Most of us have run into a situation where we need the assistance of a locksmith service. Whether it is a broken key in a lock, a lost key or you are in need of a duplicate, key cutting is one of the most common services that locksmiths provide today. Key cutting provides great conveniences for us at a very fast turnover time. Getting a house key duplicated is as simple as showing up at your local locksmith and asking for a copy. In a matter of minutes you will be holding a new set of house keys. Key cutting machines are an essential tool for any locksmith in today’s industry.

Types of Key Cutting Machines

Not all key cutting machines are the same and not all provide the same type of key cutting requirements. Key cutting machines vary in type, starting with a manual key cutting machine to others like laser, automatic and code design key cutting machines. Depending on the budget and skill set of your local locksmith; your keys will be cut by one of these types of key cutting machines. Car keys, house keys and skeleton keys are all different types of keys that are better cut by specific key cutting machines.

Duplicate Key Copy

When you ask to have a duplicate key made for your home or vehicle, the locksmith starts the process with a blank key, or a key that has a flat blade. This is the only way that the exact shape of the original key can be properly duplicated. The key cutting machine that is used will cut and shave metal away until both keys are absolutely identical. Depending on the type of key cutting machine that is used, your keys will be finished fairly quickly. The great advantage that key cutting machines have today is the speed they are able to duplicate a key.

Automatic Key Cutting Machines

An automatic key cutting machine works much faster than a manual key cutting machine. A laser key cutting machine uses a laser to cut the metal of the blank key, rather than a blade like the manual and automatic key cutting machines. Laser key cutting machines also have the ability to add dimples to a key’s surface, which some of today’s more advanced key systems require.

Duplicate Keys, Broken Key Repair, Lost Key Replacement Locksmith Services in South Miami, Coral Gables, Hialeah & Miami FL

If you are in need of a set of duplicate keys, have accidentally broken the key off into a lock or have simply misplaced a key, contact The Lock Doc today for professional locksmith service. Our locksmith’s are skilled and experienced in using all type of key cutting machines to provide you with the best possible product available.

Halloween is an exciting time for the little ones. Dressing up like their favorite heroes or fantasy characters or even the scariest ghouls their imagination can conjure; anticipating the potential spoils the evening has to offer. Not to mention us, as the adults, want to take make sure our little monsters and mummies have the best time and take them out on their little outings. Even childless adults could be involved in a party night, or want to help their best friend hand out candy at their home.

No matter the scenario, it is quite possible that no one will be at your home – at least for a few hours, before or after you decide to hand out a few chocolate treats of your own. You want to make sure to leave your home safe and secure. Halloween gives the perfect cover for potential burglars to enter your home. After all, even if your neighbors are home, chances are the criminal minded won’t arouse suspicion and will blend in with the crowds.

The Lock Doc would like to offer you some tips and advice on keeping your home safe for trick-or-treaters, and also while you are away from it this upcoming Halloween.

Safety & Security for the Trick or Treaters

1. Have a clear path leading to your place of offerings. Whether you are handing out treats from your front door or garage opening, be sure there is a clear path free from debris and clutter. We don’t want the little ones to trip and injure themselves.
2. Keep your pets detained. Many unfamiliar guests will be approaching your home. Keep the pups and kitty cats away from the door. For the safety of your pets and the little goblins coming to your door, you want to make sure they are tucked somewhere safe and happy.
3. Lights need to be illuminating. Keep porch lights on, and perhaps even decorate a path a few strings of neutral Christmas lights to keep the things bright and visible.
4. Flames need to be supervised. Jack-O-Lanterns and decorative candles are a safety hazard and easily knocked over. Keep a close eye on the burning flames, and keep them 3 feet or so away from any clutter.
5. Unfortunately we live in a time where preparing homemade treats isn’t trusted anymore. If you like indulging, save them for friends and family, and familiar neighborhood children. The unfamiliar kids coming to your door are best given commercially wrapped treats.

