Businesses spend a lot of time worrying about their security. In recent years, this has translated into overwhelming concerns over digital security in the wake of so many data breaches. Yet, businesses remain at risk from plain old burglary.

Maybe you’re worried that a couple of keys have gone missing over the years or you just want a security upgrade. In either case, you’ll need the services of a professional locksmith.

Before you pick a name at random from internet listings, here are five essential questions you should ask a commercial locksmith before you hire them.

1. Where Are You Located?

Proximity isn’t everything, but it does matter. A reputable company with a location a few blocks from your business will often end up a better option than one located miles away.

This proves especially true when you need service off of normal business hours. A local locksmith will arrive faster than one located in a distant suburb.

2. What Are Your Rates?

Cost may not end up as your primary decision-making criterion, but it plays a role. When shopping around for a locksmith in a non-emergency situation, it helps you to compare rates. Not only does this let you establish a baseline, but it arms you to ask why a locksmith charges more.

3. Are You Licensed and Insured?

In the US, fifteen states require locksmith licenses. In addition, some counties and municipalities require licensure of some kind. If you live in a state that doesn’t require licenses, ask if the locksmith is a member of a professional locksmith organization, such as the Associated Locksmiths of America.

You should also make sure your locksmith carries liability insurance. While unlikely, a locksmith may accidentally damage your company’s property. Insurance helps make sure you get a timely repair or reimbursement.

4. Can You Install Access Control Systems?

An access control system consists of two main parts: physicals controls and logical controls. Physical controls can include everything from basic locks on a server room to biometric entry systems. Logical controls consist of software-based security measures typically handled by an IT department.

Many companies prefer that one contractor handles installation for the entire physical system infrastructure. This simplifies future service calls for any problems with the physical system.

5. Do You Offer a Warranty?

Most locksmiths will offer a warranty for their services. If a locksmith won’t warranty their services, you should take it as a warning signal.

At best, it means they don’t really trust their own workmanship. At worst, it means the company runs a scam service.

Parting Thoughts on Questions to Ask a Commercial Locksmith

You can find a good commercial locksmith. The trick is for you to ask a few essential questions about licensing, insurance, their range of services, and their rates. The answers they provide will arm you to make an informed decision before you let a comparative stranger alter your business’ security measures.

Kenny’s Lock, Inc. specializes in locksmithing for commercial and residential properties. For questions or a service quote, contact Kenny’s Lock, Inc. today.

 

Here’s the reality of things — all of the best guns, ammunition, and high-end alarm systems don’t actually have the power to stop a determined criminal from kicking in your door.

The only thing between a crook and a successful breakthrough is a strong door lock. Most break-ins happen through the front door, and they’re usually because of the condition of the lock. A weak lock almost guarantees the criminal’s success.

You can’t afford to place yourself, your family, and your business in danger due to a subpar locking system. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the safest locks that you can buy that are sure to protect what matters most.

The Yale Premier Single Cylinder YH82: One of the Safest Locks on the Market

When it comes to locks, Yale is a well-known and trusted name in the business. They constantly create some of the strongest locks for both residential and commercial settings, and their Yale Premier YH82 doesn’t fail to deliver.

The YH82 is a powerful single-cylinder deadbolt lock and one of the most successful ones made for standardized use. This lock was tested and stood up well to kicking, and also scored highest in standard locks against drilling.

If you need an affordable lock that will still take care of your property and family, the YH82 is something you need to look into.

The Schlage B660P: Leaving No Hope for Lock Pickers

Most amateur criminals prefer kicking in the door as their means of entry. The more sophisticated ones will use a lock pick to make a smooth entrance. They’ll have a problem trying that with the Schlage B660P.

This lock has been tested extensively to withstand attempts against lock picking, so unless you’re a professional you aren’t getting past it. It also comes with strike plates that make it much harder for someone to damage it or kick it away.

Ultraloq UL3 BT: You Are the Key

Most locks have a keyhole that some professional lock pickers may try to get into. But what if you took away the keyhole and made yourself the key instead?

With the Ultraloq UL3 BT, you are the key to your home. This smart lock has wireless Bluetooth technology, and you can access your house by using a fingerprint reader or a customized PIN number.

With a fully digital touchscreen and smartphone compatibility, The UL3 BT is a lock made for the present and ready for the future.

We’ve Got You Covered

Now that you know some of the safest locks to buy for your home, you need to know where to go to get your locks and have them installed by the people you trust. Luckily for you, you won’t have to look any further.

