the most advanced vehicle key and remote programming systems. They’re capable of programming a new transponder key that matches the original, and match the lock code.

Locksmith also offer a full range of low cost replica keys and remotes for a wide range of vehicles. You should be aware of the variety of car locks and car safety when it comes to your vehicle. Don’t settle for inferior services that are slow and unreliable.

A locksmith can ensure that your situation is carefully examined before making appropriate recommendations based on what is best.

These are included with all car security services:

- Mobile Locksmith service

- Car locks

- Car ignition systems

- Key cutting

- Computer-coded keys

Locksmiths have new technology that provides a range of car security services. Skilled locksmiths are available 24 hours a day and have mobile services that can meet you at home or work to accomplish these jobs for you.

A good locksmith can cut and program transponder keys to suit your car ignition system if the car has an immobilizer ignition lock. He’s capable of cutting computer -coded keys with ensured accuracy. It will match the details within the locks of your car, but this will vary based on model.