Home Safety Tips While Away

1. Most people understand that when the porch light is off, it is a signal that there is no one available to hand out candy. Just make sure not every light is out. Criminals passing by might believe that no one is home and target your residence. Keep a few lights burning.
2. Windows need to be locked and barriers in place. Ensure blinds are down and curtains closed to keep an intruder from peaking into your home and evaluating potential grabs, entry points and escape routes.
3. Make sure the yard is freshly tended. Grass trimmed and bushes and trees pruned. It will increase visibility to masses walking through and neighbors who decided to stay out by the garage and delver treats.
4. Make sure you have locks and dead bolts in place and they are all being used. Lock doors, windows and garages.
5. Set your security system to on while you are away.

Home Security Solution Services in South Miami, Coral Gables, Hialeah & Miami FL

The Lock Doc has experienced professionals that can upgrade locks, install dead bolts, and institute a top of the line security system. Call us for a free consultation on securing your home and keeping it safe this Halloween.

Everyone has come into contact with a panic bar or crash bar on doors. They are generally found in large facility buildings such as schools, shopping centers, medical facilities and large offices. These panic bars are a huge asset in emergency situations. When the panic bar is pushed, the door becomes unlatched, allowing for effortless access out of the building, as the doors swing outwardly as opposed to inwardly.

Panic Bars for Fire Safety Exits

The larger the facility is the greater the importance becomes. Allow us to set the scene. A fire alarm has been activated and fear instantly hits the crowd. More so if there are actually sensory proof of a hazardous fire. The masses panic and rush to the doors for a hasty exit. People are possibly being trampled and with wrong door latches, people’s irrational thinking will create even more of a catastrophe. If there is pause and hesitation to appropriately open a door, the folks that don’t do well under pressure at the doors, could result in higher risk of mayhem. There have been documented incidents where people have become victim to critical injury or death, all because a door hindered their escape. Panic bars have become engineered in reference to those cases.

So now that you have a brief background on panic bars, The Lock Doc will list a few added benefits.

Safety of Panic Bars – Safety is the number one thing. Not only are push bars handy in emergencies, but they are a great tool in less critical situations. For example, the push bar is designed to be locked on the outside, keeping unauthorized people out, but still allowing easy exiting access. Panic bars are functional with an alarm system to better facilitate door exiting. For proper installation and full efficiency, push bars should only be installed by a locksmith.

Custom Panic Bars – There is an array of choices that fit the facilities unique needs. Depending on budget, security measures, and safety ability, as well as cross bar variety and vertical bar assortments.

Affordability of Crash Bars – The professional locksmiths at The Lock Doc can acquire the push bars perfect for your building, and install it at a reasonable cost.

Lower Insurance Rates – Not only are the push bars cost effective, but they support building security. With proper installation, insurance premiums are dropped considerably. Properties often receive discounted insurance rates when safety and security measures are in place.

Effectiveness of Panic Bars – We have briefly touched on their safety, and security efficiency, but they are so dependable and effective, that in many public facilities, OSHA has made them mandatory. Panic bars have proven essential for the emergency exit. Exiting is quicker, and better organized when the door is easily opened.

Professional Crash & Panic Push Bar Installation for Commercial, Industrial & Institutional Buildings in South Miami, Coral Gables, Hialeah & Miami FL

With information provided, we strongly recommend taking the time to evaluate your building’s structure. Decide the security protocol that is best for your facility and the nature of the that facility’s purpose. Analyze the appropriate settings for where the push bars may be best effective as opposed to a regularly latch, and consider the occupants safety. Top Master Locksmith can consult with you where the push bars may be needed, and help conclude which push bar, and possible accessories, are right for you and your building.

The Lock Doc can help with any situation in getting you back on the road, whether you locked your keys in the vehicle, broke the key in the door lock or ignition; our trained technicians can assist in your situation. Each year, $1,255 billion dollars in personal items and car accessories are stolen from vehicles. Damage and even auto theft has escalated. A few simple habits can reduce the risk of your automobile becoming another statistic.