At Kenny’s Lock, we dedicate ourselves to providing only the best locks for your needs. We offer a list of residential locks to choose from, as well as locks for businesses and other commercial use. We also offer professional installation services to install your new locks.

Ready to get started? Give us a call or send us an email so that we can help get you secure.

 

  

The Boston rental market is the third most expensive city in the world to rent a home in. The property supply is incredibly low, and the demand is driving rates up. 

But as a landlord, you can’t let your standards slip. You need to ensure you maintain your high standards by following the law and providing your tenants with an inhabitable property. 

This means you need to change the locks after each tenant moves out. Keep reading to learn why this one task is too important. 

Safety 

If you rent, you’re statistically more likely to experience a burglary than if you owned your home. You can limit the risk by changing the locks after each tenant. As a landlord, you don’t know if the previous tenant damaged the lock or created duplicate keys. 

A damaged lock will have compromised security. This will make it easier for someone to break in. 

Multiple keys increase the risk of one of them falling into the wrong hands. If you don’t change the locks, then someone could walk right in. 

Changing the locks will give the new tenant peace of mind and a feeling of security. 

The Law 

While there’s no landlord/tenant law that requires you to change the locks, you may still be legally required to change the locks. What do your lease terms say? Many leasing contracts state that the landlord will change the locks. 

If your lease has a term like this, then not changing the locks will put you in violation of your own lease. 

The Exception 

There’s one law in Massachusetts that does require you to change the locks. If your tenant or a household member feels that their safety is threatened, they can submit a request for their locks to be replaced. 

This applies if the household member believes that they’re facing an imminent threat of stalking, rape, sexual assault, or domestic violence. As the landlord, you have a right to ask for proof of the status of the victim. 

It’s Affordable  

Think about the cost of having the locks changed by a locksmith after each tenant. If you sign one-year leases, this is an expense that shouldn’t happen too often. 

Now think about the expenses you’ll incur should someone break into one of your rental properties. The costs could quickly multiply from the damage and loss to your property. 

Reduce your liability and risk by changing the locks. Develop a working relationship with a reputable locksmith. They can work with you to provide affordable solutions for your rental properties.  

Change the Locks on Your Rental Property

If you own rental properties, then you need to change the locks after each tenant. This simple act will give both you and your tenant peace of mind. 

This vital task will increase your property’s security, ensure you’re compliant with your contract, and reduce your risk. 

Contact our team today and let us change the lock on your rental property.

 

As a business owner, you have likely heard how important it is to safeguard your business from cyber-attacks? In fact, many business owners have turned their attention away from the physical security of their business, to focus on protecting data and information.

While this is important, it doesn’t mean you can turn a blind eye to your business’s physical security. One of the best ways to ensure your business is safe and secure, regardless of the situation, is by using the services of a commercial locksmith.

Keep reading to learn some of the most beneficial services a locksmith offers to your business.

1. Lock and Key Maintenance

If you are like most business owners, you probably ignore your locks until they are past the point of being repaired. At this point, replacement is usually the only option.

However, by using the services of a commercial locksmith, you can feel confident your locks are well-maintained and even have keys replaced if they are broken or have stopped working.

2. The Design and Implementation of Access Control Systems

You don’t want to give just anyone a set of keys to your business, right? While this is true, you want to ensure employees can access the business when you are away. A great way to meet both of these needs is by installing an access control system.

While you may trust your workers enough to give each one a new key, remember, these keys may be copied without your permission. This is going to create a black hole in your business’s physical security.

With an access control system, you have more control over what employees can access the building at a specific time. The commercial locksmith you hire can work with you to design and implement an access control system to keep everything running smoothly, all while providing accountability for your employees and a more robust security system for your business.

3. Security Upgrades

Thieves and robbers are much smarter today than they have ever been before. Thanks to DIY YouTube videos, these individuals know more about getting away with a crime.

This is why upgrading your locks is so important. The threat of a break-in grows each day, with techniques like lock bumping, which render most security completely useless. Don’t wait to upgrade your security measures, when a commercial locksmith can help today.

4. Ability to Reprogram Key Fobs Easily and Quickly

Is your business a member of the digital age? If so, you have probably done away with traditional keys, opting for encoded fobs that provide more secure access.

A locksmith can reprogram your key fobs and offer a seamless and efficient transition for your business. This is going to maximize your uptime without compromising your security.

Is it Time for Your Business to Hire a Commercial Locksmith?

As you can see, hiring and using the services of a commercial locksmith offers an array of benefits. You should have someone on call to help with all your security needs.

If you need more information about locksmith services or want to schedule an appointment, contact us today. We can help you with any commercial security issues you may have.