The Lock Doc would like share some tips and give advice on keeping your vehicle from being victimized from break-ins.

– Keep your doors locked. Where you might be thinking that’s “common sense“, you’d be surprised as to how many break-ins occur due to an unlocked door. People think it’s safe to “run in” and quickly purchase a beverage, being gone only 5 minutes at most. That’s plenty of time for your car to be targeted. Locking your doors in every instance is the safest practice.

– Avoid clutter. Keeping your car tidy, makes it easier to see the valuables are thin. If a criminal minded person happens upon your vehicle and notices shopping bags, carrying bag, etc, it may seem like lots of valuables could be inside, making your car too tempting to pass by.

– Conceal Valuables. If you should carry valuable accessories or items in your car, keep them out of site. Glove boxes, department boxes, even under the seat is a good place to hide your things, and appear that your car isn’t worth the risk of a break-in to unsavory characters. When shopping in multiple locations, always put your purchases in the trunk to hide them from view.

– Windows and sunroofs Sealed. Keep all windows and sunroofs tightly sealed. Not only can potential thieves gain access from unsecured windows, the pressure sensor for some car alarms has been inadvertently disabled. Now the indecent person has more time to obtain valuable items.

– Car alarms. If you don’t already have an alarm installed, invest in one. Criminals are often deterred by the sound creating unwanted attention, thereby making them move on before anything can be lifted.

– Original audio-system is choice. There is no demand for factory audio-systems, and in most cases, factory stereos produce good quality music. The upgraded system is only an added motivator for your vehicle to be broken-in to.

– Park in highly visible conditions. Parking in the well lit, open and high traffic areas will make your automobile less appealing.

Professional Automotive Locksmith in South Miami, Coral Gables, Hialeah & Miami FL

These are just a few things you can do to help your car be less desirable among thieves. Keep your vehicle and belongings safe from criminal hands, especially be wary during the holiday season, when high volume shopping days are inevitable. Contact The Lock Doc for all of your automotive locksmith needs.

Protecting your family, your home and your belongings is top priority and should be taken with the most care and consideration. When in the market for locks, safes and other types of security for your home, it is important to do your research so you can invest in the type that will best work for your home. When looking at purchasing locks for your home, the amount of options to choose from can make you feel somewhat overwhelmed. There are many different kinds of locks and several different security factors to consider.

Although there are many different types of locks on the market today, there are four that are most commonly used and they are the padlock, the dead bolt, the knob lock and the lever lock.

Padlocks

Padlocks are not normally used as the main source of securing entry ways into a home, as they are the only lock that is not typically permanently attached to anything. Padlocks come in handy when used on side gates of a home, fences, sheds, garages, trailers and other areas that are on your property but not part of your home. Padlocks come in a range of sizes, are free standing and portable. Padlocks are also used on lockers at school, chests, trunks or other storage containers that you wish to keep tightly shut. Padlocks are probably the most recognizable lock that exists today.

Deadbolt Locks

Deadbolt locks are most commonly used on the main entry door to a home. Deadbolt locks come in three different varieties that include single, double and lockable thumb turn. Single dead bolt locks are found on most American homes and provide a decent level of security for a home, however one strong kick can sometimes dislodge the entire lock casing and your front door can be kicked in. There are better and stronger deadbolt locks on the market today that will better secure the main entry door into your home.

Knob Locks

Knob locks are common inside the home on bathroom and bedroom doors, providing a level of privacy to those rooms. Knob locks come in many different styles that can go well with your décor inside your home.

Lever Locks

Lever handle locks are commonly found in business buildings and offices, executive office doors and other rooms that require to be locked over night or throughout the day. There are so many different types of locks to choose from today that will fit the level of safety and security that you desire. Contact The Lock Doc for the best locksmith service available.